Today was the last day of our fourth (and final) training time, here in Salem. The conference grounds are beautiful, but soooo HOT!! Mid to upper 90s with no air conditioning- (Air conditioning wouldn't help in the heat of the afternoon anyway, since the power goes off for two to three hours each day as an energy conservation measure.) Those of you old enough to remember the old summertime camp meetings in the sawdust chapels with funeral fans, that's about what it's like, except, this runs from 9 to 5.
The people are incredible. Their greatest request? "Pray for us." Pray for their ministry, their future, the persecution they WILL face in the areas they go to teach and train. Many traveled up to 12 hours by bus (cramped, sweaty, no A/C) to be here. All of us have felt incredibly humbled and blessed to share with them. -Dave
I have two snapshots: The first one is two evenings ago, on the way back from a children's program, we stopped at a Sports Store. Not like any store you can think of. Think of a shed that has been closed for about 10 years then opened to look into. I stepped out of the store just to give room for the others to look around (like I said, shed size). There was an elderly woman sitting on the stairs (that later, just laid down to sleep for the night)and as I looked at the buildings on the other side of the stret, it dawned on me that this is all her eyes have ever seen. She has never seen Colorado skies, Oregon ocean, quite evenings.
The contrast of that is this morning, I was awakened by voices singing. I had to go out to see who and where they were. Down the sprial staircase and across the dirt road is the "church without walls", it was 5ish in the morning and there were people singing so beautifully. I had no clue what they were saying, it was just so calming. The world had not awakened yet around us, I just sat on the stairs and listened to them for awhile. -June
Gary: A few minutes to express some thoughts before we go to barbecue here at the Stephen's home. This last leg of the journey has been one after another loaves and fishes story. I forgot to mention from the church program last Sunday that we were passing out candy to the children; Dave and I doing the boys and June and Beth distributing to the girls. Half way through I was praying for the amount of candy - we were getting very low. To not have enough would have been very bad! When all was said and done - every kid had a piece and there were 12 left over! It was exciting to see the team personally ministering to the people today - lots of praying and encouraging individuals. As Dave said, it is so humbling to think of the "trials" we face and the very real persecutions they face. It is encouraging to know that we can still bring them before the throne! Some big pictures I am walking away with: the aspect of honor and respect. The people here have taught me a lot about that and especially how it carries over in their relationship with the Lord. "Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect." A verse I have been pondering and meditating this week comes from Acts 9:31: as the church went on in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it ocntinued to multiply. Dinner bell is ringing. Keep checking back - I will post sime pics when I can and hopefully Jeff and Beth can add some thoughts. Again, thanks for your prayers and support - you have been a major contributor to the ministry in India!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
How Do You Spell Hot?
Sorry for the delay in posting blogs, but we have not had regular access to the internet for a while. (Right now I am sitting in Pastor Sam Stephen's home office as the regular internet for guests is not up. Hopefully everyone can be on tomorrow)
So how do you spell hot? How about a church filled with 300 very excited children in the middle of the day when even the locals say it is really hot! But I tell you what - it was a "hot" day in the Lord. We were able to take part in the Sunday service in Sam's church this morning. The Privett's did a puppet sketch and I (Gary) followed up with a teaching from Luke 10 on the Good Samaritan. There are a considerable number of children that attend the church as it is on the campus where IGL has housing for 300+ children. So in my true teaching style, I brought up some children to help me tell the parable and its application. We then had the privilege of attending a baptism service where 12 college students were baptized. The thing that impacted us what the emotion expressed when they cam eout of the water. We are so used to people being excited and hugging and cheering. The people that came for the service broke out in joyful singing, but I don't think we will forget the expression on each of the ones being baptized - there were quite stoic and somber - every one of them. They understood the seriousness of the commitment they were making. It's not to say that one is right or better, but just a different perspective of the step they were taking.
Then the grand finale of the day being able to minister to these 300+ children in a village about 90 minutes outside Salem. Many Hindu children. Many excited children! They sure know how to sing out their praises to the Lord. It was a privilege to be part of the work God is doing through the pastors serving here. Many children expressing their desire to make a commitment to Christ, but comfoting to me knowing there was a strong ministry here to follow up with them. The service was closed with not only us singing "The Blessing" song over them, but then they prayed over us. How amazing to hear their hearts poured out to God for us with their hands extended out to God and to us. Does the heart good! As we told Kennedy from IGL, we know the importance of doing the training for the leaders, but it sure refuels us to get a "kid fix" in now and then!
The training in Pune went extremely well. They had a testimony time at the end of the second day and it was humbling and gratifying to hear what people had to say and the take-a-ways they received. One woman said she had been to a number of trainings prior to this and her expectation was not to learn a whole lot more. She was excited about all the practical applications we gave them in all of the teachings. She, like the rest, was revitalized and inspired to go back to her village to train the other leaders. Speaking of, it was hard for us to fathom what it took for people to come to the trainings. Their dedication to Kingdom work is astonishing. Jeff was introducing a new game to them and each person was to write down one thing they hoped to do in their lifetime. He gave som examples like skydiving and mountain climbing. What was their response? Every one of them wanted to do something greater for the Lord. It showed us how sold out they are for the Lord. So much to learn -so much to grow in!
Jeff will be joining us tomorrow as he took a couple of days and ventured further north to visit the orphanage where his daughter spent 40 days last summer. It will be great to hear the tales of his journey.
It's late - gotta go to bed. Hopefully all the rest will have access to internet tomorrow and you can hear from them. Can't thank you enough for your prayers and support. How faithful God has been! Health wise, we are all doing really good. Yea God!
So how do you spell hot? How about a church filled with 300 very excited children in the middle of the day when even the locals say it is really hot! But I tell you what - it was a "hot" day in the Lord. We were able to take part in the Sunday service in Sam's church this morning. The Privett's did a puppet sketch and I (Gary) followed up with a teaching from Luke 10 on the Good Samaritan. There are a considerable number of children that attend the church as it is on the campus where IGL has housing for 300+ children. So in my true teaching style, I brought up some children to help me tell the parable and its application. We then had the privilege of attending a baptism service where 12 college students were baptized. The thing that impacted us what the emotion expressed when they cam eout of the water. We are so used to people being excited and hugging and cheering. The people that came for the service broke out in joyful singing, but I don't think we will forget the expression on each of the ones being baptized - there were quite stoic and somber - every one of them. They understood the seriousness of the commitment they were making. It's not to say that one is right or better, but just a different perspective of the step they were taking.
Then the grand finale of the day being able to minister to these 300+ children in a village about 90 minutes outside Salem. Many Hindu children. Many excited children! They sure know how to sing out their praises to the Lord. It was a privilege to be part of the work God is doing through the pastors serving here. Many children expressing their desire to make a commitment to Christ, but comfoting to me knowing there was a strong ministry here to follow up with them. The service was closed with not only us singing "The Blessing" song over them, but then they prayed over us. How amazing to hear their hearts poured out to God for us with their hands extended out to God and to us. Does the heart good! As we told Kennedy from IGL, we know the importance of doing the training for the leaders, but it sure refuels us to get a "kid fix" in now and then!
The training in Pune went extremely well. They had a testimony time at the end of the second day and it was humbling and gratifying to hear what people had to say and the take-a-ways they received. One woman said she had been to a number of trainings prior to this and her expectation was not to learn a whole lot more. She was excited about all the practical applications we gave them in all of the teachings. She, like the rest, was revitalized and inspired to go back to her village to train the other leaders. Speaking of, it was hard for us to fathom what it took for people to come to the trainings. Their dedication to Kingdom work is astonishing. Jeff was introducing a new game to them and each person was to write down one thing they hoped to do in their lifetime. He gave som examples like skydiving and mountain climbing. What was their response? Every one of them wanted to do something greater for the Lord. It showed us how sold out they are for the Lord. So much to learn -so much to grow in!
Jeff will be joining us tomorrow as he took a couple of days and ventured further north to visit the orphanage where his daughter spent 40 days last summer. It will be great to hear the tales of his journey.
It's late - gotta go to bed. Hopefully all the rest will have access to internet tomorrow and you can hear from them. Can't thank you enough for your prayers and support. How faithful God has been! Health wise, we are all doing really good. Yea God!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Here in Pune
The slum right next to our hotel and two trainees working hard.
We finally made it to Pune. It has been an adventure - even just getting here to an internet cafe was the ride of our lives - beat any roller coaster you have been on! Picture 5 Americans singing old TV theme show tunes in an auto rickshaw that might hold 2 comfortably. What an amazing ride. The scooters and other rickshaws were one thing - it was turning into the car was another story.
Pune is a very different region. We have been told that every state in India is different as to people, climate and the culture. Though the numbers of people and vehicles appear to be the same, it has a totally different feel to it. The streets are clean, the buildings appear to be kept up, very few beggars - it's just different. We took a walk last night through the market of the slum that is next door to the hotel. We were very comfotable to interact with people and shop.
There are 30 students in the class - many of them traveled overnight by bus or train (without any sleep)and then had a significant walk to get to the training. Such dedication for the mission God has placed on their hearts. What a humbling privilege to be part of this work. They are so eager to learn - help us Lord to not only equip them but to encourage their hearts.
Just a few treasures from the past few days:
- Jeff did an activity where the people needed to get in circles and then grab on to a fabric. The people automatically got inside the circle with one another. Americans would never do that. It definitely is the sense of togetherness that is so prevelant here.
- people here want to know you. The first thing they ask is what your name is and then engage with you.
- Here in Pune, every square inch is its own universe. There is such diversity in every space you find yourself in or passing through
- Such joy and simplicity here
- Jeff discovering last night that IGL will train 25,000 leaders - he thought it was how many children they would reach with their Gospel Clubs. He was speechless when he realized that they would reach 500,000 children!
Thank you for all your prayers and support! Everyone here is doing well!
Monday, March 23, 2009
First Training Day
Being a woman, there was a couple of things that stood out to me. You look at the buildings and the streets how dirty they are. Then you look at the way the women keep themselves, it is an amazing site. They LOVE color, and they are always dressed well, from their hair to their clothes. Not just throw something on to go to the store. I was told that you can look at a woman and know how her family is doing. If she has a "happy Sari" on with flowers in her hair (many of the women wear flowers in their hair every day) then her husband is in good health and she has a happy home. (June)
Gary: Today was a great day of training. As it was last year, the people are eager to learn. They appear to be very reserved, but once you break the ice, they are a fun bunch of people. They make huge sacrifices to come to the training - some traveling by 8+ hours by train to get here - then they go home and conduct trainings throughout the month of April to literally thousands of children's leaders before the Gospel Clubs begin in May. As a culture they are very gracious and respectful, though it may not seem so by the traffic! Everything is done as a community - work, ministry, personal life. Though you may make an order at a restaurant, expect that you will be sharing that meal with everyone else at the table. Kinda like going out for Chinese food and everyone "potlucking" their meal. Here it is a natural way of life. Speaking of chinese food - every Indian restaurant offers Chinese food. I am not sure why it's that way. Tomorrow we have a few more sessions and then we catch a plane to Pune. Should have some pics posted tomorrow. Time to hit the hay. (For my little prayer warriors, your prayers are being answered - everyone's stomachs are doing good. Most of us could still use prayer for restful sleep!) Okay, here's Jeff...
Another amazing day here in India. We traveled 1.5 hours outside of Hyderabad to a town called Acer. I literally saw my life flash before my eyes as our large van passed large trucks with other large trucks headed straight our direction....and just like I experienced in China 2 years ago...nobody got hurt and everybody gave a little to make it all work out all right (maybe there is a lesson to be learned here?) Really crazy and pretty cool system they call driving here (oh, I forgot to mention the motorbike with a family of 4 aboard and the tricycle loaded with more materials than I would try to put into a regular truck back home.)
We participated in a training session for youth and their pastors today. I led them in a finger game and they all laughed a lot. They have beautiful smiles with beautiful white teeth (because they haven't had the sugar and sweets to rot them). After our teaching time the leaders presented and honored each of our team members with flower garlands and a nice plaque. A very gracious and generous people these Indians are.
We shared lunch with about 10 monkeys that sat right outside our window until the dogs came to chase them away. Today was my first lunch eating only with my hands. For someone who has difficulty eating a meal at home without a napkin it was a huge stretch....especially when my tear ducts were opened from the spicy (and tasty) and very spicy chicken and sauce....at which point I went to wipe my tears (without a napkin) and proceeded to get spice in my eyes. I was a mess for a few moments. It's all part of the adventure.
On our return to Hyderabad (after signing autographs for about 50 kids), we returned to the city to find a political rally taking place and people coming to the city by the thousands and the opportunity to sit in a traffic jam that rivaled any traffic jam I ever experienced in my two years of living in L.A.....and this is in a city where the streets have no lanes (I don't know if they have any names as well.).
loving every minute of it...jeff
Gary: Today was a great day of training. As it was last year, the people are eager to learn. They appear to be very reserved, but once you break the ice, they are a fun bunch of people. They make huge sacrifices to come to the training - some traveling by 8+ hours by train to get here - then they go home and conduct trainings throughout the month of April to literally thousands of children's leaders before the Gospel Clubs begin in May. As a culture they are very gracious and respectful, though it may not seem so by the traffic! Everything is done as a community - work, ministry, personal life. Though you may make an order at a restaurant, expect that you will be sharing that meal with everyone else at the table. Kinda like going out for Chinese food and everyone "potlucking" their meal. Here it is a natural way of life. Speaking of chinese food - every Indian restaurant offers Chinese food. I am not sure why it's that way. Tomorrow we have a few more sessions and then we catch a plane to Pune. Should have some pics posted tomorrow. Time to hit the hay. (For my little prayer warriors, your prayers are being answered - everyone's stomachs are doing good. Most of us could still use prayer for restful sleep!) Okay, here's Jeff...
Another amazing day here in India. We traveled 1.5 hours outside of Hyderabad to a town called Acer. I literally saw my life flash before my eyes as our large van passed large trucks with other large trucks headed straight our direction....and just like I experienced in China 2 years ago...nobody got hurt and everybody gave a little to make it all work out all right (maybe there is a lesson to be learned here?) Really crazy and pretty cool system they call driving here (oh, I forgot to mention the motorbike with a family of 4 aboard and the tricycle loaded with more materials than I would try to put into a regular truck back home.)
We participated in a training session for youth and their pastors today. I led them in a finger game and they all laughed a lot. They have beautiful smiles with beautiful white teeth (because they haven't had the sugar and sweets to rot them). After our teaching time the leaders presented and honored each of our team members with flower garlands and a nice plaque. A very gracious and generous people these Indians are.
We shared lunch with about 10 monkeys that sat right outside our window until the dogs came to chase them away. Today was my first lunch eating only with my hands. For someone who has difficulty eating a meal at home without a napkin it was a huge stretch....especially when my tear ducts were opened from the spicy (and tasty) and very spicy chicken and sauce....at which point I went to wipe my tears (without a napkin) and proceeded to get spice in my eyes. I was a mess for a few moments. It's all part of the adventure.
On our return to Hyderabad (after signing autographs for about 50 kids), we returned to the city to find a political rally taking place and people coming to the city by the thousands and the opportunity to sit in a traffic jam that rivaled any traffic jam I ever experienced in my two years of living in L.A.....and this is in a city where the streets have no lanes (I don't know if they have any names as well.).
loving every minute of it...jeff
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Let the Ministry Begin
It is now 11:20pm here in Hyderabad, India but I wanted to at least get some things here on the blog while we have a connection. We came hitting the ground running. Friday was spent around town and Saturday morning we were off to assist with a teacher training that was about 2 hours away. (The traffic and the number of people on the streets still boggle my mind! Even now you can hear all kinds of people and traffic outside the hotel. And you gotta remember that people use their horns here like turn signals!) Saturday's training was truly a blessing. Things were not going as they had hoped and so were able to step in and do some more to help out. I have to remember here that the Christians really honor the pastoral position. But with it, I have tremendous opportunities to pray for the groups and for parents who bring up their children. It is all so humbling. Who am I? What makes me anymore "special" than anyone else? The team really chipped in to make it a good day for all those attending. Which by the way, what a privilege to be here with the others. Everyone is here to serve even if it means putting aside their own agendas and materials they had prepared. It truly is about what is most needed for the people here.
Today we were able to go to a church service in the morning and do a children's outreach at the church in the afternoon. The church is literally about 15' by 30'. There were probably 75 people this morning and 150 kids in the afternoon. We all got to use our giftings to minister to the children. We also gave children an opportunity to make a first time response to Christ and many did -probably about 35 of them. (Many had probably responded before but I am sure we have some new brothers and sisters in Christ! Heaven is having a party! :o)
In closing for tonight, allow me to share some treasures shared by the team about our day. Hopefully the internet will be up tomorrow and they can post some more thoughts and some pictures. (Beth has already taken 1000 pics, so I am sure we can find one or two good ones!)
Dave: how loud the kids sang. They were in God's house and how they worshipped.
Beth: life is so hard for these children.They were allowed to escape from their poverty - if only for a couple of hours - and gave them some hope
Jeff: the significance of our names. The first thing the children here ask is for your name. They really want to know you. How many of our children do that?!
Gary: wrestled with God on teaching the Good Samaritan this morning. It did not seem to make sense but when submitted, God began showing me the pieces. While teaching, many hindu people passing by stopped and listened. Maybe it was just for them.
June: community that the kids have with one another. Little children are taking care of their even younger siblings. They would even put them in front to see the program better. How many times do you see that in our communities?
Today we were able to go to a church service in the morning and do a children's outreach at the church in the afternoon. The church is literally about 15' by 30'. There were probably 75 people this morning and 150 kids in the afternoon. We all got to use our giftings to minister to the children. We also gave children an opportunity to make a first time response to Christ and many did -probably about 35 of them. (Many had probably responded before but I am sure we have some new brothers and sisters in Christ! Heaven is having a party! :o)
In closing for tonight, allow me to share some treasures shared by the team about our day. Hopefully the internet will be up tomorrow and they can post some more thoughts and some pictures. (Beth has already taken 1000 pics, so I am sure we can find one or two good ones!)
Dave: how loud the kids sang. They were in God's house and how they worshipped.
Beth: life is so hard for these children.They were allowed to escape from their poverty - if only for a couple of hours - and gave them some hope
Jeff: the significance of our names. The first thing the children here ask is for your name. They really want to know you. How many of our children do that?!
Gary: wrestled with God on teaching the Good Samaritan this morning. It did not seem to make sense but when submitted, God began showing me the pieces. While teaching, many hindu people passing by stopped and listened. Maybe it was just for them.
June: community that the kids have with one another. Little children are taking care of their even younger siblings. They would even put them in front to see the program better. How many times do you see that in our communities?
Friday, March 20, 2009
We're Here!
After 25+ hours, and various airports for us to find each other, we have arrived! The flights were uneventful, except for Jeff who was running a high fever and a nasty sore throat. We have been praying for him and he is amazingly feeling much better today. Imagine that! Thank you Lord for being our healer. I am sure Jeff will comment on that later. It is quite apparent to us that God wants to do some Kingdom things these next two weeks and the enemy is endeavoring to thwart it. We very much appreciate you stepping in the gap with your prayers.
So much flooding the brain already - the sites, the smells, the reunion with blessed brothers who are doing so much for the Kingdom. We were greeted by Samson who now oversees 1500 pastors just in this region. In the last 10 years, he and his pastors have baptized over 10,000 people. As we were traveling through one part of Hyderabad this afternooon, he informed us that 90% of the people there were muslim - and that's not to mention the huge percentage of hindu that are here. Okay I have to go study for tomorrow - I was supposed to help with a training tomorrow and now I am leading the class! Ah, the mission field. Love to all! gary
UNFORGETTABLE THINGS: The visual and olfactory overload of riding in a bus through the streets of Hyderabad... June walking too close to the oncoming trishaw taxis- thank you, guardian angels!... Food, fun, and fellowship with our hosts as we partake of the local dishes. Spicy... The sheer amount of people on the street today- and the fact that our Lord knows and loves everyone of them... The happenstance of seeing a production crew film a music video/Bollywood group of dancers in the garden park we visited... So many indelible sights and sounds, and that's just the first day! Dave
PLENTIFUL: the sights, sounds, smells and feelings are plentiful, colorful and diverse. The people are beautiful...very beautiful people. A land of plenty and a land of want...very much like my home I call the USA and yet so very different...what an amazing opportunity to love, serve and give. jeff
Greetings to my friends and family from Beth! Thank you for checking out the blog:
HE KNOWS THEM ALL BY NAME: I am struck over and over that the God of the universe knows everyone of the seven million, in this city, by name. He knows them, loves them and desires them to find Him. In the midst of the poverty, heat and crowds, I am overwhelmed that God is at work and alive. The pastors of India are working diligently to provide care and love for those who are lost. I am honored to be in the presence of these men and women.
ENTHUSIASTIC: What a great group of new friends, Pastor Gary, has included. We have connected and enjoyed each other's company in short order. In addition, I am thankful for our very modest accomodations, air conditioning and earplugs! Finally, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve God on this mission equip the saints that are impacting the next generation.
P.S. I want to note that the shopping values (near our hotel) are amazing,the food is so yummy and the Indian children - gorgeous. I am already smiling and laughing - alot! Tune in tomorrow after our teaching session...!
Beth xo
Hey All! I figured if I did not write at least a little and everyone else did, I would be in hot water with some of you. After today, since we can, Dave and I will tag team off. He will update and the next time I will.
MY UNFORGETTABLE THINGS: Yes, not paying attention and forgetting that the traffic comes from the other direction here and almost being rickshaw road kill. thank you Lord and Dave and Gary's yelling. The number of children begging on the street. People knocking on our bus windows and asking for money. But the most unforgetable is the woman with a newborn in her arms following me in downtown Hydrabad and as I walk, she grabs my arm. I asked our host to teach me how to disearn who and when. "Jesus saying take care of the orphans and widows." Many...many.
Signing off for tonight - at least the clock says it is 11:45 and it is dark out!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Itinerary
Here is our schedule while we are in India. Our desire is that we can each serve to the max! We leave on Wednesday, March 18th and return on Friday, April 3rd.
CGC - Pastor Gary and Team- Program Schedule
Date
20th March 2009 Arrival and stay at Hyderabad do some local sight seeing
21st March 2009 CGC Teachers training We will join IGL staff who will utilize materials we taught them last year
22nd March 2009 Sunday service at Vision 2000 church and then a program for 200 children
23rd March 2009 CGC leaders training at Hyderabad Hyderabad
24th March 2009
25th March 2009 Fly to pune
26th March 2009 CGC leaders training at Pune
27th March 2009
28th March 2009 Fly to Bangalore and travel to Salem by road
29th March 2009 Sunday service at Metur Vision 2000 church and then a program for 200 children
30th March 2009 Campus, Office and village orientation
31st March 2009 CGC leaders training at Salem
1st April 2009 Leaders Training and training at IGL headquarters
2nd April 2009 Program for children at Sharon School and Travel to Bangalore by road for 2am flight (yes that is am!)
CGC - Pastor Gary and Team- Program Schedule
Date
20th March 2009 Arrival and stay at Hyderabad do some local sight seeing
21st March 2009 CGC Teachers training We will join IGL staff who will utilize materials we taught them last year
22nd March 2009 Sunday service at Vision 2000 church and then a program for 200 children
23rd March 2009 CGC leaders training at Hyderabad Hyderabad
24th March 2009
25th March 2009 Fly to pune
26th March 2009 CGC leaders training at Pune
27th March 2009
28th March 2009 Fly to Bangalore and travel to Salem by road
29th March 2009 Sunday service at Metur Vision 2000 church and then a program for 200 children
30th March 2009 Campus, Office and village orientation
31st March 2009 CGC leaders training at Salem
1st April 2009 Leaders Training and training at IGL headquarters
2nd April 2009 Program for children at Sharon School and Travel to Bangalore by road for 2am flight (yes that is am!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
