Sunday Church

This morning we were prepared to divide into 3 teams and visit 3 churches. At the last minute we were informed that we needed to divide into 4 and visit4 churches. Nothing phases this team, we saw it as an opportunity to share God's love with more people. Bridget, Lnydsay, Alissa and Lisa all have awesome messages in the 4 different churches. We were small teams of 5 but each team led worship, gave testimonies, preached the word and shared God's love with our fellow brothers and sisters in India. Everyone spoke in either a message, testimony or word of encouragement. The fellowship with our India brothers and sisters was priceless. No fancy production, just plain authentic worship and sharing. Praise God.

Humble servants

After a restful night in the church we were off to a Mercy and Medical camp in an untouchable village of rat catchers. The medical camp turned into an impromptu outreach meeting when Carlos began to preach the word. Lyndsay gave a relevant and tearful message to the villagers and Bart followed with an altar call which saw several people commit their lives to Christ. We shared with the villagers in their thatched roof houses and spread the word through the entire village. Our next ministry was a water well dedication. Blanca blessed the village and dedicated the well on behalf of Revolution and Jesus Christ. That evening we had our 2ND outreach meeting which involved 2 dramas and several songs; "yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord!". Alex started off with a beautiful testimony, Janette connected with the audience during her powerful testimony, Whitney gave an awesome message on faith that resonated with the people, and Dave made the altar call which saw many people commit their lives to Jesus. Once again, the Holy Spirit was in full force and the team had another incredible day.

All in this together

It's been a couple of days since we've had access to the internet. We are currently staying in a small church on a concrete floor with a curtain dividing the men and women. On Friday we visited the Harvest India Orphanage where we were treated songs and dancing, and of course we led the kids in their favorite new song, Superhero. We then conducted an Aids awareness camp for HIV victims, providing them food and encouragement. After we visited the Bible College where Mike encouraged the young future pastors. Then we visited the Ashraya Building where women learn new skills to rebuild their lives, Alyssa provided words of encouragement. After a dinner of rice and curry we were off to our first evening outreach meeting. The evening was incredible as the Holy Spirit was at work. Jen led us in worship, we did a good Samaritan drama, then Jessica started us off with a powerful testimony, then Carlos used his testimony to become an evangelist, he was transformed by the holy spirit, Jon followed with a powerful message that could only come from GOD, Pastor Charlie brought the house down with his altar call where many people accepted and rededicated their lives to Christ. Wow, what a day!

What a Difference 2 Days Makes!

I honestly don't even know how to recap the last two days. Let me just say that God is moving in mighty ways here in India. I will answer a couple of questions first. 1. Nobody has been very sick...sure a couple of upset stomachs here and there, but nothing major. 2. Everybody is leaning into God and making the most of the trip, so be proud of whoever you are reading this blog for.

Now for the update!
Wednesday: The day started with VBS again, where we got to play with the kids more and teach them about Jesus more. Alex Sloan emceed the morning, and did an amazing job. We had some amazing dramas provided by Whitney, Charlie, and Bridget and played Duck, Duck, Goose with 300 kids at the same time. We did have a bit of extra time at the end of the first session, so Jen Boza and Chris Yang stepped up to share their testimony with the kids. Their eyes and ears were glued on them two! It was amazing watching God work through the testimonies to put some of the kids in tears.
Then, that night, we got to hold a ceremony for two beautiful women that have been freed from slavery as prostitutes. It was an absolutely heart breaking night. God is totally a God of redemption and he has fully redeemed these women to being beautiful women of Christ. Kristi Calderon and Alissa Byrne shared their testimonies with the women, Bridget Garrison, Lisa Shewfelt, and Dave Sloan all shared words of encouragement, and Larry Shewfelt and Charlie Garrison prayed over them. Before it was all said and done, pretty much the whole team got to pray with them or share an encouragement with them. God is so good.
Today: It was our last day of VBS and man it was amazing. Our children's team (Bridget, Lyndsay, Alissa, Bart, Kristi, Janette, and Dave) did such a great job over the last 3 days. Jon Crabtree emceed the morning, and we ended the 3 days of VBS with a march through a local village with about 700 kids, many of which were shouting "Yesu Nennu Pray Mechu Chunadu!", or Jesus Loves You! It was amazing! I think the most heartbreaking thing about VBS is that most of these kids are orphans and they get so attached, so fast...honestly, so did we. There was many tears shed as we were leaving.
Thank you for your prayers and support! We love you! See you soon.

We are here in full force!

Hey Everyone!

Thank you so much for praying for this year's India team. We have all arrived safely after just over 30 hours of travel and are now in full force ministry mode! I'm sure you will hear all about the travel later, but for now let's get started on the ministry update.

Today started our first day of VBS and it was awesome! There was somewhere around 700 kids or so and man was it awesome. Bridget, Lyndsay, Janette, Bart, and Alissa did an amazing job planning the VBS for this year. We taught them that they were made in God's image and He loves us all, so we should love each other. They learned some awesome songs, made a cool mirror craft, played chaotic games, and watched a riveting drama (in the middle of which, the translator decided to answer his cellphone...awesome).

They all sang Happy Birthday to Mike, since today's his birthday and we got to feed him a bit of cake.

At night, we did a mercy ministry where we gave out food to needy people and got to visit Harvest India's nursing school. Janette and Jessica gave words of encouragement and the whole team got to pray for each of the nursing students 1 by 1.

It was a great day. I can't wait to see what God has in store for tomorrow!

Here We Go!!!

On Saturday, this amazing group of people are going to southern India to do God's work. We have already seen God do an amazing work on our team, and can't wait to see what He is going to do in and through us while we are there.

Please pray for health for the team, unity of the team, boldness of the team, and for the hearts of those who we are ministering to.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers! We can't wait!

Support a 2009 India Team Member

In August, 18 brave individuals will make the 2 day trek to one of the world's forgotten lands...India. We will be bringing fresh water wells, medicine, food, prayer, and hope all in the name of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." We intend to do just that because of one word...Love.

If you would like to support a team member click the link below. Make sure you click "Add special instructions to the seller" and put the team member's name into the field at the checkout screen.

Support a Team Member