February 2008 Team Letters and Photos
The Team at India Abundant Ministries
Wednesday, February 20
Dear Friends,
This is the second team report from India. What an adventure we are on!
Bill and Keith at the Chennai train station
We had an uneventful night train ride from Chennai, arriving on Monday morning. Pastor Isaac and others from India Abundant Ministries were there to greet us, get our luggage off-loaded and take us to our hotel. Waiting to greet us at the hotel were the pastors and wives from the three of IAM's mission centers. They warmly welcomed us with greetings and flower garlands. We will be visiting each of the three mission centers, participating in their annual family revival meetings, during the time we are with IAM.
They warmly welcomed us with greetings and flower garlands
Monday night was the first night of the revival meeting at the 1st Mission Center, led by Pastor John. There was much joyous singing and voices lifted in praise. Bill brought greetings to the congregation from Living Word Fellowship, I shared my testimony and Keith shared a message of sorrow turning to joy based on John 16. It was wonderful to be among our brothers and sisters in Christ in India.
A village church
Tuesday morning, we traveled to a nearby village to a church established by Pastor David. There were over 65 children sitting on a packed mud floor, under a thatched roof, waiting for us to arrive. What bright, shining faces greeted us! First the children sang and danced for us. They are truly precious in His sight.
They are truly precious in his sight
Then we taught them "Jesus Loves Me" with sign language. Most of the children had never spoken English but they did a great job learning the song! Pastor Isaac was wonderful in his repetitive teaching that helped them learn the words.
Keith's trick
Keith did a magic trick that certainly held everyone's attention and made them all laugh. Then he shared the Gospel message using five colors to tell the story; gold for heaven, black for sin, red for the blood of Christ, white for cleansing, and green for spiritual growth. We had beaded bracelets for everyone that will help them remember the story and be able to share it with others. We sang "Jesus Loves Me" again and then handed out toys we brought with us.
Bracelets help share the Gospel message
It was amazing and humbling to think that we may have been the first foreigners most of these children, and many of the adults, have ever seen. Our prayer is that Jesus' love shined through us and touched their hearts as they touched ours.
Yesterday evening was the second night at 1st Mission Center. I brought greetings from India Partners and all of you who care so deeply for the people of India. Bill shared his testimony and Keith continued his message based on John 16. Bill and I also sang "Amazing Grace" as a duet. I hadn't realized that before this, Bill had never sung into a microphone before! He was nervous (the microphone shook in his hand) but he was wonderful. God is stretching each of us in our journey here. After the sharing, we had the chance to pray specifically for individuals. There was a church member with each of us who translated the prayer requests for us so we could pray for specific needs. What a humbling opportunity.
Bill praying
Each day we are here at IAM, we will bring the children's program to different villages in the mornings. In the evenings, we will travel to two other mission centers for their family revival meetings.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We feel the prayers surrounding us, keeping us safe and healthy, unified as a team in our love for each other and the Lord.
Blessings,
Donna, for the team of Bill, Keith and Donna
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