Day 3 - we had the pleasure of providing leadership training for pastors and lay leaders today. They were expecting 40 to 45 and there were at least 65 in attendance! It was a wonderful combination of worship and training and of course, Kevin and I were probably far more blessed than the nationals attending. What a joy it has been serving alongside Pastor Subba Rao, our coordinator from the India Baptist Society (IBS).
Day 4 - today we visited two forest villages and met with village leaders as well as shared Bible stories. There was a serious need in the first village for water and it would be a relative low cost to make the connections so we made the commitment to Pastor Subba Rao, through IBS, to provide these funds to provide a continuing means to reach this village in evangelistic efforts.
We finished our day by doing a mini-VBS in a neighboring town. The children were so enthusiastic and interactive and we again were greatly blessed to be a part of Kingdom work with a local pastor.
Day 5 - today, Sunday, we were privileged to participate in a worship service in a local house church. There was such a sweet spirit and God moves in amazing ways! In a room that should seat maybe 20 comfortably, there were perhaps 55 to 60! We have been so convicted to see the brokenness among the Christians here. To see how earnestly they have bowed their hearts and knees before The Lord has been humbling. I had to ask myself how long it had been since I was so broken in my own life.
We finished the day by stopping in to see two additional families where worship took place among families and friends! Thank you Jesus for allowing us the privilege to be part of worship here, where it seems to mean so much more than it does for us at home sometimes.
Please pray for us as we leave tonight for an overnight bus trip to the north of this state, 350+ miles away. Please continue to pray for our health and safety, especially as I struggle to eat the spicy foods that are so common.
Most importantly, be in prayer for the leadership of this country to provide the freedom to serve and to share The Lord, Jesus Christ!
Kevin & Curt
