The First light rain of the season...

DINNER

This was the most amazing dinner I have had in 15 days! A piece of meat without curry!

My Bathroom

My Bed

Life is settling in India

After the first week which was a youth convention, things at the church are starting to become more normal. They have me working in the mornings with the media team doing everything from video editing and sound recording to running sound on Sunday mornings. Then, after lunch I got to the pastors office and help doing anything that comes up – cleaning cabinets to studying. Then in the evenings it’s more interpersonal. On Monday nights there is the Children's ministry, Tuesday night is home visitations, Wednesday and Thursday nights is care/cell groups, and Friday night is youth night. The weekends are open for change, but it’s a lot like Valle Vista where there is something going on every day. With this schedule time seems to move fast and slow at the same time. Each day is long and feels that way, yet it’s hard to believe I have been here for 12 days already. Please pray that I can stay strong and healthy while I’m here, and that I will be able to display Christ more and more each day. Thanks for your payers! They have got me through each day. One day at a time!

Day 11 - Cheeseburger

Success!

This week was a wonderful success! 100s of people we ministered to! God has moved in a beautiful way! The best part is that I’ll be here for the next 7 weeks to see the effects of this week start to take root. The service last night was another highlight for my personal walk with Christ as well. I felt the Lord redefining my call. In many way in which I can’t explain God dealt with my core, my personhood. I made a vow to God that I would put my hand to plow and never look back! I know that being in India this summer is God’s will for me, presently. It has been more difficult than I ever could have imaged, but I know that God is shaping me through. Your prayers have been felt and remember they are more powerful then you may ever know!!!

MAHA JOSH

The second section of this weeks outreach started yesterday. The key demographic is 16-35 for this 4-day event. It is the first time they have combined all of the church for basically a youth convention. a typical day for this event is a morning session, games, seminar classes, lunch, games breakout sessions, evening session. Last night was the first main session and Holy Spirit came. God has been doing some amazing things here. This age group is desperate for God and wanting more of him. There were about 1200 here last night! The room was electric.

Blessings

God is a God who loves to pour out his blessings!
Last night on my way to my room I saw thousands of people struggling just survive! Then it hit me like a train, when the guard at front gate asked me, “Would your country take me?” Instantly my heart dropped as I put a fake smile on and said, “Yeah get on the plane with me!” This world is full of sin and pain! Ever since the 3rd chapter of the 1st book of the Bible we have had to deal with the injustices of this world! Yet, why did I get so lucky as to stay grow up in a house that is 10 times larger than billions of people’s shacks all over the world. Oh, please my righteous, holy God keep me from self-pity!

Yesterday went well! It was FUN but very tiresome!! They had about 900 kids between the ages of 5-12. The outreach they do this week is the most important part of their ministry. Over 50% of Calcutta is under the age of 35. So they devote this whole week to reaching out. The first 3 days, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, are for kids and then Thursday to Saturday is for youth and young adults. I believe that the timing of me being here is of God. I will get to learn from some of the kingdoms best servants!

On more of a personal note, please continue to pray for strength. Last night walked home. It’s about a 15 minute walk down some of the craziest streets in the world. Needless to say I hit some cultural shock! I felt very alone the rest of the night. Please pray that God will give me encouragement and strength. Thank you!

God Bless you all

IM HERE!!!

Well I survived the longest flight of my life!!!! Thank GOD my woman got me an IPod. Anyway, God has been so good to me! They had problems with the flight so we landed in Delhi and had to switch planes. Luckily, I sat down next to a man in the Airport who spoke English well (or GOODLY) and he helped me find my flight here to Calcutta. Once I got here there were two guys waiting for me. Again God saved me because they were going to leave since my flight was delayed so long. But I found them and they took me to my place. It will be a nice stay. I have my own room and bath PLUS AC!!!!

This week will be crazy because of VBS. Pray that it goes well they are expecting 1,000 kids o more all week! I know God will do great things.

Getting ready

My goal is to keep this Blog up to date. This way people can track my summer and see how things are going. Thanks for caring about what going on and please keep me in your prayers.

I only have 3 1/2 hours until the biggest adventure of my life!!!