This was the song that our group sang to the Indian people many times! Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the earth here His Voice, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!....... They could catch the Praise the Lord phrase after a couple times and some would join us for that part. What a joy!
We are thankful that the entire group that went to India has safely arrived at home! All Glory and Praise be to God for His great grace afforded to us on this trip. We pray for those left in India that the work that was done on the trip would be a blessing to all. We know that God does the work in the heart, not man, so we pray that He would continue to work in their hearts.
This trip was so wonderful in so many ways. It had times of large services with up to 2000 people like pictured below, and it had times of individual praying and speaking to people one on one. There is so much spiritual movement in India that each moment is another oppurtunity to share and witness of Jesus Christ. Many times this can be to people that are Hindus and have maybe never heard the name Jesus. In all about 10,000 people attended the services. Around 300 pastors were in the pastors training classes. About 800 to 1000 people received help at the free medical camps. Please thank the Lord for His great grace during this time, and pray that God would continue to work in the hearts of the people in India.
It was during one of these large services that a Hindu man came with a stick and chased his wife home. So sad to see. We preached also at another church, (no building but a street church) where just a few years ago a pastor was beheaded during the service in front of the congregation. When he was caught by the police, he still had the pastors head with him. There are very real enemies in India, but God knows this and He is surely present. The level of dedication of the true believers is something that we in America know nothing about.
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Bicycles were supplied to five pastors with money donated by the individuals on this trip. These are such a blessing to poor pastors who prior to this had to walk up to 25 kilometers to hold services or visit congregation members. With a bicycle, so much more work can be done. You can help by donating a bicycle. The cost is $80 each. Just email foreignmission@comcast.net if interested! You will be supplied the pastors name and you will receive a picture once he gets the bicycle.
The below was taken during a session at the pastors training called lasting change. In the below picture the pastors are blessing each other in prayer and or the forgiveness of sins in Jesus name and blood. Many pastors testified that they were relieved of burdens after they confessed their sins to their fellow pastors and they heard the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus Name and shed Blood.
The colors and smiles are so beautiful. The default position of the Indian Christians faces is a smile! How wonderful!
Eleven new Christians were baptized. It is such a life changing event when one repents and believes in Jesus Christ, coming from the darkness of those false religions so prominent in India. Once they are believers, they are baptized in due time. Becoming a Christian can cause them to be considered outcasts, and they are often in even physical danger. Therefore, a public baptism in this way is a huge event in their lives. It is so good to know that they do not fear man, but rather they want to share the good news!
These water buffalo came during the baptism. It is quite fitting though, because they are everywhere, and they are a very meek animal, which is a good picture of how a Christian is. Remember, meek is not weak, it means under the control of another, God in the case of a Christian.
There is so much more to see and learn about India. Feel free contact us for more information, or if you would like a presentation done at your church! foreignmission@comcast.net is the email.
Carl Lamppa also had a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka. We will post here about that trip when it is ready. Alslo, Pastors Colin Kinnunen and Raymond Hilman are now in The Philippines. Please keep that trip in prayer as well.
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