Liberia

Dear Ones Far, Farther and Farthest!

Welcome to my world - my Liberian world! It is late in the evening of Wednesday, May 20, 2009. I am relaxing under the mosquito net canopy suspended over my comfortable double bed in a small bedroom in a simple but very hospitable village home in Zwedru, Liberia (200 miles southeast of the capital of Monrovia, near the Ivory Coast border).

Just four years ago this home did not exist and the whole area was a ghost town. War had ravaged the entire province of Grand Gedeh and all the inhabitants had fled across the border into the Ivory Coast in 1990. They happened to belong to the Kahn tribe whose leader Samuel Doe, from this province, had taken over the country by force ten years earlier. In retaliation to his unpopular reign of power, rebels assassinated him that year and went on a rampage to kill every member of his Kahn tribe. Every able-bodied person fled on the three-day trek through the jungles into Ivory Coast taking only what they could carry with them. Later many also took refuge in Ghana and other countries. It was seven years before the first ones dared venture back and not until the war finally ended only four years ago have most of them been repatriated - with some still living abroad. Everybody has a heart-wrenching story!

But the war seems far away from my secluded little canopied reality this evening. After a hot sticky day I have just returned from my little "bathhouse" at the end of a garden path lined with large-leafed banana plants. That cozy little structure consists of a circular arrangement of poles draped with a light plastic tarp, around a small concrete pad. At the opening is a little candle, in the middle is a bucket of water with a scoop, and above it is open to the whole star-studded sky. A rather enchanting time of refreshment!

Today was the last day of five days of seminars and services for pastors and church workers from the Grand Gedeh province. What a blessed time we had together. These days were organized by Pastor Othello Tyne and Pastor Dickson Dueh, President and Vice President respectively of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of Liberia. These seminars are a follow-up of the valuable visit and seminars held here just one year ago by Andy Kandoll and Dan Karnes from America. This effort also represents the long term vision of Andy's father Gus Kandoll, who was a dear friend of mine, and who visited here twice in the early seventies. One of the best things about our time here in Liberia has been the openness, warmth and straightforwardness of all the people involved. Where there were stresses and strains they didn't try to hide them but brought them into open dialogue. This helped me greatly when I gathered all of the local leaders together this evening for some fatherly advice and counsel as our week together was summarized with a view to the future. My theme was 1 John 1:7.

Now if you are wondering about the patter of small feet that you hear, don't be concerned. It's just that a very prolific mouse family who lives under the packing boxes in the far corner of the room and who apparently have a little runway on the headboard of my bed just above my pillow - outside of the net, of course. I just wonder when they sleep ´cause they scamper about during the day, too. Earlier this evening a bat was trying to unnerve me a bit by fluttering around in the candlelight of my room, but I summoned reinforcements and he apparently got to feeling unwelcome and dashed out of the open space between the wall and roof. He could have used the one small window since it is a rather paneless experience like all Liberian village windows but I guess the open rafters were easier. In the daytime mother hens and their chicks frequently wander in and peck innocently among my things. My only other "guest" is a rather impressive 2½ inch spider who for the first few days pretty much minded his business on the far wall and then yesterday when I was reaching for the open case I carry my Bible and notes in, as I was leaving for the seminar, I suddenly realized he was disappearing into it. To my chagrin he promptly made himself so scarce that I could not find him at all. I just hope he was transformed by the Word into something less innocuous.

As I sit here in the peace of my enchanted little softly netted enclosure it does seem like a world for itself. But I also remember the world I was in just a few days ago on the trip here from the capital city of Monrovia. More than twelve hours of awful roads - first old broken up pavement and then endless miles of rutted, pot-holed gravel, sand and just plain dirt roads. Bump, bang, dodge, swerve and then all over again in the hot sun and dust.. The infrastructure in Liberia simply doesn't really exist yet - destroyed by 15 years of war. For instance electricity is non-existent anywhere in the country, except in the capital. In most rural towns gas is sold in one gallon glass jars. And now I can "look forward" to that return road to Monrovia that is still ahead of us tomorrow. Let us pray for dry conditions. In the rainy season only big four wheel drive vehicles even attempt it. Do you understand the isolation of these people?

You know when you hold seminars you always wonder if people are getting the point and praying that it will make a difference in their lives after we have come all the way around the world and endured all of those awful roads. Well last night one young man named Uriah really made my day. I was sitting outside of this house enjoying a respite from the oppressive heat of the day - it pushes 100 F. or above every day - and here he came around the corner and sat down beside me. I could just barely detect a big smile on the handsome face of this youth leader in the faint light. "I got it! Pastor Dennis, I really got it!" he emoted. "I finally understand the whole point of the seminar thus far! You have been trying to teach us that it is the salvation of souls that is most important, through the Gospel of Christ Jesus to penitent sinners in the name and blood of Jesus! Well, just you wait! You are going to see results from that teaching here in Zwedru - by God's great grace!!" Of course the seminars emphasize a much greater scope of things, but in a religious climate where every imaginable and unimaginable doctrine is afoot and signs and wonders are in great demand these words of Uriah's have profound significance and echo deep into the heart of my calling and ministry.

(Accra, Ghana - Sunday, May 24, 2009) Safely back here in Ghana, which feels like the center of civilization, again. We made that 12 hour road trek from Zwedru to Monrovia without incident - except for being completely covered in sweat and red dust. My first real shower in nine days did feel good, but I would make that trek again any time (except for rainy season) since a big chunk of my heart got left out there in Liberia. I just pray that I can go back again!!! On Tuesday I head north again - through London and Denmark - arriving in Finland on June 1, God willing!

Much love and prayers in God's peace from this side of Africa!
Dennis
Please see all the pictures from Liberia, Ghana, and Togo by clicking here!
http://imageevent.com/aalchurch/picturesfromtheforeingmissiontrips/guatemalapictures

Schedule!

Please scroll down below the long Togo article to find the upcoming Foreign Mission events. If you scroll down even further, you will find picture links. Remember, the newest posts are always at the top on blog, but that does not mean the ones below are old!

Unforgetable Togo!

Togo, unforgettable Togo! Here I sit in a very simple room in the primitive village of Ountivuo, Togo. We have just completed three days of seminars here with very good attendance. People have come from miles around, waded swollen rivers and faced who knows what difficulties just to get here by foot. Here in Ountivuo there is of course no electricity, running water or toilets as we know them. My room has one bed covered with mosquito netting, one chair and one table. The windows are shuttered but have no glass. I keep the shutters wide open all the time for ventilation. Washing facilities consist of a bucket of water with a scoop in it in a small room at the end of this building.

What has made this trip so unforgettable thus far, besides the hearty and enthusiastic attendance at the seminar, was the way here. Pastor Frank Famiyeh, who is accompanying me on all my travels in West Africa, drove our van from Ghana to Lomé, the capital city of Togo.. We were met at the border by the President of the ALC of Togo, Pastor Nestor Devigan and the general secretary of that church, Victor Abalovi. Victor is a young (34) but very experienced driver, who agreed to be our chauffeur the rest of the way. Besides his almost uncanny ability to maneuver a van under impossible situations he is also our translator who can translate to or from four or five languages including English and French! French is the general language in Togo. On our first day, after leaving Lomé far behind, we ran into a violent thunderstorm just as the paved road came to an end and we had to continue on a dirt/gravel road. Torrents of water rushed down the road in rivers but the real challenge was one place where a veritable lake had been formed. A passenger from the car ahead of us waded in to this body of water to check the depth and we could see he was already almost waste deep.. Didn't seem like there was any way to proceed. But our dauntless driver summoned his courage, years of driving skills and the promises of Isaiah 43:2 and ploughed through the water a little nearer the edge right out the other side and we continued - under the most formidable conditions.

That night we stayed in a guest house along the way. The rain was unremitting. The following morning we headed out on a road that I have never even seen the remote likes of in my life. Just picture a sea of black mud facing you in the road ahead, pocked by huge water-filled potholes, up and down ridges at all angles and oozing ruts a foot or more deep and other anomalies too numerous to mention.. Slowly but surely our skilled driver maneuvered us through these impossible messes for what seemed like hours, but was probably less than an hour and a half. I almost wished I were careening along at death-threatening speeds on those crowded roads in India!

You would not have believed, however, when we finally rounded the last turn and the church was just ahead of us how the people rushed out with one accord and welcomed us with hugs and kisses. I just cried. After the tension of the journey - not knowing whether we might be sitting in some mudhole in Togo forever, the genuine happiness and joy of those people was truly overwhelming. Only they know what hardships they all live with here and how isolated their village is. They were so incredibly appreciative for the seminar and for God's Word - begging me to promise them that I would come again next year. I told them if God so wills and He provides a helicopter I will be most happy to return then. Most had never seen a helicopter but it was an amusing thought for them.

Now we just have the church service tomorrow morning and then we will head south - back over all of those incomparable roads. But fortunately the sun has been shining since we got here and of course we have been praying that the roads would be drier. But as I look out of my window I seen how the rain is starting to fall on the mud huts in this village as chickens and goats wander aimlessly about and children kick their ball and play in the sandy yard.. Ominous thunder rolls and lightening flashes in the darkening clouds.. Oh, Lord, please be with us on our journey back to Lomé.

(The next evening in Lomé). There really were thunderstorms last night and it rained heavily for many hours in Ountivou. The worst was to be feared. But the wonderful celebration of the church service in the morning together with Holy Communion lightened our spirits. And what a celebration it was! The music, singing and a kind of very animated line procession through the church seemed to have no end and the joy was unmistakable. Later I spoke on Isaiah 12 about the true meaning of why we praise God when His anger has been turned from us and our sins are forgiven and washed away in the blood of His Son Jesus. I also spoke about "with joy drawing water out of the wells of salvation". In Ountivou there is no well. All water is carried from a distance but I assured them that the well of salvation, with it's never-ending supply of Living Water had been dug right in their midst! Hundreds of people attended the service including at least a hundred children. I know because I had a big bag of 100 wrapped candies to give them after the service and as they lined up in long lines I gave out every single piece.

And then came that formidable road back. Our driver Victor maneuvered it with the most laudable skill - we even managed the "lake" with aplomb and after a couple hours we were back on the paved road on the way to Lomé, singing God's praises! Tonight we are safely in that capital city with air conditioning and showers and a little restaurant that even serves spaghetti bolognaise. God is so incredibly good!! If all goes well I will send this when I get back to an internet connection in Accra, Ghana tomorrow evening. We will then be preparing for our departure by air to Monrovia, Liberia on Wednesday, May 13. Keep those thoughts and prayers coming!!

I am just so incredibly thankful to our Heavenly Father who makes all things possible!

With love to all of you in His blessed peace!

Dennis

Teaching at the seminar. Translator Victor on the right, President Nestor Devigan of the ALC Togo on the left making notations on the blackboard in French. Topic for the first day was "The Plan of God" (for our lives, salvation and ministries). French is the common literary language in Togo but Victor translated into the local vernacular.

Seminar participants and some children on the first day in front of the church in Ountivou, Togo. The number almost doubled on the second day when a number of people had been prevented from coming at first because of a flooding river.

The theme on the second day was "Humility". When I got to the text in Matthew 18 where Jesus uses the example of a child, I called in two small children who were playing outside and also used them as a perfect example of humility and who is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Pastor Frank Famiyeh, head of the ALC in Ghana, who also contributed to the teaching at the seminar, looks on.




View from the open window of the room where I stayed in Ountivou -children who came to visit.

The drum section who led the singing at the church service on Sunday morning.

Line up for Communion

Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ

Suffering mother with two severely handicapped and malnutritioned children who she carried to the seminar and church every day! Typically their father split when he learned of the handicaps! My heart just went out completely to this precious little family (the other boy in the picture is just there to hold the older child, but the mother usually carries - half drags - him also ). I have now arranged for this mother and her children to be taken to a doctor for the first time in their lives - all the way to the capital city of Lomé where they can be diagnosed, fed and hopefully given the care they so critically need. Some things you just can't walk by

Typical Village in Togo

Togo thoroughfare! Unfortunately I was too nervous to jump out and get a good picture of the real bad places in the road to Ountivou but let this shot of the last and least formidable of the mudholes, after it had dried up a lot, suffice at least to give you an idea that it was no picnic.

Atlantic beachfront in Lomé, the capital of Togo.

Foreign Mission Events

Here is a schedule of current and upcoming events of the Foreign Mission

Current: Dennis Hilman is in Ghana, and will be leaving for Liberia on May 13th. Read updates from Dennis below.

Russia: Gregory Greve is going to Russia in early June. He will have a few people with him, and will be met there by Leona and Amanda Matson.

Youth Mission Trip to Guatemala: June 16th to 25th. This trip is filled to capacity. It is wonderful to see such interest in Mission trips, especially from the younger generation!

Mission Presentation: June 28th Zion Lutheran Hancock, MI (Sunday Evening, all are invited) Presented by Dennis Hilman and John Ruotsala

Mini Foreign Mission Presentations: 5 to 8 minute information sharing talks about The Foreign Mission on Sunday Mornings during this summer. Where? In the Midwest at a different ALC church each Sunday. Presented by FM Administrator, John R. Please email foreignmission@comcast.net if you wish to sign your church up for this.

Mission Trip to Guatemala: In order be able to include more people that already are interested, a second trip is currently being scheduled in late October or early November. email foreignmission@comcast.net for more info.

More to be posted later: Please keep reading below for past posts!

Now to Togo!

Hello my dear caring family and friends!
Just want to drop a line and let you all know that the main part of my responsibilities in Ghana are now completed. They consisted of many things which have kept me busy for more than two weeks. These included services here in the capital of Accra and three seminars out in western Ghana - a four day one for pastors in the city of Tarkwa, as well as services there, a two day seminar for pastors, church leaders and congregational members in Takoradi, with services, and a similar seminar for three days at the Liberian Refugee Camp in Buduburam, closer to Accra. We also celebrated a Holy Communion service there just yesterday. I can only say that God just poured out His Spirit on all of these occasions. He is incredibly true to His Word. I really shouldn't be so amazed but I am constantly enthralled by the way the Holy Spirit knows exactly what is needed on each of these seminar days in each of these places! Tomorrow comes a new and exciting part - when we head for Togo by car. Togo is a little sliver of a country just to the east - between Ghana and Benin, which is apparently far less developed than Ghana. With a much poorer infrastructure and telecommunications network we will probably be out of internet coverage for most of our stay of at least a week there. But I am really counting on the fact that there will be more than adequate prayer coverage. Our chief reason for going to Togo is to strengthen the Apostolic Lutheran Church there by holding services and seminars for pastors and church workers and of course for other interested people as well. So you can check out where Togo is on Google Earth, and see if you can find the city of Lomé. It's there our adventure on distant and mostly unpaved roads really begins. Today I would like to include four pictures from the Liberian Refugee Camp in Buduburam, Ghana where I have been for the last four days. This camp still houses over 10,000 people who fled their war-devastated country up to four years ago. Maybe some of you have already seen the first picture since I believe John Ruotsala already posted it on the Foreign Mission blog.

Teaching at the seminar in the ALC sanctuary there.

Sunday School students at the church singing "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow black and white, all are precious in His sight" - that is sung in English which is the common language of all Liberians. I have this on video.

The pastors, church council and other leaders of our church at the camp - with Pastor Frank Famiyeh (center left in the rear) who is the President of the ALC in Ghana. They are standing in front of the school which is run by our church there.

And by the way, don't let the "fancy" clothes fool you. Even the poorest people in Africa always wear impressively neat, clean and nice-looking clothes to church on Sunday. They truly wear their Sunday best, often their ONLY best!

School officials with me standing in front of the church school.

An impressive school which meets the needs of 150 refugee children in grades 1 to 9. Thirteen teachers serve them but there is a critical need for support if the school is to continue. How I pray that the precious children in this Christian school would find a place in the heart of some brothers and/or sisters back home. The outlay need not be great....just to keep it going. May God's peace and love just surround you. "This is my commandment that you love one another!" With very warm regards in Christ from a very warm West Africa! Dennis

Final Call and picture links.

This is a final notice about the Foreign Mission sponsored mission trip to Guatemala on June 16-25th. We currently have enough people on the trip, but we may be able to fit one or two more in if you contact us immediately. The cut off date for certain is May 1st. Email foreignmission@comcast.net if you want to go. Due to high demand, a second trip to Guatemala is currently under discussion for the September- Mid November timeframe.
Below are some picture links for recent mission trips. Just click and you will automatically go to the pictures!
Philippines January 2009 http://imageevent.com/aalchurch/picturesfromtheforeingmissiontrips/pilippinesmissionjan09
India: Feb. 2009
http://imageevent.com/aalchurch/picturesfromtheforeingmissiontrips/indiapictures
West Africa (currently going on)
http://imageevent.com/aalchurch/picturesfromtheforeingmissiontrips/guatemalapictures
South Africa (fall 2008)
http://imageevent.com/aalchurch/picturesfromtheforeingmissiontrips/southafrica

Footwashing

This is a portion of a longer email that I received from Dennis this week. What a wonderful account of what can take place in the mission field if God so wills! Thanks, John
Dennis wrote:
By the way I think you would be very interested to know what happened today at the pastor's seminar here. I had explained in full about Jesus washing His disciples feet and the spiritual significance of it. I then felt called upon to tell the pastors that this was not just general information or a theory but that it was actually available right there and then in the spiritual sense. One of the pastors immediately said that he would like to come before God with a contrite heart and avail himself of the spiritual washing of the feet. Frank and I went to him and blessed him with the assurance of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus name and blood with the promise of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Another pastor came quickly over and knelt at our feet expressing his contrition, too. And so it was that every single participant in the seminar followed suit and as the Spirit moved we blessed them each and every one. Even I felt moved to avail myself of this spiritual footwashing and what as joy it was as they all gathered round me, laid their hands upon me and preached the Gospel. I am quite confident that they do not see this act as an end in itself but really as a new beginning.....and open door to new life in their congregations.

And so the seminar goes on for two more days. This group is full of questions and comments so there is no difficulty in making the time pass.

An update from FM Missionary Dennis Hilman

Dear Family and Friends! So here I am in Ghana. Something exciting and new for me. I arrived in the capital city of Accra from London last Friday evening and was met by Pastor Frank Famiyeh and three other pastors or elders of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of Ghana. Ghana is a rather small country but has a population of about 33 million and over 4 million live in Accra. So plenty of people and cars are the order of the day.

On Saturday I rested but right away on Sunday morning I was speaking at a local ALC church to a congregation of about 100 people. The church van broke down that morning so we arrived an hour late but the congregation had wasted no time - they were going strong with songs and prayers when we arrived. That in spite of the fact that the generator had also broken down that morning (the church is not electrified) and we had to proceed without the electric keyboard, PA system and cooling fans. But this is Ghana. You don't spend a lot of time bemoaning what isn't but capitalize on what is and so the service got underway and the Word of God went forth unhindered. A new assistant pastor, Pastor Steven, was inducted at the end of the service.

Monday was travel day......seven hours of it....105 degrees...no AC - and I enjoyed it. Pastor Frank and I were headed for our mission calling out in western Ghana. He is the head of the ALC Ghana and the one who is organizing my stay and traveling with me throughout my time in West Africa. The landscape along the way was truly beautiful. At first low shrub-like trees and bushes covering the rolling hills - all in lush green - and then after some hours we were suddenly driving along the Atlantic Ocean with it's powerful breakers tossing on beaches lined elegantly with palm trees. And then after another hour or so we were driving through the more larger forested areas of the Western Province.

In one smaller town Pastor Frank noticed that something was wrong with a front tire so he pulled over. Sure enough, it had ruptured. But in God's great plan a group of young men were lounging on the side of the road just at that point and they immediately took it upon themselves to do the honors (see picture with Pastor Frank supervising) and in no time the tire was changed and we were on our way. How God provides in every detail.

A humorous anecdote from this stop was that one old women came pushing forward and laughingly said she wanted to marry me. You see I hadn't been here three days and already had a proposal (see picture - go ahead and smile!). That was yesterday.

Today we started our four day Pastors' Seminar. I am always thrilled when I can share the goodness of God's grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who have committed their lives to serving Him. My point of departure is God's plan of salvation for mankind and how Jesus put that plan into practice when He walked this earth, died upon the cross and rose triumphant over death, hell and the devil. And I do emphasize how practically He did this and just how realistically all pastors are encouraged to follow His leading and example in carrying out the great commission.

See the picture of the eager and well-dressed pastors who are attending this seminar until Friday. Pastor Frank - who is in the blue shirt in the back row - told me that a tie wasn't necessary but you can see that many showed respect for the seminar with a tie. And here in the city of Tarkwa, in true Ghanian style, there has not been electricity much of the time. Imagine how glad I was to find a hotel with a generator last night. Without power the lights, food service and air conditioning were not functioning in my first hotel so it turned out to be less than the most desirable place in the world. With temperatures running well above 100 every day the room felt like an oven when I got there.

But God is good and we found this second hotel which even has wireless internet. A luxury that I never expected out here in the hinterlands. But this is Ghana! We will be holding meetings and other seminars here in the Western Province for about ten days all together. After we return to Accra we will soon be leaving for another ten day to two weeks of pastors' seminars in Togo and after that to Liberia. I'll keep you posted and whenever you wish I have no objection if keep those prayers coming.

May God's love and peace surround you! Dennis

Arrived in Ghana

Dennis Hilman has arrived safely in Ghana. After being in NH for less than one day, and stopping in London for a day, Dennis is now in Ghana, Africa. I heard from him soon after he arrived. They had a first service that was attended by over one hundred people. Meetings, were held, and plans were discussed for his long stay in Ghana, Togo, and Liberia. In all Dennis will be in West Africa for over five weeks. The tempature is in the high 90's or more most of the days this time of year.
Please remember to pray for Dennis, and that God's word would be spoken in truth and purity during this mission. Dennis will be accompanied by Pastor Frank Famiyeh from Ghana for the duration of this trip.

Upcoming Mission Trips

The next mission trip being sponsored by the Foreign Mission is beginning on April 14th. Dennis Hilman who is a full time missionary for the FM begins a long journey from Portland, Oregon USA to Accra, Ghana in West Africa. He will spend a total of almost 6 weeks in Ghana, Togo, and Liberia. He will be accompanied on this trip once he arrives in Ghana by our lead pastor in the area, Pastor and Doctor Frank Famiyeh. Frank will travel with Dennis for the duration of his trip. Please pray for safety and that God's word would be proclaimed to the multitudes on this mission.
Remeber, the Group trip to Guatemala is June 16-25. Please contact me at foreignmission@comcast.net for more information. The cut off for sign up for this trip is May 1. This will allow time for such things as passports, (no visa required), shots, project planning, etc. There are still spots open, so grab them while you can!

Seminars Completed!

The Mission Education and Preparation Seminars are now complete for this year! This was a wonderful experience for Dennis Hilman and I. We were so blessed by the numerous people we met from around the country that have a true desire to be involved with mission work. Many other people have offered prayers, verbal support, financial support, and help in various other ways. We would like to thank all the faithful servants of God that helped to make these seminars a success. There are too many people that helped in many ways to list them here. The Lord knows your kindness, willingness, and thoughtfulness, and we are so very thankful as well.
In all, I believe between 25 and 30 different congregations around the country were represented by attendees to these seminars. It is so wonderful to get see so much unity in this mission. We all edeavor to be obedient to the words of our Lord when He said, "go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.." Let us continue to go forth into this battle as Christian Soldiers!
Lord willing, in future years we will have similar seminars in new locations around the USA!

Seminar and Trips!

The last seminar in this series of Mission Education and Prepartion, is being held right now in Battle Ground WA the the Firm Foundations Christian School. We hope to see you for the next session at 9AM Saturday April th. This session will be using an extensive syllabus put together by Doctor Earl Kaurala and 20 year missionary Pastor Dennis Hilman.

Also, please note that the next FM mission trip is from June 16th to June 25 to Guatemala. Please join this group if interested! Please note that the cutoff date is May 1st. Please contact me at jthree16@comcast.net for more information!

West Coast Seminar

The next Mission Education and Preparation Seminar is beginning on April 2nd at 7 PM at the Firm Foundations Christian School in Battle Ground, WA. It will continue at 9AM April 4th. The first night will seek to bring the Mission closer to you, and the Saturday session endeavors to bring you closer to the mission! Dennis Hilman and I look forward to being with you! Please email me at foreignmission@comcast.net for more information.
Please see the Guatemala trip posted below.

Guatemala Trip

Please be reminded that there is a Foreign Mission sponsored trip to Guatemala. This is dates on this trip are June 16-25. Please contact me by email at foreignmission@comcast.net or jthree16@comcast.net for more information including the costs of the trip. The cut off date for this trip is May 1st. We desire to have time to get a trip packets and plenty of information to all that are going. Also, please apply for your passport right away if you do not have one. No visa is needed.

Ironwood Seminar Complete

Dennis and I had another mountaintop experience in Ironwood this weekend. We had a wonderful turnout with people coming from at least 10 different midwest congregations with many driving over 5 hours! We have been greatly blessed by our time with so many Christians as we conducted the Seminar. On Wednesday March 25 we will be in Tapiola Michigan for a service and on Sunday March 29 if the Lord so wills we will be at the Esko Minnesota ALC for FM presentations and services. After that in Battle Ground and Hockinson WA from April 2-5. We would love to see you at one of these locations!

Ironwood Seminar

The Ironwood Mission Education and Preparation seminar has now begun. Last night, Thursday the 19th of March was the first session! We traveled the world and spent extended time in India and Russia, and some time in Vietnam.
Tonight at 7 PM we go to South Africa, the Philippines, and Guatemala as well as other places.
On Saturday (tomorrow), we go into detail about the various aspects of work in the field mission work. We will follow a workbook developed by Pastor Dennis Hilman, a twenty year missionary, and by Doctor and Pastor Earl Kaurala. This will not be a lecture series, but rather an interactive session in which we can all learn more about mission work! We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Ironwood! If you live out west, we will be coming there soon! See the announcement below for that seminar!

Next up -- Ironwood !!!

The Mission seminars are now complete in South Carolina! Please feel free to join us in Ironwood starting Thursday March 19th. This first night will be a relaxed time of information with pictures and stories from the mission field in far off places. Friday night we will have special meetings with groups or another presentation evening by demand, and Saturday is the in depth seminar! We are thanking the Lord for the wonderful time we had at the South Carolina seminar with Christians that have an interest in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ being spread around the world!
We hope to see you in Ironwood on the 19-21st or in WA on April 2 and 4.
See updated information on the Seminar invite below!

Seminars plus India Blogs!

The seminars are the next big FM event. Please know you are invited. (see below) The Blog for India is further below. As always, newest posts are at the top of the blog!

Seminar invite!

YOU ARE INVITED TO A SEMINAR!

ANNOUNCING: Mission Education and Preparation Seminar

YOU ARE INVITED!

Sponsored By: The Foreign Mission of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America

Instructor: Pastor and full time FM Missionary: Dennis Hilman

Assistant: FM Administrator John Ruotsala

Where: Ironwood, MI Apostolic Lutheran Church and on the WEST COAST in Battle Ground WA at Firm Foundations Christian School

When:

Ironwood, MI: March 19 and 20th 7PM-9 and Saturday March 21st 9AM to 4PM Main Seminar

West Coast: April 2 7PM to 9PM and Sat. April 4th 9AM to 4PM At Firm Foundations Christian School. Also Sunday April 5th after lunch at the Hockinson ALC.

Intended Audience: Christians who have an interest (a) in participating in short-term foreign mission visits, (b) in supporting foreign mission work, or (c) in learning more about foreign mission endeavors d) people of all ages are welcomePurpose:The purpose of these sessions is to prepare individuals for short-term mission visits and to inform participants in general about the nature of the foreign mission field.We look forward to sharing, and we invite your participation in that which the Lord is allowing The Foreign Mission to do around the world as we endeavor to be obedient to the words of our Lord Jesus when He said: “…go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Please feel free to email me at foreignmission@comcast.net or jthree16@comcast.net with any questions that you may have!There is no charge for these seminars (donations will be accepted) and will cover a whole range of topics pertaining to work in the mission field.

Pictures now online!

Some pictures from the Foreign Mission trip to India in Feb. 2009 are now online. Feel free to view them by clicking here: http://imageevent.com/aalchurch/picturesfromtheforeingmissiontrips/indiapictures
Please feel free to email me at anytime with questions you may have at jthree16@comcast.net
Just one more cultural difference we really noticed in India. When they agree and want to nod yes, it is from side to side, not up and down with the chin like we do it. This is very different and quite cute!
Thank you for all your prayers. Dennis still has one more week before coming to the USA so please still remember him! In His Service, John

Half Back!

Well, half of us are back safely from India. I arrived home Wednesday PM.


Unfortunetly a bug arrived with me. Hopefully all the sleep I have been getting as well as all the sauna's I have taken, will kill it very soon. I do feel a little better today already.

Thank you for all your prayers, and still remember Dennis who is still there faithfully ministering!

I wanted to show you a picture of our hosts! Pastor K and his wife Ruth on the left top and Doctor Kumar and his wife Mary-Jean on the right below. These people were wonderful hosts for us, but the more importantly, they do marvelous work in the mininstry there in India. They both have large ministries with many pastors under them, as well as both have orphanages. Doctor Kumar also has the Alvar Helmes Mission Hospital that he manages.

Pray that the Lord will be with them as they faithfully do His work in India.

5th and Last!

I promise this is my last post today!
First I want to thank our very gracious and loving hosts here in India. They have been serving us so faithfully and with such excellence. Pastor K and His wife Ruth, and Doctor Kumar and his wife Jean-Mary. Also much thanks to their very capable assistants!
(faithful supervising pastors and assistants above)
I also want to express my thanks to the Foreign Mission of the ALC for asking me, their administrator, to come to India. It has been a wonderful experience!

I want to thank all the financial supporters of the Foreign Mission for making this trip possible. These trips are very expensive due to the pastors training especially.

Mostly I thank God! I do this privately mostly, but you all know without Him, nothing is possible.

Pray for my journey home and the rest of the stay here of Dennis. He will then join us in the USA for the Mission Eductation and Preparation Seminars that are advertised in this blog in less than 2 weeks. ( Now that there are so many posts, to see them all you must click on older posts after the last post you see.) Keep checking back here for pictures or a link to where they are posted. Hopefully by Friday I can get this done.
IN HIS SERVICE! John

4th Post Today

Since I awoke so long before most of the others in the house, I have time to do extra posting today, so I might as well make use of the time.
I want to just list a few cultural and other differences I have noticed.

* Every day is February has wonderul weather. 90-95 during the day and 75 at night. Nice!
* The few showers in India have 2 setting. On and Off. No hot or cold.
* Village people over age 35 or so do not tell time. They go by the sun. See next post for more on this.

* Almost all India marraiges are arranged. Even most of the "Christian" ones. Parents pick the mates and in many cases the one getting married have never seen one another until the wedding.
* Dowry must be paid for all mates. Imagine paying for your mate. Here though, the families pay, not like in South Africa where the groom pays.
* People are fully clothed on the beach and even for swimming. (always)
* The women dress beautifully at all times. Very colorful and feminine sarees.
* There is no dating couples seen ever. They cannot date in this system.
* There are cows in the middle of the city streets. Now I know where the saying Holy Cow comes from as they are holy here to the non Christians.

I could go and on. India is very cultural. Very much tradition is here. I have a lot more to say, but will not post it here in public.

In short, this place is enchanting, exhilirating, and exhausting! Maybe you can come along next time!
In His Service, John

Village Churches

(this is one of many posts today, my last day in India. Dennis will remain here for another week or so, then he will join me in the US for the seminars) I will add pictures to all the blogs as soon a I get to a place where technology allows.
Last night we visited another village church. The drive was only about 30 minutes for a change!
When we got there we discovered it was an outdoor service. I guess the church could not hold all, so they sat on the road and there is where we preached! One of the congregation members was a downs syndrome young man. (pictured) What a priviledge to have him with his bright smile in the front row! I learned something about time in these village churches.

I was wondering why evening church start time is so late and varied in India. It is because almost no one over the age of 35 can tell time or has a watch. They have never needed one. They wake up, eat, go to work in the rice field or wherever. They work till dark, then they come home to eat. After this they go to church if there is a service scheduled for that evening. Now I know why they do not all come to church at the same time! So much to learn here!

Orphanage

We went to the Orphanage (children pictured) yesterday that was started by Ryan Ruotsala and Randy Questad several years back. Doctor Kumar is in charge of this. The children are being well cared for. They sang us many Christian songs in English! These were taught in great part by the Doctor's wife. It is always wonderful and I always love the children. So much life in them, so much hope in their eyes! They showed great decipline and many are doing excellent in the public schools they go to. This orphanage is not supported by the Foreign Mission, but we are thankful to see these children being supported by other American Christians not the least of which is still Randy Questad.

Mission Hospital

God's Peace to All!
Yesterday Dennis and I experienced another first. We were in the operating room (pictured) and watched a major operation close up. Very interesting. This was at the Alvar Helmes Mission Hospital. I thank Alvar and his family for their great sacrifices for building and funding this hospital. This great work has comforted hundreds of thousands if not millions of people in the last 9 or so years. Many have come to Jesus after being healed. This is another reminder of the Bible for me. Remember, these are very poor people, and all this care they could never afford. Here it is totally free to them. Wow! Yesterday there were 3 operations performed. Plus about 40 examinations (one pictured) for all kinds of problems. We sat in the room for a few of these. I thank the Lord for this wonderous work! I have heard and even have one on video, testimonies of people helped here greatly! Please ask me for Alvar's contact info if you wish to learn more!

Enchanting

There are signs in India that say Enchanting India. It surely is. Someday I will write about some of the cultural things I have learned while here. There are new wonders everyday. New things that I am learning that would be hard to learn and impossible to feel without being here! Some are wonderful things and some are not. For now I will keep to recording the days for the record.
I want to first thank the Lord that He has allowed our church to begin work here in India many years ago.
I would like to thank those willing servants that have come during these years. Many have donated much to India and the needs here. I will not name names, since all Glory goes to God and I surely would forget someone, but I still say thank you for your heart and kindness. Dennis and I would not have had this wonderful trip if it were not for your groundwork and the Lords allowing.

I will also in a later post let you know some of the needs here. For now, let me just say, I have warned them our country is in a deep recession and that money is tight. They are now being funded by the FM on a month to month basis with no promises beyond one month. They would be very content if we can continue the meger support we now give. This is usually less than $30 per month per pastor in India. So please dear reader, remember the Foreign Mission. If each ALC member in the USA gave only $10 per month, this would more than cover our needs. It would keep hundreds of pastors preaching through out the world, and allow us to do pastor training and other preaching trips at least once a year to each country we work in. It does not take much, just a steady small donation from many people! Let's pray together that the Lord would provide for these needs.

Well now I have gotten long already and did not speak of yesterday. I will give a short version. Our day started by going to the river and baptizing 10 new believers. (pictured) This was done by immersion into the river. They know it is not the amount of water, but so do we, and therefore we knew it was ok to use this method. It was a wonderful experience for us, and I am sure it was one that these new believers will remember forever. They believe in infant baptism here just like we do for Christian babies, and they do not baptism people if they have already been baptized. What a joy it is when new believers are baptized! I pray we can see more of this in our USA churches. One man saw what was taking place from afar, and trudged through the sand to ask for us to pray for him.

We then had a church service in the original (first) church that was started with our group. It is not really a church, but more like a porch and a street. It was filled inside and outside. Dennis and I were feeling a bit tired from so much preaching, that we took turns and only had one sermon at each of our services yesterday. This gave us a much needed break. Our translator as well is having problems with his voice. He needs to slow down a bit also. He says the devil wants to stop the word from going forth, so our faithful translator and host keeps going forward despite it all. We have no other options for translating so we are so thankful for his attitude.

In the evening we took 2 hour ride to a village church. Again we had a totally packed church. The church was small, but as always no chairs or benches, so well over 100 people packed in tight! It was a blessed time we had together! On the way home, we found out our Hindu driver sat and listened again. This was his second sermon in a few days. The only two of his life. Let's pray that he continues to hear and one day becomes a believer!
I must close. This is too long. Blogs are supposed to be short. God's Peace! John

Mountain Top

On our long drive home last night, Pastor Dennis told me that we had another mountain top experience tonight. I surely agreed! We have had so many of these though that it is like going from one to another. I thank our Lord however, that he is also God of the valleys. The same God who gives us these highs, is there with us in the lows that we all have as well. We can rejoice even in our tribulation scripture says!

The mountain top Dennis spoke of last night was our late evening service outdoors. This time at least 1000 people showed up! (picture above is part of them) God provided for food from the word! Then after the service we personally laid hands on and blessed each person. That took time, but it was a blessing also for us. We were very happy that at least probably 2 to 300 of the people were men. This is a high percentage of men for here. Remember, these are poor villagers. Not one car came except ours. They all came by walking, bike, or rented motor rikshaw taxi. They came for 3 straight nights, many from long distances (for their forms of transportation) to listen to God's word. They were not given anything to eat, and almost half last night had to sit on the ground. But this did not stop them! Praise God for this!

Yesterday we also had a service in a village church. Two congregations. In this group were certain young women had a talent for smiling as they sang. A nice sight! One of these girls could find scripture faster than anyone else in the room including the pastors. (keep reading the below articles if you have not yet, they are in backwards order like all blogs.)
God Bless you all!

Dedication and Gifts

God's Peace from India again!
I am learning the meaning of dedication in Indian terms. I will give a couple examples of this and of gifts I have seen in the Christians here.
Dedication:
* The children in Pastor K's orphanage during their devotions. Everyday, many times a day, at the same times. Never skipping, alway waking at 5AM to have time.

* The man who volunteered to guard the church. Enemies were burning churches. He said I will do the job every night for the rest of my life. 7 years later he is still faithful! He also prays for at least one hour every morning.

* Here in the city, the supervision pastors are so dedicated. Wherever we go, whatever the time, however far the trip, they stand at the ready. They travel by motorcycle or a different car. I have never even opened or closed the car door since I have been here. These faithful pastors are alway there. On both ends of the trip. Always supplying water and whatever else they can think of.

Gifts:
* Finding scripture. Many of these people can do this in far beyond record time, faster than anyone I have ever seen. What a joy. You say the scripture and they almost immediately start reading. Amazing. A true gift, but also shows dedication to study.

* Translating. Both of our translators never miss a beat. So good and so fast. A true gift.

* Clapping: This is one thing I never in my life would have called a gift. Until yesterday that is. Upon arriving in the village, we could hear the singing even before we got out of the car. When we got in the church, immediately I heard what I thought was a new instrument. They usually only have the one simple drum. This time there was something extra. I looked around and quickly discovered it was a teenage girl clapping.(pictured above)

I have never heard such a beautiful clap!

Loud, distinct, certain pitches, and she changed the tempo and timing, but every one she used was wonderful. After the service I talked to her, and told her the next time I am in India, I want to listen to her clap again! What a gift!

Last night we again took a long drive. 600 people attended. The service went until 10:30 PM or so. Afterwards there was almost of mob scene as people want to approach the visitors. One thing here that I am not used to is that the people want to be blessed personally. Sometimes over half to three fourths the congregation. Pray that they receive the blessings given as from the hand of God and by His words and not mans.
God Bless you all! John

Seminar and India

Before I write todays wonderment from India, I want to remind you of the mission seminars that Dennis and I will be conducting in the USA right after this trip is complete. Scroll down this blog until you see the picture of Dennis with the group from South Africa, and you will see the announcement! We hope to see you there, and we are excited to share!

Yesterday produced more wonder and amazement at God's work in India. In the afternoon we went to a service at a church. They had invited an extra congregation so the church could not hold. The service was outside. When we go out of the rig, a baby pig led the way toward the service before he ran off.

Then in the evening, we took a 2 hour drive. Our first drive at night in India. We will not forget it. I am just thankful to God we safely made the trip both ways. When we arrived at 8:15PM there were lots of empty chairs and only 20 people. Singing was going on. I noticed that they kept singing. I was told there were more people on the way. This was an outdoor service as well. Wow, were we suprised. By 9:10 PM there were 500 people! These people worked hard all day, and traveled from 10 congregations. What a testimony to their dedication and love for the Lord. We preached in the open air until 10:30 or so. God was with us!

We will return to this place for the next 2 nights as well! Pray for the Lord to use us to preach all that He would want these people in this large group to hear! Our driver last night was a hindu man. He had a stroke one week ago. He was healed in the our mission hospital by way of a miracle. He was paralysed on one side. He could not stand or walk. Now he is like new. (his picture is above, taken less than a week after his stroke.) A wonderful thing. But even more wonderful, this man confessed to us on the way home, that he had never in his life sat in a Christian service. Last night he was moved to do so. Pray that this work continues in this man and that he would recieve grace to repent and believe!

May God Bless you all!
In His Service! John

India trip update!

First of all, for those not familiar with blogs, notice that the latest post is on the top. You can either start lower down at the place you last read and read in order, or read the posts from the top, newest to oldest. However you prefer is fine.
Just a quick little update email from India. I thank the Lord that He has kept us safe and healthy to this point. As those of you that have read the updates online know, it is only Dennis Hilman and I on this trip due to the risk of danger from the Hindus at this particular time. (our host insisted on only two, especially here in the city) The portion of the trip that the pastors were most worried about is now over. That was the pastors seminars portion. (pictured)

The first with Pastor K had about 50 pastors and now this one that just finished yesterday had 170 pastors. We surely had a blessed time with all these pastors. They were very attentive and responsive. I was totally amazed at their bible verse finding skills. The pastors liked to read the text out loud. The first one that found it often read. It seemed that the instant you finished saying the text, a pastor was reading it. I have never witnessed such a thing in my life. What a wonderful lesson for Dennis and myself! I know at least I would never be able to do this. Even small books like Micah were found instantly. And believe me, they have no Franklin electronic bibles!

I was also very encouraged by the joy with which they sing. All the pastors together singing from the bottom of their heart! Yes, they clap and use the drums! This is their culture. We are so happy that they are free to worship! The drum here is like our organ. We would not stand for our organ being taken out of our churches. Therefore we will not remove their drum. Besides, with no or poor electricity, and such a lack of money, other instruments are out of the question anyway. Trust me when I say, their music and singing is beautiful and a great joy to witness.

Mostly I am thanful that the Lord has provided from His word. Pray that this would continue. We now start church visits in this area. We will hold services for about 36 more congregations in the next three days. Fortunately, there are joint services many of the times, so we will not have as many places to go. Then on Sunday we will be doing baptisms along with church services in several places. These are new converts being baptized. We thank the Lord that people are turning to the Living Lord!

I will stop for now. Remember that I have posted some notes at http://www.themissionsite.com/ when there click on the Latest FM newsblog. Once that is open, you could add that page to your favorites so you can go there directly to check the latest FM news.
In His Service! John
Please keep praying. We can feel those prayers!
When I get back, I will notify all as to where to see the pictures.

Thanking God in India

I just had to write a couple more quick notes. As Dennis and I were being escorted by to home base from the seminars just now, there were pastors on motorcycles as our unknown by others guards. God is taking care of every detail.

These trips are life changing. I am so amazed at all the details that God is providing for. When I have not felt strength to speak, He has provided. Even though I have not slept well, He has seen that I am not sleepy during the day either. Even though I was worried about the food, I am enjoying it greatly. I am realizing that I have not always trusted in Him to provide all as much as I should. Pray that this lesson would stay with me forever.

Here is another small matter that God has done for me on this trip. Finally after many days of services, we had a little break one afternoon. We went to the river, crossed it in a boat that looked very much like the boats in the bible I am sure. While there on the otherside, I was horseplaying with the orphange boys. Here I pulled my hamstring. If you have any idea what this is, you know what I am taking about. Remember, we came about a mile by walking to get to the river. I was in pain. Now I had to just stand or sit with no more horse play.

During this time, our fisherman pastor friend that had alone rowed us to the other side, explained his fishing to me. How interesting. This must have been how the fishermen in the bible did it. All the old ways with a small wooden boat, paddle, and nets for the fishing. After this, when it was time to go back to the house, I hobled and was helped as needed.

When we got there, it was only a few minutes and what do you know, a doctor walked in the door. This doctor was not called, but was a member of the congregation. He had to move to the city from this village in order to make a living for his family. But now he came back and he came into the house! I have never in my life had a doctor walk into my house. But this does not stop here.

This was the end of my stay here, and where to we go next. To a doctors home. I have never stayed in one before! Wow, See, God is in charge of all even the little things in our lives. This Doctor has greatly helped my leg already. I noticed that I was able to climb steps slowly now with both legs.

All Praise, Honor and Glory be to God! God's Peace! John

Greetings from India!

Hello and God's Peace!
Well, Dennis and I have arrived to our next location in this beautiful country! I just wanted to make a special mention at the first chance I got, that those of you who are supporting a child at Pastor K's orphange can be very happy!

Those children are much loved and are taken very good care of. I have taken videos of each one so that when I get back, I will post them on youtube so you can see your child personally. Well the pastors training in this area start tomorrow. It will be 2 very long days of doing that. Then start many services in many different churches. It seems that these people have lots of energy. Pray that Dennis and I will be able to keep up with all the schedules. Please read more below, as now I just wanted to post this short note.

Thanks, John

India

Greetings from this beautiful country. God has blessed everything so far! Pray that he will continue this. I have not had time to get to a internet cafe until today. The below is just stuff I quickly typed here and there. It is not intended for a spiritual article, that will have to wait for time.

The below I typed earlier with the very limited time that I have. Please do not mind the mixed up dates. However, maybe this will give you a little flair of what India is like.

It is my second full day in India. I have been advised to leave out names of people and towns until I leave the country for safety reasons, as there are radical factions amount the 98 percent of people that are not Christian.
My senses are overwhelmed from my first day and a half here that I felt I had to write some of it down.

My days here have both started at 3 45 AM This is probably or a number of reasons, not the least of which are our neighbors very noisy roosters, I would say next door neighbors, but the row of homes just over the fence, are thatched roof and adobe structures with no doors or windows, just some openings, At 5 AM the alarm for our complex goes off. It is a piece of steel which is used as a bell.

This morning as that went off, I got up to come to type out this note. I am sitting on the stoop of the house. Already some people are milling about. At 5 after 5 the children in the orphanage break into song. The first song I hear during the girls morning devotion is This is my commandment that ye love on another. I can now hear the boy singing songs as well. However that is currently being overtaken by the very loud Hindu music that is broadcast over large speakers so the whole village can hear. Our complex plays Christian music in similar fashion, but they cannot start theirs until 6AM because of all the complaints from the Hindus.

The mosquitoes are quite bad as I type this. I have been assure that they do not carry malaria. I trust this is true. Now the girls have come to the well to draw water for their bathes and the ladies of the kitchen are drawing water for the kitchen duties.

This pastors conference that is its second day know, has about 50 pastors in attendance. It is now about 5 15 and the pastors who have slept on the concrete floor of the church are now singing praises to God in their telegu language. Quite beautiful it is I must say, even though it is very different from my culture. The instruments are only a set of bongo drums. The rest is singing.

The level of church dedication here is unheard of in America. I see a man praying on the church step. I inquire from our host of this man. I am told that in 2002 there were church burnings in the area. Our Pastor announced in church that they need a guard to stand by overnight to guard their church. A man got up and stated that he will spend every night for the rest of his life guarding the church. 7 years later he is true to his word. HE arrives at 9 at night and stays till 6 am. He prays for at least the last hour out loud in the kneeling position. What dedication.

Yesterday I climbed to the roof of the church just after 5 am. From there a beautiful view of the sky was to be found. The same moon, stars are above Gods children here. Right around the house here are many palm trees and there is water on 2 sides of the property. I have been told I can swim in the canal, but my doctor strictly forbid that so I will hold off. Also, after seeing the 3 foot long fish that were caught yesterday that to me looked like catfish, but I was told they were sharks, this also takes the urge to swim down a bit.

These fish provided lunch yesterday for all 75 or so of the people present. Standard fair is a plate full of white rice, along with fish or chicken. The ladies work so hard. Imagine doing all of this prep on a fire or gas grill. The power here is off and on. It goes out at at least 3 times per day for 20 minutes to 3 hours a day at this time of year. In the summer it goes off for 6 hour stretches because the rivers are low and they cannot produce enough. This is for the fortunate ones that have power at all.

At five thirty now that fire is being lit. The well is now very busy with people coming from all over the compound to draw water. They have recently modernized to a hand pump from the water bucket and rope days. They still have that well for backup though. My host has just delivered me tea. It is good,, but it has caffeine which I do not use in America but I cannot argue with the kindness. It is still every dark.

This is the cool time of year, so it is only in the 70;s at this time of day. Very humid and misty also. It gets up to about 90 during the day, but I have yet to see a thermometer. I am not sure they have those here. The every morning sweeping of the sidewalks and courtyard have begun. The brooms they use do not have handles. I inquired as to why, and am told that it is easier for the people to use on without handles. It is also interesting how they sweep the dirt courtyard every day. They want things neat and in order.

Curious children have now come over to watch me type, Probably have never seen a laptop before. They are most beautiful.

It is still long before 6 and there is very much action here now. Yesterday
as I sat a little later that this when it was light, I see the neighbor carrying two small pigs by the feet. I inquire as to why this is. I am told that they are about to get whacked, butchered. This neighbor butchers pigs and he is from the lowest of the cast system. This is the same one that has the cock fighting roosters that are my welcome to the day. The cast system is different for us. One cannot marry into another cast, or they are totally cast out from both families. Pear pressure is great.

I got so into telling you this story now, that I forgot to let you know how I could tell we were getting close to our destination. I am the first American of the people we know to land at the close airport. When we land, the plan turns around and taxis on the same runway that we land on. I was hoping that no other planes were coming. I look out the window and construction is being done by a group of men with baskets that carried sand on their heads. The luggage was unloaded into hand pushed carts to the baggage claim area, which was a spot near a small building out in the sun. Interesting!

Then began the task of finding my hosts. There were about 100 men around, but none looked like our host to me. I figure he would find me by asking all of the few white people he saw. Sure enough he did, although he was just a few minutes late in getting to the airport.

Then starts the ride in the car. This is about one hour fifteen minutes or 2 hours if driven by an American. The driving is the the wrong side of the road, by our standard. For the feint of heart this trip is not. Constant horn beeping and high speeds, three wide on a two lane road, there are no traffic laws, stop signs, or police. Not seatbelt, helmet laws or inspected vehicles to be found anywhere on the roads. I could see very few if even one that would pass our pollution or safety standards.

The Lord watched over though, and we arrived at our final destination after traveling for over 30 hours from home with no real sleep. I think I got one hour total sleep after Monday AM US time and before night here on Wednesday. Then the roosters. Boy this is getting long and I have not even touched on so much. I will quickly list a couple.

After the walk through the village, the girl who cannot talk acting our her story of faith. The crippled girl I was able to hug that maybe seldom gets a hug because the handicapped here are not held high. My friend Jonathan a teenage boy that tries English and has taught me 3 Telugu phrases. He loves life and can climb palm trees to pick coconuts. The seminars for the pastors. Pray hard for these. Our trainer and teacher is Dennis Hilman. Then I am required to have a sermon each session. 3 per day. I need your prayers very much. 2 more girls just come up to say good morning uncle. I am now an uncle to 35 more children. Lovely. Well I have to run now to read, pray, visit, eat and shower before our first session starts at 9 AM. God be with you. Love John Internet is non existent, so when you see this I know not, but will try my best John

This is now the end of Sunday February 15th. All the pastor training was over yesterday in this area. There will be more of that in another area starting Tuesday. Today was very busy. We had 3 different church services before noon. We visited I think 4 churches in the afternoon. So very interesting. At one service the people in the community go door to door during the week, and sure enough new people came to church today. Most of these were Hindus. Several are beginning to convert to Christianity. Pray that this continues. At another service a Hindu Communist was there. He is searching.

At all services, people afterwards ask for prayers for various illnesses or problems. On young lady wanted me to pray for her because she had just received her first bible ever. She wept a lot during the prayer. This girl was a fairly new Christian also. What a joy this is.

As we walk through the villages, very often people come running and they want us to pray for this one or that one. Day is so interesting. I cannot continue now. Leona and Amanda and Milo Matson have been with us as well for the past few days.

God’s Peace to all! John

YOU ARE INVITED TO A SEMINAR!

ANNOUNCING: Mission Education and Preparation Seminar



YOU ARE INVITED!

Sponsored By: The Foreign Mission of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America

Instructor: Pastor and full time FM Missionary: Dennis Hilman
Assistant: FM Administrator John Ruotsala

Where: Eastside Apostolic Lutheran Church 2200 Mays Bridge Road. Greer, SC, ALSO Ironwood, MI Apostolic Lutheran Church and on the WEST COAST location TBA

When: Eastside ALC South Carolina: March 12th and 13th 7PM to 9 PM and March 14th (Saturday) 9AM to 4 PM
Ironwood, MI: March 19 & 20 7PM-9 PM and Saturday March 21st 9AM to 4PM
West Coast: Church to be announced. April 2 & 3 7PM to 9PM and Sat. April 4th 9AM to 4PM

Intended Audience:
Christians who have an interest (a) in participating in short-term foreign mission visits, (b) in supporting foreign mission work, or (c) in learning more about foreign mission endeavors d) people of all ages are welcome
Purpose:
The purpose of these sessions is to prepare individuals for short-term mission visits and to inform participants in general about the nature of the foreign mission field.

We look forward to sharing, and we invite your participation in that which the Lord is allowing The Foreign Mission to do around the world as we endeavor to be obedient to the words of our Lord Jesus when He said: “…go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Please feel free to email me at foreignmission@comcast.net or jthree16@comcast.net with any questions that you may have!

There is no charge for these seminars (donations will be accepted) and will cover a whole range of topics pertaining to work in the mission field.