I am most definitely suffering the consequences for not blogging more
regularly. So much has happened in the last month and it’s overwhelming
to even think of a place to begin. I suppose this is even a bit of an
apology to all of you back home wondering what’s been going on recently.
It’s been difficult not having a computer and very limited access to
Internet here in India,
but nonetheless I still haven’t made the greatest effort at posting
blogs. I suppose the best way to begin this recap would be to share
exactly what are ministry in India has looked like for the past couple
of weeks.
Our main contact this month is a local pastor named
Silvi. He has an amazing ministry based in the town of Suryapet,
located in south central India. I have never met a man who works so hard and
reaches out to his community in so many ways. God has truly blessed him
and continues to trust him with more and more ministry opportunities as
he emphasizes integrity and stewardship in everything he does. God has given Pastor Silvi an
awesome vision for his ministry and this town. Along with the completion
of his church facilities, Silvi has plans for an orphanage, bible college, and a home for the elderly.
Even
now, Silvi and his wife take care of 15 children in their home along with
their twin daughters. This man has such a desire for justice and an even
greater heart for the lost. He recently shared with our team that every
single member in his church is a convert from either Hinduism or Islam.
Silvi also coordinates, and is an administrator to, 10 sister churches in the surrounding areas and he does extensive work in nearby tribal villages as well.
Needless to say, we have had plenty of work serving beside pastor Silvi this month. Our first week just happened to be Vacation Bible School
at his church so we were able to help out with music and teaching. The
children would always great us with the biggest smiles and they took
great interest in our funny dancing and singing. We have also been
speaking and singing at the church during Sunday morning services. I am completely amazed by the times of prayer and worship at this church and it is always an encouragement and a challenge to witness such passionate faith.
Most evenings we travel to nearby villages to share the word of God and encourage the believers that aren’t always able to make it to church on Sundays.
I have thoroughly enjoyed these small, outdoor services and they have
made a great impact on my idea of what church is supposed to look like.
We have also attended several larger crusades with pastor where we
witnessed the Holy Spirit move in mighty ways. God is doing a great work here in India and it such an honor to play even a very small role in this movement.
God
has been teaching me so much in my personal walk with him as well and I
want to devote several more blogs to the work he is doing with in me. I will write them ASAP because I want everyone to feel connected to
what’s going on in while I’m away from home.
Much love,
Andrew
