BLESSINGS UPON BLESSINGS

Days 3 and 4 were both busy and restful. On Sunday, we were able to spend some time out and about after our team debriefing. It was nice to have a little time that wasn’t quite so structured. Our evening ministry was quiet and uneventful, for which we were thankful after the intensity of the previous night.

 Darryl and Kaytie followed up at the “demon house” that Larry had visited the night before. The family reported that the spirit was gone. There was concern that it might return, but Kaytie told them that the Lord was there now, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is peace. She is such a joy to have on this team. Children and adults alike are drawn to her. She has a special light about her that brings peace to everyone around her. She is truly a tremendous asset to our team.

On Monday, the team left at 3 a.m. to drive to the National Park to ride elephants once again. The bus ride was a bit wild — very loud, filled with music and energy. While at the park, Uttam and Charles saw a tiger, and the elephant handlers turned everyone back away from where the tiger was.

After returning to our rooms, we had a short rest and then headed to the KF for a debrief from the night before, followed by a Celebration Dinner with the translators, drivers, pastors, and the New Hope team. It was a wonderful time of reflection and connection. It is always bittersweet to leave behind brothers and sisters whom we have grown to love, trust, and depend on. We realize that our presence increases the level of risk simply because we are Americans and stand out. Yet they welcome us warmly and are excited to serve beside us to move the mission of Christ forward. We were able to bless them with gifts and a nourishing lunch. The guys loved their New Hope hats and wore them proudly. We are so blessed to count them as brothers and sisters in Christ.

After dinner we returned to our rooms to rest briefly, then loaded up and headed out once again.

Kaytie summed it up perfectly when she sent this verse to our group chat:

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

While there were only a handful of salvations, there was much time spent with the body of believers — training and encouraging them in how to share the Gospel using the e-fold.

Charles, Bradley, and I had a packed church of approximately 65 people. The worship was absolutely beautiful — I recorded a bit to hopefully share back home. Bradley shared his testimony, and Joie, with Charles and Bradley as backup singers, sang Shout to the Lord. During prayer time, I believe we anointed most of the church with oil and prayed for them. What a humbling experience. Often we feel ill-equipped, but the faith of these people — and God’s presence — causes our shortcomings and stumbling words to evaporate like mist. No one notices or cares; only the Spirit moves.

Kaytie and Darryl experienced the same blessing in a church with a tribe we had never ministered to before. They prayed with and encouraged the believers in their faith.

Larry saw two people give their lives to the Lord and was also able to attend a wedding and bless the couple.

We all returned to our rooms laden with gifts that had been showered upon us - blessings upon blessings upon blessings. These trips not only spread the Gospel and encourage persecuted believers, but they also encourage us and strengthen our resolve to boldly move the mission of Christ forward.

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:19–20

Tuesday was a travel day and Wednesday we will begin our long flight home. We all miss our family and friends, but leaving India behind is always a little sad. The have a piece of our hearts that we never even knew existed until we started coming here.

Pray for safe travels and no flight delays as well as rest for the team as they fly. I am hoping all can rest. Thank you for your love, prayers and support.

 ~Joie