MINISTRY & ADVENTURE

Tezpur Ministry – Another Day of Ministry and Adventure

 It wouldn’t be India without a little adventure, right? After some rest yesterday afternoon, we divided into teams once again and headed out into the field around 6:30 pm.

 Kaytie, Darryl, Charles, Yugesh (their translator), and a local pastor saw a wonderful turnout for their two visits — one a follow-up from the previous night and one a new appointment. Twenty people accepted Christ, and many more asked for prayer. Praise God!

 Larry and Uttam also traveled to two visits. At the first, many requested prayer and four gave their lives to the Lord. The second visit, however, was more intense. As soon as they arrived, the family urgently requested prayer, explaining there was a demonic presence in their home. Larry entered, prayed, and commanded the spirits to flee in Jesus’ name. Later, Uttam explained that a man known to the family had taken his own life in a tree in front of their home, and they believed his spirit was now tormenting the house. We thank God that Jane was awakened at that exact time to pray for Larry’s protection.

 Bradley and I (Joie) had an adventure of our own. At our first home visit, Bradley presented the Gospel and asked if they would like to receive Jesus as Savior. One woman was already a believer, but her sister-in-law said yes. A neighbor woman opened the doorway curtain, saw us sitting there, froze, and then ran. One of the young women chased after her and followed her around the yard but eventually returned.

 I began a Bible story from Mark 2 about the paralyzed man. Just as I asked a question, we suddenly heard shouting approaching the doorway. A man threw open the curtain, stood looking at us, then entered and demanded to know who we were and why we were there. The pastor tried to keep the situation calm, but the young women were clearly frightened. After tense conversation, the man left. The pastor then told us we needed to pray and leave immediately without finishing the visit.

 Once in the vehicle, we learned the man was a Hindu religious leader and was very unhappy that we were sharing the Gospel. To avoid further trouble, we were quickly escorted away. We will not be able to return for follow-up there, as it is too risky. Still, we rejoice that they heard the Gospel and accepted Christ before we had to leave.

 How easily we take for granted our freedom to follow Jesus. Here, believers often cannot even whisper His name publicly. Each member of this team has been anointed and sent for this purpose — to proclaim Jesus to those who have barely, if ever, heard His name. We must not grow comfortable keeping our faith inside our homes. Go. Proclaim. A time may come when our freedoms resemble what believers face here. Let us not take our current freedom lightly.

 At another visit, I was kissed more times than I can count by the mother of the home. She would kiss my face, then gently wipe it, again and again. She had been deeply touched by Kaytie the night before and was heartbroken she could not return — yet she sent food with us to give her. Three members of that family heard the Gospel and received Christ.

 God is so good. He has given us an incredible team — both national partners and New Hope members. Tonight we head out again, in all our weaknesses, shortcomings, and stumbling words. They don’t mind. And especially — neither does God. We go out into all the world for His Glory!

 Love to all, and thank you for your prayers.

 ~Joie