Real Hope Ministries India: Day 8- Pastor's Convention #3

Real Hope Ministries India: Day 8- Pastor's Convention #3: "We have been invited into many areas to conduct our Pastor's Convention. There is such a great need and hunger for training, but labore..."

Husbands and Wives

It's no secret, I am madly in love with my husband. It didn't just happen overnight but it has been happening over the last 20 plus years. Really though, happened  is the wrong word. Everything good has come from investing in the marriage and each other as well as a common faith in Jesus Christ. Anything negative was at the root, selfishness on either one or both parts. Plain and simple. You can't bless someone when you are only thinking of yourself. Isn't that what relationships should be about? About blessing each other?

Over the past few weeks The Coffee Guy has been in India. He is at this very moment, literally on the other side of the World. Two evenings from now he will be back home with stories and lessons for life. The thing I am looking forward to most of all is the closeness that we have developed while he has been away. We have used every email, every message and every phone call to share what is going on in our lives and hearts. It isn't the absence that has helped, it is the commitment to simply talking to each other.

So it got me thinking. Why don't couples remember to do that during everyday life? Why do we allow ourselves to be in the same room, house, bed or car but in our hearts we are a world a part? I know the word communication has been over used but unfortunately the concept hasn't.

I want to challenge you. If you find yourself less than madly in love with your spouse, find something good about them and speak it. If they are discouraged, make the time to encourage. If they are tired offer a way to give them rest. Simply make the time to show kindness. No matter how they react, speak kindness but most of all speak life. If you want your relationship to be vibrant and alive, speak life. I don't mean empty words, I mean searching your heart and finding the good, then allowing your partner to hear it. Don't expect this to fix everything but you have to start somewhere, right? If this isn't a strong point, flex your communication muscles and start working out. Relationships don't stay fresh and vibrant on their own. You have to feed and nurture on a daily basis. You wouldn't go a day without feeding your child, I suggest we get better at feeding our relationships.


Always,


Hope

Another India Update

Day 7 Salem Pastors Conference

With 150 pastors in attendance the Conference was a success. The feedback we received was as good as the Sathy Conference 3 days before. A group of area pastors networked together to host the first ever Real Hope Pastors Conference here in Salem. They were able to secure the old YMCA building which had western style restroom accommodations which was a blessing.

Salem is a larger city than Sathy and the pastors that came from the surrounding area were a bit more educated in the Word as well as the English language, as evidenced by the nodding of heads and scattered “amen” throughout the hall even prior to Ravi translating what I just said. By the end of the first session as lunch was about to be served, the weather had become hot and humid, almost as hot as the food. Ravi told me one of the pastors came to him concerned that they should not be feeding me what they were eating…I appreciated the concern; I counted it as love for the brethren!

The Basic fundamental doctrine of the faith is what was taught and it was exactly what was needed. I am grieved and amazed of the need of the pure milk of the Word. But at the same time I am grateful that we were/are here at a critical time. Basic biblical truths—the foundations of the faith is what is so desperately lacking and they must learn to teach their people.

The response to the segment on False Teachers was almost as unnerving. For those that spoke with us they had not heard of the danger of false teachers or any instruction on how to deal with them. Lord help us. I mean it Lord help us to instruct where the need is and help protect your people till we return.

Day 9 Family Conference New hope Revival Church

Weeks before arriving in India I asked the Lord, “what do you want me to teach them—what is your message?” He directed me to Genesis 20:3-11; The 10 Commandments. My first response was, “Are you sure?” not questioning the Lord, but really my hearing Him properly.

The message, “Abiding in the Blessings of God and His prescribed plan for family life”.  A simple message beginning in Psalms 19:7” The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul…”; then a basic expositional teaching on the 10 commandments . Starting with the first 4 commandments how and why our obedience or disobedience affects our relationship with God. Then explaining the next 6 and our choice to abide by them or not effects our relationship with one another and our neighbors.

That if we abide by Gods perfect law we Honor Him and we honor one another. But if we choose not to, in fact if we break just one, there is a strict penalty, which opened the door for the Gospel Message and how Gods perfect law was lived out in the Perfect Man Christ Jesus.

Being able to show how the Law reveals Gods perfect pure character at the same time revealing in us our wretched character—convicting us of our sin and driving us to Jesus was new to many.

We ended the 1.5 hour teaching with Matt. 22:36-40”Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "‘you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. The second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

To abide in the Blessings of God we must abide in Christ John 15:9-10

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love

Day 10 Real Hope Revival Church Dedication

What a glorious day. From the street you would never know there was a church there. In fact it is only a door way sandwiched in-between 2 store fronts in the midst of other shops and businesses on this heavily traveled street. When I say busy I mean extremely busy and noisy; horns are continually honking in their varying pitches and tones. The only indicator of a church in this predominantly Hindu neighborhood is the large sign, “Real Hope Revival Church”

As you come into the foyer the first thing you notice is the orderly pile of sandals on the floor pair by pair. Once inside the Church there is a door directly ahead of you which leads to Pastor David’s house, the stairs to your left lead up to the sanctuary. This building serves as both their family’s residence and the church, a blessing for both the pastor and his people.

You can hear the sounds of worship echoing down the narrow staircase, and as you ascend you hear the excitement of people’s voices. Then you enter the Sanctuary…it is hard to fathom they only moved in 6 weeks ago! All the work that had to be done to get to that point is amazing. You we have to view the before and after pictures. It is wonderful what can be done without needing permits.

It is very bright and colorful; the thick green cloth covering the concrete floor and the red runner going up from the center rear of the sanctuary to the pulpit. The multi hued Saris that the women wear to the back drop on the front wall, all is very lively and inviting—it shouts New Life and Real Hope!

Starting at 9:00 with a very uplifting 15 minute call to prayer leading into a worship time that I will not soon forget, 2 hours had pasted BEFORE the Word was preached. As the message was delivered the temperature rose until I finished at 12:45! But church is not over yet—we are in India my friends. After a couple more even quicker paced songs in which there were MUCH rejoicing! We finished with corporate prayer the likes of which are only experienced in Pentecostal churches. Now is the time that people come forward for healing and a personal touch from the Lord—it is now 2:00! 5 hour church service, that was before lunch was served!

The Lord is assembling a great team of men and women to serve alongside Pastor David and his wife. The team served a lunch fit for a king to the 150+ people that came for the dedication service of Real Hope Revival Church. All said and done we left to go back around 6:30 for the 1.5 hour back to Sathy… Before we left we had a great time of prayer for the work that has begun there, for pastor David and his family and for the dedicated group for men that are serving with him. Ravi and I both said to his brother, “You will be going to 2 services soon” and he will. This is a great work that I am thankful to be a part of…much more to follow.

Day 11 Pallipalayam Pastors Conference

This was day 3 of the 3 day push starting Saturday with the Family Conference, Sunday with the all day Worship and dedication service now it was Monday. The Pastors Conference here was the last of the three Pastors conferences that were scheduled.

The drive from Sathy to Pallipalayam is 1.5 hours but seemed longer during the Monday morning rush hours—traffic, driving in general is a matter of faith here. As I’m going through my notes in the back seat I’m praying.  As we walked back into the church that we left 9 hours earlier I caught myself saying’, “Ok Lord, 7 more hours…we can do this…”.

Pastor Bibbin led us in worship again which is a blessing, he truly is gifted. (I told him he looks like Benny Hinn’s brother, he really does—Bibbin and Benny Hinn).

The teaching time flowed very well. Ravi and I both sense it was the best out of the three. This was the third time in 7 days that Ravi and I had taught the material and we were more in sync with one another. 140+ pastors were able to attend and stay through the nearly 100 degree heat—they pulled in a couple of big fans to help out.

In fact Ravi said that many of the pastors which he has a relationship with told him it was exactly what was needed and they want more—more solid biblical foundational truth. Pastor Mani from Sathy pleasantly surprised us when he showed up. He was so encouraged with the Conference the prior Monday he wanted to get a double dose. That is one godly man who has fought the good fight.

The new Church building is a blessing in so many ways; hosting Pastors and Family Conferences, hosting missions’ teams as well as the weekly services and out reaches that will occur. Real Hope Revival Church is making a stand and proclaiming the Risen Savior—Halleluiah!  

Reese's Ministry to India

It has been over a year and a half since I introduced you to Reese. A sweet little girl who was born with the same genetic disorder as The Princess and lived on this earth exactly one year. She passed from here into eternity on her first birthday but she has left a legacy that cannot be measured. Her ministry still goes on and reaches farther than any of us may ever know.
The last couple of weeks I have attempted to keep everyone updated on the trip that my Coffee Guy has been on for the past two weeks. The Lord has used many lessons, people and experiences to get him there. What I can't leave out is the part that Reese and her beautiful family played in getting us to this point.
As I mentioned in the above linked post, "At the time I found them, I was discouraged. The wife of a former pastor who had no church home. A woman losing hope in the things of faith and especially people who were suppose to help advance the kingdom. I was so parched I was unable to take in the Living Water. I felt that every attempt resulted in a run off with nothing ever soaking in. Then I found her. As I read their updates, their prayers and thoughts began to gently, quietly lead me back towards my loving God. My Savior that has a plan for every life, even mine."
Oh how far we have come from those days of discouragement. Those years where we had not only drifted from our calling but from an intimate relationship with the God we had been serving. Here we are, serving in a healthy, growing church body. Finding a deeper relationship than we had ever imagined possible with a God who at one time seemed so far away.
We still praise God for the life of Reese Renee and the faith of her beautiful parents who chose to share her with the world. Their testimony that every life has meaning and every life serves a deeper purpose has left ripples that are touching lives on the other side of the world. The only regret is that I haven't told them recently. I thought I would start by telling all of you. Who knows who Reese will touch next?
Always,




Hope

Putting Things Into Perspective

My goal when I write is to always find hope in the everyday happenings of life. Encouraging those who may drop by to live their life to the fullest, to see what God has for us that is better than we thought and to leave others feeling hopeful in a world that seems hopeless. 
At the same time, I want to remain genuine and transparent. It wouldn't do any good to try and make anyone think that I have it all together. (You probably have that figured out anyway.) Seriously, I don't come close to having it together. In fact sometimes it seems that every time I try to pick up something, I drop something else. There are days that it's a never ending battle where discouragement is my constant companion.
Sending The Coffee Guy to India has been a stretch. Between the Max's antics and The Princess' health even the daily chores of life feel heavier. There is plenty to get frustrated over. The concern for his safety was already in the back of my mind but when I have heard that at times he has to be hidden in the back seat of the car because of the dangerous territory they pass through, it is unnerving. That is where I have been this week. On the nervous side but in my heart of hearts there is truly a peace that I can't explain.
My friends whose husbands are or have been deployed know all of this better than I do. Many have repeated this for much longer periods of time than this short trip my husband is on at this time. Their situations are much more dangerous than ours. I am grateful for their sacrifice.
This week there is a wife whose 33 year old husband has received dreaded news. Cancer. I can't even imagine how that awful word sounded to the mother of three young children who faces a weekend of having to wait until this week to run more tests. The thought makes me more than queasy, it horrifies me. It also give me a tremendous amount of perspective.
Please pray for this family if they come to mind. There is already an outpouring of love and compassion from our wonderful town. Pray for better news in the upcoming week. Pray for strength, courage and a sense of hopefulness. While your at it, please pray for healing.


Always,




Hope

India Journal Continued

The Coffee Guy has been writing down his thoughts about this trip.


Day 4 Sathy Pastors Conference

Months of planning and prayer brought us to Monday and the first of 3 Pastors Conferences presented by Real Hope Ministries and hosted by local Pastors. By 10:45 the rented Conference Hall above the local bar in downtown Sathy was nearly full with fervently worshipping Pastors and church leaders from the surrounding area. Most all came by bus and some as far as 3 hours away. The conference which was scheduled to start at 9am really didn’t get going until 10ish, which I am told is typical to Indian lifestyle. (Plan something for a particular time knowing that it won’t happen or start ½ hour to 1 hour later).

Pastor Bebin, a Pastor from a surrounding area with a wonderful voice led us in corporate worship—these people love to worship! Though I don’t understand Tamil yet, certain words already stand out; YEASU—Jesus also RAJA—Lord, so as we have been worshipping in different places I hear these most often.

Because of the time delay Ravi and I improvised on how best to deliver the scheduled three 1.5 hour teaching segments. So just prior to the teaching time, we decided two sessions would be best. The first lasted two hours which covered the basic fundamental doctrines of the faith. Beginning with Genesis 1:1 showing that The Creator declares Himself to be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—the God of the living not of the dead—no others besides Him. Using only the Word we exhorted 100+ Pastors to teach and preach in their churches using just Word of God. The responses and comment we received were almost overwhelming. Some had tears they were so thankful.

The second session covered the man of God being in the Word of God, and the characteristics of a servant leader. I spoke to them as a fellow pastor that we are called to shepherd the flock of God, not to lord over them that we are to lead, not drive them. We also touched on false teachers and to be on guard for the flock. This particular part was received very eagerly.

Pastor Mani (pronounced money) was the first pastor in this area that he had not heard teaching and preaching like that in over 40 years! A whole generation. A whole generation of pastors not equip in the fundamental doctrines of the Bible…I am grieved that the need is so great.

We are praying on a more comprehensive teaching for next year…there is NOTHING like this for these dear faithful men and women. God protect them till we return… 

Day 5&6 Ooty and Coimbatore

Ooty

The drive to Ooty was amazing. Another steep hairpin laden mountain assent to the once occupied British colonial resort took 2.5 hours. At every turn the scenery was breath taking, truly amazing. I exhausted the battery in the camera. This area is well known for its tea farms/orchards/plantations. I am not exaggerating when I say they stretch for hundreds of sq miles. Pass after pass, valley after valley, stretching as far as you eyes will let you see. Nestled inside these well manicured forests are tightly packed colorful villages of the tea pickers. Dozens and dozens of villages checkered among thousands and thousands of acres of incredible beauty. When you see it from the vantage point of mountain, it must be the world’s largest well kept garden.

(Bebe Tea Leaf) 

I am not used to seeing monkeys when I drive…but here its normal, cracks me up.

When we got to Ooty I was surprised how big the city was, seeing it was such a treacherous drive…but this is India…there is no small city. You see the remnants of the British Empire at its zenith with its pronounced red and white architecture and deteriorating wrought iron fences and gates.

We came to shop and we did, fast and furious. We also came for food…Chinese food. It was a quaint and clean restaurant that once housed something Britishy. Ravi asked, “Well how is it?” to which I replied, “Tastes like Indian Chinese food” But it was the hottest Chinese food I have ever had, ask Ravi!

Coimbatore

Coimbatore is a Huge city. Ravi said, “When we in India talk about traffic, this is what we mean.” It is off the chart. I have taken photos and videos that will only explain half at best. One way to describe it is orderly chaos. How it is that road rage isn’t a serious problem here is amazing. Mere inches between you and traffic—on both sides and front and rear. Ask last year’s team.

Shopping was intense. Ask last year’s team.

Real Hope Ministries started in a small corner of the globe in one forgotten village, ministering to their most basic needs in the hopes of reaching them for Christ. With the Love of Jesus and obedience to His Word they are fulfilling the call to “go to a place that I will show you” and “if you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me.”

I believe we are witnessing a possible new chapter being written for Real Hope Ministries. To help train and equip these pastors to be obedient to 1 Peter 3:15 and Ephesians 4:11-12 that they may disciple many to do the work of the ministry. We pray to the Lord to send workers into the field…

Day 8 Tribal visit

I awoke to the sounds of the Hindu call to prayer at 6 am.

By 8 am we were ready to head over to the first village that Ravi visited almost 6 years ago. I was instructed to sit in the back seat with the window up for the 45 min drive to Tribal visit. Ravi informed me of the strong Hindu strong hold on a stretch of the road leading to the village. It’s Friday, which for Hindus is their holy day and as we drove you could see and hear celebrations in and around the many temples large and small. (I have been here for 7 days and in every city, town and village I have been in I have seen dozens in each. Ranging from the most ornate and elaborate to the simplest. In one tribal area a huge tree in the center of 3 or 4 villages serves as their temple. This tree is amazing—it has to be 200+ years old—older probably.)

As we pulled up you could see group of thatched huts surrounded by a fence of vertically woven sticks and twigs; this was straight out of National Geographic. The kids began to come out with the biggest smiles and most joyful expressions. It had been a month since the Real Hope team had been there last and the whole village was eagerly waiting faithfully scheduled visit—this time I was with them.

They greeted Ravi and I with flowers around our necks and a joy that cannot be put to words. Ravi and the team have been faithful to keep coming back as well to not promise them anything they could not do or perform. They have been faithful to the call of ministering the least not expecting anything in return. In being faithful in the small things, they have garnered the trust and love of this all but forgotten community.

The Tribal Indian culture is strange, if you can gain access to a village, which is nearly impossible they will allow you to interact with their children. Though the village parents won’t be with the kids while you sing, play games and talk to them, they are watching very closely to what you are doing. The strategy is to love these kids with the love of Christ. By providing for their physical needs—schooling, clothing and hygiene and faithfully visiting them every single month; reach the kids—win the village.

Today I was able to share a simple message; Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God…” I talked simply that this all powerful God loves them very much and He knows them all by name and He has made away that they may know Him. I asked the question and Ravi translated, “do you want to know His name?” to which they all responded, “Yes”. I said, “His name is Yeasu”. Pastors David and Stephen then led them in prayer followed by continued singing and snacks.

I also had the honor of putting the knitted caps that Dorothy made for these dear ones on their little heads. They were so filled with joy not only at that but the entire visit. This village is different than the other villages that Real Hope reaches only in that it was the first one. This Village is where the Lord led Ravi to first, with that he and the team has been faithful to return time and again. They have won the village. This is where the Tribal Center enters the picture if you will—it’s time to win this generation for Christ and see how far He wants to reach.

Remember it all started with one village won to Christ…

Update on India

It might seem like I am cheating but I really believe that it is best not to try to improve something that is already perfect the way it is. Our ministry partner's wife has posted photos and updates on the Real Hope Ministries blogsite.


You will be touched and blessed. I promise!


Always,




Hope

Life On The Homefront

As much as I have tried to keep up the news of India, life here at home has been more than I can handle on my own. Thankfully, our church body has been faithful in not only checking in on us but stopping by to fill any need we have.

The Princess had a doctor visit this week as well as x-rays, Max is recovering from emergency surgery after ingesting a ball and some items that still haven't been identified. Now the job is to keep his diet even more restricted which is a huge job in itself.

We finally got to Skype with The Coffee Guy this morning. This was the first chance The Princess was able to be part of the conversation. It truly made her morning. I had to share her excitement with you all. (Excuse her hair and jammies, she had just gotten up.)

Dad was happy to see his girl!

 She was happy to see him too.

 Actually she was thrilled!

We are so blessed by technology and the ability to keep in touch over the miles. I don't want to take any of these things for granted. We traded places with the other family so his kiddos could talk to their Daddy too.

As we finished up on the phone he shared that he had experienced his best day of the trip so far. They reached out to a rural village and the children were so blessed to have them there. I know that those who ministered were blessed too!

Will update more later.

Always,

Hope

More Of His Own Words

Sunday 7/17

Day 3

Journaled on James 1:22-25. I am to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. If I just read His Word and not put feet to it I’m fooling myself. I believe my time in India will be a beginning of a change that will hopefully surprise me.

We walked the back alley about 300 yards from Ravi’s parent’s home to go to church today. An incredibly small cobbled together building with a sign greeting you over the narrow 5 ½ foot front door, “Real Hope Revival Church”. Once inside this nearly decapitated building I was amazed that it was smaller than my daughter’s ½ bedroom apartment, no joke. Housed within the bright blue walls was a small table being used as a pulpit, 6 straw mats on the concrete floor and a brass drum 16” in diameter. (Side note: Ravi grew up as a teen in this church when his dad was the pastor and that was his brass drum!)

After the opening 20 minute prayer led by Pastor Stephen, we entered into a time of worship that was some of the most vibrant yet simple that I have personally been a part of. (Another side note: The volume of the worship and prayer time was WAY over 85 dbs) Ravi and I were given the privilege of teaming up to deliver the Word of God to these dear people. I am learning what pure and simple devotion to Christ better looks like as I watch them receive from the Lord all that He has for them and in turn give to Him all that they have.

After the Gospel was delivered and exhortation given, every single person pressed in for prayer. There is no “coming forward” in this church; the “front row” is less than 6” away from the pulpit. Not 6’ but 6”! People press in for prayer seeking a touch from the Lord. 

After the 3 hour service we were served a meal fit for a king…I my never use a fork and spoon again…maybe. Worshipping with all of your heart in a hot cramped room for 3+ hours…we have no idea of what we have as well as what we are missing.

The evening service at Pastor Justin’s home church was just as moving, being held in a very small no bedroom house in the middle of a Hindu village. The Hindu temple greets you on your right as you enter in through the only road leading there. Mostly Hindus came as evidenced by their varied markings on their foreheads. A woman came in carrying her 10 year old crippled son and laid him in the middle of the crowd wish only to be near Gods people…the need here is truly and without doubt of biblical proportion. (Last side note: A chapter can be written about this woman and her son that would fit into a biblical narrative, of which I am not emotionally prepared for)

Before leaving, they took us a couple hundred yards away to an 11’ X 60’ piece of ground filled with rubble in between 2 houses asking if we could help them build a church…the 1^st church ever in that village..I left with the burning question, If not us then who?

As we left I was instructed for our safety I needed to be in the back seat out of site for the ride home…

 set all of the photos that have come in so far to music.

Photo Slideshow

More Photos From India

I will add descriptions when I get them. Stay tuned...

It's Always Something

Wouldn't it be nice for me to tell you that while The Coffee Guy is in India, everything here is going smoothly? That happens in perfect world and as you probably know by now, this is real world. Real world showed up in a big way yesterday. It started with The Princess throwing up. In the past, protocol was the take her immediately to the ER but since in all other ways she seemed to be feeling well, I decided to watch her. Thankfully, she was in a great mood so we will just watch her g-tube feeds a little closer.
The big hit came when her dog Max started really acting sick. Among other things, he just wasn't himself. By the afternoon I knew I needed to get him to the vet before they closed. An X-Ray revealed rocks in his stomach and the remnants of the light up ball that he swallowed ten days before. We came home with meds but he became worse over the course of the afternoon. The Coffee Guy called and although we had agreed that I wouldn't bother him with things from home, I couldn't keep this from him. After a short discussion and his firm encouragement, I dropped Max off to be hooked up on IVs for hydration and they hope things will pass or they will have to do surgery this morning. He was still wagging and loving on the staff all the way out the door.
This morning it a new day, we will head to church in the rain. We will spend time with the people we love doing what we love, worshiping our God who does not leave us alone when life gets frustrating. Like I have said before, "Life isn't about waiting for storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain".


Always,


Hope


AFTERNOON UPDATE:Max is resting comfortably. They removed some rocks and a bag with something in it. The plastic ball was the worst part. It caused peritonitis which he is being treated for now. He will be in the doggy hospital for a few days with antibiotics and sedation so he can rest while he heals.

Worth A Thousand Words

For more photos and descriptions go to Real Hope India's Blog.

In His Own Words

I received this from the Coffee Guy this morning:

I am so glad I didn’t learn to drive here. The first thing I noticed was that the line painted in the middle of the road to divide the flow of traffic is just a suggestion at best. The second, was the drivers  hand never leaves the horn button! It is Saturday (day 2) and the internet is finally up. Ravi’s parents are perfect hosts, and the food is better than I imagined! The months of preparation, study and prayer are unfolding before us as we walk and drive in this noisy, colorful bustling land. Friday Ravi and I were able to set foot in Pastor David’s new church building in Pallipalium. It’s perfect. Meeting Ravi’s brother David was an honor and his family is beautiful. A man and his family dedicated to shepherding the flock of God and raising up disciples to proclaim the Gospel across the street from a Hindu Temple is inspiring to say the least. In a city of 1.5 million of which 95%+ are either Hindu  or Muslim, this would be unthinkable in most Christians minds, but God has gifted and called this man—and he is obedient to the call. I am humbled and in awe that I have been called to help guild and instruct in leadership and doctrinal issues to these godly warriors of Real Hope Ministries.

Day 1

Woke up to the sounds of Hindu call to prayer being drowned out by the early morning traffic in beautiful downtown Sathy.

The Leadership conference lasted most of the day starting with a glorious time of worship (singing to our Lord in any language is wonderful!) and finishing up with a time of ministering, prayer and the laying on of hands for the gifts to flow freely. In between was the time of teaching and preaching. With me teaching and Ravi interpreting the team received the instruction and encouragement as from the Lord, which was our prayer. We made the treacherous ride home through Erode at night—very scary. 

Day 2

After a wonderful Indian breakfast with instant coffee (Indian coffee) we set out for the newest tribal village 1.5 hours away in the mountains east of Sathy. A grueling 21 hairpin climb in which the temp dropped 15-20 degrees and a monsoon rain rolled in a few hours after starting the children’s program. Being there to witness the love and dedication that Ravi, David, Steven have for these forgotten children was a privilege. Their devotion and obedience to the Lord in living out James 1:27 is worthy of a great reward—yet they do it with no such thought.

The later part of the afternoon was spent looking at land just 8-10 minutes north of Sathy for the proposed new ministry center for Real Hope Ministries.

All of this, from the very beginning of this ministry up till today is act worship through faith. Tomorrow will be here soon Lord willing, and we will be worshipping at Pastor Steven’s church here in Sathy. A very small building that may be very packed. PTL!

~~~

I finally got to speak to Russ via Skype this morning. What a blessing technology is for us to be able to connect while he half a world away!
Continue praying for Evie (Ravi's wife) and I while we navigate life at home without our husbands. This morning we had a visit from Mr. Mike who help lift The Princess in and out of the tub so she could get a good bath (something we kind of take for granted).

I will post photos as soon as I get them.

Always,

Hope

Right Hand Only

To those who have been to India or have heard the stories, The Coffee Guy is getting used to eating with his right hand. He is even learning how to break his bread without the help of his left. He is experiencing the culture but most of all he is already feeling a deeper relationship to Jesus Christ, the same Saviour that these dear families worship and seek to know in a deeper way.
I am sure there will be more stories tomorrow.


Always,


Hope

The Sound of His Voice and the Honking of Horns?

The second call came in this morning and what I heard was beautiful. The voice of The Coffee Guy with numerous horns in the background. He was speaking to me on a cell phone outside of the his host's residence. What touched me was the excitement in his voice. With all of the preparation and work to get ready for this trip, I truly forgot how amazing this trip will be for him and by extension, for me as well.

There is nothing about this that is easy for either of us. From the time he left our driveway to the door of the home where he will stay was 54 hours. Very long flights, a five hour layover in a foreign airport and a harrowing drive for over six hours in the dark. I think of that when The Princess screams at the top of her lungs starting at 1 a.m. for 2 hours with unexplained pain. When it seems like sleep is elusive, I think of my husband giving up several hours of rest in order to help pastors of small villages on the other side of the world to minister to their hungry congregations.

He shared stories of the trip, the restaurant they ate at and the meal his host prepared for dinner. They visited the local church where believers met in a building as small our living room. Thankfully he was able to get some sleep as well. Tomorrow (our tonight) they will head an hour out to an all day pastor's conference where all of the work he has been doing will finally be shared. Hopefully tonight their internet will be up (we are so spoiled) and he can send photos to share.

Continue to pray for their safety and for energy to keep up with the difficult pace. Also, pray for Allison's health. As a mom I can tell something is a little "off", I just can't tell what at the moment. I am hoping it will resolves itself and I will get some sleep too. Nobody really wants me to be cranky.

Always,

Hope

Safe Landing!

The "safe landing" call came in about a half an hour ago. No other information but our travelers are on their way to the last portion of their destination. It will no doubt be the most difficult. A six hour drive from the airport until they get to their place of rest.

I have been following flight trackers and found comfort in knowing when they were over places like Ireland and when the landed in Frankfurt. It was nice to know were they were when I started receiving texts about the bombing in Mumbai that not only were they not there, they will be at least a 20 hour drive south of there.

Continue to pray for their health and safety as they continue to reach out to those who are anxiously awaiting their arrival. Thank you for the prayers for our families here holding down the fort. We appreciate your love and support.

Always,

Hope

(Update: I hit Publish Post and the phone rang. The sound of my husbands voice made my day. He sounded great and reports that he has received a wonderful welcome as he was greeted at the airport!)

36 Hours

I know that a day and a half isn't really a long time. I am acutely aware that my friends whose husbands are deployed across the world in dangerous circumstances wait much longer to hear from their spouses. I'm trying not to whine, really I am but it isn't easy and frankly, it is weird.
It's not that I mind making my own coffee, feeding the dog or doing Alli's morning routine. I appreciate all that The Coffee Guy does around the house but that isn't what I miss when he's gone.

I miss his silliness

I miss his confidence!

I miss his hugs

I miss dinners together

I miss his "dadness"

I miss his handsomeness

I miss his leadership

To sum it up I miss his presence. I don't miss what he does as much as I miss who I am when he is here. Companionship is what we are all designed for and when we find it in another person, it can strengthen us. That is what I enjoy with him.

Our Creator built the desire for relationship into each of us. His desire is that we would have a relationship with Him. His plan for us to spend time with Him daily, spend time listening to His heart, spend time getting to know Him and relying on Him to navigate through this life. Like a dedicated husband, He enjoys spending time with us. His desire is to see us full of joy and at peace so we can enjoy everything He has to offer.

The more time I spend with my husband, the more I miss it when he isn't around. The same can be said for spending time in prayer, meditation and in God's Word. When I make it a priority to spend time in His presence, the more I miss it when I don't. Just like it takes commitment in my marriage, it takes commitment in my spiritual life.

I don't ever want to get comfortable with my husband being gone any more than I want to get comfortable spending time away from my Savior and my God. So if 36 hours seems like a long time between communicating with my husband, then I am sure it is much too long to go without spending time with my Creator.

Always,

Hope

Sending the Coffee Guy to India

They have been preparing for months. Meeting to pray, study and plan to travel to the southern portions of India. Today The Coffee Guy and his ministry partner Ravi (aka Rough and Ready) began the physical portion of their journey when they headed to the airport this afternoon. Early in the morning they will board a plane that will take them to the other side of the earth where villages, churches and many pastors are hungry for the teachings from God's Word.

Ravi and his beautiful wife are part of Real Hope Ministries. Ravi was born in the area and his brother is the pastor of the church where they will dedicate a new building for their ever growing congregation. They will be in good hands and I am sure there will be fascinating stories upon their return.

Until then The Princess and I will be entertaining G'Pa when she is not in summer school. Maybe we will find a project to do, movie to see or just do nothing. Whatever we do, I'm sure we won't be quite prepared for the changes and excitement that we'll encounter when our favorite guy returns from his amazing, God filled, blessing laden, once in a lifetime adventure! I'll post updates so you can join us in prayer and be part of the excitement! 

Always,

Hope

How Do You Judge the Value of a Person?

What does it mean that something has value? In the monetary sense value is based on the amount of money you can receive from an object or in exchange for a service. Value can be directly tied to what we are willing to put into it or how highly we esteem the item. If we go by Antique Road Show standards, it would depend on how rare the item is or who actually created it. If it is the latest "must have" item, many have been known to spend ridiculous amounts of money to make sure they get one for themselves. The right words from the right people can determine how popular an item will become.

Along the same line, sense of value can be lost by a negative review or opinion. It doesn't take much to change someone's mind when you cause fear or doubt. A local restaurant lost a large amount of business last year when a woman claimed (and it was printed in the paper) that she had gotten sick. What wasn't made public is that she took her food to go and after a full investigation there was nothing found at the restaurant that could even hint that it came from there let alone that the food she ate was what caused her to become ill. No retraction or follow up was ever printed in the news. Even though there was no proof that the restaurant caused harm, the business suffered.

How does all of that translate to the value of a person? Is it based on what you see on the surface? Do we measure people by their accomplishments? Do we choose who to love based on what other's say? How willing are we to get at the truth before discounting or even putting value on another person.
We have heard before that we are "wonderfully made" and I wrote about how my Creator used that to heal my heart. Lately I have been pondering and studying my worth or my value. We know as Christ followers, to God we were worth sending His Son to die for us. His love is deeper that we can fathom yet we try to add our own value system on others. We use their beauty, their reputation or what we get from them to determine their worth.
Can you imagine if we treated everyone how God treats them? What if we chose to see their worth based on His economy and not ours? Finding the truth ourselves and not basing our opinions on the experience of another.
Lately I have been grieved as I have watched people that were once close to me fall away and become distant. At the same time they have spent more time with someone that Scripture would call my enemy. It saddens me to watch as they take part in the division of relationships. I was intrigued by what Titus 3:10 has to say, "Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned". I also am told in 1 John 4:20 “If someone says, “I love God” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother who he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him; that he who loves God must love his brother also.”
I can't control what others do or say, only how I respond. I can't make anyone stop hating me but I will choose to respond to them as Jesus did. He died for them. My choice to daily die to myself has to include choosing to bless, love and do good to them. Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" along with Romans 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."
This won't be easy but I am committing to this path. I am one of a kind, valued in the eyes of the King to be worthy of dying for. So is the one who seeks to strip away my value with words but it just might be time to see that they are restored.
Always,
Hope