Many Things Accomplished

As Elders Zack Guess, Herb Hatfield, Timothy Guess, and Mike Stewart were with us for the ministry, we traveled together to different places for the teaching and preaching the Word of God. Indeed, the Lord has blessed their visit very much and many things have been accomplished during the past two weeks.

Two churches have been constituted: one is in Talavaipatty with 22 members and the another one is in Kanekal, Andrapradesh with 62 members. Sake Matthew was ordained as Elder for the Kanekal church.

Talavaipatty:
In Talavaipatty, Bro.Issac and Rebekkah have been working part-time for more than four years. The Lord used them among children and women to share the gospel. After the constitution of this church, Judson has been appointed as their full-time pastor. There is an opening for the gospel of Jesus Christ in this area.

God willing, we will purchase a 3000 Sq. feet land for church and parsonage building. So far, the worship has been held at Isaac's house during Sunday evenings. Sunday morning worship has been started in Paul Perumal's house where a handicapped home is also being run. There are 40 people who attend the worship and the house is packed with people.

Cuddalore:
The Cuddalore ministry was very fruitful. We stayed only two days in this place, but taught several doctrinal messages during these two days. About 80 people have attended the service. We went with the intention of constituting the church and ordaining the pastor. But after meeting the people, we felt it is too early and so asked them to wait for some more months to study the doctrine more. The local Pastor Anburose is doing a good ministry among the fishermen community. As his church building was washed away by tsunami, the church is meeting in his house.

Kattukkottai:
On the way to Cuddalore, upon the request of Issac and Rebekka, we stopped in a village named Kattukkottai. This is their native village where he wants to start a church. This invitation has been extended for a long time but we were slow in making a decision.

While visiting Kattukkottai, there was a happy surprise in meeting with two young people named VelMurugan and Anbigapathi. I could not recognize them when they introduced themselves. While I and Mary were working with a Christian orphanage during the years 1980 to 82, these two boys were in the orphanage. As a first time they have heard about Jesus from us and later grown in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. It was a big surprise to see them after 25 years of gap. But the good thing about them is, the gospel Truth that they have received in their young age has produced fruit in their lives. Even though there is no proper church in this area, yet they are faithfully following Christ. They sincerely requested us to come back to their village and teach them more and start a church in the days to come.

There are about 15 people following Jesus Christ but there is no shepherd to lead them. Issac and Rebekkah are willing to donate a piece of land to build a church building. I thank God for His providence in visiting this place. We are planning to start Sunday evening worship straight away from this month onwards. This village is situated about 70 KM east of Salem town. Please pray that our Lord will give us His wisdom to make right decision concerning this ministry.

Trip to the United States:
Please pray for my U.S. trip. On March 12, I will be flying to Cincinnati to attend a Pastors Conference for 3 days and following the conference will visit different churches to preach the Word of God. After six weeks of ministry, I will fly back home on May 2nd, 2007.