We are finishing up our India work here in Kurnool, and what
a wrap up. We were up yesterday at 3AM
to catch a train here, and after some freshening up, we were off to teach
Ladies classes and three continuous group meetings in various parts of the
city. We taught in homes, in halls, and
on rooftops. We traveled to some
outskirts and remote areas of town, which is not a small task in a city of a
half a million people, and that served once as the capital of the state of
Andhra Pradesh (Pradesh meaning state). And I believe the good Lord saved the best for
last for me. The church service was an
evening service, some 20 miles away from where we are staying. When the road ran out, we got out and walked
about 100 yards or so over rocks in the dark with a little help from my cell
phone light. I’m thinking….after 20 days
in country, this is where the cobra will get me. But we made to the church building with
walls but no ceiling or hard floor, and dimly lit with gas lamps up front. But worship we did, preach we did, and
fellowship we did under the endless stars shining right above us. Our bed time that night was a welcome event. We got up this morning and provided the lesson
for worship services. Prior to that Renee conducted a ladies bible class with
pictures below (note her new India attire). The building serves as
home for Brother Issac and his family, the worship hall, and on the third floor
the new Kurnool School of Preaching that will open March 1st.
One sister has sort of adopted the care of almost 30 orphans
in her home. The space is inadequate as
most all of them sleep on one room on a carpet, but for now it beats sleeping
on the streets. They need your prayers,
and should you want to support in any way, we would be glad to guide your
efforts. What remains for our evening
is a few more bible classes, some baptisms, and then say our goodbyes while we
prepare to catch a bus back to Hyderabad early tomorrow morning. We’ve been here it seems a long time, and
as I type this we've already said our goodbyes and are staying here at overnight rooms at the airport for an early departure tomorrow. The goodbyes were emotional on a level I wouldn't have guessed a month ago, but Lord willing, we'll be back to see them all and work with them all next year. It's like the scene at the end of the Wizard of Oz; you want to stay with your new friends yet you know it's time to go home. So off we go!
The last picture here...the future of India!
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