Mission Trip to Chennai/AP 13-20 Jan 2012

Psalms 100:5 - For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Praise God for another milestone in our missionary journey. My wife and I went on this trip. We were indeed blessed to see and hear the progress of the work.

On 13 Jan we conducted a mini seminar with our church planters (CPs) from Tamil Nadu. We gathered in a church in the afternoon. Bro Samuel Premkumar (an HI alumni) and myself took some teaching sessions for the church planters. We mingled with them and learnt about the many challengers our CPs are facing. Yet in the midst of the many hurdles, the CPs are persevering and pressing on to reach the remote villages with the gospel. Later that night we took a flight to Hyderabad.


On 14 Jan, we had the combined graduation of our three training centers from AP. Another HI alumni from Chennai, Bro Raja Miller joined us for two days on the trip. 32 people were trained in Evangelism and Church Planting. It was a joy to witness the occasion. Many key christian leaders from the city attended the function and the guest of honour was the Joint Collector of Hyderabad, an influential man in the city. Most of the graduates were young men, planning to go out to the villages to plant churches. It was a dream come true.

Also in the ceremony, in recognition of the work done in missions, training and church planting, the JCM Bible College International, affiliated to Missions Link International, Australia conferred an honorary degree (D.Min). All glory to God.

Later that evening we dedicated a new church in Balagi Nagar, in Ranga Reddy District. This was an hours' drive from Hyderabad. We had a great service.

On 15 Jan, we preached in Rasoolpura slum church. By God's grace the work is growing and people are coming forward to take responsibilities. That evening Bro Raja took a train back to Chennai.

On subsequent days, we dedicated two more new churches, in Medek and Nalgonda districts respectively. The church in Medek District was the one that was broken down last year. To show support, Muslims and Hindu leaders of the community also attended the ceremony. I took the opportunity to share the gospel and called for a verdict. Many responded. Praise God.

We also visited Pst Bangaru's church. This was the church where the pastor and members were persecuted a few months ago. I saw some of the kids who were injured by the persecution. It was heart wrenching. Nevertheless the church is steadfast and pressing on with more vigor and strength. My wife and I was moved to tears as we prayed for these persecuted Christians, especially the children who are still reeling with fear and the wounds still visible.

In another location we gave 6 baptisms, this is in a remote area in Nalgonda, about 4 hrs drive from Hyderabad. After the last church dedication in Nalgonda, we visited Pst Stevens (one of PEC supported pastors) home in the village. It was in fact a shed with only one room and everything was done there. I had no words. Yet in the midst all of these limitations, he and his wife have been serving the Lord faithfully in the nearby villages and with a great heart of joy. They have been married for 5 years and we prayed that God will grant them the gift of the womb.

We also met many of our church planters in AP and discussed the ways to move forward in missions.

Thank you all for praying and supporting us. Not an easy trip but one that is worthwhile. We could not have done this without your prayers and support. Looking forward to the next in Feb at the Bhutan Border.