Mission Trip to AP (15-21 Oct 13)

Introduction

1.     We praise God for another wonderful trip to the mission field. Although there was the threat of Cyclone Phailin and the unrest caused by the bifurcation of AP into two states, our travel was smooth and without any incident. It was purely by God’s grace and by your fervent prayers. The team comprised the following:

           
          
        Pst Joel Rajkumar
          Sis Gaiety
          Bro James Ng
          Bro Rama

Objectives

2.           The main objective of the trip were as follows:

Two church planters seminars

Five church dedications

Sunday morning service at our base church in Rasoolpura

3.       Due to last minute administrative reasons, Pst Joel, Sis Gaiety and Bro James departed on 15 Oct while I joined the team on 18 Oct.

Church Planters Seminar in Rasoolpura on 16 Oct.

4.      About 80 church planters and coordinators attend the seminar. Pst Joel, Sis Gaiety and Bro James took sessions with the participants. It was a real blessing for the church planters as once again they were fed with the Word of God. That night the team took a train to Rajamundry. They arrived Rajamundry at about 7am.

Church Planters Seminar in Rajamundry on 17 Oct.

5.     About 40 church planters from this region attended the sessions. Again Pst Joel, Sis Gaiety and Bro James shared the Word. We were also able to receive funds to purchase 11 bicycles for theses church planters. We thank God for the sponsors.

Church dedications on 18 and 19 Oct

6.          On 17 Oct it was hectic travel on the road. For the first church dedication we drove about 2 hrs into the interior forested area. About 60 people were present for the church dedication. The church was planted by a widow, Sister Kempuratanam. Although the building was not completed due to time and the process of getting the material to build, the members were filled with joy. It was wonderful to see their happy faces and the joy of the Lord they displayed.

7.         Then it was another four hours to the second church dedication, stopping for lunch along the way in the town. It was in a village called Illigdaraparru, West Godawai. Pst Srinivas and his wife had pioneered the work in this village. It was humbling to see the work grow even in remote areas.

8.     Another two hr drive to the 3^rd church dedication. By the time we arrived it was about 7.00PM. The church planter here is Pst Jeremiah. It was quite nicely done. More than 100 people gathered for the dedication.

9.     That night we drove about 4hrs to the next destination, Badrachalam.. By the time we arrived at the hotel it was about 2.30 AM on 18 Oct. Dead tired.

The next church dedication was in a tribal area in Khammam district. It was quite remote. When we arrived at the village, there was a fanfare awaiting our arrival. Drums and noise and dancing. The new church building was overflowing with people. The singing was vibrant and people hungry for the Word

The last church was  located in a village called Jaggaram in Khammam. The church planter here is Pst Lararus. The group had been waiting since 2.00PM and we arrived there about 5.00PM. Pst Joel shared the Word. After the service it was a long drive back to Hyderabad in the night. We arrived Hyderabad just before midnight.

 
13.  On Sunday morning we were at Pst Nehemiah’s church in Rasoolpura. We had a great service and experienced the move of the Holy Spirit. We had three baptisms that day, including Jason, Pst Nehemiah son (picture).

 

 Conclusion

14.   We are in the last days and by God’s grace, reaching to the ends of the world. If we can rise up with passion and commitment, we can achieve much for the Kingdom. Grateful to Pst Joel and Sis Gaiety for being part of this team and for their valuable feedback. we also thank God for Pst Nehemiah for his sacrifice, passion and love for the Lord. God has been good. It’s a joy to see the work growing amidst the challengers. But we will overcome.

ALL GLORY TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST