Mission Trip to South and NE India - 5-13 Sep 14

Another exciting mission trip to South and North East India. We praise God for His mercies and love and for the opportunity to serve Him in the mission field. The trip went smoothly without any major problems.

The following from Singapore went on the trip:

• Rama and Jeya
• Bro James and Sis Marilyn (far right)
• Bro Albert and Sis Josephine (Next to Jeya)
• Bro Ruben Bala (in the middle)

Departure from Singapore

Bro Albert and Sis Josephine spent a week in Shadrach Home before joining us in Chennai. The rest of the team departed Singapore for Chennai on the night of 5 Sep. 

Church Dedication in Ottampatti Village in Vellipuram District.

On 6 Sep, we departed for the first event, which was a church dedication in a village called Ottampatti Village in Vellipuram District. It was a four and a half hour drive from Chennai. Pastor Thomas has pioneered a work in this village. Almost 170 people gathered for the church dedication. Because of Hindu opposition, we were not able to get a piece of land in the village. The church was built in a location about 2km from the village.

We were overjoyed in seeing this church building. Pst Thomas started this work amidst much challenges and persecution. I remember when we first visited him back in 2010, we were moved by seeing the living conditions and the sacrifice Pst Thomas and his family had made to pioneer a work there. Hardly anyone responded in the first six months. Pst Thomas was in tears as he recounted the difficulties and the opposition he faced. But God is faithful. Today we have a church as a testament to what God can do when one is totally dedicated and committed to His call. We need to pray that those who oppose this work in that area will repent and turn to the Lord.

Bro Reuben shared a powerful word that evening, encouraging the believers. We left the church after 9PM, awed by God’s power. We reached our hotel at 1.30 AM  in the morning.

Sunday morning service

Sunday morning we worshiped at Pst John Signey’s Church, about an hour’s drive from the hotel, in the outskirts of Chennai. About 150 people gathered for the service and again Bro Reuben ministered the Word. This was then followed by Holy Communion. We were glad to see God’s work in that area. Amidst many responsibilities, our PEC coordinators are sacrificially serving God with their time, resources and energy. We are indeed thankful to God for them.

That evening we had a meeting in Kachipattu Village, in Kanchipuram District. This is the church pioneered by Pst Anand Kumar and we had intended to put up a building there for dedication on this trip. However due to strong opposition from the Hindus we were not able to get land.  We identified a land outside the village, about 1 km away and prayed and claimed possession by faith. God willing we should see a building by the end of this year.  Bro James shared the Word that evening, encouraging the people not to be dismayed but to trust the Lord who is greater that the forces that try to disrupt the plans of God.  

Journey to North East India

The next day, 8 Sep, we departed Chennai early for Bagdogra via Kolkata. We arrived at Bagdogra at about 12.30 PM. Pst Samuel Sharma was there to greet us and and we immediately left for Sikkim which would take at least 4-5 hours. Lunch was in the vehicle; thank God for National Service training for the men. We have to reach Sikkim check point before 6PM so that we can get the entry permit to Sikkim. By God’s grace there was no delay and we arrived at Sikkim before 5PM. It was a tiring journey up the mountains but the view was simply stunning; The “Mountains of the Himalayas declare the glory of God”. But it was scary at times as there were step ravines with narrow paths with no boundaries at the edge of the cliffs. 

Visit to PEC Rangpo, Sikkim

The next ordeal was the steep descend by foot through the forest terrain to reach the church in Rangpo. The church is located outside the town on the hills. It must have been at least 200-300 feet down steep tracks. By the time we reached the church, we were soaked in perspiration and our limbs were wobbling. 

However the moment we stepped into the church, PEC Rangpoo, all our tiredness were gone. The worship was so vibrant and we knew God was in that place. Pst Ruben started the work in that remote place and at least 70 people gathered for the service. Sis Jeya sponsored the building and we were praising God for enabling us to provide a place of worship for these people. Many have to travel for hours to come to the church as the whole area was mountainous, and travel was not easy. The worship was simply vibrant and powerful. You see, there was no big orchestra to lead the people in worship or comfortable chairs or air-conditioning. It was hot and humid inside the church and just simple musical instruments but sincere hearts longing for God’s touch. They danced and worshiped “just like David did”. Bro Albert shared the Word that evening and when the alter call was given, we witnessed a might outpouring of the Holy Spirit. People were just weeping and were simply drenched in the presence of the Almightily God and they refused to stop. His presence was just overwhelming. But because it was getting late we had to call the meeting to an end abruptly. The team was struck with awe as we made or journey back to the hotel.

Then it was the steep climb up the mountain tracks in total darkness, assisted by torch lights and hand phone lights. But no one was complaining.

Visit to Todey, West Bengal

The next day, we began a seven hour journey to the next church planters church. This was to Todey in west Bengal. Tracks scuttling the cliffs were bad. This time the journey was more challenging than the one to Sikkim. Our backs hurt due to bumpy tracks up the mountain. It was like a never ending journey. Again what beauty natured offered. Simply spellbound. It was past 2PM when we reached the church. This church building as sponsored by Bro James and Sis Marilyn and the church planter there is Pst Kamal. It was a blessing to see the people come and worship God in their own simple way. Bro James shared the Word and we had a wonderful time of worship and fellowship.

After the service we tracked another 4 hours before we reached Jaigon at the Bhutan border for some good food, and a nice place to rest. By this time every joint in our bodies was aching.

Church Planters Seminar

About forty five church planters and some of their wives from Bhutan, West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim and Nepal came for the seminar. The following topics were covered from the book of Ephesians. 

Session 1 – Walk in Unity – Bro Albert
Session 2 – Walk in Truth and Holiness -  Bro James
Session 3 -  Walk in Love Light and Wisdom -  Bro Reuben
Session 4 -  Walk in the armour of God – Sis Josephine
Closing by Bro Rama

We had a great time of sharing and teaching. The church planters later told how blessed they were with the teaching.

Graduation

It was the graduation of the 8^th batch of church planters. 14 of them graduated that day. It was a 3 hr long ceremony. Many guests, including a Minister from West Bengal attended the ceremony.  What a joy to see these graduates. Most of them are young but with great potential. God can do great and mighty work through their lives. For us, it’s another fulfilment.

Observation and Needs
 

Only one major concern. We need a new vehicle in that region. A reasonably good vehicle, suited for mountain travel will cost about S$19,000. We sold the old vehicle for about $4000 and a dear couple has pledged $4000. We need to raise another $11,000.

Conclusion
   

We thank God for His protection and favour.  We praise God for Pst Samuel Sharma and the team of helpers and church planters. We are thankful to our sponsors and to PEC and to all our prayer partners who interceded for us. The team was blessed and so were the church planters and the churches we visited. There is a tremendous potential for growth. There is also the potential to reach other states and countries in that region. We still have much to do and we need more hands and sponsors to partner with us to reach the unreached for Christ.