Church Dedications

It was an exciting day. We had two church dedications. But as usual there are many challenges in the mission trips, and this is no exception.

First an hour's drive to Muniguda to say goodbye to the boys at Shadrach Home. Then a 2 hrs drive through judge tracks to the village called Hiriba.  Beautiful mountains and greenery and so pleasant to the eyes.We had a grand welcome ceremony. Drums and dancing made up the welcoming party. Indeed we blessed to see the work of God.

More than 150 people gathered for the church dedication. This church was sponsored by Sis Helen Sathya. 

The building is already small for the congregation. The singing was superb. Jaya shared the Word and my heart was filled to overflowing. Its just amazing to see wha God s doing in this part of Odisha. 

We left the place with a heart of thanksgiving to God.  

We were told that the next church dedication called Mudguda. was only about 30 minutes away but it took us almost 1 hr and 30 minutes to reach. It was already 2PM and no lunch. We were told that we had to cross the river which was waist deep. The villagers wanted to carry us across the river using a cot but there was not enough manpower. Thereafter we will have to cross another river and travel by bike for about 4km to reach the village. SO we waited for people to come from teh village which was about 4 km away. There was no phone reception and the people had to walk to the village to alert them. 

The river side was so scenic and pleasant . The area under the trees was so cool and refreshing that I decided to lie on the cot while waiting. 

While waiting I realised how difficult the ground is and how much of sacrifice the church planters are making to reach the unreached villages. Its quite difficult to grasp,until you experience it yourself. 

It was getting late. At 3:15PM we decided to turn back as Pst Raji had to catch a train and it will be dark by the time we returned from the village. That area is not safe. Wild animals  roam in the night and the Naxilites (terrorist group) are rampant there. So Pst Anjan and the local pastors decided to proceeded to the village by walking across the river.

The rest of us made a prayer and returned back on a long drive back to our hotel, via Muniguda.

Second church dedicated by Pst Anjan and his team. This church was sponsored by Bro James Ng and his wife. They had to walk about 2 km after crossing the two rivers to reach the village. I was sad and terribly disappointed that I could not be there for the dedication. But God has His reasons.

We sent off Pst Raji to the railway station before heading for the hotel.