India Update 4

September 25, 2011(written on September 13th mainly)

Praise the Lord!

                He’s been faithful to keep me here in India! This last month has gone well. The Lord opened up an opportunity to attend what is called an India Network Meeting, which is to “pray-nstorm”(like brainstorming, but with God’s heart through prayer, instead of our own minds) on how to reach India better, with other people involved in outreach here directly or indirectly. He’s also had me hang out with some pastors from Sri Lanka, and see what their outreach looks like here in India. And, as I write, the Lord got me here safely to Bangalore to see a friend who just had part of his leg amputated.

                The India Network Meeting went well. The Lord had me come to Bangalore with Solomon, and we had a great time connecting with others involved in outreach here, even more so was the fellowship of people from around the globe and in India. The Lord spoke through the gentlemen who led devotions, and even our prayer time was such a blessing! We prayed together for India and the meetings, and FOR each other in smaller groups. It was such a blessing to receive prayer from my brothers here, and an honor to pray for them as well! God helped free me from some of the spiritual attacks that have been going on, and is continuing to do that! Praise the Lord! And I believe God gave the group a little direction in connecting with other parts of His body here in India as well!

India Networkers

                God allowed me to go and see the Sri Lankan outreach too, as my hopes had been shot down to go with them at first, God restored the opportunity. And He truly blessed me in getting to go on what my brother Harim dubbed “the official Indian harbor cruise” from Andhra Pradesh to a small island off the coast. There the Sri Lankan outreach has been able to establish a school, by the grace of God, and rent a house from the village leader, which they are praying will open up doors to share what has been considered the “unable to be shared” at this point. The Lord had us pray for a few churches in the area too, as they also reach out to Sri Lankan refugees.

Sagar, Sam, and I

                And as I write, God was faithful to take me to Bangalore and have the opportunity to see my friend, Atma Ram, who I’ve done outreaches with in the past. He had toes, and then the bottom part of his leg removed, but the doctors tried and couldn’t keep his pulse up because of his weakened heart. He ended up passing away on September 14, 2011. Although this has occurred, God’s timing for me to be here in India as a whole is perfect! To have been able to encourage a man of God in their time of need is such a great opportunity, and even more so as they are a friend and family member of the body of Christ! God has provided all, even for me to go back and “celebrate” God’s gift of Atma’s friendship(along with some mentorship) to me, with his son Jeshu and daughter Joy(Mark, Joy’s husband was there too). Praise God He provided for them to come from the states. It was great to share and hear what God did through Atma and Molly (Atma’s wife that passed a few years back) in peoples’ lives in their physical family, and spiritual family. The Lord truly blessed me with knowing them both, not to mention Jeshu, Mark, and Joy. They have each been such a blessing to me in ministry, and even more as friends.

picture of "Bishop" from 2007 outreach

                God has also opened the doors for me to attend a few Christian weddings here as well. This one, my first Indian Wedding, was spectator only. That was for a Sri Lankan couple, who plan to live in the U.K., as the husband is working there currently. Shanger and Sulax were married on September 7,2011. Then, on September 15, 2011, Nithya (one of the teachers at the school) had invited me to her wedding. Both were a blessing, as they were Christian Weddings. Afterward they had some good biryani(special rice dish with lots of spices and meat or vegetables, which is common for weddings and special get  togethers). Praise the Lord for the native cuisine and special occasions!

Shanger and Sulax

                Thank You for all of Your prayers and support. They definitely are helpful, and go along way. As You pray for the people here and myself, please pray for:

-          India to continue to be freed from bondage of idolatry, and be healed so they can see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ.

-          The Refugees from the Sri Lankan Civil War(which ended a few years ago) who are still here in Tamilnadu, to know Jesus intimately and for them to know His provision as a whole.

-          Jeshu and Teresa, Joy and Mark (I use Atma’s childrens’ names first), and all others who knew him, whether family or friends to receive comfort regarding his passing.

-          Shanger and Sulax (for the wife’s visa to get approved quickly so they can be together in the U.K.

-          Nithya and her husband to have all of their provisions for their house and life together.

-          Solomon and Clara(his wife), Irene and Graham(his children) to be refreshed in-between visitors, and intimacy to be continually renewed as a family.

-          Solomon and all his extended family as well for comfort, as Solomon’s brother Immanuel- a.k.a.:“Raja” just passed away.

-          Me – that God would continue to protect my mind from the temptations and deceit the enemy has been throwing at me since I’ve been here regarding God’s power and authority in my life.

                Thank You for your continued prayer support as well. I pray you are blessed, and would enjoy seeing some requests from you as well. Praise the Lord!

God bless ya!
        Justin

"Harbor Cruise" video