GOindia

Hey people, it's just about time for us to begin the long journey home! Tomorrow we fly to Chennai, a few hours sightseeing and then back to the UK early on Thursday morning.

It's been nothing short of an amazing trip that has more than fulfilled all our expectations. We have seen God work in ways we could never have imagined, and move in people's lives.
We've experienced things most westerners never see - particularly in relation to the Tsunami, going to remote villages and talking to people who never get a chance to tell their story.
Many people have captured our hearts, not least the beautiful children of DCH, who we will miss immensely.

I don't think there is anyone in India who could have guided us better than George Papaf. His ministry reaches people with the heart of Jesus, some of whom would never hear of God's love if it wasnt for him.
From the Lazarus Leprosy Colony, to feeding remote villages, to the tailoring school for girls, to training pastors in church planting - it has been an amazing experience to both observe and be part of this ministry. (CPH - Christian Prayer House)

We have been welcomed into a new family through George, Mary, Victor and Mercy (and Spurgeon in the UK). Thank YOU!

You can find out more about DCH at http://www.debbieschildrenshome.org

So, we sign off and say Goodbye India.....for now.
(You can't help but leave a piece of your heart here)

The children chalk art on the pavements for new year here!


And they bring in the New Year with a 4 hour worship service, broadcast to the whole neighbourhood through a PA!

Following Christmas and as soon as I got my strength back up, we got out again on the Tsunami trail, visiting 3 more villages. We trekked out to Pastor Samson's vilage - a 63 yr old man who runs 3 village churches with over 300 members! All 3 churches were devestated by the Tsunami and 06 floods, with water as deep as the houses - everything was lost both times. Still his faith is as strong as ever, as he continues to visit his flock. He currently lives in a one room coconut leaf shack with his family.
Paul, another pastor lives in a stone house and serves his village with one of the most infectious laughs I have ever heard. You cannot help but be effected by his positivity.
Lastly pastor Prasad lives in a bamboo covered shelter adjoining his church. However 'church' is an overstatement - its a mud-floored building with a leaky roof! With pressure from the many hindu villagers, Prasad was one of the most needy pastors we have met. (Oh, no running water and no toilet either).
Pray for these guys!

We've also had a few days off to be with the kids some more which has been great!! Ive been teaching guitar!

Thursday we headed north to Tuni a 3 hour drive to visit a different orphanage. We passed by Kakinada on the way, a massive industrial (polluted) port harbour. Yet just a mile down the coast was an amazingly clean beautiful beach with hundreds of locals fishing with nets... it really was one of those 'bible scene' moments.
At the orphanage we were mobbed! Lovely kids who love to play, and they had practiced lots of special dances for us too. Nice people!

Back at Ambajipeta our base, we got chance to dedicate a new trike to a girl with polio. Just 13 but with great English already, she cant walk only crawl. This trike will help her to get to school unaided, and give her independence. A brave girl with a bright future - God is shining through her!

Hi again, thanks for all your comments!
And a great big Merry Christmas to all!

It's been very different here. Firstly I got an upset stomach after a restaurant meal on Saturday - which unfortunately meant that I had to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in bed!

However 2 things have happened that I simply had to go to:
I cancelled my Sunday morning preach and opted to go to the river to see 6 baptisms. It really was a scene from the bible! Unfortunately I took all the photos on my pentax and just a quick one on the phonecam, but it gives you the scene. What a privelage to witness!

On Christmas morning a few metres from our bedroom door was the town's Christmas service - about 600 people including the local magistrate, village leader, press, etc, the children, and many local poor villagers were there.
I just simply couldnt lay in bed, knowing that it was Christmas morning and I was supposed to be preaching, so prayer and adrenalin kicked in and I managed an hour in the heat to get down and deliver the gospel! Amen!
Becky spoke as well and spent some time with people and had 2 fried eggs and rice for Christmas lunch!
Next day we heard that we had made the district paper - here with our names in the local Telegu language:

We also found out that both Becky's and my messages had challenged so many people and many came for prayer and commitment.

And so Merry Christmas to all our friends in the UK!! Thanks for your prayers and support that has enabled us to help so many people out here and see God's love in action.

We've been having a few rest days which has been great. Time to just stay around the home and be with the children.
We got to visit the local food market, and see quite an array of local produce! Fish, some of which were still breathing as you bought them, and crabs still...well..being crabs!
My phonecam cant do justice to the colours of the fruit and veg:

and the chillis, well have you ever seen a bigger collection...

We also got to revisit the pastor who we have just bought a new borewell for. Fitted just a day later, the picture shows the pipe next to the original open well. This new one, costing just 250 GBP is closed with a pump and filter, giving much cleaner water from the source.

In the middle of those days was the Children's Christmas!! They celebrate it here on the 21st for the children with a seperate service on the 25th for all the surrounding neighbourhood.

So it started with some games like Kabaddi, running, and a curious egg and spoon type game where you balance a lime on a spoon, and try to thread a needle at the same time whilst walking! Both the boys and girls accepted the challenge of this one!

A service followed, and then the kids sang songs and did a great drama with an angel and santa claus!!!