GOindia

Hi there! I dont think I can descibe the last three days adequately on here but I'm going to try.
Sunday morning I preached in the CPH church service again, and it went really well.

In the evening our tour of Tsunami villages began - something we had really been looking forward to, as it meant really getting out into the remote (and poorer) areas. We went first to Pastor Victor's village, only a few miles from Ambajipeta and a mile from the mighty Godavari river which felt the full onslaught of the Tsunami just two years ago.
The village was small, a collection of thatched-roof huts but mostly having power (now restored). We saw the small 'prayer-shed' they use as a church and visited each family door-to-door. This village was poor. One of their main ways of making income was to make baskets weaved from coconut trunks and sell them, making about 1.20GBP for two. (It takes a day to make two)
The visit was all the more magical because it was dark when we arrived and each hut was dimly lit, as we were carefully guided around the makeshift bridges over the streams.
We gave kids balloons and a football - but it was just our presence that received gratitude - turning up to see the villagers and pray for them was what they really needed.
(it was too dark for photos)

Monday and we headed out further to a very remote village directly hit from the sea. It took hours to get there on dusty tracks, but when we eventually reached the shoreline it was amazing. Although the sun had completely gone, you could still see the clean untouched sand, the palm fringed coast and the sea gently lapping the shore, with a few scattered fishing boats.
Nothing could be more bizzare than to think two years ago a mighty wave had hit this perfect shoreline.
A mile back inland and we stopped at the first village. As soon as we got out of the car we were mobbed. Many of the villagers recognised Pastor George as the man who had delvered rice and blankets two years before and rushed to thank him, and im sure our English faces proved an attraction too.
We asked questions and filmed the villagers - and again the response was sheer gratitude that we had bothered to come and see them at all, and hear their plight. It was becoming very clear that people simply dont get out this far...
This was one of the places that has touched us the most so far. Real poverty, real desperation, real gratitude - in a palm-tinged paradise. Again a simple balloon lit up a childs face.

On the way back we stopped at a village Christmas service where we were guests (of honour). Becky spoke and I sang and preached. It was quite an occasion! Some village girls danced for us, and I got to cut the Christmas cake! Apparently George said I was preaching with fire!! He asked Becky "Does he ever preach with that passion in England?!"

Today it was a shorter journey, but still rewarding. We visited another Pastor and his family and promised to buy him a much needed bore well. To our surprise George said that we could come back and view it in just 2 days! Fast work.

We also delivered some rice to a neighbouring village.

One of the most dramatic things we have noted is how far the Tsunami has reached. Not only did it hit the shoreline villages, but also penetrated the mighty Godavari river for many miles, flooding ever village in its wake.

Each of these vilages we have visited has a church plant, and a pastor attached to the CPH network, so everywhere we go we are praying for the villagers, and the church. Many of the villagers are christians. There is some excellent work being done here, and a lot for us to learn from these people about church-planting!

Another amazing day! Today we dedicated a church in a nearby village. It was a small 'prayer shed' type church, but crammed with people. After a short worship outside the hut, I 'cut the ribbon', and the crowd danced around the inside, before starting a service. We were both asked to speak, give a blessing and Pastor George preached.

Becky spotted a very young baby, and the mother noticed this, and immediately came over to place her in Becky's arms during the service. (only a few months old we think)

It was quite a moving experience to have the honour of being invited to dedicate this new church, and God gave us the right words, without too much preparation! There are times when we feel we are treated like royalty here, but God is using us so much with very clear words for preaching. (thankfully they love my songs too!)

In the afternoon we met with the tailoring school that George has set up for young women, to give them income and purpose. It was delayed because of the very bad news that a young local girl had committed suicide that morning - I think this hits the community hard as everyone knew her and the family.
When we did meet the girls it was clear that this was something they needed. Some as young as 13 had signed up - some had just left school and this full-time course, run in the church, will help them feed their household, and raise their self-worth tremendously.

Later that afternoon we went in to town to buy some treats for the kids - it's busy enough in the day (think Camden at peak times) but at night it's chaos! Everything lights up, hundreds of bikes & scooters, and people everywhere - and the shops are great. Victor took us to a bakery and bought me an indian spring roll!

Just a short message today and a few pics. We had a rest day and played with the kids, which included some excellent
"balloon popping"! We also had breakfast with the local magistrate, who is a christian and has massive responsibility for the area and its people! Pray for him!

Oh and whilst we're sweating in the heat, the kids are shivering - finding it too cold!!

Wow, what a great last three days - an AMAZING time!

On Tuesday we visited the Lazarus project, a community for leprosy sufferers. It was a 2 hour drive through the country (palm trees everywhere) in our 60s ambassador taxi.

We were greeted warmly, and had a welcome service in the small chapel, where Becky and I spoke to them.

Then, we distributed some clothes, blankets and rice that we had bought the day before, and fed them with a meal we picked up from a local Hotel. There are about 25 in the community and 2 children, and they were so grateful. It was a moving moment, particularly for Becky who has been looking foward to this for a long time.
After the meal we watched as a local doctor changed bandages, did injections etc.
Such a small amount can go a long way, and providing food, clothes and medicines is pretty essential to these people, who are still on the outskirts of society here.

Wednesday was the start of the Pastor's Conference. We took both the afternoon sessions on Wednesday and Thursday (translated). Becky spoke first, giving encouragement to the wives and teachers. I sang, and then preached!
I have to say that both days were so encouraging - it was quite clear that God was moving, speaking to us inspirationally as well as through our preparations.

The pastors are eager for teaching, and are eager to respond.
The prayer and worship times have been loud and passionate as well!! Our fundraising allowed for a gift to each of the 36 pastors as well.

Thanks to you all for reading and raising that money!
Dont forget to leave a comment (only 2 so far!) email and text.

((ok so now we are up to date and I am actually writing on Monday evening))

Today Becky rested in bed to make sure her energy was back to normal. I played with the kids!!! Badminton, Cricket and now frisbee! (I brought one) They love cricket--but i guess you would've guessed that.
In the afternoon George took me to the nearby larger town to buy blankets, saris and rice for our visit to the Leprosy mission tomorrow. My first experience of shopping and everyone wondering what on earth an English guy was doing in a Sari shop!!

Back at the Home, we ate and just hung out with the kids...