India 2011

Posted February 26, 2011

Dearest Friends,

COMING HOME

Very, very late tonight, Saturday, we will travel to the airport. I will arrive home Sunday afternoon. Please pray us safe home.

DON'T LET THEM HEAR

In one area, we were given permission to go to a government school. The principal was a believer and risked much so that the children could hear about Jesus Christ. As we began, government officials arrived to check on us. I began to pray, asking God not to let them hear our words so that they would say the program was okay and leave. They did not stop us and so we saw God answer our prayers.

The school was right beside a Hindu temple. I could look out the window and see the men giving the gods a fresh coat of paint. We were also told that we could not say Jesus' name too often. We called Him the Great Teacher, but we also used Jesus' name. We were simply wise when we said it. Though they would not let us pray with the children, we were allowed to explain how they could ask God to forgive them. We told them how to pray, asking Jesus to be their Savior. The children heard all about God's wonderful rescue plan for them. Keep praying for these children.

THE god SHOP

One day, we passed a god shop. They were making the different idols and even had a few samples painted for display. I kept thinking, "if you can bargain for the price of your god, how much of a god is he or she?" It seems to us that all of the stories of the Old Testament about idol worshippers are more real to us. Seeing all of this makes me want to do one thing. I want to pray with passion that the one true God will remove this evil from India. Ask the Lord to show the Indian people the truth.

SO MANY SHOWS

There are so many places that we have been that we have not been able to write about. I hope that you will take some time to look at the children's faces in the pictures we posted. Share our joy. Praise God for the thousands of children that we have heard calling on Jesus! Thank you for praying! Thank you for giving to the children of India.

COMPASSION IN THE HILLS

We visited a wonderful place where the children had been waiting for us for hours. The children were being blessed by the ministry of Compassion International. They were so precious, so happy that we came. They had even prepared a special dance to thank us. Also, they gave each of us giant gold garlands strung with sandalwood beads. It was a sweet gift and will make a lovely story.

Their greatest gift to us was that they gave us lots of time with the children. We told them about Jesus and His great love for them. Please continue to pray for these little ones. They are a tribal people in a very remote area.

HANSON, SAM, PADRAIG, ANNA, STEPHEN, LEELA AND JOY

Hanson is a dear young man that I met years ago when I began working at Asian Christian Academy. Now he teaches there. He sets our schedule for us every year, translates for programs, and organizes so many details. Best of all, he has a heart for the children. I love him like a son! Please pray for Hanson, his wife Jocelyn and their little Amy. Ask the Father to richly bless them with many opportunities to serve Jesus.

Sam, Padraig and Anna have been the biggest blessing to so many. No matter how tired they were, they always leaned on Jesus and trusted Him to give them strength. God has used them to share with an ocean of children. More, they have been a real joy to share this adventure with in India. Hold them in your prayers, asking the Father to open more doors for them to tell the children about Jesus.

Stephen drives for us when we are at ACA, but he does so much more. He helps us pack and unpack, set up and take down everything, and does puppets. He has become our partner in ministry. Please pray for Stephen, his wife Jeba and their daughter Astrina. Ask the Father to grow their faith deep and strong so that they can be a bigger blessing.

Every adventure that you have read about happened because of the lifelong ministry of Dr. Joy and Leela George. He serves as the President of ACA and has been used by God to open all the doors we have walked through in India. Please visit their website www.acaindia.org and learn about their ministry. Hold them and this ministry in your prayers.

I personally praise God for every one of these dear and faithful friends.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig, Sam and Anna

Posted February 25, 2011

Dearest Friends,

SEE WHAT WE SEE

I love India! I love its people! The children are especially friendly. I feel that I never saw colors until I saw the Indian ladies wearing their beautiful saris. Their fabrics now decorate my home and always remind me of its dear people. The smells from the combination of spices used in Indian food create the most amazing aroma. However, too many Indians live in great poverty.

Life for many people is hard. It is very hot, dry and dusty. People are everywhere when you are in a city, you feel as though you are never alone and more, you could never be alone. India's population is exploding.

As we travelled in rural areas, we saw so many people living in the worst places. There are so many beggars. There is also trash everywhere you look if you are in a populated area. Clean water is a problem for many.

The hardest things we see are the temples and idols. They are everywhere and a constant reminder of India's biggest problem. This is a spiritually dark place. People worship elephant and monkey gods that are half animal and half human. Homes often have a particularly evil-looking face over their doorways. It is supposed to keep away evil spirits. In front of the doors to businesses, homes and schools, chalk patterns are drawn on the sidewalks to welcome the gods. There is even a temple in India devoted to worshipping rats. Today, we saw three tablets on the side of the road honouring snake gods. The human deities are often painted blue, with many arms and a grotesque appearance. People wear temple marks on their foreheads.Sometimes, they cut off their hair and give it as a temple offering.

In the midst of all this spiritual darkness, you who believe have family. The Christians that we have met here love Jesus deeply. They are sacrificial in their service to Jesus. As always, I have learned much from these dear brothers and sisters. I encourage you to hold them faithfully in your prayers. Pray for the students and staff of Asian Christian Academy. Ask God to protect them and make them bright lights for the Kingdom. Pray for our sweet friends at Rehoboth in Kerala. Ask the Father to provide for all of their needs for the large orphanage they serve. Pray for all those that we have trained to work with children. Ask God to use them to reach all of India's children for Jesus Christ.

GENEROSITY

Our Indian friends have generous hearts. They are always thinking of us and doing kind things to make the work easier. Often, God uses their good example to challenge my heart.

Late in the day on Monday, we did our fifth show. We arrived at an orphanage two hours late. They offered to let us skip the show because they could tell we were so tired. We never considered not doing the program. You should have seen their faces. The children were so generous with their gratitude. They laughed and smiled and prayed. I felt like crying for the joy that the Father gave us.

There was an Indian man at the orphanage. He had never married and had no children, so he invested his resources in others. The Christian man had built the orphanage and funded it. He said to me after the show, "I like what you do. I want to be part of this work with the children." Then he gave me a very generous gift for the puppet ministry. I tried several times to refuse, but he insisted. He said, "I want to sow into this work". His generosity is a good example to me. His kindness humbled me.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig, Anna and Sam

Posted February 24, 2011

Dearest Friends,

JOTHNI MANGALAM

Jothni Mangalam is the name of a village in the Tirupatur region where we did our last show. The village's name means light and joy. We spent a very sweet evening seeking to bring true light and joy to this dark place. The area is full of temples to false gods but God has kindly placed a light in this place. A former student that we met at Asian Christian Academy is now planting a church in that place.

Samraj has a church full of children. All of them came to the puppet show. Many older people came and sat on the ground with the children. A huge crowd of ladies stood behind them. Dozens more stopped beside the road and stayed for the whole show. Everyone listened and laughed and so many heard about Jesus.

Most of these dear people are the poorest of the poor. They are Hindu. A precious few believe in Jesus. Many work rolling cigarettes and receive less than a dollar for a day's wages. This is not enough to live on and there is much hunger and suffering. Though the caste system has long been outlawed in India, they are part of the lowest group, the Dalits. Life is very difficult for them so they are very open to the Gospel. Poor people are always hungry to hear about Jesus. This has always been true and will always be true.

Land has been given for a church there and soon it will be built. Pray for these dear people to discover the joy and light that Jesus gives! Pray for Samraj to have wisdom and grace. Rejoice that he is a humble man who is truly a bright light for the King.

BLESSINGS

1. At an orphanage high in the Yelagiri hills, we heard so many children loudly asking Jesus to be their Savior. Praise God!
2. One grown man began to pray at a show and the children followed him.
3. Today alone, we shared with over 1,500 children and teachers. Most were Hindu. Hundreds prayed. Who is so blessed? I marvel at God's kindness to us.
4. At a very expensive private school, a Hindu teacher thanked us for the program. She said we had touched her heart and the hearts of the children. Please pray for her to walk openly with Jesus.
5. Many times the children clap when Jesus walks on water or calms the storm. They get so caught up in the story I tell that they look, trying to see Jesus as though he is coming down the road. Sometimes, they think that He is at the back of the crowd. I always pray, asking God to make His stories alive. Again, He is gracious.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig, Anna and Sam

Posted February 23, 2011

Dearest Friends,

In the last three days in Tirupattur, we have told over 6,000 children about Jesus Christ. God is gracious!

GREAT BEGINNINGS

We began our time in Tirupattur at a government school full of Hindu children. In fact, every place that we go here is full of Hindu children. They loved the puppets so much that they started to applaud in the middle of the song. This gave us a very receptive group for the Gospel. How amazing it is that God opened a door for us at a Hindu school! Always, I remember that God can open any door.

DANIEL'S SCHOOL

Most people anticipate retirement as an opportunity to spend their time and energies on their own pleasures. The principal of this small village school is a retired teacher who is spending his retirement and energy to build a school for the village children. He is using his own money to provide them an education. More, he loves Jesus and he is sharing Jesus' love with hundreds of Hindu children.

He honored Sam and I by giving each of us a beautiful white shawl edged with gold thread. He also encouraged the teachers to learn from us, to watch how we worked with the children. Afterwards, I had a very special opportunity to talk to the teachers and share my testimony. It was a sweet and precious time.

Children trusted in Jesus at this school. Our friend named the school after Daniel to give them courage. Pray that they will find their strength and courage at the cross.

RAVI'S STORY

Last year and this year, a young Hindu man named Ravi drove for us. We ache for him to find his hope in Jesus. Always he is kind to us and helps us. He has now heard 13 Gospel presentations plus many other conversations about Jesus.

I asked him which program he enjoyed the most. He told us that he especially liked the one where we asked him to run the video camera. I wanted to know why he chose that one. Ravi told us that at that one he especially listened and he really liked the story.

Coming to faith is not an easy decision when your entire family and all your friends are Hindu. Pray for him today and keep praying for him.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig, Anna and Sam

Posted February 22, 2011

Dearest Friends,

Yelagiri Hills

On our way up the mountain, we saw more than 60 monkeys. They were walking on the walls, climbing in the trees, and standing in the middle of the road. They were not afraid of the cars or buses because Hindus believe in reincarnation. That belief teaches them that they could be reborn as a monkey or a cow, so they will go out of their way to avoid hitting an animal. Apparently, the animals were notified. They never move.

We arrived at a Catholic school and were warmly received. In 2 programs we shared with over 1,300 children and teachers. Most of the students were Hindus. It was so sweet to watch their faces as they listened to the stories we told them about Jesus. We invited them to pray with us and put their trust in Jesus. Some of the younger ones prayed in soft whispers, but the older ones prayed loudly by the hundreds. God is blessing our time in the Tirupattura area.

We are very tired, but very happy. We've done 10 shows in 2 days. Wait until you hear the rest of the reports! Please keep praying. This is a very dark place.

In Jesus, Linda For Sam, Anna, and Padrig

Posted February 20, 2011

Dearest Friends,

THOTTAGIRI

This is the name of a very poor village where we did a puppet show. It is made up of 300 families and among them, there are only 10 believers. We set up our stage in their front yard. They live in a small 2-room house with a dirt floor. I don't really think it is possible to describe to those of you in the West how poor most of the people that we are working with are.

This dear Christian family put all of their chairs out in the dirt yard. There were four. We asked for a table for the storytelling supplies. They did not own a table. The only other piece of furniture was a metal bed. They put their mattress on the floor and carried the bed out the door for us to use. I was so touched by their total commitment to our ministry with the children.

When we finished the program, they had made some food for us. They have nothing but they were concerned for us. We heard so many children call on Jesus today. They are all from Hindu families and most live in homes where drinking is a big problem. The children suffer from poverty and alcoholism. They suffer more from the lies of idol worship that Hinduism fosters.

Please pray for these dear children. Each week, friends travel there to do a Sunday School program for 50 or 60 children. They are hungry to hear about Jesus. They want to be loved. Pray!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Tomorrow, we leave for Tirupatur, another city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a spiritually dark place, full of idols and precious few Christians. We are scheduled to do 15 shows in the next three days. It is hot. This will be a difficult time, but a very blessed one.

You may not hear from us for the next three days. I have had very poor service on my phone with respect to data. We will write every day but you may not receive our letters until Thursday.

Please pray for us. We can only stand in the dark if you kneel.

In Jesus, Linda for Pádraig, Anna and Sam

Posted February 18, 2011

Dearest Friends,

THE BOYS' ORPHANAGE

We visited a boys' orphanage that made me both sad and happy. I was so sad to see the way the boys live. Their home was poorly kept and had a lonely feeling. In a land that bursts with color, this place seemed drab and gray. Whereas Rehoboth Orphanage is so full of love and light, this place was dark and felt devoid of love. Even the children's clothes looked dull and gray. This place broke my heart.

The place was bad, but the boys were precious. They rushed to greet us when we arrived. Their smiles lit the darkness. The boys loved the program and we added all kinds of extra things to the show. We wanted to do all that we could do for the boys. We wanted the light to last for them as long as possible.

Please pray for these boys. Our friends are praying for a couple to come and be the family that these boys desperately need. They need someone to make the place they stay into a proper home.

Finally, when we had to leave, they sang two songs to thank us for coming. They are 36 dear little boys who ache to be loved. Please pray that they will be safe while our friends search for the right people to work there. Recently, there have been some problems. Please pray for the boys' protection.

Most of all, please pray that these boys fall deeply in love with Jesus. He is the only One who will never fail them.

NANDINI'S STORY

Nandini is a beautiful young woman with long velvet black hair. She works on the third floor in the clothing section of a market in Thrissur in the state of Kerala. She is Hindu. I met her as I shopped for fabric to make some things that we needed for the puppets. I believe that God drew her to us. I needed some special fabrics to use telling the story of Joseph. God opened a door for me to tell Nandini the story of Joseph. She loved it! I spoke to her about how God took care of Joseph and wanted to take care of her. I explained about Jesus' life, death and sacrifice on the cross.

Her face filled with longing as I spoke to her. She asked my name. Then she said, "I like Linda very much." My friends, Sarah and Elvira, promised to return to the shop and talk with her more about Jesus. Please hold Nandini in your prayers. She lives in a town famous for its temples. In other words, the dark surrounds her. Pray for Nandini to discover the Lord of Light.

SO MANY GIFTS

We finished our time in Kerala blessed with so many gifts. Our students wanted to thank us for the instruction and ministry tools that we gave them. They did an entire puppet show for us. It was unbelievable!

We concluded our last class at 1pm and by 5.30 they had put together an entire program. One of the young people told a story and drew pictures, just like I do. They sang songs with the puppets and even did the bubble trick. I have never seen young people attend training and so quickly grasp all of the ideas. We are all blessed and thrilled by the students at Rehoboth Theological Institute.

Their greatest gift to us was their willingness to learn how to share Christ with children. However, they also blessed us with personal remembrances. Dharmaraj translated for me and gave me his bag that he always used for ministry. I was so honored! Pádraig received handmade pointed shoes and a dhoti. This is probably not spelled right, but it is a long piece of cloth that a man wraps around his waist. To a Westerner, it looks like a skirt, long or short depending on how you adjust it. Anna received Indian flutes and Sam was given elephants. There were many more gifts! I was "crowned" with a wonderful Indian hat.

These young people are dear and self-sacrificing. It gives me joy when I think of each one. Please continue to pray for them and their new puppet team. They will be called "Love Puppets".

In Jesus, Linda for Pádraig, Sam and Anna

Posted February 17, 2011

Dearest Friends,

SANTHUSHAM

Santhusham (pronounced sundoorsham) is the Malayalam word for "joy". Santhusham is what we experience every day. At a school today we heard so many children praying in Malayalam, asking Jesus to rule their lives. Our hearts are full of joy as we think of this time with the children! Please pray for them to trust in God's plan for them each day.

Santhusham is also the name of a beautiful little girl at the orphanage. She has bone cancer and needs your prayers. Before she got sick , they tell me that she was always running. Now she limps and uses a crutch, but she is still smiling.

Today I gave Santhusham a copy of my favorite children's Bible storybook, "The Jesus Storybook". She has not been able to go to school this year. She is a very good reader. Now, she can read about God's great rescue plan for all of us. Hold her in your prayers.

TWO DRIVERS

Some of you may remember our driver in India last year. Many of you prayed for Ravi. I am so happy to tell you that he will be taking us to Tirapatur this coming week. Ravi is Hindu and we want him to know Jesus. Please begin to pray for him and our time together.

Also please continue to pray for our driver in the Middle East, Mohammed. He was so kind to us and genuinely concerned for our safety. When things began to fall apart in his country's government, he told us not to worry. He said that he would give his life's blood for us. This is quite a declaration for a Muslim man speaking to two American and one Irish Christians.

We gave him an illustrated Arabic Bible as a gift. He touched it to his forehead and kissed it. Mohammed really liked my cane and needed one himself. We found him one and gave it to him on our last day. He was very moved and asked me, "What do you want from me?" I said, "Just one thing... Please read the Bible that I gave you". He promised to read it. Please continue to pray for Mohammed. I want him to know the Father and His Son.

Both Ravi and Mohammed are my friends. I ache for them to know Jesus. Please hold them in your prayers.

KINDNESS

It is really beginning to get hot here. After four hours of teaching and a puppet show, I confess that I was beginning to feel it. I was stretched out across the bed, enjoying the ceiling fan. Anna surprised me by coming and washing my feet. Your feet can get quite dirty here with all the dust. She placed a cool cloth on my forehead. Her kindness touched my heart and gave me strength for the next show.

Sam, Padraig and Anna walk in kindness. Their good example shows the children how Jesus changes us and gives us eyes to see others. In class, we have been teaching that you cannot have an effective ministry if you don't follow Jesus' example and treat people as He would treat them. Please pray for us as we want to finish our time with the children well, always with our eyes on Jesus.

In Jesus, Linda for Pádraig, Sam and Anna

Posted February 16, 2011

Dearest Friends,

OTTAPALAM

It takes a long time to reach Ottapalam. We passed two elephants standing in a field, one elephant in a truck, three lime green mosques, more buses than I could count, and were delayed by a train. When we arrived at the school, they brought us freshly opened coconuts with a straw inside for drinking the coconut juice. It was delicious!

Over 200 children crowded into the room to watch the program with their teachers. It was a Christian school, so we had total freedom to share, and the school was full of Hindu children. So many children prayed, loudly and clearly. More, I was mobbed after the show by the children as they all wanted to thank me, to touch me, to smile at me. We all had the best time and are so grateful for this sweet opportunity. Please continue to pray for these children, asking the Father to give them deep faith.

NADATHARA

We had the sweetest time in this village. The law in this state does not permit us to set up in a public area, so we set up in a family's front yard. The entire area was covered with brightly patterned giant cloths that formed a big tent. They set up dozens of red plastic chairs and so many adults, children and teenagers came.

Half of the crowd were not believers and were from a Hindu background. Walking into a church is very difficult for them, but sitting in a neighbor's yard and watching a puppet show felt safe. I could hear two sweet little voices bravely praying out loud, putting their trust in Jesus. More , the family that gave us this wonderful privilege had just buried their mother this week. She really loved the Lord and they wanted to honor her memory by continuing with the planned outreach. I loved their heart!

The adults loved the program as much as the children. They were amazed at Sam's juggling, Anna's musical talents with her flute, and Padraig's bubble trick. They thanked us as much as the children. How precious to stand in such a dark place and be light. Praise God!

TRAINING

Each day we climb to the top floor of the Rehoboth Bible school and teach. We teach in an open area where we enjoy the breeze and look out on the treetops. Our students are eager to learn and it is a pleasure to teach them. Please pray every day for these students! They are our hope for reaching the children in this part of India for Jesus. Actually, as they graduate and return to their homes across India and even into Burma, we pray that they will use these ideas and skills to reach even more children with God's love. Our next trip is to Nepal. We will train and equip a team there. If you have a heart to reach the people of Nepal for Christ, please contact me about adopting this project.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig, Sam and Anna

Posted February 15, 2011

Dearest Friends,

DO YOU NEED A FATHER?

Late in the day, we did a show at an orphanage filled with beautiful little girls. I explained to them God's wonderful rescue plan. I told them all about Jesus Christ and how He could meet every need and solve every problem. I asked them a question that I often ask children. "Do you need a Father?" Then, I explained how God could become their Father. Many found their Father as they called on Jesus to save them.

This was a very special time for all of us. The children welcomed us with a beautiful song, thanking us for bringing God's love to them. Then they put beautiful garlands of jasmine flowers around our necks. They were so long that they hung down to our knees and each had a beautiful red rose tied to the end. We smelled much better too.

Afterwards, we were invited to share a meal with the children.All the children wanted to talk with us. They are so precious. Please pray that the Father will grow their faith. Pray that they will walk in forgiveness as they have much to forgive.

ELEPHANT EYES

Kerala has many elephants, so I am learning lots about them. When an elephant looks at us, we seem big to him because of the way his eyes work. They magnify our image so that we look much bigger to him. Sometimes, when I look at the problems that I am trying to sort on a trip, I think that I have elephant eyes. I see the problems as bigger.

When I look at the same problems with my Father's eyes, they never seem so big. Each day, we see God sort so many details. Pray that we will not look at problems with elephant eyes, but with our Father's eyes.

SAFETY

Some people in this place who are from a Christian tradition were concerned about the threat of persecution. They forgot that our safety is not in our hands. Actually, their fear did not surprise me because they themselves often struggle with the truth in Scripture. They built a number of clear, tower-shaped small buildings. On the top level is the statue of a Hindu god and on the bottom is a picture of Mecca. In the center is a statue of Jesus. The tower makes the statement that we are all one. This is a terrible lie. Often, I quote to the children John 14:6 where Jesus says that He is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus states clearly that no man comes to the Father except through Him. All other paths are lies. Please pray for courage for the believers here as they must often face persecution.

Recently, some believers were beaten. Others have had worse experiences. This is a difficult place to be a believer. Please pray for courage and truth. Tonight we did a street show, details will follow shortly. Tomorrow we will travel a long distance to do a show in a school. Please pray.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig, Anna and Sam

Posted February 12, 2011

Dearest Friends,

GOD DOES THE IMPOSSIBLE

We did a show today that no one thought would be possible. We were at a school that we were told would not allow us to come. However, they did let us come and gave us over 400 children to watch the show. When we arrived, the principal originally allowed us 20 minutes. I prayed and pleaded with him and we were given 40 minutes. Before we finished he was so happy that he no longer cared how long we took. There were Muslim and Hindu children in the crowd as well as some from a Christian tradition. God poured His Spirit on our time with these children.

The Hindu teachers came to see me to personally thank me for the program. Even the Muslim children were so happy with what they were hearing. Hundreds of children called on Jesus, asking Him to be their Savior. As they began to pray, they prayed so loudly that their voices drowned out all the competing noises. Since they attend a Christian school, they will have every opportunity to learn more about how to walk as a believer. The principal and many teachers wanted me to promise that we would come every year. When we arrived in this place we were told that the schools were closed to us for many different reasons. Now, we are being offered more opportunities than we can take. Still, we really need you pray that God will hold open the doors for us to go into the schools.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, is a Hindu festival day and all the schools are closed these students. Ask God to make us good teachers. Ask the Father to give them receptive hearts and minds.

PLANES, BUSES AND CARS

It has taken us what seems like an eternity to reach Kerala where we are planting a new team. The journey required 2 airplane flights, a lot of time in the car, and finally a long bus ride. We were forced to leave the Hosur area a day later than originally planned because there were no night bus tickets available. I am pleased to report that we have arrived and begun our work. On Sunday morning, we were on the top floor of a church under construction. We had no walls, but no one cared. I told the children the story of Goliath and how no problem is too big for God. Climbing on a chair, Sam did a great job of playing the big, bad giant. A little boy played David. After David killed Goliath, I asked the children who was the hero of the story. They all shouted, "David". I answered, "No, God is the hero of the story. God can do anything." Please pray that these children will find deep faith in the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ.

IDOLS AND LIES

Idols are everywhere. Images of elephant gods dangle from the rear view mirrors in cars. Images of many false gods are carved over the doorways of homes. We see many temples, filled with grotesquely carved and brightly painted gods and goddesses. It is at first exposure an overwhelming darkness. Only conversation with our Father brings light.

Yesterday we were in a traffic jam created by an enormous temple procession. Young men and older men carried 10-foot tall decorated giant cones on their heads. They would spin and chant and many were dancing in the streets. As the cones spun, the colored tinsel attached to them flashed in the sunlight. Everyone seemed so happy, but it was all a lie. These images made of stone have no power to rescue anyone. They foster hope, but their reality is deep emptiness.

WHAT IS HOPE?

I sat next to a young Hindu businessman on the plane to Bangalore. I asked him where he placed his hope. He answered, "What is hope?" I talked with him about how I find my hope, place my trust in the One I serve, Jesus Christ. After a couple of minutes of quiet, he answered, "I put my trust in my hard work, my family and this god." He pointed to a golden image on his ring finger. I said, "Does your god answer you when you are in trouble?" Again, he was quiet and finally answered, "Well yes, yes he does." He did not sound convincing.

I said, "So, how does he help you with your sin problem, the fact that you are a bad man who needs help?" He quickly answered, "I'm not bad, I'm good." I said, "I work with AIDS kids in Africa. I'm not good." He said strongly, "No, you are good." Then God sweetly opened the door for me to explain to him about our problem, sin, and God's solution, Jesus.

Please pray for this man and all those who were dancing in the street yesterday to discover the reality of the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ. We could see the darkness in their eyes as they pressed around the swirling cones. Ask God to send great light to this place, to flood their souls with His hope. I pray that this awakening will begin with the children.

ELEPHANTS

I love elephants! Our friends here in Kerala gave us a sweet treat yesterday when they took us to an elephant park. I could stand in one place and see more than 20 elephants at once. It was amazing! My favorite part of the trip was when they brought an elephant over who had just had a bath and let me pet him. His skin was so cold and tough and it made me marvel at the creation of our Father. I felt very small standing beside the elephant. I also feel very small when I think of how big an opportunity God is giving us here in India. There are millions of children living in darkness here and we have the privilege of telling some of them about Jesus. Please hold us in your prayers.

A GIFT

We are currently staying at a Christian orphanage associated with a Bible school, Rehoboth. Tonight, the 200 children who live here will be given a feast as a gift from the local people. This is a widespread Hindu custom, people offering food to one another to mark significant events in their lives such as the passing of a loved one or an anniversary. They sometimes come here with food to ask for prayers for their dead. Our friends will not accede to this request, but offer to pray for the people who come asking. Tonight, the family that is coming have a special place in their heart for this orphanage. Their mother grew up here and they are actually believers. We will have the privilege of doing a puppet show. I can't wait to see what the Lord will do.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig, Sam and Anna

Posted February 11, 2011

Dearest Friends,

We are all safe in India. Getting through customs was very interesting: Sam was stopped and questioned about the stage. He told them that it was like a tent and explained that he likes to make pictures in front of it. All of this was actually true as we often make pictures of the children in front of it. They mark white "X"'s on them if they want to check them. I threw my raincoat over the suitcases and pushed them through the line. No one stopped me.

Tomorrow we will travel to the south of India to start ministry there. We are planning on training and equipping a team at a Bible school. Please pray for safe travel as this is a ten-hour drive on very bad roads. This is Padraig's first visit to India and already he has been affected by the presence of so many false gods. For myself I always notice all the children begging on the streets. It is very important to have as many puppet teams and trained children's workers as possible in this very dark place.

We were warmly welcomed by our friends at Asian Christian Academy. Pray for them and ourselves to be bright lights in this very dark place.

In Christ, Linda for Padraig, Anna and Sam