Camp India I

STATISTICS

18 days to minister
35 services
5 orphanages
2 Bible institutes
2 Churches
9 Cell Groups (rooftop services)
1 Church leader training seminar

Over 4,300 lives touched!

  After 6 months of preparation, passports, visa's, shots, malaria pills, ect. Dustin and I took off for a 30 hour trip- halfway around the world. We knew NO ONE in India! We had no idea what we would be involved in. We had prepared to reach 5 orphanages and about 500 kids with our camp program. We took enough "stuff' to minister to 500 children. Since God exploded our ministry to thousands, He miraculously met the needs. Every time I opened the suitcase we seemed to have more prizes than we had brought. Every child received gifts that add up to more numerous than we purchased. God supplied miraculously!

  When the plane landed, we knew we were in a 3rd world country. We stood in long lines in a hot, humid, smelly airport. The ride to the hotel was about 45 minutes, the night was active, the city of over 9 million people never sleeps. Fifty percent of the population live on the streets, it was enough to make you well aware of the opportunities that lay ahead. We arrived at our hotel at 2 AM, caught a few hours of sleep and took off for our 1st orphanage. Our hearts were overwhelmed at all the precious faces as we walked onto the roof of the orphanage- a sea of smiling faces. They spent time soaking in us, as we them. Then our first challenge, the use of an interpreter to translate. The language was Tamil, every state in India speaks a different language - what a challenge to reach India with the gospel. These children are so loveable- they have so little yet give so much. We spent 3 days at this orphanage, it was a special time.

  Saturday we met an Assembly of God pastor who has such a heart for children and evangelism. He was very excited about our ministry. That Sunday I spoke five times at his church! We fell in love with the Indian people.

  The next week was spent with Maranatha Ministires. We taught at their Bible Institute to 120 young men training to become ministers. They where so hungry to learn how to use their creativity to teach children and adults alike. What an awesome opportunity. in the evenings we traveled to different orphanages each night and held services just like at camp!

  The second Sunday I preached at a village church were 140 children came to a special service. Then I spoke in the adult service. That evening I was a keynote speaker for a graduation. We trained their A/G Bible school students and 75 children's workers.

  Dustin did a most excellent job following his dad's footsteps, He did the object lessons and made literally thousands of balloon sculptures. They were the biggest hit of the trip. He also had several opportunities to lead praise and worship as we taught an English song.

  The last week was given to the A/G pastor. Their church runs 1,300 with an additional outreach of 33 cell groups that minister to the hindu people. Every evening we went to 2 different cell groups, these meet on a rooftop or between two huts or in the street. What a wonderful opportunity to impact the city. We ministered t over 1,200 children plus hundreds of adults who were captivated by these white foreigners message techniques. Hundreds prayed the prayer of salvation and the work will carry on after we have gone.

  The last Sunday I preached five times before an emotional good-bye and we boarded the plane late that evening. However the highlight of the day was when I was asked to dedicate an Indian baby to the Lord. What an honor!

  After arriving home safely we received an e-mail from the A/G pastor saying "Your ministry has been a great blessing and very effective in Chennai. Many have already wanted to have you for their church and school ministry." II Cor. 2:12 '...A door was opened unto me of the Lord.'

  Pray for India, the seeds that were planted, the souls that were saved and God's direction for further ministry. Thank you for your prayers and support that made this mission opportunity possible. You have a reward in heaven for your part in sending us.

P.S.- Although the tremors from the earthquake were felt for several hundred miles we were always safe.