We had a very rewarding day. After being up all night--flying in and waiting to go out --we had a great day. Ricky, Sudeepa, and Justin met us at the airport in RAJAMUNDRY and we went to Brother Rao's home (and orphanage) for lunch. Sister Rao is SOME cook! Chicken curry---"Chicken Fry" Rice and whole boiled eggs cooked with some kind of crust on them---Man they are good! From there we went to a meeting with Brother William Carey. The older lady standing next to brother Carey (In the Orange Sari) is the widow of the preacher who started this congregation many years ago. We had a worship service with some of his congregation and got to spend some time with them. This was starting at 1:00 Saturday afternoon but still a good group gathered. That is typical of India. People here will gather for study or preaching about anytime--just tell them where and when and many will come. After preaching a while (Me preaching--Ricky translating) we took some time to just meet them and talk. As ususal, they honored us with the flower Leis'. We always honor some of the children before we go by giving them the flowers. That is unusual but they really love it. This Rajamundry church meets on Sunday morning for Bible classes and worship and Friday nights for Bible training. Bro. Carey is teaching at a school of preaching which maintains an enrollment of about 20 students year round. I believe he is doing a good work. We will sack out early tonight and try to catch up on some sleep.
We both could hardly stay awake on the drive from Rajamundry. The group from Memphis School of Preaching and the other speakers have been here a couple of days already, preaching in the villages. I preach at 10:00 in the morning in Kakinada, a preacher school Monday and the lectureship begins Tuesday.
