In Rajamundry

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.

Finally in India

Well, We are in India. We left London at 2:00 Friday afternoon and arrived in Hyderabad at 5:00 AM Saturday Morning. We are sitting in the terminal now awaiting 7:30 to check in and fly on to Rajamundry. There we meet with William Carey and speak at the church there before driving on to Kakinada. I will speak at the church in Kakinada Sunday morning.

The Lord moves in mysterious ways! We travel the most economical way but the 10 hour flight from London was totally full and they upgraded us to "Business Class" Full recliners for seats and as fine a couple of meals as in any fancy restaurant! British Airways truly is the best I have ever flown anywhere, anytime! Neither one of us got much sleep but at least we rested much better, being able to lay down and stretch out, than we would have in coach. I told Elaine, the Lord gave us that blessing knowing I must be rested to do the task I must begin immediately. She is laying down right now trying to rest a little more. The loss of sleep is harder on her than on me and right now I feel OK. I know by the time we do the job before us today and drive 3 hours to Kakinada we will both be exhausted. Early BEDTIME!

I will shower here in the airport shortly and change into my "work" clothes.

We got to see a few things in London while taking the doctor recommended break. Westminster Abbey is amazing as is the Tower of London. Transportation in London is a Zoo. Even the subway system meant lugging those 4 heavy suitcases up and down numerous stairs to get to our hotel.It was good to break up the flights into two "legs" anywa

Continue to keep us in your prayers. We know the Lord is with us and we are more aware of His presence in our lives and our need for His help and guidance when we undertake something like this. God bless us all ion His service...Jim and Elaine...

Well, we are on our way. I am posting this as we "go out the door" for the airport. Elaine tried to "pack" the little granddaughter next door but they would't let her! We will miss everybody here but we are so grateful for the God given opportunity to make this journey and with His guidance it will be productive to His glory. We are as ready as we can be and just put the rest in His hands. Keep us in your prayers.

Ricky and Family at the Kelly's

Just days away now and things are moving rapidly. Ricky and Sudeepa and Justin have been staying with us a few days while speaking around the States on the work in Kakinada. They have been raising money for the orphanage there and now have returned home. We really enjoyed having them and look forward to our work together. Lord willing, we will be at their place in a few days.

We are leaving shortly and want all of you to keep us in your prayers. Here is a look at our schedule: We leave at 2:05 Tuesday and Return Home on Dec. 12 at 7:00 P.M. During those times we are scheduled very heavily so keep us in your prayers.

I will try to keep some postings here on the BLOG. Our time is pretty full, so I don't know if we will be able to do so daily, but will try.