I cannot begin to tell you how much respect I have for the wonderful people of India. I have found them to be intelligent, thoughtful, and open minded. There is no fooling them--they just want to know the truth and solidly build their lives on it. In our village work today there were 3 more baptisms. These people are spiritual people and when shown the teachings of one God and how to be His follower----well they just respond...and remain stedfast. We have been able to re-connect with so many we have seen in previous years. I am so impressed by the Christians here. They are truly dedicated to Christ. Their young people well versed in scripture and unfailingly faithful in spite of trying conditions and circumstances. They are an inspiration to me and I am humbled by their great faith. I wish you could meet each one of them. With God as our father, we are truly brothers and sisters in Christ.
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| Preaching in the Villages |
I have explained to them I am but an insignificant small town preacher and am almost embarrassed at their reception of us is as if we were someone important. I think they know we love them and that they are the important ones. We have come 10,000 miles, halfway around the world not because we are important but because they are. Not because I am some "big name American" preacher sent to tell them what to do but a servant of Jesus Christ here because He loves and died for them. They listen and respond to the power of the Gospel. Elaine and I are ordinary people but we serve an extraordinary God. It is to Him any "glory" for this work belongs. What we do here is not for any personal acclaim but to bring precious people to the Savior of the world. In working with the hundreds of preachers and elders gathered here, I have reminded them that it is proper for them to be respected for what they do but the people must be converted to Jesus Christ not to them. They may respect us but they worship God---exactly as it should be. It is not about us, it's about Him. I have asked each of these hundreds of men to promise me personally that they will study hard and remain true to the scriptures. Every hand in the house went up and I am confident they will do as they have promised without wavering. We have talked about principles of preaching and doctrinal issues in depth and I have given them every ounce of energy and information I can. I know the association with each other in such large numbers has enthused them. So, hopefully, these lectureships have lifted their spirits and strengthened their resolve. It gives us such joy to be associated with them. To each of you who have financially supported this work and have kept us in your prayers---thank you! The God you and I serve has moved mightily here this week. The funds you have spent will bear fruit both here and in eternity. Here are a few more pictures.
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| A village congregation |
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| The village building |
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| Preacher training classes |
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| Village church Leaders |
