On our way home

Thank you for making this work possible!

Sunday lunch in the Gootam home.

This will be the last post for a while since we are headed out early tomorrow to begin making our way home.  We are supposed to fly out of Rajamundry but the small planes that fly out of that airport have been grounded for several days because of the weather.  It is solid rain here and the outlook is the same.  Ricky is taking us to the airport and if they cancel our flight he is going to drive us on to Hyderabad to get to our flights home.  The big airport and the big planes are flying OK so hopefully we can make our connections. It is about a 9 hour drive but Ricky assures us the road is good and will be well above water. It makes for a hard day but we'll make the best of it.  Ricky has a bunch of cartoon DVD's in their SUV and a player so we may watch cartoons all the way. :) We had a great Sunday service with the church in Kakinada and lunch with the Gootam family. I have truly enjoyed preaching to these people and know they appreciate it. They continue to be insistent that we come back next year (and every year) but that remains to be seen.  I have no doubt that with the overwhelming success of this years lectures, next year will be even larger.  It is wonderful for people to be so hungry for the Word of God! A lot of tears flow as we leave --- especially from the little girls who have become so attached to Elaine -- but we are anxious to get home.  One little girl asked Elaine "will you be my mother" and you can imagine how difficult that is.  She was not asking to come with us to the USA---just love me and care what happens to me like a mother would. I know of no one to be a better mother than Elaine. (I'm probably a little prejudiced) We are looking forward to the first Sunday "pot luck" at home---Asher, and being with our family there. You know how I am about first Sunday! I have so much I want to share with you and will make a movie about this work this year and see to it all who have supported our activities get a copy.  I am also anxious to go and report to the congregations who have helped make this possible.

Even with the rain-Life goes on

One block from the church building

Saturday 10-30-2010

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.

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.

A village congregation

The village building

Preacher training classes

Village church Leaders

Friday In the Villages

We spent the day today visiting various village churches a couple of hours from Kakinada.  I was a very nice day except it has rained all day.  The rivers are full and the streets and roads don't drain well so there is a lot of water standing everywhere.  There is a large river which starts in North central India which provides the irrigation and water for this whole end of the country. A British engineer devised a way and built 12 channels to divert the water all over instead of just one river.  Each of those channels make our Mississippi look small. This is about the third day it has rained since we got here.  It does not seem to deter any activity, the people just keep going---wet. Just when I think I have seen everything, something new comes up.  Today we stopped to observe a group of men roasting a hog burning palm leaves right along side the road.  I guess if you dug a pit to cook it it would fill with water!

The view out our hotel window

Preacher and Son

I met one preacher today who has been preaching the gospel in his village since 1981. The Blue River church in Kansas City built their building for them in 2004 and they have about 100 members. He lost his wife since the last time we were here and has had some serious health problems but is some better. His family has 4 generations living in that village and his son preaches as well.  They have lot's of young people who are being well grounded in the Faith. I preached at another congregation composed mostly of women who have converted from...........You will know who I mean and they are faithful in spite of personal danger. Their families don't like it but they worship and work anyway. They have a good group with a good preacher and men who lead.  We go to villages again tomorrow.  

Wednesday Lectures

The "JayKay" Ice cream man

Wednesday Lectures:

Preparing Lunch

Elaine and her Interpreter

We are again between services.  We have finished the afternoon workshops and are awaiting our ride back to the building for the evening service.  The pictures you see all have interesting stories.  I don't know that you can read the caption on the ice cream mans cart but I just had to picture it.  It says: "Jay Kay's Ice Cream." Since my  initials are JK....well you get the idea.  Of course these vendors move to where crowds are and they have obviously "hovered" here. Webought ice cream for all the children last night----such a treat to them. Bro. Gootam said teasingly to me this morning:  "Jim Kelly has drawn the candy man, the ice cream man and the balloon man." The numbers are astonishing.  Each person pays a 50 rupee registration (about a dollar) which entitles them to 3 meals a day and publications, afternoon tea..etc.  They receive a ticket that allows them to obtain those things. One picture is of the ladies cutting onions and potatoes for the noon meal. 

They have registered over 2500  people. They know there are more here than that since many local area people don't register but eat at home.  None of us ever expected this kind of turnout! People from Orissa, Madras, and other places I cannot spell.  Those are distances of 1200 kilometers away.  It takes the people from Orissa two days to get here.  The other two pictures are of me and my interpreter--Bro. Rao from SRIKAKULAM, (he has a school of preaching there) and Elaine and her interpreter who is the superintendent of schools here in Kakinada. (one of the Elder's wives.)

We know that this work is the result of so many people in the states who have made it possible financially. I do not have enough words to convey to you how grateful we are for your gracious contributions to this cause of Christ. Because of you, the Gospel is preached, orphan children helped, preachers encouraged, lives changed and souls saved.  This is YOUR work. Thank God for you.

Jim and Bro Rao

Tuesday at the Lectureship

"Preacher's wife to Preacher's wives"

Part of Elaine's Ladies Class

Arrived in a truck

Need some Rice?

It is Tuesday afternoon and we are taking a short break before the evening session.  Again this afternoon Elaine had the women and I spoke to the men in a 2 hour program after lunch. The services this morning were great and the workshops profitable.  So many people are here they spill out in to the street at times.  Joshua told me today they are cooking 700 pounds of rice every day---Plus the sauces they put on the rice. It is hard to imagine but these cooks have 5 huge pots on big burners cooking rice from morning, well before daylight, the till evening meal is complete. One group arrived today--over 80 people who arrived in a big truck---like one of our grain or dump trucks.  One of the pictures today is of them. We continue to do our best to communicate and encourage these people but I believe they probably are more encouragement to us than we to them. It is an amazing work and three more were baptized here today. Some good news, the preachers from Orissa state report that the persecution has slowed there. Several of those responsible for all the killing of christians and burning of churches and houses last year have been arrested, convicted and are in jail.  Some have even died of incurable diseases and in accidents. Many who were persecuting these christians believe "you better not mess with christians and their God."!  I am not sure I could sanction such but at least it has taken some pressure off the churches there. We have relished the day and know God is blessing our work together.  

Greetings, We just got in from Monday evening services. The crowds today were wonderful and packed in the building everywhere. The morning services were highlighted by the visit of a "Senator" from this region to again dedicate the children's home. We did more ribbon cutting with him and gave him a good tour of the facility. I preached this morning as did Bro. Rao from Rajamundry.  We had a good visit with William Carey this evening--he is supported by the St. Louis congregation.  Crowds were "Immense" at every service today.  I had some 400 preachers in the two workshops this afternoon and Elaine had about 300+ women.  Too many to count as they were on the top floor pressed down hallways and in classrooms.

Evening Service-Halfway up Aisle

With India Dignitaries

Morning services numbered 800-900, again almost impossible to count.  They have over 1000 registered as of this evening with more coming.  People are bedded down all over the grounds and throughout the building. We are tired but exhilarated at the wonderful response to the teaching of God's word. I have always felt that my best contribution to this lectureship was the preacher's workshops.  Today just confirms for me that feeling.  If I can in some small way lift up, encourage, and strengthen these men, then many will be reached because of their efforts. Our two hours together today was a wonderful experience. We have found out they use many of the materials Cathy Fuch's sends to them for the Asher church.  From the publication we send and my CD's they get Ideas that help them prepare and preach. It is most rewarding to be with them. Keep us in your prayers....

Elaine and Kabita Cutting Ribbon

Br. Rao Translates

After Sunday Worship

Dedication to God

Ribbon Cutting

SUNDAY:
October 24, 2010

The Old Children's Home

Ribbon Cutting

Children's Home Hallway

The power went out in the hotel this morning but came back on in time to get ready for worship. What a great day. I taught the teenagers class and Elaine the little ones and then the worship service. One young lady was baptized and then after morning services, we formally dedicated the children's home. Lot's of singing, prayers and tears of joy. Elaine cut the ribbon on one end with all the ladies and I cut the ribbon on the other end with all the men. This was the first time many in the congregation have seen it this close to completion. It is amazing. I have some "before and after" pictures in this post. The huge logs in the one picture have been cut and made into beautiful doors and window frames in the children's home. Malaysian teak milled, cut, sanded, and finished right here on the premises. Some of the workers and church members worked all night to make sure the lights worked and everything was clean and ready. A few minor things need to be completed and then they will move the children in. I wish all of you could have been here at this dedication.

At the Dedication

Remember, this is YOUR work and God is glorified in it. It is your contributions that have made it possible.

Logs for the Doors

There are already people here from as far as 400 miles away (In all directions) for the lectures and workshops and more are pouring in this afternoon as their services at home are complete. I will preach again at 7:30 this evening and then Monday every thing really gets going. God bless you for allowing us to be a part of this great work.

Saturday was indeed a great day! We had the chance to tour the new children’s home and it is marvelous. It is so much improved from what these children have had it is like daylight and darkness. It is not quite complete but electricians got the lights wired in and on so out of town guests can sleep there during the lectures. They will fill the building sleeping in classrooms, auditorium, etc. through the week. Some will stay in homes of members here but there are just too many to accommodate. The new children’s home has a large study room for the children plus bathrooms, bedrooms and a room for the “warden.” Thats not a bad title here, it simply means director, houseparent or caretaker. The family who takes care of these children are real parents in the very best sense of that word. They really do a great job training, cooking, tutoring and loving these children.

The new building is bright and cheerful. It is equipped with plug-ins for computers and plenty of shelves for books, bedding, etc. No funds were available to them for hooking up computers so Elaine and I spent some of your money to get that done. Now we just have to find a few computers for their use. If they are to advance in this technological world of ours, they will be assisted greatly by being able to use a computer.

The church here has a young man coming Monday to go to work full time with the children’s home, a sort of “youth minister”. He will assist the warden and tutor the children. He has a degree in Education and plans are being made to start a school here for these children beginning next June. I have long felt that to be a vital thing to do. We have provided the funds to make the proper applications required by the government to begin that work. Your liberality in providing for our travel funds has allowed us to do so much more this time than just get here and speak.

The next door building is for sale and would be a wonderful situation to house such a school but things are very expensive here. I wish I knew some really wealthy person capable of providing the $250,000 to buy it, but I don’t. I know they are out there and some would be willing, and I would not be hesitant to ask, I just don’t have the acquaintance. I know God moves in the hearts and lives of His people so it may happen in spite of my lack of faith.

We preached in a remote village last night arriving back at the hotel about 11:15 PM. We have rested well and are prepared to preach at two services here today. This afternoon Elaine and I are to participate in the dedication services for this new children’s home and do the “ribbon Cutting” officially opening it. A similar “political” event is to be on Monday with many local dignitaries attending. Bro. Gootam says today we open it to the Glory of God and tomorrow we show it to the rest of the community. Today we give thanks to God, tomorrow we show His graciousness to the world.

It is a great facility and we are thankful to be allowed to have a small part in making it happen. So many of you individually, and numerous churches small and large, have made this happen. This work to the saving of souls is YOUR work! You are proven people of God and your contributions and sacrifices are the reason all this is being done. God bless us all in His service!

From Rome to Kakinada

After leaving Rome we arrived in Kakinada at 11:00 Thursday morning---27 hours and 3 airports later. We "crashed" for a few hours here in the hotel and will try to get acclimated to the time as our work gets going tomorrow. The lectureship actually begins on Monday but I preach several times until then in villages and then with the Savatyana congregation in Kakinada Sunday. People are already gathering here for the lecturship. Some are being housed in the new 3rd floor of the church building which will be the children's home when finished. The many who gather here from all over this area eat and sleep wherever they can and it will be a blessing to at least have a roof over their heads.

The purpose of our short stay in Rome was to try to better learn the events surrounding the lives of those people we know from the New Testament. I wanted to see the "real deal", where Paul walked in Rome ...the Forum, Senate, the house of Augustus Caesar, and all those things from the first century. That was, indeed, awesome. With all the hub-bub of modern Rome all around, it takes a great deal of focus--concentration, to imagine how it would have been when Paul walked those stones. The colosseum, houses of the Caesars, etc. are impressive. Since Jesus and the Apostles all lived and died under Roman rule, seeing first hand the history involved is a good experience.

Our impressions of Rome are mixed, some good, some bad. It did not help, that in spite of every precaution we could think of, we lost about $450 to the pickpockets on the subway. That certainly cast a dark shadow over our time there.

After our wonderful time of worship with our brethren in Rome, we were headed back to our hotel when I caught the hand of one who had my wallet, while an accomplish got a pouch with our EURO's in it from the other side. The train door closed and they were gone. Fortunately, The wallet I retained was the one with ID's and credit cards so all we lost was cash for which we are thankful. The next day another such attempt was made--I caught that one too, backed her into a corner on the train, and she fearfully ran out the door at the next stop. These are not isolated but prolific incidents giving Rome a very bad reputation--and well deserved. The "Poliza" just smile and almost make you feel it was you fault and you should have prepared better. I was ready to leave. I was determined to establish a website: "dontgotorome.com." I have traveled all over the world and never really felt fearful even though we have encountered some difficult circumstances. I was constantly on edge in Rome.

However, as is our nature, we try to make the best of whatever, "accentuate the positive" and move on. We had planned to go to Pompei on a one day trip but the loss of those funds prohibited that, so we used our bus and train passes (which we had re-purchased since they got those too) and just went to various places we would not have seen otherwise.

We also made the obligatory trip to the Vatican while there. The museum there is full of artifacts, art, etc. and is one of the largest in the world. The work of Michelangelo, Rafael, and the things of art, architecture, and history gathered there are worth seeing.

Respectfully however, I was appalled. The entire edifice with it's pomp and ostentatious excess has very little ---- if anything----to do with the teachings of our Lord. It's not about honoring the Christ but making monuments to men. I found it very little different than the Idolatry of India. There was no honor to God, just monuments to men. Peter would be disgusted at a statue of himself with a foot sticking out being touched and kissed as if some good luck charm. "Stand up, I myself am but a man." I can't write enough here about all the numerous false foolishness seen in those halls. (See recordings I will make of future sermons!) Undeniably beautiful art and architecture but nothing close to the church Jesus established. Doors through whom you walk to obtain forgiveness of sin "past, present, and future"? Where in the world would one find such in the teaching of scripture. Paintings of Jesus---in Rome---(He never was there) handing the "keys of the kingdom" to Peter. Man's inventions---not supported by fact or scripture --- are simply bald faced, deceptive, unfounded, devious, destructive LIES! Such is found everywhere!

So, you see, while it was a valuable learning experience, I am not very fond of Rome. We are glad to be in India again.

Elaine and I have stopped a few days in Rome on the way to India. The doctors do not want me flying the full 30 plus hours without breaks in between. We decided that since we had to stop somewhere, we would like to explore the area where the Apostle Paul spent the last few years of his life. The long flights take there toll so we got in late yesterday afternoon and slept until 8:30 this morning. We walked the area of ancient Rome and walked on stone streets Paul would have walked, original to the time. Much archeological excavation has been done in the area and the history information is vast. I have no interest in the extravagances and excesses of modern day Rome, but the ancient buildings, streets, etc. are impressive. Roman rulers Augustus Caesar to Nero carry much significance to me. Since Paul was here, under house arrest, writings some of the Epistles, I am grateful to see some of these places. We will worship with one of the VIALE JONIO church here in Rome tomorrow. We will spend some time Monday with Vittorio Vitalone who preaches there and his family. We will be here until Tuesday, and then another long overnight flight to India. We land at 4 in the morning in Hyderabad and then fly out at 10:30 to Rajamundry. Ricky Gootam will pick us up there and I am sure I will begin preaching in villages immediately.

Well, Lord willing, by the time you read this we will be on our way. Departing Thursday afternoon, 14 October, we are headed to the airport to fly to India for the third time. We are so thankful God has given us the opportunity to do this work.

I am very aware of being only one small part of the great work going on in India. It is such a privilege to preach God’s word to people so eager to hear it. There are great works going on all over India; The Gootam group in Kakinada; The Clayton-Hall group in Hyderabad; Jim Waldon in Shillong and others of which we’re not aware. Indeed, the Master’s words, “the fields are ready for harvest” is resoundingly a description of India in our day. Luke in Acts 6:7 wrote; “And the Word of God increased; & the number of the disciples multiplied…” Another perfect description of India.

My friend Jerry Edwards (from the Clayton-Hall Team) wrote recently: “I found 4 examples of explosive church growth: 1) New Testament times, 2) the Restoration Movement in the USA (beginning about 1790), 3) Nigeria in the last century—& 4) in India today..... To see the power of the Gospel exhibited this way is a humbling experience. In my lifetime, I have not seen or heard of ANYTHING that even remotely compares with what is happening in India today! This kind of evangelistic growth was the dream of my teachers in college, but they had never seen anything of this magnitude. They were harking back to the days of the 40’s, 50’s & 60’s, when churches of Christ were the fastest growing religious group in America. However, except for the work in Nigeria in the recent past, it is still nothing like what is happening in India now. We dreamed about explosive growth of the church & worldwide evangelism in our generation, but we never saw consistent growth of this magnitude. Instead, we have seen the relative number of Christians reduced in comparison with the population growth of the USA. On the other hand, the growth of the church in India is phenomenal.” He is absolutely on target.

Personally, the most rewarding part of what I do in India is the workshops with the native preachers attending the Lectureship. I get to spend several hours each afternoon teaching, encouraging, and discussing the scriptures with them. I am informed that they are expecting preachers from 1000+ congregations to be gathered this year. Hopefully, I can in some small way help them better do the task they have before them. If I can strengthen these men, encourage them in their work, they can impact the lives of thousands.

Elaine’s role is expanded this year as she works with the preacher’s wives and other women attending as well as with the children. She constantly reminds us: “I am not a public speaker” but I can tell you this; although she may not have the training nor experience of those of us who have stood in pulpits for years, she has a lot to say! I have seen three of the lessons she is preparing to use, and they are great and will be helpful. People tend to expect more of “the preachers wife” than other christian women. In any country they face some unusual responsibilities as well as fulfill great opportunities. India women---particularly preachers wives---face the normal and also some unique challenges.They are so grateful to have someone talk directly with them encouraging them in their lives. Having been there before, she has prepared herself with a better knowledge of how to speak to their needs. For years I have said; “There are no great churches without great christian women.” There are some great christian women serving with some great christian men in India.

We are anxious to see the building progress of the children’s home and to see this inspirational group of children. We are still raising funds for that effort and have had many friends take the challenge of contributing to complete this facility. We have just asked that everyone who can to send just $50. Thus 500 of us can complete it.

Please know we thank God for you and anything accomplished by what we do is your work as well. All who contribute to this work are partners with us (Rom. 10:13-15). We cannot “go” with the Gospel message unless you “send”. Your financial help is a major part of this work. We are simply your instruments in the spread of the gospel. We are thankful for all who have contributed to our work.

Please keep us in your prayers.