Day 1

(only 2 bags)

Well, it is here.  This trip has been a long time in the making.  We were planning on going last winter, and the plans fell through.  We then tried to get another trip together in the spring, and again, the plans fell through.  I know that a lot of people have been praying about this work for a long time.  I know that a lot of people have given money for this work for a long time.  This work in India was being supported long before I was here at this church.  I talk to Brother V often and he always is very grateful for the support he receives from the BACOC.  I can not completely describe in words how excited he is for our church to be coming over to see the work.  You guys are the ones who are making that possible.

For those who aren't aware, Brother V lives in India and we support him on a monthly basis, both for himself and for the many works that he does over there.  He preaches at 2 congregations, both in Arikerevula and Kovvur.  He watches over a children's home that houses 80-ish kids from about 6-16 years old.  He also converts, teaches and leads many preachers in the area.  He is constantly sending pictures of these preacher's meetings.  He also ministers to a leper colony, and the list goes on.  In other words, he is fighting on the front-lines of the missionary field.

The purpose of our trip is to finally lay our eyes on the work there.  We want to get some questions answered as well as answering any questions that they may have.  We want to see what their needs are with our own eyes.  Even though Brother V speaks more English than I do his language, there is still quite a bit that is missed in the translation.  Most importantly though, we hope to be an encouragement to the Christians in India, especially the kids in the children's home.  I hope that you will pray that God will provide encouragement to the Christians and others in India.

This morning, Keith and I are going to start quite a long journey over to a place we have never been.  I have never been any further than Mexico, so this is definitely a new experience for me.  We leave at 11:15 to head to Chicago.  We then fly to Brussels and then to Chennai.  Once in Chennai, we will find a place to sleep for the night and then take a long train ride to Kovvur/Arikerevula.  We will be back Tuesday, the 30th, at about 7:30p.  Please pray for our safe travel.

I hope to update this blog with pictures and posts on at least a daily basis while I am in India.  I doubt that I will be able to update you until at least Monday your time.  Please leave comments, because the people in India are not the only ones who need encouragement.  I am going to miss my family and friends very much.  I want to say a special thanks to my wife for being very supportive of me going on this trip.  I don't know which of us will have the harder job the next 10 days.  Thanks.