Tonight was the kickoff of the 3 day crusade. A tent was set up along the river on church property that about a mile from the main church. The property will eventually have an orphanage and school set up. There are rice fields that line the property and water buffalo being raised for milk. Pastor John shared with us that as a young boy growing up, he would see the rice mill tower from any point in the city as it was the tallest structure in the village. And now, the Church owns the property ~ Glory to God!

When we arrived, there was between 1000-1500 people singing praise and worship songs in Telugu. Pastor John told us that the crowd would grow as the days progressed. There was just a few rows of chairs set up in the back of the tent, most sat on the ground. Three big bullhorn speakers put up out in front of the property facing the village. The message was not only to be heard by those under the tent, but to be heard by all. Proclaim the message of the Good News by transmitting it to all.

A Indian pastor started off the service followed a message shared by Pastor Ken, a Pastor from Wisconsin. For him, it was the first time he had used an interpreter, so it took a bit of getting use to knowing when to pause. I just kept praying for him and the Lord to touch the hearts of those who heard the message. As the service went on, many people were drawn to the property, standing by the side of the road listening to all that was being said. There were also two more Indian Pastors who shared after Pastor Ken. The entire team was getting tired ~ jet lag. It was catching up with us……Pastor John suggested that we turn in for the night. That was a good idea.

Pastor John opening the Crusade, Pastor Ken (on right) with Pastor Paul translating
,

I recently obtained a digital camera. I’m having fun learning all the bells and whistles that go with it. Unfortunately, I had an accident with it. I wanted to check the space left on the card and hit the OK button ~ while I was on the format screen. Well, I reformatted the card. Some photos were recovered, and others will come to me via other photographers. Please check back as there are some beautiful photos of the people that I don’t want anyone to miss….

We did a children’s service to start off ministry. The children sang to us in Telugu. It is precious. I always close my eyes in anticipation of being wisked to heaven to see all the tribes tongues and nations praising the Lord in their own language.

Our team did not sing (so per say). The team performed a skit about having Jesus as Lord. Usually, we do the skit for the unsaved. But we performed it to show how being too busy with friends and playing all the time can push the Lord out of our life. How it is important to spend time playing with the Lord each day.

The teachers ask us to pray over the children one by one. They line up 7 lines for us to pray. I thought I was going slow through my prayer line, it seemed to not get any shorter. After finishing over one girl, I was enlightened to why my line was taking so long to get through ~ some of the Children were hopping in to my line to be prayed over. It was funny ~ it was because I’m blond and so white (I stood out even more). It is a draw to those who have beautiful dark hair and skin ~ I’m unusual ~ no comments please:). After prayer, we handed out candies to the children for them to enjoy. It was a wonderful introduction to the children and such sweet fellowship!

Photos to follow:

At coffee/breakfast this morning, Pastor John joined us and shared words to stir us. It is about the Hebrew word Mamre. Which means: When (God) Jehovah spoke something, it was already completed and the appointed plan just needed to be stepped into. It is already finished in the Spirit and Natural, we just need to step into it. God does not start something and leave it unfinished. It is FINISHED when He speaks it.

Heb 11:26 Moses saw the anointing (the call on his life) as greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (Remember, Moses was a part of Pharaoh’s house). He esteemed Eternal things.

Just reaffirmed to my heart what the Lord has been speaking about all of us stepping into what He has planned. Timing is what is key. Timing is revealed through prayer. Whether or not things make sense, stick with it! I know this, I’m sticking with it.