After an incredible 10 days of mission in India, and an unsuccessful time trying to post a blog, I'm in the business lounge at Hyderabad airport about to jump on a plane to Frankfurt and then onto London. How do I describe such an intense experience adequately? I won't be able to but here are a few highlights:
* Celebrating my Birthday by laying the foundation stone for the school at the Come Together Compound in Undeswerparum. Third Day helped my wife and I raise the money to but 3 acres of land- and the building is starting!
*Celebrating my Wedding Anniversary by officially opening the second Ignite church in partnership with Gateway ministries. It's in a village called Gummuluru.
* Seeing Craig and Jess, two young people who became Christians through the ministry of Ignite about 6 years ago, who were part of our mission team, cut the ribbons at the church opening.
*Speaking at the first two Ignite India youth conferences and seeing over 200 young people sign the Ignite declaration.
* Visiting many rural villages and seeing the team preach and pray for hundreds of Indians, many of whom were Hindus.
* Sharing the speaking duties with Bryon, all interpreted by Prasad, at a two day conference for over 100 pastors and their families.
*Speaking at a church on a leprosy colony and seeing the joy on broken faces and hurting bodies as they worshiped the Lord.
* Renewing close friendships with Prasad and Vinod and their families.
* Seeing each member of our team- Bryon, Richard, Craig, Maddy and Jess serve Jesus unceasingly and sacrificially.
There's loads more I could say.. but I'll post some photos in the next day or two.
It sounds like an amazing trip. Thanks for the details. From what you have described it sounds amazingly busy and blessed for all who were parts of the activities. We'll be praying for continued safe travels as you are at the end of making your way home.
Posted by: stephanie | 09/29/2006 at 11:39 PM
Hey nigel, I never noticed until just now that Hittler's name is on the foundation stone! that will be a great story to tell about a legendary gospel minister! I miss India so much, it feels strange having to integrate back into the western way of doing things, the people here are so different! (which sounds a bit ironical, as I am obviously western!) but I miss the Indian people so much, their kindness far outweighs anything I've ever experienced here, and just their overwhelming hospitality was amazing. Being back in chester I am realising more of how God has changed me during the trip out, I can't believe it was only 10days that we were there! So many things don't matter to me now, and things that have been in the past pushed to the back of my mind, are so much more important. God is so good.
Posted by: Maddy | 10/05/2006 at 12:26 PM