Hi,
Back in Thiruvalla after a two day trip to Northern Kerala (Kannur/Payyannur). It was a hard trip, but we got to see a lot of Kerala that we would not have seen if we had stayed here. In contrast to the strongly Christian southern part of the state, Hindu, Muslim and various Christian thought influence the north. It is not always a happy, SoCal style melting pot of joy. At first, we were confused as to why we were here.
What God showed us, i believe, was the beginning. Here, the importance of developing a commendable ministry which shares mercy aspects across theological lines cannot be stressed enough. This is all for the purpose that the community at large sees good work and may come to praise the Father in heaven (Matt 5). The free wheelchair ministry distributes its rockin products here through a Catholic institution. We visited an affiliated multi-religion rehabilitation center that receives wheelchairs. As a result of believers work in these ministries and the connections forged, churches have slowly begun to take root here. Kingdom work through mercy ministries.
Seeing the church in its infancy here has been a real blessing. Its been a constant theme in India: that God goes before His bride the church, and leads her lovingly by the hand small step by small step. The faith of Indian believers in His sovereignty and provision - that He will build his church brick by brick according to His grace and timing, even in difficult environments - is remarkable and praiseworthy. Such a blessing for us to see and to share with you all back at home.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:19
Sunday, 4 January 2009
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Happy New Year!!
Hello beloveds,
Happy New Year!!!! Its 2009 here in India. And Christy, Ann and I managed to sleep through it. Even with fireworks outside, a bumping club downstaris, and a loudspeaker amplified church service across the street going on at the same time. That is how tired we are. Its a good tired. God has shown us amazing and mindblowing things here.
Yesterday, we visited a home for "destitutes". These are the people in the true margins of society. The elderly, the mentally disabled, the physically disabled, those in need of psyciatric care. There was so much love and compassion here for these men and women who are so often forgotten or swept under the rug of society. Gilgal is truly a God kissed place. I left emotionally drained in response to the outpouring of love and the faithfulness of the staff and the
neverchanging provision of our Father.
Also yesterday, we jumped into the role of management consultants for CVs non profit organization. We are editing books, pushing out newsletters, helping with budget forecasts, and building models and processes that will help the organization grow. This is missions. Missions doesnt have to be living in a tent going days and weeks without showers. Weve been discussing amongst ourselves how God is raising up our generation with a different vision and tangible professional skills that work towards building His kingdom, even here in the developing world. There is such a need for skilled hands to work and beautiful feet to bring the Gospel. And we feel blessed that even in our own limited capacities, God goes before us, and provides a way for us to bless others here for His glory. And through this, our hearts and minds, our very lives, are being molded into something fragrant and beautiful to our loving Father.
Happy New Year!!!! Its 2009 here in India. And Christy, Ann and I managed to sleep through it. Even with fireworks outside, a bumping club downstaris, and a loudspeaker amplified church service across the street going on at the same time. That is how tired we are. Its a good tired. God has shown us amazing and mindblowing things here.
Yesterday, we visited a home for "destitutes". These are the people in the true margins of society. The elderly, the mentally disabled, the physically disabled, those in need of psyciatric care. There was so much love and compassion here for these men and women who are so often forgotten or swept under the rug of society. Gilgal is truly a God kissed place. I left emotionally drained in response to the outpouring of love and the faithfulness of the staff and the
neverchanging provision of our Father.
Also yesterday, we jumped into the role of management consultants for CVs non profit organization. We are editing books, pushing out newsletters, helping with budget forecasts, and building models and processes that will help the organization grow. This is missions. Missions doesnt have to be living in a tent going days and weeks without showers. Weve been discussing amongst ourselves how God is raising up our generation with a different vision and tangible professional skills that work towards building His kingdom, even here in the developing world. There is such a need for skilled hands to work and beautiful feet to bring the Gospel. And we feel blessed that even in our own limited capacities, God goes before us, and provides a way for us to bless others here for His glory. And through this, our hearts and minds, our very lives, are being molded into something fragrant and beautiful to our loving Father.
Monday, 29 December 2008
Kerala
Hi y'all
We are safe in Tiruvalla, Kerala enjoying dinner and the company of CV and family. We have each done and seen so much in the past 4 days that has left us profoundly speechless. We have begun to understand the complexity and uniqueness of ministry here in this beautiful land that God loves so much.
In the next few days in Kerala, we will get to witness the various ministries associated with Sathyam Ministries (www.truthintl.org). Pray for the following:
-India is in the midst of monumental change. In some states, the changes that come with prosperity and modernization have made the climate for churches and the Christian community more difficult.
-Pray for our itinerary in Kerala, including a trip to the remote region of Kannur towards the end of the week and the various mercy ministries we will serve at.
-Pray for Dayan and Sheela's journey to India and the time we will spend with their family's ministries at the tail end of our trip.
Thank you and good night from Tiruvalla. Happy New Year (just in case we dont get internet access again) Love to you all.
-Dan, Ann, and Christy.
We are safe in Tiruvalla, Kerala enjoying dinner and the company of CV and family. We have each done and seen so much in the past 4 days that has left us profoundly speechless. We have begun to understand the complexity and uniqueness of ministry here in this beautiful land that God loves so much.
In the next few days in Kerala, we will get to witness the various ministries associated with Sathyam Ministries (www.truthintl.org). Pray for the following:
-India is in the midst of monumental change. In some states, the changes that come with prosperity and modernization have made the climate for churches and the Christian community more difficult.
-Pray for our itinerary in Kerala, including a trip to the remote region of Kannur towards the end of the week and the various mercy ministries we will serve at.
-Pray for Dayan and Sheela's journey to India and the time we will spend with their family's ministries at the tail end of our trip.
Thank you and good night from Tiruvalla. Happy New Year (just in case we dont get internet access again) Love to you all.
-Dan, Ann, and Christy.
Thursday, 25 December 2008
we're here!
safe and sound - we were welcomed by all of the seminary students and the missionaries here. We gave impromptu testimonies and sang praises - they are praying for us and PCCers as senders.
We're tired but praise God for the business class upgrade where we sprawled flat and slept most of the way.
We'll be getting used to eating without utensils and who knows what other "indian" things. They love us and love you for being part of God's kingdom work here.
More later. They want us to rest =)
We're tired but praise God for the business class upgrade where we sprawled flat and slept most of the way.
We'll be getting used to eating without utensils and who knows what other "indian" things. They love us and love you for being part of God's kingdom work here.
More later. They want us to rest =)
Merry Christmas from Heathrow
we got here safely. we were also upgraded to business class and will be boarding for bangalore shortly.
please pray for us!
Merry Christmas from London!
Hi all,
We've made it safely to London. We've got a short layover before our flight to Bangalore. Writing you from the British Airways lounge, enjoying some good food, drink, and r&r. Wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for your encouragement and prayers. We truly feel your partnering with us on this trip and feel really blessed to have your love and support. Hopefully, more updates soon. You can follow us on Twitter under my screen name: thunderosity or on Facebook (Dan Jeung). Cheers!
-D
We've made it safely to London. We've got a short layover before our flight to Bangalore. Writing you from the British Airways lounge, enjoying some good food, drink, and r&r. Wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for your encouragement and prayers. We truly feel your partnering with us on this trip and feel really blessed to have your love and support. Hopefully, more updates soon. You can follow us on Twitter under my screen name: thunderosity or on Facebook (Dan Jeung). Cheers!
-D
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