Home Again, Home Again!

Last Days in Bangalore
Our last 2 days in India were spent driving, meeting and getting ready to go home. On Monday we drove from Tamil Nadu back to Bangalore. It was a long trip but we left in time to arrive at the Baptist Hospital in Bangalore around noon.

After getting settled in, we had a meeting with some more new friends and presented Outline Bible Resources to them in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telegu. After meeting 2 hours, we decided to work on a project together and see how God would lead from there. We're in the process of putting that project together now.

Night Time in Bangalore
Scott, Ron and I wanted to see more of the city and so we set out in a taxi. It took an hour to get down to the town center, at least where we wanted to go. There we found an American restaurant and had a nice meal. After dinner we went shopping for some crafts to take home. Instead of taking a taxi back to the compound, we decided to take an auto rickshaw. Lots of fun, but kind of crowded.

Time to Leave
On Tuesday morning, we rose up before the sun. I didn't know so many people got up that early, but in Bangalore they begin the day ahead of the roosters. Then, off to the airport. We got to London and said "good-bye" to Scott. He was headed home and was scheduled to get there before midnight. Ron and I were scheduled to overnight in London and leave the next morning around 11.

So, we headed for ole' London town. We got off of the subway at Piccadilly Square and went directly to Pizza Hut. Following our hearty meal, we went on "Ron and John's Walking Tour of London in 2 1/2 Hours." Needless to say, we missed a few things. But as you can see from the pictures, we did see some popular sights.

Leaving London
We headed on back to the hotel for the night and finally got there later than we expected. Next morning we caught the bus to the airport. Ron's flight left about 30 minutes before mine. Both of us arrived safely at home (with baggage) and rested well in our own beds.

Another workshop trip under our belts, meetings met, speaking engagements done, and Outline Bible Resources placed in the hands of several hundred church leaders who showed they knew how to use what they were given.

Praise the Lord for the success of the mission He has given us.

Thank the Lord for all of the prayer and financial partners He has given us.

Until next time, blessings,
John, Ron, Scott, and Timothy

Our Last Sunday in India

Final Workshop
Yesterday, we completed our final workshop in India for this trip. The participants each received the Minister's Personal Handbook and the Galatians Teacher's book, the only books we have translated into Tamil or Telegu. It was quite interesting listening to our translator. Sometimes he was translating into Telegu and Tamil, other times only Tamil. That means that a simple sentence may take twice as long or three times as long to get across to the people.

After presenting the books and certificates for completing the the class, we all got ready for the class picture. Final attendance was over 60. We all said goodbyes and then the participants went back inside to worship some more as the team drove off.

Sunday Visits
It's Sunday morning, March 15 at 6:00am, and we are ready to begin visiting churches in villages. Our host said we would be traveling to 6-8 villages today to speak at churches. Our missionary works with churches all over this region. We'll be staying in another village tonight and then going on to Bangalore on Monday.

Your prayers and interest are vitally important to us as we travel speak on workshop trips. Thanks for partnering with us in ministry.

In His Service,
John, Scott, Ron

Chittoor! Bless You.

Holi in Delhi
We survived Holi in Delhi without getting "colors" thrown on us! Holi is a holiday that many people celebrate by getting packages of dry colored dye or mixing it into a liquid and then throwing it on each other. It's a time of fun and activities for young and old. Fortunately we stayed the same color and went on to the airport to travel to Bangalore.

Arriving in Bangalore
We arrived in Bangalore yesterday morning and were invited to have wonderful Indian meal with a missionary friend. This missionary family feeds and tutors over 200 slum children each day. For some of the children, this is not only the only hot meal they may get, it is the only meal they may get each day.

After a great time of fellowship we packed the van and headed out for Chittoor, about 120 km from Bangalore. Travel time was about 4 1/2 hour drive. We came to a fork in the highway and turned on a short dirt road that led to another paved road. A few kilometers down we reached the Bans Hotel.

The Bans
After investigating, we found that this hotel is actually a resort. It has all the amenities you would find in the U.S.; a water park, several pools, sledging, small animal park,etc.

Chittoor Workshop
The workshop started today, Friday, and men and women from as far away as 150 km came for this meeting. The reception for us was great. Scott and I taught and directed the workshop activities until 5:30pm this evening. The people seemed excited to receive the Outline Bible Resources we have and to learn how to use them. Our desire is that these materials will help make them more effective in their preaching and teaching. After giving the homework assignment for the night, we returned to the Bans for snacks before heading off to bed.

God has blessed us with good health and safety on the roads. We're thankful each day for that!

Thanks again for praying for us.

Blessings on you all,
John, Scott, Ron

Delhi Workshop

On to Delhi
We arrived in Delhi on Saturday and were met by friends at the airport. We then immediately made a visit to IET (India Evangelical Team). There we met with Dr. Joy Thomas. As we spent time with him, we learned much about this organization and work in India.

We then went to visit Dr. P. G. Vargis at his home and shared a meal with he and Lily, his wife. Brother P. G. shared some wonderful stories of God's provision and grace through the years. On Sunday we worshiped in an IET sponsored church and Timothy preached. God spoke to the people through His Word once again.

Monkeys All Around
One interesting thing is that we walk out of our room to face the monkeys each day. One of the national commented that they run around like dogs in the US. We visited one temple that has a large image of the monkey god. It reminds us all of the statue Nebucanezzar built for himself. Walking around the grounds we saw many "gods" that were being worshiped. It makes us sad to know that so many are bound to spend eternity without the "One True Living God."

On Monday (yesterday) we began our Delhi workshop at All India Prayer Fellowship. The participants are now practicing the Outline Bible Sermon by preaching/teaching to each other. Timothy leaves us tonight to go back to Nigeria. Scott, Ron, and I will travel on to Bangalore on Thursday to hold one more workshop before heading home.

Thanks once again for being faithful in praying for us.

Blessings,
John, Scott, Ron and Timothy

Launching the Hindi POSB

The second workshop is coming to a close tomorrow (Friday). From here, we move on to Delhi for a great time of workshops with more Indian friends.

Tonight we had the privilege of dedicating the first Hindi Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible volume. We decided to start with Genesis. This will help church leaders address a common problem in India; the problem with many gods! By using this volume they will be able to establish "the one, true, living God."

There were about 80 people present for the dedication and giving of the first volume. Translators, proofers, pastors and our coordinator of the project were all present. There was also a special recognition of the LMW BORN partnership.

The task that remains is to raise funds for the rest of the project.

The girls in the picture were at the second workshop. Madhu and Aratee are now evangelists, leading people to faith in Jesus in the villages. They came to sharpen their Bible teaching skills. Will you pray for the safety of these teenage girls?

Thanks to all of you who are praying for our team.

Greetings from Patna, Bihar, India!

After some traveling difficulties, our LMW Outline Bible Workshop team is now in Patna. With me this year is Timothy Olonade and Scott Klooster. It's good to be with my friends and follow workers once again.

The week began with Timothy preaching yesterday. He spoke from Luke's gospel where Jesus addressed the believers as "little flock." The Christian believers in Bihar state are a small flock compared to the number of people living there. However, they have been given a great responsibility. Tim challenged them to live up to their full potential in Christ for the purpose of helping more of the lost of Bihar accepting Jesus Christ as Savior.

After a nice lunch, we began the workshop with about 70 people coming from several different districts (counties) in Bihar. In the evening, we met with some of the BORN staff to discuss how to improve the workshops and use Outline Bible Resources in Hindi.

Speaking of Hindi, the first volume of the Genesis Hindi POSB is to be introduced this week while we are in Patna. We will have the joy of dedicating it with our Hindi friends and distributing the first volume to workshop participants.

It's Monday and we've begun our second day of workshops. The people are eager to learn from God's Word and it is our privilege to help them discover more of the truths found there.

Please pray for Tim, Scott and me as we meet to discuss how to improve the workshops. We will also try to encourage the participants to take the Hindi POSB and use it in their preaching and teaching to make God's Word clear.

Keep watching this blog as we add more updates.

In His Service in Bihar, India,
Tim, Scott and John