The end of one amazing season brings new life to the next...

Greetings Friends!

I’m back home in California and I’m excited to get together with each of you!

As I write this letter my heart is full of great joy and thankfulness for all of you who have so faithfully joined me in this amazing season. Through your prayer, support, and financial giving, God has transformed my life and the lives of so many in India. He has multiplied your resources and grown my understanding of service, impact and kingdom ministry. Thank you for the love, support and generosity you have extended to me.

I am transitioning out of my position at Harvest India. It has been a great joy to be a part of Harvest India for the past two and a half years. I’m so thankful for the environment and opportunity that the Lord provided and the tremendous personal change that has taken place in my life. My time in India is one of many gifts that God has given me in this season. While I believe that the Lord has used me in developing many levels within the intricacy and breadth of the ministry at Harvest India, there has always been a constant reminder that this was most importantly a journey for me and my Creator to venture together. It’s been the adventure of my life to date and now I enter a season of discovering what the Lord will lead me to next.

Harvest India has been a tremendous learning environment and we are confident that this stepping stone has shaped and developed me for the continued journey God has in store for me. While the need for my position at Harvest India is certainly not removed, it is clear that the next steps can now be championed by others as they carry the torch in the work God empowered me to begin. Over the next three months I will be in prayer about where God is leading me in this next season. While we are uncertain of the outcome at this moment we are confident that the Lord will continue to utilize my skills and passions. My prayer is that my next opportunity will allow me to be part of a team that both continues to make an impact in the eternal kingdom and holds excellence as a weighted value in the extension of that care. I cannot yet see what the next steps will hold but I’m certain that God is in control and has wonderful plans ahead of me. I ask that each of you continue to lift me in prayer in seeking His leading in this next season.

Please pray that::

·         My eyes remain fixed on God alone.

·         I am faithful to make time daily to pray and seek our Lord.

·         Harvest India will become even stronger through their transition.

·         God would make it clear what opportunity I should enter into next.

·         I step boldly and confidently wherever He directs me.

·         God would keep us all firmly rooted and focused in His perfect plans to prosper us.

I would love to meet with you in the next several months and share what I continue to learn as I process through this change. Surrounded by the community of brothers and sisters God has given to me, I am reminded that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us all. As you pray please also keep in mind that I am open to any connections or organizations that may be a good fit for me and would love to explore any opportunities that God may be opening up to me through you.

Thank you again for your continued love, prayers, and contributions to my mission work in India.

Love and blessings,

John Brokensihre

What's in a name?

Approximately 70,000 babies are born every day in India. Many of these babies will wait for six months before they are given names. For months the babies go by nicknames like “sweety” or “cutie” or some variation typically given by a parent or close relative. Once the baby is six months old a naming ceremony is held. With close relatives and friends gathered, the child is given solid food for the first time, boiled rice mixed with sugar, and a sip of water. After this the name is given.

Kishore and I have a special brotherhood that has deepened tremendously over these last few years as I have spent increasingly more time in India. I was here the day Kishore brought Kezia, the woman he wanted to marry, to meet Suresh and Christina, completely going outside the norms of tradition and arranged marriages. I sat at the table as Kezia was interviewed to make sure that she and Kishore had core values that aligned, before approval could be given for their desired marriage. I arrived just a month after their fall wedding and visited their home as a newlywed couple. I was there the day Kishore found out Kezia was pregnant, just 2 months after their wedding day, and the day that Kishore found out it was twins. I was there the day Kezia went into the hospital and was blessed to visit their two beautiful baby girls just days after they brought them home.

And even after all these moments that I had been present for in these two young lives, nothing could have prepared me for the moment that occurred just days ago. Sitting at the dining table in Suresh’s home, Kishore arrived anxious with something he was excited to share. He sat down and we began chatting about his family and how everyone has been. He reminded me that his daughters’ six month naming ceremony was fast approaching and that I was requested to come and share in the joyous celebration. I was honored and assured Kishore that I would definitely be there. He said it was the following evening at 6pm. No problem my schedule was clear. Then he proceeded to share that he had a special request to ask of me… he asked me to choose the names his daughters would be given at the ceremony. I was overwhelmed; I am still overwhelmed.

Kishore’s parents, Prakasham and Premavathi both passed away just two and a half years ago and to celebrate their lives through Kishore’s children he and Kezia had decided that both of their daughters would be given names that began with the letter “P.” Thankful that the scope of names had been narrowed dramatically I began to pray and brainstorm names. After 20+ hours of prayer God began to shape two beautiful names for two beautiful girls.

Providence Grace

Providence: the foreseeing care and guidance of God over of the earth; in the management of resources and economy
Grace: a manifestation of favor; mercy, pardon

I pray that this beautiful one would seek provident guidance from God as she discovers the greatness of all that God has uniquely created for her to accomplish.

Patience Jewel

Patience: quiet, steady perseverance; diligence
Jewel: a precious possession

I pray that God would keep you blameless as he teaches you each of the spiritual gifts he has entrusted to you, and that He will remind you always that His promises are true and He is faithful to accomplish that which he has promised.

Meet Providence Grace (In Kezia's arms) and Patience Jewel (with her Daddy)!

2012, A Year of Ambiguity?

Certain that there is much to be determined for what 2012 holds for me, I sit in my little place in South India and I reminisce on the certain journey that has brought me here. It hasn’t all been flower petals and dancing, although both have been a very beautiful part of this experience. In the journey, amidst frustrations, disappointment, missed timelines and miscommunication there has been constant peace and through it all magnified in times of great joy, miracles of healing and multiplication of resources, God’s very presence has been near and active. While this season may very well be ambiguous, God’s promises certainly never have been. I wrote myself a letter the other day, it will be mailed to my home in Aliso Viejo in six months. The contents of the letter were primarily an encouragement from my present self to the self I foresee being in six months from now. I did this same exercise at the two week marker of my very first trip to India, in an even more ambiguous season in my life. I came across the contents of that very first letter the other day and it was almost a pleading from my then present state to a future state of my own self. I apparently felt then, with great conviction, I would be waning, walking from where I was in that moment into somewhere I had already been before. Perhaps because I was fearful of how I would handle the ambiguity or perhaps because I knew the historical record of choices I had made in the past. Either way there was doubt in the reassuring style in which I wrote a letter of encouragement and gentle, wisely worded rebuking to my future self. I’m truly thankful that between that letter and the ways God has pursued me over these last two years specifically I found the path in which I now sit. I’ve been asked from time to time what I think would happen if the John Brokenshire of today met the John Brokenshire of 2008… I’m certain that they would be intrigued by the processes in which the other justifies ideas and forms thought, but in the end both would walk away from their encounter feeling as though they were right and the other was well-intentioned, a “good person” but misguided.

The idea has got me thinking about these two very specific versions on me. The 2008 former me shows up to said meeting positive, well dressed, super self absorbed, an entrepreneur who feels the world is his oyster. He’s a bit concerned that God may have crossed some wires when piecing him together in his mother’s womb but he’s confident in God’s love him and he’s feeling almost no convictions about the lifestyle he’s pursued. You would only see the surface, it’s flashy and attention-grabbing and what’s going on inside is not public record. He’s honest and he’ll share with you if you ask him but he’s not likely to volunteer anything. When you look closely there is heartbreak behind his eyes and if something doesn’t pan out soon it will likely turn to bitterness. Jesus is the glue holding it all together but there is distance in their relationship.

And then I show up, also positive and equally well dressed. I immediately see through the whole show, I can see the heartbreak and extend compassion. I’ve been there, but Jesus has taken that to the cross for me, I’m healed now. I have so much more life experience to draw from but it doesn’t come across prideful. For a moment I want to evangelize but then I remember that doesn’t work the way I’m talking about. There’s no relationship yet, no common ground has been built. After 10 minutes of banter, I’d go for the jugular and ask some big questions. The most effective thing I could do is raise question to the very foundation my former self seems to be standing on so confidently. It’s gentle but serious. What do I have to lose? We have a long conversation going back and forth. Every once in a while a statement catches 2008 off guard and he sits with the words for a few extra moments before rejoining the conversation, I’m planting seeds. I would walk away from the meeting confidently praying, knowing that God is going to meet that young man in some very specific ways.

Jesus is always, for me, the glue holding it all together but the distance in our relationship is gone. Repentance has replaced my desire for control. Fear of the unknown has become the very freedom by which I travel, work and live. I am healed, whole and in the beautiful pursuit of others who are in their brokenness finding hope, purpose, and a future full of plans to prosper them. In this there is no ambiguity. Welcome 2012!

Round Four

One things for sure, the trip from CA to India does not feel any shorter the more times I make the fight. After some extreme hurdles at LAX where my entire reservation magically disappeared from the computer system and a one hour conversation with a representative who made it very clear that it was not her mistake nor her problem, I managed to get a seat on a very crowded plane and to my surprise had an empty seat in between myself and Vicky, a very nice lady who now has India on her radar as she heads off to see her daughter in London. :)

I arrived in London on standby due to the error with my reservation and an overselling of tickets on the British Airways fight. Thankfully my travel agent had done some work for me with the airline while I was en-route and by the time I arrived at the ticketing counter I not only had a seat but I had been upgraded to economy plus. Double the legroom and a wider seat is like a first class upgrade when you’re only half way to your final destination and you just got off an 8.5 hour flight. God is so good!

I arrive in Hyderabad, make it through customs with a few questions about why I travel to India so much (I think I need to get some new stamps in that passport of mine just to throw them off my trail) and found my luggage (always a sigh of relief). Outside the airport Yasu Padam was waiting for me and after hello’s and family updates were exchanged (Indian tradition haha) we were off again. Seven and a half hours later I was home.

The ROCKHARBOR 2011-2012 short term mission team is here now and in the middle of VBS for 1,000 of my favorite little faces in the whole world. It’s going to be an amazing few weeks as the 38 of them make new memories and many experience the amazing work of Harvest India for the first time. It’s wonderful to be back… let the fourth chapter in this saga begin!

A Good Laugh

We went to the movies yesterday to see the "Tollywood" (Telegu Films) blockbuster Dookudu in celebration of David's 16th Birthday! We paid "extra" and drove to the "nice" theatre in town with stadium seating and A/C... sort of.



Real story:: We sat in VIP with recirculating air. Thanks God, I needed a good laugh!

Lookout for leather... God's got this

First read the post on the Harvest India Blog and then continue on...

It truly has been a wonderful time making new friends and developing a partnership with 31 Bits, to bring sustainability to women who are struggling to provide for their children and families in India. The model behind 31 Bits is making a lasting mark in the lives of the women that they are already serving in Uganda.

As the weeks went on we were able to build connections with vendors working in each raw material needed for our 2012 venture... except we were still looking to find a leather factory that would be able to supply us with leather for finishings. We had done the research, phoned in our findings to Premanandam, a friend that Suresh had in Chennai, and thoroughly searched Tenali and Vijayawada for any and all leads on leather in the area. We found absolutely nothing an our leads were getting us nowhere. Our last shot was finding something in Chennai and because of the huge Hindu festivals at the end of the September we could only get train tickets to arrive in Chennai 12 hours before Kallie had to catch her flight. We knew our odds were not looking good. Our train was delayed and we arrived in Chennai starving and a bit exhausted. We grabbed a quick bite and started walking to our first stop that Premanadam had found for us. (Not a good sign since all leather factories are quite some distance outside the city) Half way to our destination it became clear that our connection in Chennnai had no idea what we were looking for as we passed shop after shop of leather belts, purses, wallets, shoes, you name it. We re-explained that what we wanted to see was a leather factory for the purchase of raw leather. Something seemed to click but Kallie and I had already lost hope of anything working out in our limited time. We jumped in Premanandam's car and headed out of the city, a much better sign. We arrived one hour later in Chrompet at the building site of the church Premanandam had planted in 1996. We laughed as we completely lost hope and gave in that our leather factory hunt was turning into another ministry tour. Just as we were mentally about to throw in the towel, I was reminded of all the times in my journey in India I have been completely taken aback at the ways the Harvest India network is able to accomplish almost any task because of the magnitude of people in our vast network. As we sat down to have a cold drink, a man approached the church. It turns out that Chrompet is one of the largest producers of leather in ALL OF INDIA... AND the man approaching us, Bani Patrick, is a church member and works one of the machines in one of the bigger factories in the town. He immediately went to his factory and got permission for us to visit the factory. They approved permission for us to visit and within 10 minutes we were on our way to the leather factory! We were greeted by George, the sweetest man you could ever meet, who processes all of the orders for the factory. He personally toured us through the entire factory, showing us each and every step of the process, answering all of our questions and introducing us to all of the staff. AMAZING! We were then escorted to his office where he let us hand choose samples and place a small sample order on the spot that will be ready for pick up in just 15 days!

In utter shock, Kallie and I sat in amazement as we recognized the most unlikely course of events that God had chosen to lead us to the exact place he wanted us to be... fully recognizing that HE IS TOTALLY IN CONTROL and He's got this all under control. Hysterical, humbled and having just had our minds blown Kallie and I headed back to the hotel... In tow... new friends, a leather factory partner, and deepened faith in Christ's leading as we move forward in this Kingdom advancing work.

IN SHORT::
Because Premanadam responded when he was called by Christ Jesus to plant a church in Chrompet in 1996 Bani Patrick came to know Christ's love in his life. Bani Patrick got a job working in a leather factorry and used his influennce to get us a meeting with George. George is the exact person 31 Bits needed to meet before they left India on October 2nd at 5:30AM and at 7:30PM on October 1st Kallie and I sat at George's dest sipping chai and building a partnership... ALL OF WHICH IS BECAUSE JESUS IS WONDERFUL!

Hand Block Printing Factory, New Friends, Peddapuram and Waiting on the Bride!

During IPP's recent visit we spent time launching their expansion of 30 women, ransomed out of prostitution, and given HOPE, DIGNITY and FREEDOM in both our Ashraya and Freedom Centers. In preparation for their fall line of Punjammies we got to visit the block printing factory where the organic Kalnkari [Call-N-Car-E] fabric is skillfully transformed from a boring cream color into detailed paterns in vibrant colors and shades. The process is exquisite to watch as trained craftsman carve wood blocks, mix colorful dies and then hand press the dipped blocks onto the cloth, revealing a pattern that takes hours to complete.
Often the fabric is multiple shades requiring that the worker wait for the preceding color to fully dry before applying the remaining colors in the design. We had the opportunity to spend some time watching the craftsmen at work, poke around the factory and even take home some cool Kalnkari creations.

Later in the week we traveled to Peddapuram to check in with our ministry projects, love on a new group of men and women afflicted with leprosy and encourage some of our church planters. While we were there we met some of the kids in the area. In the morning, before school, a few boys would come to the gate of the house and wave, staring in amazement at the "white people," but by day three we were all friends... they would bring their classmates over during lunch break, I would pray over them and ask them questions about their studies and their families and then they would be back off to school.



We rounded out the week at the union of Anand and Sirisha. Both are foster children of Suresh and Christina and they have both been with Harvest India for quite some time. I have had the opportunity to get to know both of them over the last few years and can say with confidence that they are equally yoked in their love for Jesus and ministry. I was thrilled to be a part of their big day! The wedding was schedule for 10:30am, but when we arrived at the Harvest India campus to collect Suresh and Christina we were told that there would be a delay (Indian time) and the wedding was being pushed to noon. At noon we got a call that the cultural traditions surrounding marriage had run long and the bride had still not left her village to travel to the wedding location. We arrived at the ceremony at 4:30pm and neither the bride or groom were ready. We laughed that weddings rarely start on time but this was getting ridiculous. Many of the guests had been waiting at the church since 9:00am. At about 6:00pm the couple arrived. The pastor conducting the ceremony and everyone who spoke at the service joked about the delay of the marriage and by about 7:00pm it was official. The longest wedding day I've ever experienced, but hey you only get one so I suppose they made the most out of it!

Thanks for all your continued prayers!

Southern California to Southern India

Well I've made it! After 30+ hours of traveling by plane, train, and automobile I've arrived safely back to the place that has captured my heart. As I exited the plane in Chennai the thick stench of Indian air filled my nose and as I started to gag, I laughed smiled and thought, "I'm home." After an overnight in Chennai's finest Royal Paris Hotel,(HAHA) we were off to the train station for a six hour extravaganza of screaming babies and hot rail cars. When we arrived in Tenali I was overwhelmed to see 12 of my favorite faces. Greeted by the bulk of the amazing staff I am privileged to work with, I was welcomed by floral lays and a 3 pound floral bouquet... it was unnecessary but AWESOME nonetheless! Everyone here thinks I look fat; well it's actually just their way of saying that I look good, and healthy but you can't beat the verbiage on that cultural discrepancy. :)! Kick starting my 10 weeks on the ground, we are currently wrapping up a mission trip with Revolution Church, visiting us from Long Beach. Yesterday, we attended VBS with the team and today we are headed to Church service at Harvest India's newest Church building, right in the heart of downtown Tenali.

Thank you for your continued prayers! I love you all

Consider Giving A Special Gift This Season

CHECK OUT HARVEST INDIA'S CHRSITMAS WISH http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Harvest-India-s-Christmas-Wish.html?soid=1102213336805&aid=NyAd2tzvjjk

Spending time with Dad

Before I left for India in October I spent quite a bit of time in bookstores and in prayer, scouring the right reading material to bring with me on my trip. I knew that I would have far less distractions here and would be open and available to spend much more time in the Word and in the works of great authors who have learned much from their time in Scripture. And so I have spent much time in the both the Word of God and thoroughly invested in the publications of great authors like N.T. Wright, Francis Chan and Don Williams. I realize that my knowledge and understand of Gods ways and His teachings are permeating my daily life. Reading, journaling and sharing what I’m learning, has been a truly life giving time in my ministry and a crucial part of what keeps me grounded, composed, and focused amongst the relentless assaults that are made against the Gospel every day in India.

I’ve learned that like the people here who worship 330 million gods, I live in a culture that is far from a perfectly surrendered life of serving just one God. As I’ve grown I’ve become less and less enchanted by the lie of the enemy, who worked diligently to get me to believe that my identity could be found in the world. And I move forward in the truth that in Christ there is no condemnation. He has become the solid rock in which I stand. There is freedom in the journey. Undoubtedly, I am a different man today than I was a year ago. In profound ways God has radically changed the way I see myself in the day to day, moment to moment ways I try to live for others, for God. I’m not there yet. Even in India, living as a missionary, serving the poor, caring for the widows and loving the orphaned, I’m still selfish, self absorbed, ego driven, me. But, I’m on the right path. I’m less selfish in the moments I’m serving God’s Kingdom rather that my own. I’m crucifying my flesh and surrendering my self-imposed, self righteous “rights,” that over time, I’ve appointed to myself as an honest, hard working, young man with the world at his finger tips. I’m reminded in scripture that the world hasn’t been put at my fingertips for my benefit. The opportunities that are within my grasp are designed to bless God’s Kingdom and come alongside His plans and purposes. I recently received an e-mail from a dear friend that quoted Jim Eliot, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This quote points towards the mission of Jesus Christ and the message of His life, death and resurrection. In it we find the path to righteousness for our American society. To whom much has been given much is made available to be given back; for the Glory of God, for his Kingdom’s advancement. But that message has been covered up and blurred by the media, politics and even the Church. There are amazing technological advances, gadgets, vacations, cars, homes, and countless other worldly possessions that vie for our monetary resources. Most of which are reasonably permissible and the rest we are clever enough to justify off of the want columns in our lives and over our lists of necessities. We say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. (1 Cor 10:23-24)When we trick ourselves into justifying our unbiblical behavior we miss out on the Kingdom. When we limit our possessions to belonging, directed at our own personal benefit, we miss out on the great freedom that was experienced in the early Church of Acts; “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” We are making choices that prevent us from this type of community in today’s Church; so driven by God’s purposes they lived together, using one shared financial resource to sustain everyone. These were people who were in true community, withholding nothing from one another.

Please continue to pray for my time in India. That I would live a life“… not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” 1 Cor 10:32

Thanksgiving... Thanks India!

To sum up my Thanksgiving experience this year I have comprised a Mastercard commercial which I completely authorize Mastercard to use for their marketing purposes should they discover this post:

Thanksgiving Dinner with the fam in a super posh, foreign Indian restaurant ironically named Chillies.... $45.67 (for a party of 8)
Spontaneous Camel ride through a random park dividing the main thoroughfare...... $0.50
Finding a shoe maker that makes custom leather sandals for less than $4 a pair.... well... about $12 when you buy three pairs(but really it's a priceless find and I've made a new friend)
Riding India's version of the Autopia Cars.... $1.00
Making memories on a Thanksgiving weekend that will never be matched or forgotten.... PRICELESS

My calling grows... we knew it would!

Today I was priveledged to preach in a small village church about 30 minutes from where I'm living in Tenali. Over the last several weeks Suresh and Christina have felt like God has been calling them to encourage me to sharpen my skills for sharing the Word and so... as Suresh always does... he responded... by arranging speaking engagments Sunday mornings throughout the remainder of my time in India, at various churches in the Harvest India network. It's been a true blessing! God has provided every step of the way. And while I always try to do some planning prior to the message, it's been incredible to allow the Holy Spirit to lead, creating space for God to move and sharing relevant messages with these amazing and hungry believers. Be blessed my family and loved ones! Thank you for your continued prayers!

Indian Cooking 101

Last night I got a lesson in how to make curry! It was awesome! I made authentic India pickle! By mixing green chilies, tomatoes, a few pinches of sea salt and garlic. Using teak wood and a grinding pot you mash them together into a puree similar to a very spicy salsa. I worked up a sweat and got laughed at several times, but all in good fun. White people can cook in India, but its not recommended! :) It should come as no surprise that I couldn't eat the curry I had created because it was too spicy, but I did try just a tiny bit to taste my creation. Pretty good if I do say so myself! It's good to know that if I ever get called out of full time ministry here in India... I have a fall back plan as a professional curry maker. :)

Stay Connected

To read the latest happenings at Harvest India go to http://www.harvestindia.org/blog/

So this is love...

It's been a few days and I'm praising God for the amazing ways He is already blessing me for walking in obedience. After my flight fiasco, I finally arrived in Hyderabad just 12 hours after I had originally anticipated. I could have literally kissed the ground I was so excited to reach my destination. As I exited the airport with my full cart of six bags in tow I saw Suresh's long time friend Sridel, who was there to greet me and it was a great to see a familiar face. We loaded my bags into the car and as I opened the back door of the car, in my seat, was a brand new pillow! Suresh had heard the struggle I was having with the airlines, and assuming I would be exhausted; he sent a pillow so that I could get some rest on the six our drive from Hyderabad to Tenali. I'm not sure if it was the over exhaustion or the welcomed and loving gesture but I cried. The way that this culture, and the Kumar family specifically, loves people is enough to make anyone with a heart cry. As I crawled into the back seat unwrapped my new pillow and laid down my head I remember thinking, "I'm home!" Whether the trials and delay in my flight was testing, accidental, spiritual warfare, or protection, one thing is clear, God loves me and he has my very best interest in mind.

I slept the entire drive, reached Tenali at 2AM, settled into my room and slept the whole night through. In the morning I awoke rested and experiencing no jet-lag. God is so good! I met the team visiting us from Silver City, NM and spent the day with some of my favorite elderly. I knew that there was chance I would see some new faces at the center but feared I would not see others. I was immediately crushed when the dear face of my beloved Kammabam did not emerge from the smiling faces. As unappointed leaded of the elderly center in Ventkapatnem there is noticeable difference when visiting the center without her presence. She is truly filled with the joy of the Lord! Even in old age she would dance and sing and sometimes even jump with joy as she sang joyful praises to the Lord. Suresh shared that she is still with us, very ill and in need of much attention she has been sent to the home of one of her sons. Though it's difficult to think that she's in pain, it's encouraging to know that God is still moving and restoring relationships in her late life. Kammabam has five children and all deserted her in old age. Their hardened harts disowned their mother in her time of need. Left with nothing and forced into the streets to beg Kammabam found the Harvest India elderly center. She has been under Harvest India care for nearly four years now. As she approaches the end of this life and enters into eternity with the Savior she's known for only four years, but who's know her since the beginning of time, Kammabam leaves her legacy. No fortune, no fame, but countless joyous memories that's she has given to each visitor that has come to Harvest India. Countless hours or prayer that would surpass the average "life-long" Christian, wisdom beyond measure, and peace that surpasses understanding. Succeeded by her three sons and two daughters who have yet to personally come to know Jesus, she now in the home of her son during her final days. Shining light in the darkness, Kammabam is being reconciled to the children who one abandoned her to the street and encouraging them to seek the Lord and surrender their lives to His leading. Only time will tell the fate of her children but her identity is clear, eternity secured. Thank you Kammabam for loving God with all your heart and for loving us as an example of that love!

Read more about Kammabam's story in a coming Newsletter by signing up online at: http://www.harvestindia.org/newsletters/

Modern Day Shipwreck

So this is not the way I anticipated re-entering the blogosphere but I'm in London, exhausted, stuck, and in need of prayers. Its been a long day since I left Virginia. I had a mishap with leaving my carry on somewhere on the platform in transit to the terminal which I didn't realize for about 15 minutes. Frantically, I ran through Dulles Airport in search of anyone that cared enough to help me in my state of panic. I found no one, but eventually found my way back to TSA and a gentleman there was aware of a bag that had been turned in. A few anxious moments and my bag appeared just as I had accidentally left it. Profusely apologizing for doing the one worst thing I could have done in an airport, the man made light of the situation saying they were just about to torch it outside! It made me smile and calmed my nerves a bit and I was headed back, this time baggage in tow, to the terminal. I made a few last goodbye phone calls and prepared to board the plane. I had an open seat next to me, which was a blessing, and a very warm older man and his wife who were preparing to visit Prague and Venice. We chatted a bit and I got share Harvest India and my experience with being called to life on mission in India. He was very interested and asked some great questions. Two small children in the row in front of me cried and screamed the intire flight and while it didn't bother me to bad with headphones and earplugs it did keep me awake the entire flight and so I got no rest on the red eye flight to London.

I arrived at Heathrow at 10:20am and I had a four hour layover. I read a bit, grabbed a bite to eat and walked around the airport. With minutes until BA released the gate of my flight to Hyderabad I sat down and waited for further direction from the screens above. That was at 1:25p. The next thing I knew I was looking at the inside of my exhausted eyelids and when they re-opened the clock said 2:20pm, just five minutes after my flights final boarding call. I rushed to the counter to see if there was anyway they could hold the plane but even I couldn't charm myself out of this one. In utter frustration, confusion and on the brink of tears I walked away from the counter and collapsed to my knees. "God come on! Don't you want me in India" The words hurt to even speak. Of course God wanted me in India. He's already made that perfectly clear. I spent the last few weeks of my time in California wrapping my mind around my explanation of hard times in view of God's will. I've had this overwhelmingly, rather peaceful, feeling that this time India wasn't going to be easy. Not because God doesn't love blessing His children but because the world has fallen and what I've set out to do goes against the pattern of our world. And so, here I am! In the middle of this beautiful airport, uncertain of why my trip will end up taking nearly twice as long to travel at a significantly higher cost for missing a major leg of my flight and I'm hearing God's still small voice reminding me:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:10

Reminding me that He is and always will be in control. All I need do is rest in Him and He will guide me along his perfect path. Flight or no flight, though ease or hardships He's worthy and somehow I'm right where I'm supposed to be!

Learning,
John

Sheep and Goats... it's no joke!

I'm humbled to be loved by God... I'm privileged to be a part of serving the Kingdom in these end days... and I'm greived to be a part of a population of people who blatantly DO NOT get the gospel. I've been home from India for about two and a half months and the transition has been a roller coaster of joy and disappointment. The best way to describe my transition into full time ministry? Like meeting your childhood favorite celebrity and finding out they hate everything you love. In reality they can't possibly hate everything but the devastation of be awakened to important details of their identity bring huge dark clouds... and your excitement and joy turns to grief and heartbreak. This is my experience with the Western Church! What are we doing? This professed "Christian Nation" wrenches my heart. I'm constantly bombarded by churches who have adopted this grandeur "Lights, Camera, Action" approach to entice non-believers and those who have strayed into a relationship with Christ... once they are drawn into these million dollar buildings with the hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in technical equipment and guess what we preach from the stage... "God doesn't beg you to join his ministry, He won't plead with you to stay. If you think there's something better out there in the world then go chase that... God will still be here when you realize that everything else WILL fail you." TRUE! But what hypocrites we are... seems like we are begging people into church buildings to me... we now need millions of dollars a year just to run the show that has become the church and huge "teams" of rather well paid staff who maybe don't make millions but why do they exist? Why do Americans default to God being this huge tech whiz that loves to use media in the arts to make his point in America? When did that happen? NOT IN ACTS!

Why aren't we seeing growth in the US like were experiencing in India or China or Africa?
Simple we aren't people of faith! We are listeners of the word (and really good listeners at that) but we've lost our passion... we've lost our burden for the people who are missing from the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. We are missing opportunities because we've become hindered by consumerism and the need for more in our own lives that we miss the fact that people are dying in the world with nothing. We forget that not only is the person next door "our neighbor" but so is the Hindu half way around the world who's dying of starvation, begging on the streets and making less than 1 dollar per day. We've missed it! If we can't speak to our neighbors here in the US and we cant live missionally in our day to day lives then mission trips become the few times per year the we actually meet our maker in his created intent. Serving the world in need. Seeking and saving the lost. Extending ourselves SACRIFICIALLY as the hands and feet of Jesus! No wonder God called me to stay in India! How many others is he calling to do the same? Not because India is a more Godly place than the USA but rather when we escape the depravity of the world we've grown complacent in we can experience the majesty and fullness of Christ in the way God intended... through service. If we can't come home and continue to live the way we live on mission then God would simply say, STAY AWAY. Stay away from the places that hinder you from doing things outside the will of God and if that means the entire Christian population conducting a mass exodus to a less distracting land well then history would say this isn't the first time God has led his people in mass exodus form. There may be some time in the desert ahead of us but at the end of it all is the land of milk and honey where children play near snake holes and lions lay with lambs and that my friends... that is a promise God has made to those who hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful!

Long Awaited... The single greatest declaration in life.

Today is a celebration! In Heaven and on the Earth! He is risen...risen indeed! This morning at ROCKHARBOR's 9am Easter Service I was baptised! For the entire three months I was in India I wanted to be baptised but there was something just not right about something I just couldn't figure out each time the opportunity presented itself. So this morning as I arrived at the amphitheater for service I began to see so many wonderful people who I've been missing for so long and then as I entered the amphitheater I saw them on stage... baptism pools... my heart leaped and I thought, "In my Easter best... could this be the time?" Craig and Heather waived and I ran down to hug them and Craig goes, "Wanna get baptized this morning?" "YES!" Everything felt right... it was time! I was so in! It was perfect... unplanned... unrehearsed... unreal and AWESOME! Turns out that it gets better. As I go down to tell the staff I want to be baptized I see Doug, Steve, Todd, and Chad all who were so thrilled to be present for this amazing moment in the history of John Brokenshire. Then the woman who helps me sign the connect form so RH can mail me my certificate ends up knowing exactly who I am. She's in Christine Silva's lifegroup and they've been praying for my journey this whole time. Then, better still, John Clanton(from my India team) and Doug Berry(from RH who I officially met in India) want to get in on the action to join Craig(my India team leader) in baptizing me! God is awesome! Top it off, Anita, Irvina, and Melissa, all were there, baptism pool side, to cheer me on and celebrate
AND more of my favorite people emerged from the crowd:
Dennie & Judy, my Mom's from my mission trip
Lorae, another India leader
Andy, my roommate
Jesse, one of my favorite people at St. Regis
Crystal, from Team India
Two of my fav's, Debby & Bre
and so many wonderful others!

Thank you Jesus for today! Thank you for blotting out my sins through your sacrifice on the cross! Thank you for ROCKHARBOR for the amazing way you have used them in my journey! Thank you for all the wonderful people you have brought into my life! Thank you for JOY! And thank you for loving me and choosing me to be Your child!

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

For the Love of India!

India has captured my heart in every single way
It seems like I arrived only just yesterday.
I didn’t know God’s calling on my life would be so clear
And who’d have thought half way round the world I would have found it here

My life seems so different now and yet it’s still the same
Remember when my foolish self was all consumed by fame
It really is surprising how so much can change so fast
Forever changed by God alone not looking to the past

When you dare to venture down God’s appointed path
The journey doesn’t seem so hard until you feel the wrath
Of God’s just rebuking for the refinement of His chosen
The process can be slow without surrender you’ll seem frozen

But it’s a journey, it takes time
And His grace will always cover you down the line.
Remember He’s your Father and wants the best for you
All He’ll be faithful waiting, watching all you do

He doesn’t beg or plead with you to enter in and stay
And for those who never turn to Him there is a price to pay
But life is filled with choices and there’s one that we must make
To serve the one and only God the others are… well fake!

In India there are many gods totaling over 330 million
Statues, idols and worthless things effect the populous of 1 billion
Even trees are worshiped here in villages by tons
And the Government is supporting the disease by stealing needed funds

People dying everyday apart from Christ their Savior
How did they adopt this sick, wicked, corrupt behavior
Poverty is worsening and castes are still oppressed
The country has it’s hands full of political unrest

But in the darkness there is a light
redemptive love is shining bright

Harvest India grows stronger day by day
It’s commitment is to stand in the gap no matter what they say
If nothing is impossible with God we have nothing to fear
Our behavior’s not commendable, this is why we’re here!

Jesus made it clear that the cross came at a price
And picking up our cross to bear isn’t always nice
Our eyes are fixed on heavens prize the race is near completion
Our names are registered in heaven with no fear of deletion.

We’d love to have you join us in this necessary hour
We are a family of believers and our number gives us power.
If iron sharpens iron and the Word is a double edged sword
Join us with your weapons as we give glory to our Lord!

Faithful Prayers are Answered and the Good News Continues to Save

Spending the afternoon at an elderly home in Cherkupali, Andhra Pradesh is not something that tops the charts of “Greatest things to do while in India” but I believe it should! Through many visits to several of Harvest India’s elderly homes I have been awakened to India’s desperate need for care of the elderly. The elderly of Harvest India pray faithfully, three times a day, everyday that God would continue to grow and aid the ministry, providing resources and blessing the supporters of God‘s work here in India. We believe that we could not do all that we are doing without their faithfulness to continually pray for the ministry.



Venkaiahamma ~ was immediately healed of neck pain she has been experiencing for months when the body of elderly believers laid their hands upon her in prayer.

Ruthamma ~ has a son who abandoned her when she needed his care the most. He has a daughter who has been struggling with constant body aches and pains. Ruthamma’s son came to the elderly home to ask his mother to pray for his child. She has been faithfully praying for God to heal her grandaughter everyday. This week God healed her!

Kanikaram ~ which means “compassion,” was brought up in the Hindu faith. She joined the elderly home just a few weeks ago and has been oppressed by many evil spirits who caused constant torment to her body and mind for several years. This week she asked the believers in the home to pray for her and in the name of Jesus the spirits fled her body. She gave her life to Jesus this week!

Ramaswami ~ prays three times a day that the staff and supporters of Harvest India’s ministry would remain healthy and safe and God answers his prayers everyday!

Suseela ~ Suseela’s story encourages our faith, gives renewing strength to our time in prayer, and reminds us that God is always listening to his children and will answer us righteously. Suseela is over 80 years old and has been living in Harvest India’s Elderly Home in Cherkupali since it opened this last September. When Suseela was just 16 she married Balaram. They have been married for over 60 years and reside together still under the care of Harvest India. They were unable to conceive any children of their own, which in Indian culture brings disgrace on both families. The Hindu faith encourages that the barren are cursed by the gods. Suseela’s sister also married young and gave birth to two boys within 10 months of one another. The eldest boy was given to Suseela and Balaram just after the second child was born. The child was named Silvaraju and was raised by Suseela and Balaram as their own. They provided for his every need and ensured that he received a wonderful education. Arranging marriage for their son in his early 20’s he wed and over the last 10 years, Suseela and Balaram have rejoiced over their two grandchildren.

In old age Balaram became very ill and had to be hospitalized for a lengthy period of time. Silvaraju and his wife refused to help their parents and turned thir back on then declaring that the wew not in a financial position to help them. Living in a large city with high paying job and beautiful home, Silvaraju and his wife are in a perfectly reasonable position to aid their ailing parents. Common practice in India unfortunately is to disown parents who become a financial burden to their children yet in India they are sent out into the streets versus nicely appointed elderly homes in the states. And complete financial abandon sets in versus paying a bill every month to keep the elderly needs met. Balaram was discharged from the hospital when he could no longer afford the medical bills and he and Suseela lost everything. Thankfully, Suseela and Balaram heard of Harvest India’s ministry for the elderly and so they came to join Harvest India elderly home project in Cherkupali. There Balaram regularly receive medical care, medication, food, shelter, and have both received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Just weeks ago Silvaraju came to Charcoal to visit his parents and begged his mother and father for their forgivness against the ways he had been ungrateful and sinned against them. He poured out his hearts troubles and explained that his wife had left him and taken his children as a result of an argument they had recently had. Silvaraju’s wife had hardened her heart against him and decided that marriage was not something she desired to do any longer. He had pleaded with her to come home and his pleading has returned void. He begged his mother and father to help him and do something. They shared of their new faith in Christ Jesus and how through him all of their needs are being met because of his great love for them. Then they prayed over their son with the other elderly in the home. That very day Silvaraju’s wife returned home with their children. Silvaraju and his family are now in communication regularly with his parents and Suseela and Balaram are blessed to see their grandchildren again who are now 9 and 5. Silvaraju is sending a little money every month to help pay for the expenses of his parents at the elderly home. Suseela and Balaram know that they are nearing the end of their race and they see a peace of God’s plan at work through the trials they’ve faced. The real blessing in their lives has been the opportunity to receive everlasting life through Christ and to share God’s love with their son and his family.




These men and women are finishing the race, finishing strong!