In my time spent in India I've been awakened to a number of lessons that have changed me and made my ministry more effective for the Kingdom. One of those lessons is living out love as an action. I have been reading a book by Andrew Martin, called Love Is an Orientation, and while the book was written to elevate the conversation between Christ followers and the GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender) Community, it has really opened my eyes as a means to elevating the conversation with all those missing from the Kingdom of God. Jesus advised the followers in his midst to love and it's been the overarching lesson for my time in India.
An expert in the law asked Jesus, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matt 36-40
In his book Andrew writes,
The Bible is full of stories that teach us how to love, instead of just giving us instruction on how to verbally communicate love. Love is to be an action-not a word. Love is recognizing the power of Christ to do what we could only imagine, like physically going to him with the faith of a Roman centurion-greater than all other faith in Israel. Love is stepping outside the boat to meet your Savior by walking on water, when every ounce of your body is telling you otherwise. Love is cutting a whole in a roof and lowering your crippled friend to Jesus when there are no other accessible means to the one who can heal. Love is a poor widow dropping all she has-two very small copper coins worth nothing-into God's treasury with no guarantee she'll make it another day. Love is stepping out of all cultural norms to help a beaten-up man lying on the side of the street, despite the fact that his culture despises yours. And love is being the first one to drop the stone because you know your life and sins are no less than any other.
That's all I have to share today. I pray we have ears to hear the message Jesus died to convey.
I love you all!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Month Ago Today....
I boarded a plane headed to South India on a two week mission trip that was scheduled to land me back in the states on January 10, 2010. I never could have guessed that a month later I would be writing this blog from South India, but even more unpredictable was how remarkably easy this whole adjustment would be. A month ago, I by no means was a get up and go do a mission trip in the remote villages of India kind of person. Before India I questioned if I could even get through the two week journey. It's been almost too easy to do this, live here, eat the food, adjust to the drastically different culture, and not have my friends or my family nearby... I'm continually baffled that our God is so big and loves us so much that He can solely be responsible for making me feel so at home half way around the world because He's with me every step, everyday. I've never grown this much before in my whole life so to have so much growth in such a small period of time feels so weird. I feel like a different person and yet I know I'm the same. Today I wore a crazy outfit that is sooo unfashionable. I had a bad hair day and used no flat iron, blow dryer, or hair product. I ate food that I didn't recognize nor did I particularly like how it tasted. I slept in a mosquito net and yet counted over 50 mosquito bites. I hung out with people who are living in tents made of trash/straw huts and have nothing but Jesus. I learned life lessons that I never knew before India. I stored treasure in heaven. I counted someone else as more than myself. I loved bigger than I ever knew possible and I LOVE LIFE MORE AND MORE EVERY MINUTE! Talk about the old has gone and the new has come... WOW DO I FEEL NEW!!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
My HIstory Lesson in India
Today marks the 59th anniversary of the Republic Day of India. It celebrates India's transition from British power to a republic on January 26,1950 and the final construction of the Constitution of India.
Courtesy of Wikipedia:
Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935, and the country was a Dominion, with George VI as head of state and Earl Mountbatten as Governor General. On August 29, 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as chairman.
A draft Constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on November 4, 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and one in English) on January 24, 1950. Two days later, the Constitution of India became the law of all the Indian lands. The Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950, at 10.18 AM IST.
In honor of such an occasion we went to the HI Campus this morning to celebrate what would most resemble an American "Flag Day" ceremony. The children sang songs and proclaimed their loyalty to the land and people of this great nation and at the conclusion of the ceremony some of the history teachers re-told accounts of the happenings leading up to India's republic structure. Then the flag was lifted high on the flagpole. As it was raised a small string bound the flag,, which was neatly folded, but as it reached it's destination the string broke, releasing hundreds of pink marigold petals as it stretched out to wave proudly. It was beautiful and yet another moment I'm amazed that these are the moments of my life here in India.
Courtesy of Wikipedia:
Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935, and the country was a Dominion, with George VI as head of state and Earl Mountbatten as Governor General. On August 29, 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as chairman.
A draft Constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on November 4, 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and one in English) on January 24, 1950. Two days later, the Constitution of India became the law of all the Indian lands. The Constitution of India came into effect only on January 26, 1950, at 10.18 AM IST.
In honor of such an occasion we went to the HI Campus this morning to celebrate what would most resemble an American "Flag Day" ceremony. The children sang songs and proclaimed their loyalty to the land and people of this great nation and at the conclusion of the ceremony some of the history teachers re-told accounts of the happenings leading up to India's republic structure. Then the flag was lifted high on the flagpole. As it was raised a small string bound the flag,, which was neatly folded, but as it reached it's destination the string broke, releasing hundreds of pink marigold petals as it stretched out to wave proudly. It was beautiful and yet another moment I'm amazed that these are the moments of my life here in India.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
When Lukewarm Ceases to be Enough
I realized something today. I guess I’ve known for a long time now. I’ve been a lukewarm Christian most of my life and I’m tired of being lukewarm. Experiencing anything lukewarm is terrible in everything I have ever known. Lukewarm food and beverages are a unsatisfying and so are lukewarm Christians. In American culture we like to think lukewarm is a step in the right direction; that it’s better than being cold, right? No! The bible clearly tells us otherwise.
Revelation 3:14-22 “…These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
As we began ministering in India, for the first few days, if you felt led to do something at an outreach you asked if it was okay before you made a move because you didn’t want to offend anyone or disrupt the culture. But Harvest India is grounded in scripture so you are always affirmed to do as you feel led by the Holy Spirit. Eventually, you stop asking and you just do as you feel led, or at least it is there hope that you respond this way. It’s probably the best lesson I’ve learned in being here. It’s this sense of feeling as though because these people don’t know me and because I probably won’t be here permanently (and even if I am, the likelihood I‘ll ever see most of them again is rare) your feel free to speak openly however you feel led. That freedom has developed one step further in me, during my time in India. I now take that freedom with me wherever God calls me. The worst case scenario is obsolete because it just doesn‘t matter what people think about you when you’re being obedient to how the Holy Spirit is leading you. At home, in the states, this is not the case. Everything I do is up for scrutiny. I allow myself to be consumed by the fear of how I will be viewed if speak out openly and honestly as the Holy Spirit is leading. I let this fear hinder my potential for spiritual growth and rob Christ of moments He should be shining light into darkness, through his chosen child. God commands us to be hot. Not just at church, on Sundays, when we are in our element and free to be fired up about how amazing God is, but all the time. I know that there are times I’ll be waiting in line somewhere or in traffic with the windows down in my car and the car next to me and I just think… wouldn’t it be cool to just share the gospel with these people right now? And then terror strikes and I get consumed by how crazy I’ll look for speaking out in such faith. But that’s what get’s God so fired up about His kids! It’s when we are just crazy in love, in reckless abandon to His message of love, sacrifice and salvation that we are reflecting Christ’s love best! When we are acting out foolishness to the world we are living out scripture.
1 Cor 3:18-23 “Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness;’ and again, ‘The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.’ So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
It’s all throughout scripture. I feel compelled to share it often. I’m given opportunities regularly. Yet, I miss them almost every time. I’m crazy for God in India! Why does it feel like it can only exist here. I’m praying that God let’s me return to the states in March but there is much to learn in the coming months about how to live out my faith in all moments of my day. I hope and pray He doesn‘t let me leave this spiritual place of growth until I can grow in Him in the next place he takes me… wherever that is.
Convicted and growing, John
Revelation 3:14-22 “…These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
As we began ministering in India, for the first few days, if you felt led to do something at an outreach you asked if it was okay before you made a move because you didn’t want to offend anyone or disrupt the culture. But Harvest India is grounded in scripture so you are always affirmed to do as you feel led by the Holy Spirit. Eventually, you stop asking and you just do as you feel led, or at least it is there hope that you respond this way. It’s probably the best lesson I’ve learned in being here. It’s this sense of feeling as though because these people don’t know me and because I probably won’t be here permanently (and even if I am, the likelihood I‘ll ever see most of them again is rare) your feel free to speak openly however you feel led. That freedom has developed one step further in me, during my time in India. I now take that freedom with me wherever God calls me. The worst case scenario is obsolete because it just doesn‘t matter what people think about you when you’re being obedient to how the Holy Spirit is leading you. At home, in the states, this is not the case. Everything I do is up for scrutiny. I allow myself to be consumed by the fear of how I will be viewed if speak out openly and honestly as the Holy Spirit is leading. I let this fear hinder my potential for spiritual growth and rob Christ of moments He should be shining light into darkness, through his chosen child. God commands us to be hot. Not just at church, on Sundays, when we are in our element and free to be fired up about how amazing God is, but all the time. I know that there are times I’ll be waiting in line somewhere or in traffic with the windows down in my car and the car next to me and I just think… wouldn’t it be cool to just share the gospel with these people right now? And then terror strikes and I get consumed by how crazy I’ll look for speaking out in such faith. But that’s what get’s God so fired up about His kids! It’s when we are just crazy in love, in reckless abandon to His message of love, sacrifice and salvation that we are reflecting Christ’s love best! When we are acting out foolishness to the world we are living out scripture.
1 Cor 3:18-23 “Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness;’ and again, ‘The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.’ So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.
It’s all throughout scripture. I feel compelled to share it often. I’m given opportunities regularly. Yet, I miss them almost every time. I’m crazy for God in India! Why does it feel like it can only exist here. I’m praying that God let’s me return to the states in March but there is much to learn in the coming months about how to live out my faith in all moments of my day. I hope and pray He doesn‘t let me leave this spiritual place of growth until I can grow in Him in the next place he takes me… wherever that is.
Convicted and growing, John
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
HIV/AIDS Hospice. A Home of Hope and Dignity
ROCKHARBOR TEAM VISIT IN JANUARY 2010
PRAYING FOR THE LIVES OF THOSE THAT WILL COME TO BE WITH THE LORD THROUGH THIS AMAZING PROJECT
Today was my second visit to the HIV/AIDS Hospice that is under construction here in Andhra Pradesh. The building has had much progress in the two weeks that have passed since my attendance with the RockHarbor team. There is still a long road ahead before the Hospice doors can be opened to receive patients. Harvest India is trusting God to provide all the medical supplies, workers, salaries, beds, food, and financial costs involved in completing and running the project. The costs have not been accounted for due to the God ordained acquisition of the property. An unaffiliated group, was building the project for HIV/AIDS purposes, but, after financial integrity was questioned, structure between the partners deteriorated. Facing opposition, they were forced to release the property and stop progress on their plans for India. God had other plans for the buildings purposes, for after researching the work at Harvest India the affiliates in possession of the building sought out Suresh Kumar to donate the building to God’s Kingdom work here in India. Although construction was not complete and the building still needed much preparation before it could be inhabited, Suresh saw vision and potential in this divine appointment. Trusting that God’s plans are perfect and that the Lord makes no mistakes, Suresh has continuously, passionately and intentionally stayed aware and available to all opportunities in his ministry. As time would prove, financial resources have come in on time and as needed for the construction thus far. While many resources and materials have yet to be provided we would be remiss to not press on with the plans God has revealed. According to plan, those affected by HIV/AIDS will be welcomed to Leugen Delacroix’s Hope Center as early as this March. A RockHarbor Team and Senior Pastor, Todd Proctor, will be officiating the dedication of this center, giving dignity and hope for an un-reached growing number of people here in India. The dedication will serve in what Harvest India hopes to be a revelation and turning point that benefits the millions of people here in India that have contracted this debilitating disease. It will provide comfort for their ailing bodies, refuge, miraculous healing and restoration, and most importantly salvation and hope to those that the world has abandoned to a miserable death. We pray that the building would stand as a visible testimony to the hope and freedom found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Please contact Suresh@harvestindia.org to find out how you can get involved in the Kingdom work of Harvest India and support this Hope Center
HARVEST INDIA'S LEUGEN DELACROIX HOPE CENTER TO OPEN MARCH 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Mr. Gilly
Today I met a man named Mr. Gilly! Based on appearance alone he is a man of good standing, fairly well off and in good health. As we entered his home we were greeted warmly. As he spoke, a sense of compassion and humility poured from his voice. He stared right at my chest as though he were looking into my eyes, if only I were five feet tall. As he concluded his sentence and reached for my hand I realized that he was blind. Instantly my eyes seemed opened to my surroundings and my heart weighed heavy for this man's affliction. My accusations at first glance would prove to be false. I looked around the room and noticed a small bed in what was clearly a living room, a small Christmas tree still in tact with native adornments, and a woman in a bright pink sari who was attentively watching, and waiting to aid him in his next movement. At this point humility seemed to read on his face. As we sat Suresh explained that more recently Mr. Gilly has become ill and through his ailment he had lost his sight. Mr. Gilly stated that in his health his home had been constructed with great purpose. The first floor, as was apparent, was designed for living quarters. The second floor was an orphanage and the upper level was constructed as guest quarters. His home is elaborate in design, very colorful and very well constructed. Though still very different from the homes in the western world, it has a presence about it that is expensive and an attention to detail that is distinct. Suresh later described Mr. Gilly as someone who has shared many trials similar to Job. Once a man of great popularity, wealth and stature a financial turn and deteriorating health has brought Mr. Gilly quickly to his knees. As I would later come to know, Mr. Gilly was raised in the ministry. He was bought up in a time of great growth in Christianity and God provided many blessings to flow richly into his life. His ministry grew quickly and brought much financial gain. In his abundance Mr. Gilly's heart hardened for the needy and he began to rely on his own provisions, disregarding that all good things come from the Lord and that money is the root of all evil. Once a man with many properties Mr. Gilly now resides in his last. Soon also this too will be taken from his possession and he will leave this area of India to retire in a place where he is unknown, until his time on earth has come to pass and He goes to be with the Lord. For through his struggle he has been humbled and has once again given back to the Lord what was always rightfully His. Some giving through force and now in his near final days through generosity once more. Harvest India will come to acquire this elaborate home in about a months time as it is Mr. Gilly's final wish that his final property go to serve in the work God is doing here in India. It was a blessing to be in the presence of such a man as Mr. Gilly and as we prepared to depart from our short visit I was given an opportunity to pray over him. It blessed me immensely. I believe that through God's strict and enforced corrections in Mr. Gilly's lifetime I have benefited from knowing him even for only a day. Although it is hard to see any man deteriorate, Mr. Gilly is remarkably at peace with where his current situation rests. I firmly believe that it is through our most extreme struggles in this life that we experience the closeness and dependence on the Lord He has so perfectly designed for his children. May we learn through the Lord's example in Mr. Gilly that "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48
Friday, January 15, 2010
Meet a Harvester in India
Get an inside look as we interview one of the many men who have answered God’s calling, “…The harvest is great but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37 We thank you for your support and faithfulness in prayer. God is equipping and sending out new workers daily to share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ!
Location: Guruvindapalli
Church Plant Date: September 14, 2006
Pastor: Yasu Padam which means the “the feet of Jesus”
Favorite Scripture: Job 1:21 “…Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
January 14, 2010
We travel for hours on unpaved roads of rock and dirt until we come to a small village called Guruvindapali. There we are greeted by Pastor Yasu Padam; a man I have come to recognize in the few weeks I’ve been in India for his high spirit, warm welcoming nature and faded orange and white collar shirt which he has worn all three times I’ve been in his presence. It is not his favorite, but rather his only shirt that is in a condition suitable for wearing while out in ministry. We are greeted in the Indian tradition with beautiful floral leis and hand tied bouquets as the people congregate, both believers and non-believers, to get their first look at white westerners in their village. They ask our photographer if they may take a picture with us and we oblige. It’s as if by taking the picture the memory will be captured eternally although the likelihood of them ever seeing the picture again is improbable. It’s humbling, to say the least, that in this poverty stricken town where the people can barely provide for their earthly bodies that we are welcomed in such grandeur. Inside the church sits one woman and in the background there is one speaker, one small piece of audio equipment and a Christian CD that plays worship songs in the native tongue which radiate throughout the village via a megaphone that sits atop the church. The structure itself brings a whole new meaning to the word “church.” The foundation is a solid dirt floor that is covered in tarps. Six concrete pillars are the sole permanent materials used to support the structure. It’s walls and ceiling are comprised of sticks, straw and other raw materials found in this indigenous landscape. The more we learn of the construction the more we come to appreciate this House of the Lord. Pastor Yasu has built this church with his hands alone a total of three times. The first was just prior to the church plant in 2006 and then twice more after being completely demolished and brought to the ground by Hindu militants. Through God’s provision the most recent version of the building has been standing since the rebuild which took place after the last devastating demolish on May 9, 2008. With a smile on his face Pastor Yasu tells of God’s faithfulness in allowing him to rebuild the church stronger and better after each militant attack. We walk through the village until we come upon a small, humble, rather empty home where we meet the rest of the Padam family. Pastor Yasu and his wife Miriam, have been blessed with two children. Sindhu their 7 year old daughter, and Manohar their 5 year old son. Yasu’s mother Esther joins us as we sit down to get the untold story of how Yasu was first called to the Lord’s service and the journey he and the Padam family have faithfully embarked upon to further the Kingdom of God.
GURUVINDIPALLI CHURCH LEVELED TO THE GROUND AFTER HINDU MILITANT ATTACK IN MAY 2008
THE PADAM FAMILY IN THEIR SINGLE ROOM HOME IN GURUVINDIPALLI
Pastor Yasu describes his youth as a time of chaos and disobedience as he caused many problems for his family and became involved in heavy drug and alcohol abuse. His parents, which at the time were of strong Hindu faith, prayed to the gods that they would deliver their child from his afflictions and restore peace to the Padam family. But to their disappointment Yasu remained resistant to change. He did eventually continue on the path set by his parents and married Mariam, a young woman who at the time was also young in her Christian faith. In viewing his wife’s faithfulness Yasu’s heart was softened to the voice of the Lord and it was in a dream that Yasu came to know the calling God had for his life on earth. He immediately repented of his sins and began faithfully carrying out the plans God had revealed. A connection with Harvest India was established later that same year and he and his wife began to attend Harvest India’s Bible College. Yasu was again called to his knees as he cried out to the Lord to provide in his pursuit of biblical knowledge. Because of Yasu’s rebellion in his youth he had not retained the skills of proficient writing or reading. Miraculously, God provided and Yasu began to excel in his studies at the college. Because of the Lords provision through financial support, Harvest India was able to provide resources to sustain this young family as Yasu and Miriam faithfully leaned to the Lord for all their need. While still attending the Bible college Yasu was called by God to start a ministry in his home town of Guruvindipalli. He sought the wise counsel of Bishop Suresh Kumar, Director of Harvest India, and shared his calling. It was in his counsel that he was asked to pray continuously and that God would provide an opportunity when the time was right. Yasu’s prayers were answered on September 14, 2006 when Harvest India partnered with it’s supporters to open a church in Guruvindipalli. It was there, while still attending bible college that Yasu began his ministry. Upon the completion of his studies, Yasu graduated on February 17, 2007 and became the pastor of the church plant in his home town. Harvest India provides opportunities to support pastor’s who have completed the studies conducted at their bible colleges. For between 50 and 100 US dollars a month your contribution can support one of the many Harvesters like Yasu and his family, in India.
Since Yasu’s ministry began in 2006 he’s been burdened to start two additional churches in the surrounding Hindu villages of Davarpalli, and Pedisenagal. Through his determination to spread the good news and gospel message of Jesus Christ Yasu has been faithful to taking his needs before the Lord in prayer and he is hopeful that you will join him in his ministry. Yasu is trusting God will provide the financial support for he and his family‘s well-being, financial support to build churches in the surrounding villages of Davarpalli, and Pedisenagal, and to provide abundant opportunities to make great the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The congregations of those in the villages are growing and a permanent place of hope and salvation is key to nurturing the needs of these new Christ followers. The cost of building a permanent church home in the village would be 15,000 US dollars and would provide both a 300 person church and living accommodations for the pastor and his family, which would free the family from renting their current housing. If you feel called to join in the work God is doing through his children at Harvest India we encourage you to join us in supporting the Padam‘s and countless others that God is equipping through the ministries at Harvest India. It is through men and women like these that we will take the name of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Please visit Harvest India online at www.HarvestIndia.org for further information.
Though Yasu has faced many oppositions, he remains strong in spirit as he lives out the scriptures. The people in the villages where Yasu is administering the gospel are primarily of strong Hindu faith yet just last night as we broke bread with the Padam family and shared the gospel with those that attended the service nearly 30 men, women and children gave their lives to the Lord. And for this reason alone we will not slow our pace. We will proclaim the good news! Jesus Christ has died for the salvation of the lost, and until all of India has heard the truth and been given an opportunity to repent of their sins and find eternal life in Christ’s sacrifice we walk faithfully forward.
Location: Guruvindapalli
Church Plant Date: September 14, 2006
Pastor: Yasu Padam which means the “the feet of Jesus”
Favorite Scripture: Job 1:21 “…Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
January 14, 2010
We travel for hours on unpaved roads of rock and dirt until we come to a small village called Guruvindapali. There we are greeted by Pastor Yasu Padam; a man I have come to recognize in the few weeks I’ve been in India for his high spirit, warm welcoming nature and faded orange and white collar shirt which he has worn all three times I’ve been in his presence. It is not his favorite, but rather his only shirt that is in a condition suitable for wearing while out in ministry. We are greeted in the Indian tradition with beautiful floral leis and hand tied bouquets as the people congregate, both believers and non-believers, to get their first look at white westerners in their village. They ask our photographer if they may take a picture with us and we oblige. It’s as if by taking the picture the memory will be captured eternally although the likelihood of them ever seeing the picture again is improbable. It’s humbling, to say the least, that in this poverty stricken town where the people can barely provide for their earthly bodies that we are welcomed in such grandeur. Inside the church sits one woman and in the background there is one speaker, one small piece of audio equipment and a Christian CD that plays worship songs in the native tongue which radiate throughout the village via a megaphone that sits atop the church. The structure itself brings a whole new meaning to the word “church.” The foundation is a solid dirt floor that is covered in tarps. Six concrete pillars are the sole permanent materials used to support the structure. It’s walls and ceiling are comprised of sticks, straw and other raw materials found in this indigenous landscape. The more we learn of the construction the more we come to appreciate this House of the Lord. Pastor Yasu has built this church with his hands alone a total of three times. The first was just prior to the church plant in 2006 and then twice more after being completely demolished and brought to the ground by Hindu militants. Through God’s provision the most recent version of the building has been standing since the rebuild which took place after the last devastating demolish on May 9, 2008. With a smile on his face Pastor Yasu tells of God’s faithfulness in allowing him to rebuild the church stronger and better after each militant attack. We walk through the village until we come upon a small, humble, rather empty home where we meet the rest of the Padam family. Pastor Yasu and his wife Miriam, have been blessed with two children. Sindhu their 7 year old daughter, and Manohar their 5 year old son. Yasu’s mother Esther joins us as we sit down to get the untold story of how Yasu was first called to the Lord’s service and the journey he and the Padam family have faithfully embarked upon to further the Kingdom of God.
GURUVINDIPALLI CHURCH LEVELED TO THE GROUND AFTER HINDU MILITANT ATTACK IN MAY 2008
THE PADAM FAMILY IN THEIR SINGLE ROOM HOME IN GURUVINDIPALLI
Pastor Yasu describes his youth as a time of chaos and disobedience as he caused many problems for his family and became involved in heavy drug and alcohol abuse. His parents, which at the time were of strong Hindu faith, prayed to the gods that they would deliver their child from his afflictions and restore peace to the Padam family. But to their disappointment Yasu remained resistant to change. He did eventually continue on the path set by his parents and married Mariam, a young woman who at the time was also young in her Christian faith. In viewing his wife’s faithfulness Yasu’s heart was softened to the voice of the Lord and it was in a dream that Yasu came to know the calling God had for his life on earth. He immediately repented of his sins and began faithfully carrying out the plans God had revealed. A connection with Harvest India was established later that same year and he and his wife began to attend Harvest India’s Bible College. Yasu was again called to his knees as he cried out to the Lord to provide in his pursuit of biblical knowledge. Because of Yasu’s rebellion in his youth he had not retained the skills of proficient writing or reading. Miraculously, God provided and Yasu began to excel in his studies at the college. Because of the Lords provision through financial support, Harvest India was able to provide resources to sustain this young family as Yasu and Miriam faithfully leaned to the Lord for all their need. While still attending the Bible college Yasu was called by God to start a ministry in his home town of Guruvindipalli. He sought the wise counsel of Bishop Suresh Kumar, Director of Harvest India, and shared his calling. It was in his counsel that he was asked to pray continuously and that God would provide an opportunity when the time was right. Yasu’s prayers were answered on September 14, 2006 when Harvest India partnered with it’s supporters to open a church in Guruvindipalli. It was there, while still attending bible college that Yasu began his ministry. Upon the completion of his studies, Yasu graduated on February 17, 2007 and became the pastor of the church plant in his home town. Harvest India provides opportunities to support pastor’s who have completed the studies conducted at their bible colleges. For between 50 and 100 US dollars a month your contribution can support one of the many Harvesters like Yasu and his family, in India.
Since Yasu’s ministry began in 2006 he’s been burdened to start two additional churches in the surrounding Hindu villages of Davarpalli, and Pedisenagal. Through his determination to spread the good news and gospel message of Jesus Christ Yasu has been faithful to taking his needs before the Lord in prayer and he is hopeful that you will join him in his ministry. Yasu is trusting God will provide the financial support for he and his family‘s well-being, financial support to build churches in the surrounding villages of Davarpalli, and Pedisenagal, and to provide abundant opportunities to make great the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The congregations of those in the villages are growing and a permanent place of hope and salvation is key to nurturing the needs of these new Christ followers. The cost of building a permanent church home in the village would be 15,000 US dollars and would provide both a 300 person church and living accommodations for the pastor and his family, which would free the family from renting their current housing. If you feel called to join in the work God is doing through his children at Harvest India we encourage you to join us in supporting the Padam‘s and countless others that God is equipping through the ministries at Harvest India. It is through men and women like these that we will take the name of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Please visit Harvest India online at www.HarvestIndia.org for further information.
Though Yasu has faced many oppositions, he remains strong in spirit as he lives out the scriptures. The people in the villages where Yasu is administering the gospel are primarily of strong Hindu faith yet just last night as we broke bread with the Padam family and shared the gospel with those that attended the service nearly 30 men, women and children gave their lives to the Lord. And for this reason alone we will not slow our pace. We will proclaim the good news! Jesus Christ has died for the salvation of the lost, and until all of India has heard the truth and been given an opportunity to repent of their sins and find eternal life in Christ’s sacrifice we walk faithfully forward.
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