barnabas.in

You Drink What?

2011-05-18T15:07:00.003+05:30

After lots of work and many hours of travel by bus and train, we finally ended up in Srinagar, that beautiful city in Jammu & Kashmir. After we accomplished what we set out to do there, we were ready for a well-deserved break. We decided to drive up to the famous, beautiful lake with the house boats, water-side restaurants and shops. As we drove on the road that goes along the perimeter of the lake, I looked out to the mountains that surrounded us, and breathed in the freshness of nature. The feeling was so unlike the tense, hurried nature of city life in Bangalore where we lived at that time. In Bangalore, we’re glad when certain vehicles put out less dangerous smoke than others, but here in Srinagar, it is the freshness of the air that I noticed more than anything else. The mountains that surround us made us feel small and insignificant, and at the same, it gave us a feeling of the vastness of nature.
Finally, we stopped at a lakeside tea shop, and we sat down and waited for tea. From where I was sitting, I could see a pipe protruding form the wall on the side of the road.. Sewer water flowed out from that pipe and flowed over a drainage built on the cement, and finally, the water went into the lake. I did not think much of the sewer water flowing by us until our driver got up from his seat and began drinking from the pipe. Then he began to wash his face and hands with that sewer water. I was amazed! He returned to his seat just as the waiter brought us tea.
As we sat sipping the hot tea, I began to think what kind of a person this must be, who drinks sewer water. We spoke earlier while he drove, and he seemed to be a normal person. But why this sudden change in his behavior when he saw that water? Then I began to wonder if he was so desperate for water, that he could not wait for the tea. But then I thought, “who would go so low to drink sewer water?” While drinking tea, he spoke naturally and intelligently just as before. My mind was drenched with curiosity and wonder.
Then, all of a sudden, he turned to me with a smile on his face and a look on his face that says, “I’ve got a great idea.” At that moment, curiosity was rekindled within me. With a proud look on is face, he asked, “would you like to drink pure, fresh, clean, free mineral water?” Oooh, so that’s what he was drinking. My mind was so confused then, that I declined his offer.
You see, we are so quick to make judgments before we know the entire issue. We think we know enough about so many situations and people, so we do not think or look any further. We jump to conclusions based on the external appearance. The Bible says, “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1Sa 16:7b)

God's Projects

2011-05-18T15:06:00.002+05:30

An awesome perspective by Max Lucado on those who mistreat us.
Some time ago a rottweiler attacked our golden retriever puppy at a Kennel. The wothless animal climbed out of its run and into Molly’s and nearly killed her. He left her with dozens of gashes and a dangling ear. My feelings toward that mutt were less than Davidic. Leave the two of us in a cave, and only one would have exited. I wrote a letter to the dog’s owner, urging him to put the dog to sleep.
But when I showed the letter to the kennel owner, she begged me to reconsider. “What that dog did was horrible, but I’m still training him. I’m not finished with him yet.”
God would say the same about the rottweiler who attacked you. “What he did was unthinkable, unacceptable, inexcusable, but I’m not finished yet.”
Your enemies still figure into God’s plan. Their pulse is proof. God hasn’t given up on them. They may be out of God’s will, but not out of his reach. You honor God when you see them, not as his failures, but as his projects.
From the book “Facing Your Giants” by Max Lucado

The Exchange

2011-05-18T15:05:00.002+05:30

As I stood there looking at the cross, I could not walk any closer. The sight was too repulsive and it made me sick to my stomach. Blood was flowing down his face from his head, from his torn beard, and so many parts of his body, even from his feet that were nailed to the cross with a spike. Oh, that reminds me of the spikes in his hands from which more blood flowed. As he hung on that cross, he would periodically push himself up to somehow get air flowing into his lungs. As he pushed himself up, excruciating pain shot through his entire body, but the instinct for air and survival was greater than the pain that it cost him.
Although this sight was too much for me to watch, I knew that he did it for me. He promised to give me life as a result of his death. But why should it have been such a cruel death? Is this what I deserved? But what could I give him? My life? But is my life really mine? Mine to give? What do I have that was not given to me? Nothing. Even the life that was given to me has been wrecked due to my sin and rebellion. So, what do I have to give him? Just the brokenness and shame of my life. That’s all. But He took it from me and exchanged it for a new life. What he promised was abundant and eternal life. Wow, what an exchange!
If you are a person who has not experienced this love of Jesus in your life, please go to the page need a change?

The Guilt of the Innocent

2011-05-18T15:04:00.001+05:30

The following is a true story that recently happened on 4 January 2011 to someone I know. The names have been omitted “to protect the guilty.”

“It’s a hit and run. The couple was just riding their motorcycle down the road when this car came and hit them. They are both now on the ground in extreme pain, and the car has fled.” When the police reached the scene of the accident, a large crowd had gathered around two people. The man was sitting on the ground, while his wife lay just a short distance away writhing in pain.
Looking further ahead, the policeman saw the car parked just ahead on the side of the road…the driver was out of the car, surrounded by a crowd of people. That is when the police realized that it really as not a hit and run. After further discussions with the people and after inspecting the car, the situation became clear. The car was traveling on the “by-pass” (main road) which was built to avoid the busy traffic of the growing city. The motorcycle was traveling on a side road and ran into the car. After the front wheel of the motorcycle hit the driver’s door, it turned and slammed into the back door of the car sideways, tearing a hole into the door. The lady sitting on the back seat of the motorcycle was immediately thrown off and she landed on her back. She suffered a crack on her back bone, and was in extreme pain.
After the couple was taken to the hospital by the driver of the car, the driver was taken directly to the police station. After further discussions, a case was filed against the driver of the car and he was put under arrest. The reasons for filing the case was quite ambiguous. When the policeman was asked about this, his response was that the lady has a fracture and is hospitalized. Therefore, to him, it is only right to file a case against the driver of the car. This, he said, is justice according to his “conscience.” He said that he does not do anything that goes against his “conscience.”
Finally, the driver of the car was released after posting bail. His car was only released the following day after further inspection. After these events, I asked several people about the logic of such a decision. Most of the people simply said that this is the way it is here in Kerala.
How could it be? The innocent has become guilty. The driver of the car was clearly hit on the door by the motorcycle, but finally he was the one who needed to post bail and walk out into “freedom.”
Please leave your comments below.

South Asian Vineyard Family Conference

2011-05-18T15:03:00.000+05:30

It was an awsome time of fellowship, teaching, and the move of the Holy Spirit, as we gathered in Aluva, Kerala. Housed at five locations, four hundred people gathered for this Family Conference. English, Hindi, and Malayalam was used for all the meetings. Since it was the South Asian gathering, we had people from Sri Lanka, and Nepal joining with the churches from all over India. We also had guests with us from several other nations including the US, UK, and Switzerland.
When we returned to Adoor for our worship services for Sunday 2 January, the people were filled with excitement over what God had done in Aluva. It seemed like our two Sunday services were like a continuation of our time at the conference. Each service was followed by an extended ministry time where the Spirit was poured out on several people.

2011-05-18T14:56:00.000+05:30

Hooding ceremony at Baccalaureate service

“Congratulations upon completion of your five year adventurous journey. Certainly it is a job well done. You have ‘fought the good fight.’ You have finished well. May the Lord continue to use you more than ever before for His glory. So glad to share the journey with you! Looking forward to all that God has for us in the future.”

Annie has been faithfully working away at this degree as we pastored the church, taught at Faith Seminary, and dealt with lots of important family issues.It was during her studies that both my parents became ill. My mother struggled with cancer for over two years. Annie stayed by her side and ministered to her till the end when my mother finally passed away. Soon after, my father had kidney failure and had a long struggle with dialysis and treatments. Annie spent lots of time at the hospital with him too. Later he moved in with my brother Charlie when he and his wife took up much of the responsibility of taking care of him. My father finally passed away and went to be with the Lord. Also during the last five years, I had severe complications with my lower disks and had several situations where I was bed-ridden up to three months. During these times, Annie dutifully took up the entire load of the household. What a load to bear! Yet she held on and kept up with all her responsibilities including being a good mother to two teenage children.Another important responsibility that she worked on was the children’s ministry of our church, Lifetime Vineyard. Sunday School, VBS, and all other special events went on smoothly under her direction. And oh, yes, Inner Healing and Deliverance sessions were not put aside either. Her passion to see people delivered and live full lives for Christ kept her in that path too. She has also spent lots of time one on with people personally and over the phone with many of the people of the church.Finally, it was during the same time that I was working on my studies at the University of South Africa. Although much of my work was done by distance, that meant lots of my time spent with books as well, along with several weeks in Bangalore and a few months in Kottayam working on my dissertation. She took on a full load during all these times. Now, she has completed the Ph.D. with flying colors…3.936 GPA…wow. I am very proud of you my dear!

Try this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6pbT7QMFTs

Philippines

2011-05-18T14:53:00.000+05:30

This was our first visit to the Philippines. We spent a week in Mactan, Cebu as we gathered with a group of Vineyard pastors from various parts of Asia. A great time in God’s presence and with friends.

Family Picture 2009

2009-12-24T13:26:00.000+05:30

I uploaded this photo in December, but I never got around to writing anything. This picture was taken after my father passed away last June. My elder brother had also come, and besides the sadness of the loss, it was a time of reunion for us also. Nathan has grown taller than me and Sharon is about my height. Nathan is busy studying for his board exams for the 10th and Sharon is in the 8th. By the time Sharon gets to the 10th, there won't be any board exams for 10th students, only 12th standard students will face that. My wife is busy with her Dissertation and should be done this year. Finally, its time for us to stop being students.

A Promotion for my father

2009-06-17T16:48:00.000+05:30

Two years and three months after my mother passed away, my father has joined her. Pappa passed away on 17 June 2009 at 7am. He was moved out of the ICU on the 16th since there was nothing else the doctors could do for him. He had gotten to the point where there was no more response when he is called. After he was moved to the room, we tried to make him as comfortable as possible. Since the neurologist had told me that he may still have his hearing, I called Charlie and asked him to bring some CD's with old songs that he likes, and the audio Bible in Malayalam. We played that in the room throughout the day, in hopes that he would be able to hear. He had said many times that since his eyesight is poor now, he cannot read the Bible anymore. That was a great loss for him...not to be able to read the Bible. I had always tried to get him to listen to the audio Bible, but he always said, "yes, but its not the same as reading it for yourself."

During the night, I was in the hospital room with Pappa. Since his breathing was heavy, I followed his breathing throughout the night. I woke up many times and would listen carefully for the sound of his breathing. Finally, in the morning at 7am, he breathed his last, to be with his Lord that he loved so much.

In 1998, when my wife spoke with my mother about the death of both of her parents, Mummy recited this verse: "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations" Psalm 90:1. It is good to know that our parents served and trusted God and passed on that faith to us. That gives us hope to transfer the same faith on to the next generation.

Thanks to all who prayed for us during this difficult time. I know that it was the prayers of so many that helped us to gain strength in God. Thanks for the many emails, sms, and blog comments that were left (including chat that I did not reply). Thank you.

Update as of 12 June 2009

2009-06-12T12:11:00.000+05:30

Currently, my father is in critical condition. There seems to be no change in his situation. It seems that the convulsions that he experienced may have done further damage to his brain, especially the left part of the brain. This has affected the right side of his body, and its movements. Nevertheless, his whole body seems to lack any movement. When we call him, he only opens his eyes, and nothing more.

The Nephrologist and Neurologist are working together on a solution (Cardiologist is also involved), but if by this weekend, the situation does not improve, there is nothing more that could be done for him. At that point, he may be moved to a regular room from the ICU for Palliative care. A special thanks to all who are praying for us at this difficult time. Pray especially for us that we will be able to make wise decisions at the appropriate time. Also, do not feel compelled to call us on the phone...an email (or a comment on this blog) notifying us that you are praying for us is sufficient. Again, thanks for backing us up with your prayers.

Recovering well

2009-06-04T17:37:00.001+05:30

The operation went well. I spoke to the doctor just a minute ago. He said that at least 90% of the clotted blood has been removed. The bleeding was not in the brain, just within the skull. The rest of the blood that is left will be drained out gradually, and if necessary, they will need to go in again and remove more. He is responding well, but still weak from the surgery. His response is not fully normal, but that will take some time. There were various complicating factors such as his age, kidney problems, diabetes, blood pressure, and other items. The doctors were not able to give him general anesthesia, so only local anesthesia was given. He is still in the ICU. Let's pray that he will recover quickly.

He needs to be hospitalized for at least two more weeks to get things settled. The irony is that he has been going to this same hospital three times per week for dialysis. The one hour plus drive there is quite a drain for him at his age and his condition. But this is the closest hospital with a full time Nephrologist on staff. Kerala, with 31.8 million people, has only 15 nephrologists for the entire state. That is quite an alarming situation, and that affects the care given to the patients. Most doctors leave the country and go abroad for work.

For the next month, the blood thinning medicines cannot be used for him, which makes his dialysis more difficult. They say that this may result in less quality of the purification of the blood that takes place through the dialysis.

Thanks again for your prayers.

2009-06-03T16:13:00.000+05:30

Several hours ago, my father fell and hit his head. Afterwards, he was quite disoriented in his response. After being taken to the hospital, the CT scan revealed that there is internal bleeding just below the skull. Their diagnosis is that there is only light bleeding, and that it can be cleared. The neurosurgeons have begun the surgery at Benziger Hospital, Kollam, Kerala, India. Please pray for the success of the operation and that there will be a speedy recovery.

The Next Dissertation Begins

2009-02-07T09:35:00.000+05:30

So the waiting continues as the results of my dissertation will only come in March. As my work has been completed, Annie began her dissertation in January. She is planning to finish within two years. In the mean time, we were involved in several other exciting things.

On the 2^nd of January, we both taught at a seminar for Sunday School Teachers from a group of churches called PMG Church. All of the PMG churches from the Trivandrum, Kerala area gathered for this training event. As far as I can remember, this is a first for us doing some “team teaching” outside of our local church setting. Their response was good, and of course, we hope it benefited them.

During January 5-11, we had the convention and graduation at Faith Theological Seminary. The convention lasts for the entire week, and the graduation was on Friday morning, with 85 students graduating. It is great to have watched these students develop spiritually, theologically, and as individuals during their time here.

The following week, our friends from the Delhi Vineyard came and visited us. Our acquaintance goes back to our first week in Florida (1992) as we were about to begin planting the Sunrise Vineyard Christian Fellowship. They stayed with us in our home in Kerala and visited a few of the Carecells and spoke at the missionary chapel at Faith Theological Seminary. On Sunday, he spoke at the church in both of the services. Their stay and ministry among us was a blessing to us.

Nathan has his final exams for the 9^th standard, and Sharon will begin her exams next week. For Nathan, he will be going on to the 10^th after his exams. This school finishes the 9^th early so they can begin the classes for the next year early. Their plan is to get them prepared for some major examinations that come up after the 10^th grade.

Please pray that we will stay faithful to the call upon our lives. Thanks for your prayers for us as we endeavor to be faithful in the work God has entrusted to us.

Completed!

2008-12-01T07:57:00.000+05:30

After five years of work, my thesis is finally completed. I sent it yesterday, 30 November 2008. For the last few months, I have been intensely focusing on this work. I am sure that you figured out that the picture above is the table I've been using for study purposes. As a result of this work, many things have been put aside, such as emails, phone calls, and of course, this blog. I would like to share with you just the preface from the thesis given below:
Preface
More than just an academic exercise, the work on this thesis has been a personal journey as well. Interacting with the character of Jacob has opened up many thoughts regarding life and how we live it. Jacob is depicted as a man who kept moving regardless of the turbulent circumstances he faced at every turn. Through the rich traditions handed down to us, Jacob's life speaks volumes...reminding us that there is hope in the midst of hopelessness.
Most of the time spent on this academic pursuit was done with the normal load of everyday life: Teaching at Faith Theological Seminary, pastoring Lifetime Church, Missions in North India, and of course family life. Therefore this final production is the result of a few years of interaction not only with the literature mentioned in the Bibliography, but also with all the burdens of a full-time schedule. For me it has been a process of learning and developing in every area.
In addition to the normal, there was the unexpected. For over two years, my mother battled with Cancer, and finally passed away on 26 March 2007. In essence, about half of the time spent on my studies involved constant hospital visits which required a four hour one-way drive each time. Also in 2007, we dealt with my father's kidney failure, and the subsequent dialysis three times a week. My father-in-law's life and ministry was certainly an inspiration to me as he is quite adept in handling numerous responsibilities.
Special thanks are due to my promoter Dr. Willem Boshoff. I was simply blessed not only as a result of his great insight into the areas of my research, but also because of his accessibility and patience with me during the last few years of study. The library staff at UNISA has been gracious in their timely response to requests for books and articles.
I wish to express my gratefulness to the administration of Faith Theological Seminary for granting me flexibility in my schedule and a lighter teaching load during the years of my study, especially during the last two years while I focused more on my thesis. Lifetime Church also felt the burden as I backed off from many things and became less accessible to the people, especially during the last few months. Along with church members, many friends and family also encouraged and prayed diligently.
My family certainly had a prominent role and put up with so much during the years of my study. A special appreciation to my wife Annie for her prayerful understanding and willingness to carry a heavier load at home as my focus turned to my thesis (as she also began her doctoral studies during this time). In fact, even during the early years of our marriage, I sat there for hours without end translating Hebrew and Greek texts. Both our children Nathan and Sharon were faithful to pray for me daily and were an encouragement to me. They would constantly ask me “how many pages have you finished, Daddy?”
Of course, most importantly, I thank my God (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) for enabling me to complete something I thought that would never be possible.
Alexi E. George
Adoor, Kerala, India
November 2008

Do kids have all the fun? (VBS 2008)

2008-05-31T06:32:00.000+05:30

Lifetime Church held its 2008 VBS in April. Since construction has not begun on our church property, we had to rent the facilities of a local college. Due to the holidays, they had only a few classes.

We had about 60 children gathered fro the five day event. The classes, games, songs, memory verses, and all the fun was enjoyed by the kids. Several of the children were hearing about Jesus for the first time. One of the kids responded after the first day: "Wow, so Jesus really can take away our sins."

Our final day was spent at Green Valley, a local community park. That day was packed with lots of fun, games, and food, topped off with a wild, exciting treasure hunt that the kids talk about even after two months.

(Update on my back problem: It was the week after the VBS that my back problem started. I spent six weeks almost completely in bed, and I am up now with limited mobility. Lots of rest is still needed. Thanks for your prayers.)

Going “hi-tech”

2008-04-30T22:27:00.000+05:30

This “hi-tech” device pictured here is intended for my back pain. That bag contains four kilos of sand to provide a consistent traction to my back, by way of a belt strapped around my waist. The MRI report shows that I have three disks that are bulging.

Problems with my back began in 1996 on the highway from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, FL. I was half-way to my destination on I-75 when a sudden excruciating pain flashed through my back to the rest of my body. Within seconds, the pain was taken over by feelings of fear since I had no idea what was happening to me. I could barely move my legs, and somehow, I got the vehicle pulled over to the side of the road. I finished that day of work just suffering through the day with the severe pain. Since then, these bouts of pain would return periodically. But in the last two years, it has been more frequent. Of course, our challenging road conditions here in India would add to the problem, especially for a back that is not used to such roads.

So far, the best solution is rest and traction for my back. After the pain is gone, I would need to resume my lower back exercises and walking. God’s work shouldn’t be limited with back problems. I’ve got to do whatever it takes!

First Class

2008-03-12T09:42:00.000+05:30

It was an early morning flight out of Dallas on my way to San Jose. Expecting the flight to be lengthy, and knowing that breakfast would not be served, I purchased breakfast from one of the terminal shops. The cashier gave me my breakfast in a brown paper bag with my choice of Orange Juice. As I entered the aircraft and walked to my seat, I was a bit confused about my seat number. Before boarding, I had looked at my boarding pass and noticed that my seat number was 6C, which I presumed to be a bulk-head seat on the front row of the economy class. To my surprise, I realized that I was bumped up to a first class seat, which occasionally happens because of my mileage accrued with constant flights. That’s when I remembered that the first class section serves meals to the passengers unlike the economy seats where only beverages are served.

So I settled down in my first class seat with my brown paper bag of breakfast. Soon after take-off, I proceeded to eat my breakfast sandwich as the flight attendant proceeded to prepare the meals for the first class passengers. It was after I finished my sandwich that I was offered the “first class” breakfast. It was certainly not like mine. They served it on a tray draped with a nice cloth that gave it a classy look. As the breakfast was offered to me, I pointed to my brown bag and said “no thanks.” Thus I sat there watching the others eat a nice breakfast while I sat there with my brown bag.

I took out my boarding pass and noticed the words “FIRST” written in bold capital letters. Although the printing was clear and obvious, I somehow failed to recognize its value. I didn’t expect to be in first class. Instead, I went through the trouble of purchasing my own breakfast when a better one was already provided for me.

Our life often transpires in a similar fashion. We all have sinned and carry the burden of the guilt for many years; even those who have accepted Christ. As we go on in life, the weight of the guilt gets heavier. Its impact on our life becomes more obvious as it affects our attitudes and thought patterns, which in turn affects our behavior. We do many things to deal with the symptoms, but we don’t recognize that it is a burden of guilt.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He goes on to specify that it is rest for our souls. He said these words in the context of repentance from sins. When we are burdened with the guilt of sin, it is our soul that carries the weight. This is why we often don’t recognize what’s really happening to us. We may claim that it is bad luck, bad circumstances, bad relationships, or a host of other possibilities.

Jesus is the only one who can take away the burden of guilt from our souls. If we go to him and confess our sins, he promised that he would take away that burden of guilt. So what is that you’re carrying in your brown paper bag? Your own solution to your burdens? Now is the time to give that up and accept the forgiveness and rest that Jesus offers for your soul.

Travel Time

2008-02-29T23:48:00.000+05:30

I will be traveling through the US for a month till the 20th of March. Although it is a good time to see friends and renew friendships as I travel, it is difficult to leave the family behind. I miss them terribly and wish I could take them with me, although I know that's not possible at this time. Other things that I leave behind are the church and seminary.

During my time here, I hope to meet with friends and family and wherever possible, share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Lots of flights, rental cars and the constant time change going back and forth from east to west. Please do keep me in your prayers for the next few weeks.

Here's my excuse

2008-02-28T18:13:00.001+05:30

For several months now, my blogging has been on hold for quite a good reason. This is my fourth year working on a doctoral program with the University of South Africa. The time has come to finish my Dissertation. I am only 1/3 of the way on my writing. All the foundational work has been done, and it is just a matter of separating the time to write.

For those who might be interested, I'm working on the D.Th. degree in Old Testament. My focus is on the Pentateuch, specifically, I'm researching the five times that Jacob the patriarch has set up altars and worshiped. The title of my dissertation will be Canaanite Influence on Israelite Worship. I hope to finish by the end of February. Maybe afterwards, I'll resume my regular blogging.

Independence Day 2007

2008-02-28T18:12:00.001+05:30

Just two weeks ago, on 15 August 2007, each of our Carecells from our church went on a special mission to bless the community. Some of them visited the nearby homes and gave away plants, plaques, and other gifts. As they went from house to house, the aim was only to bless them, not to share anything about the church, or the gospel unless they ask us. The response was phenomenal. All the groups came back excited with the response from the people. Our youth Carecell went to one of the local government hospitals and gave away packets of items that they would need while being admitted (the hospital does not provide anything for personal use except the bed - if they have one to spare). After they gave away the packets, a few of them heard that they were coming from a church. Word spread, and these kids were surrounded by crowds of people asking for prayer. They also came back excited by what God is doing.
Thanks for your prayers.

Compassion for Children

2008-02-28T18:10:00.000+05:30

Recently we visited two towns in Kerala where we run special programs for underprivileged children. These two are sponsored by Compassion International, and managed by Faith Theological Seminary. One has 250 children and the other helps 400. Both of these units are managed by graduates of Faith Theological Seminary. This program has a great effect on the education of these children. Since they come from poor backgrounds, their parents do not have the awareness to look after their education. Through this ministry, the families are also blessed as they come to a greater spiritual understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for these two Compassion units.

Recently, a new Compassion program has been approved for us in Halol, Gujarat state. The planning and construction is just going on now, and they will begin to admit students within a few months. Thanks for your prayers for the future of these children.

Adimali, Kerala, India

8th Anniversary of Lifetime Fellowship

2008-02-28T18:09:00.001+05:30

Last Sunday (15 July 2007) was the 8th Anniversary celebration of Lifetime Fellowship. The celebration was a great blessing. We had about 250 people in attendance which includes both our 9am and 11am services. One of our friends, Sam T. Varghese, pastor of Life Fellowship in Trivandrum came and spoke to the people. It was a great time of casting vision and prayer as we look forward to the coming years.

Although the Sunday services started in 1999, the actual foundations began to be laid from 1997 onwards. We began with small groups in various colleges surrounding the city of Adoor. It was in 1999 that we began Sunday services. In 2001, we had a group of 30 college students gathering for worship each Sunday. It was then that we began to reach out to the local community with the Gospel using a Cell Group structure that we call Carecells. Finally, after six years of struggling with Carecells, and restarting four times, we finally multiplied our first cell. This was our prayer and focus since 2001.

I believe that our cells are healthier now than ever before. The leaders and people have caught the vision and are actively evangelizing in their neighborhoods. The attendance for each cell is increasing. Finally, some of the people in the church that refrained from attending cells are beginning to realize its benefits and they are also starting to attend.

The Cells are the key to evangelizing India. I am convinced that without it, we will not be able to penetrate the one Billion people that God has given to us. So continue to pray for us, especially for our Carecells.

Waiting to hear your response.
Alexi

A Season of Changes

2008-02-28T17:56:00.000+05:30

After my mother passed away, we all experienced a season of changes. Of course, that is expected, but this is my first experience of such drastic changes. We had planned before my mother's death to move to the town where my wife and I work, but a few weeks after my mother's death, my father changed his plans and decided to stay alone, and not come with us. This move has become ever more challenging because of his decision, but we had no choice. We were really wanting to take care of him till his passing also, as we did for my mother, but that may no longer be the case.

Our plans and expectations never work out as we desire, but God's ultimate plan begins to unfold as we take each step. Thanks to all my 360 friends for all your prayers.

She has gone to a better place

2008-02-28T17:54:00.000+05:30

After two years of fighting cancer, my mother passed away on 26 March 2007.

She died peacefully in the hospital room while we were praying. The funeral will be

held in our home in Pathanapuram on Wednesday at 9am.

Mummy had a heart for God, and always shared that with others. While in New York, she

began a prayer group for ladies from numerous churches, and that prayer group still

continues. After coming to India, she was always involved in prayers. She was

constantly reading the Bible and other literature, regularly taking notes on everything

she read. Her father (my grandfather) had an impact on me and gave me a love for the

Scriptures, and she impacted us with her prayer life. She was always supportive of us

in the ministry.

She has gone to a better place, to be with Jesus. Thank you for your prayers.

Blessings,
Alexi, Annie, Nathan, Sharon

A Request for Prayer

2008-02-28T17:52:00.000+05:30

A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed with cancer after an operation. During one of her chemo treatments, she fell down the stairs at the hospital and broke a bone in her leg. Of course, that made things so much more difficult to handle - the chemo treatments were bad enough. After her treatments were finished, the cancer had gone into remission, and she began to improve gradually.

Last week, two tumors were found in her pelvic area. The tumors were squeezing her colon and caused her constipation for almost three weeks. She has been suffering with lots of pain recently. The doctors say they are 99% sure the cancer is back. Only one more test remains to make that final confirmation. The hospital is four hours away from where we live, and the travel is difficult.

Pleas pray:
1. For complete healing
2. Emotional and physical stamina to handle whatever that comes up
3. For the rest of us as we struggle to keep up with our daily activities in the midst of this chrisis.

God is faithful.