If you want to lose an instant 5 pounds, you need to come down here to Sri Lanka! We really don't know what the temp is outside but add another 10 degrees inside and 100% humidity and you'll know what we are feeling like. We are just dripping wet all day long. But God is doing some great things here. The participants are so appreciative of what we are teaching them. We went to their "campfire" tonight and they are already implementing some of what we are teaching them. It was so fun to watch. We could not understand them but we knew exactly what they were trying to teach through their songs and skits.
Mor efunny stories to tell but they will have to wait for another time as this cafe is closing down for the night but I wanted to at least get this out to you.
We are hearing many sad stories of the devastation from the tsunami and the war. One person told us about his 12 hour drive to get here and had to go through 12 check points where they go through your entire car to check for guns and other weapons. He said he was fortunate as they only looked through things and let him go. Some have had all their tires taken off and deflated in "attempts" to locate anything illegal. What they are really trying to do is stop people from traveling. Amidst all that, the joy of the Lord fills these people's hearts - to hear them pray and sing their hearts out to the Lord is just fantastic!
Lights are going out - signing off for tonight!
Love to all - thanks for your prayers
G & B
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
In Sri Lanka
We made it to Sri Lanka this afternoon after a grueling 3 hour trip to the airport. No one should bad mouth Gary about his New York driving after what we went through today.
We are excited about teaching here the next two days. It will be more difficult as our teachings will have two translations and not just one. We thought we had time crunches before - hard to know what we are going to cut out this time around!
Thanks for your prayers in regards to our health - we are doing well. Each of us take turns having crazy nights of sleep. Gary finally got some decent sleep after taking 2 Tylenol PMs. But Beth had the crickets and geckos under her bed making noises and keeping her company all night.
We thought we would just post some pictures for today to show you the wonders of our trip.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Did You Think We Fell Off the Earth?
From Gary:
We are back at the India Gospel League office and thus have access again to internet. We leave for Sri Lanka tomorrow and should have better access there and hopefully download some pictures. I know - we said that before!
The first conference was a great experience with over 200 people attending. So many laughs as we tried different games and activities only to discover that what we said and what was being translated were not quite the same. If you are familiar with the initiative called "knots" where people get into circles and through a course of instructions try to unknot themselves. Well, it ended up becoming a lot of people doing Jewish circle dances. Lots of laughs as we realized that what we were going to teach just was not going to happen. We let them go for it for a few minutes and then continued teaching. Some wanted to know what the purpose was of the game - Beth and I just laughed. The other classic was a Bible memory game getting one side of the audience to say the verse loud and the other side was to do it softly. Beth got them all set up and at the count of three, everyone said "LOUD" to which we tried to explain that we wanted them to say the verse loudly not the word "loud". Got them all ready to go again and out came: "LOUD!" Beth looks at me with this questioning look: "What am I doing wrong?" I could only laugh. We were finally able to get them to yell out the verse!
All laughs aside, I have to say that I am humbled once again. These people come from very trying situations; poverty and persecution are the norm. The only request they ask of us is to pray for them. I am so accustomed to people asking for money and resources or what I can do for them. These brothers and sisters truly know what they need and it is for God's supernatural intervention in their lives and ministry so children can come to Jesus Christ and His name be glorified. I may have brought them "tools" and knowledge to possibly be more effective in their ministry - they brought me back to God.
Apparently the internet is working again where we are staying so hopefully I can write more later - if not - we'll chat again in the next couple of days. Thank you for your prayers! I have not gotten sick! Yea God!! I could use more sleep! I even tried one of Beth's sleeping pills and got less sleep. God has been faithful to sustain me.
From Beth:
Praise the Lord for our brothers and sisters in India. The Master Teachers and Pastors have been so gracious and generous to us. Their measure of hospitality is beyond words and I'm thankful for the gift of new friendships and insight into their awesome faith and joy. As Gary noted above, many people have asked that we pray for them daily. The needs are so great and yet, everyone is united in the cause for Christ and reaching children. It's exciting - very exciting. As shared prior to departure, the goal of IGL is to reach 500,000 children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After meeting several pastors this week, this is a very real number. One pastor, Jonathan, asked me to pray for his Children's Gospel Club that will be taking place from April 7 - April 12. He shared with me that he will be teaching the Bible to over 1000 young children during club week. Yes, God is on the move in India and it's very exciting to be a part of it.
Please continue to pray for our health and safety...and that Gary gets some sleep! Poor guy! I have slept well and been healthy. I've had many "revelations" during this trip ... one being that I can actually live without a 16 oz. Soy Latte and a blow dryer (mine blew up). Seriously, I am overwhelmed to the point of tears, most moments, and am thankful that God called me to this conference. There are too many "AAA HAA" moments to mention. I feel a bit like Mary when the Bible accounts "she pondered these things in her heart." Yes, I ponder, consider and am deeply thankful.
As we continue the journey, please specifically pray that our message (translated twice in Sri Lanka) is clearly understood beyond language barriers and into the hearts and minds of the pastors and master teachers. Please pray for wisdom and clarity. So often we are in modes of "what should we do?" because of a language impass. When I spoke, I found my mind racing for words that could be translated correctly and understood by the attendees. Please pray for that God would calm my heart, give me wisdom and that the Spirit move in a mighty way. Thank you for praying continually for us.
On a lighter note...I love the children here! The cows that wander the streets! The sights and smells! Unique flavors and ...everything! Gary is the only westerner that I've seen so we're pretty deeep into India and loving every minute.
We will write later...I am thankful for the support of those in the USA.
Enthusiastically yours,
Beth xo ("Elizabeth" in India - they can't understand "Beth")
The journey, thus far, has been humbling, exciting, and deeply moving. I am reminded over and over again of God's faithfulness...Gary and I have been safe and healthy. Thank you for praying without ceasing for us.
We are back at the India Gospel League office and thus have access again to internet. We leave for Sri Lanka tomorrow and should have better access there and hopefully download some pictures. I know - we said that before!
The first conference was a great experience with over 200 people attending. So many laughs as we tried different games and activities only to discover that what we said and what was being translated were not quite the same. If you are familiar with the initiative called "knots" where people get into circles and through a course of instructions try to unknot themselves. Well, it ended up becoming a lot of people doing Jewish circle dances. Lots of laughs as we realized that what we were going to teach just was not going to happen. We let them go for it for a few minutes and then continued teaching. Some wanted to know what the purpose was of the game - Beth and I just laughed. The other classic was a Bible memory game getting one side of the audience to say the verse loud and the other side was to do it softly. Beth got them all set up and at the count of three, everyone said "LOUD" to which we tried to explain that we wanted them to say the verse loudly not the word "loud". Got them all ready to go again and out came: "LOUD!" Beth looks at me with this questioning look: "What am I doing wrong?" I could only laugh. We were finally able to get them to yell out the verse!
All laughs aside, I have to say that I am humbled once again. These people come from very trying situations; poverty and persecution are the norm. The only request they ask of us is to pray for them. I am so accustomed to people asking for money and resources or what I can do for them. These brothers and sisters truly know what they need and it is for God's supernatural intervention in their lives and ministry so children can come to Jesus Christ and His name be glorified. I may have brought them "tools" and knowledge to possibly be more effective in their ministry - they brought me back to God.
Apparently the internet is working again where we are staying so hopefully I can write more later - if not - we'll chat again in the next couple of days. Thank you for your prayers! I have not gotten sick! Yea God!! I could use more sleep! I even tried one of Beth's sleeping pills and got less sleep. God has been faithful to sustain me.
From Beth:
Praise the Lord for our brothers and sisters in India. The Master Teachers and Pastors have been so gracious and generous to us. Their measure of hospitality is beyond words and I'm thankful for the gift of new friendships and insight into their awesome faith and joy. As Gary noted above, many people have asked that we pray for them daily. The needs are so great and yet, everyone is united in the cause for Christ and reaching children. It's exciting - very exciting. As shared prior to departure, the goal of IGL is to reach 500,000 children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After meeting several pastors this week, this is a very real number. One pastor, Jonathan, asked me to pray for his Children's Gospel Club that will be taking place from April 7 - April 12. He shared with me that he will be teaching the Bible to over 1000 young children during club week. Yes, God is on the move in India and it's very exciting to be a part of it.
Please continue to pray for our health and safety...and that Gary gets some sleep! Poor guy! I have slept well and been healthy. I've had many "revelations" during this trip ... one being that I can actually live without a 16 oz. Soy Latte and a blow dryer (mine blew up). Seriously, I am overwhelmed to the point of tears, most moments, and am thankful that God called me to this conference. There are too many "AAA HAA" moments to mention. I feel a bit like Mary when the Bible accounts "she pondered these things in her heart." Yes, I ponder, consider and am deeply thankful.
As we continue the journey, please specifically pray that our message (translated twice in Sri Lanka) is clearly understood beyond language barriers and into the hearts and minds of the pastors and master teachers. Please pray for wisdom and clarity. So often we are in modes of "what should we do?" because of a language impass. When I spoke, I found my mind racing for words that could be translated correctly and understood by the attendees. Please pray for that God would calm my heart, give me wisdom and that the Spirit move in a mighty way. Thank you for praying continually for us.
On a lighter note...I love the children here! The cows that wander the streets! The sights and smells! Unique flavors and ...everything! Gary is the only westerner that I've seen so we're pretty deeep into India and loving every minute.
We will write later...I am thankful for the support of those in the USA.
Enthusiastically yours,
Beth xo ("Elizabeth" in India - they can't understand "Beth")
The journey, thus far, has been humbling, exciting, and deeply moving. I am reminded over and over again of God's faithfulness...Gary and I have been safe and healthy. Thank you for praying without ceasing for us.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
All Is Well
It is Wednesday evening here in India and we want to post a short blog today to let you know that all is well. We arrived on time, luggage and all!
Today we had the wonderful opportunity to take a tour of India Gospel League's base campus at Sharon Gardens. Though I (Gary) had been there just a few short months ago, I was amazed at all that has been happening. The nurse's college is just about completed and classes will start in June. They were still putting up the bricks on the outside wall in November. They have just about completed another school for the 6th-10th grades - the foundation was the only thing there when I was here before! One boy came up to me with a big smile and said: "Puppets!" He had translated for me when I did puppets there before!
We also visited two of IGL's schools and only caused 2 riots! The children get so excited to see you and want to shake hands as we also taught them how to give high 5's. We will have to show you the pictures from one classroom where there had to be almost 150 children in a 30' x 15' space. Visited one of the local villages where there was a life center for a preschool and teaching trades to the women. Because of IGL's work there, every child now has the opportunity to go to school - 100% literacy rate! Amazing work being done!
Our teaching starts tomorrow. If you are praying for us, we have two specific requests:
* Stamina: the room we are teaching in is not air conditioned. It is very humid and probably about 85+ degrees outside. I know, I know - drink lots of water!
* Holy Spirit directed teaching: we have tons of information for each session and they desire for the participants to have as much practical experience as possible - and with the translations that need to happen - we have to talk even less. Yikes! (especially Beth!)
BETH HERE!
Gary summed up the journey, above, with thoughtfulness and accuracy. India is an amazing country that is more diverse and extreme than any I've seen or visited. During time with the Lord this morning, I was reminded of the Chris Tomlin song "His love is better than any riches of this world." While the poverty is overwhelming, the richness of faith, in Jesus Christ, is humbling and staggering. I am thankful to be a part of this mission. I told Gary that most of the time, I am moved to "silence" - impossible but true!
Please pray for our sessions, tomorrow, as Gary mentioned. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach...although it is going to be smoking hot in the conference center! Please pray for relief from the heat ... a nice breeze would be wonderful!
On a lighter note, I've loved seeing cows liter the streets, wild monkeys climb the trees of the base camp and the smiles of the hundreds of children we've greeted. My camera is busy capturing all the sights and creating near riots - like Gary said!
We hope to write again soon - stay tuned! Beth xo
Today we had the wonderful opportunity to take a tour of India Gospel League's base campus at Sharon Gardens. Though I (Gary) had been there just a few short months ago, I was amazed at all that has been happening. The nurse's college is just about completed and classes will start in June. They were still putting up the bricks on the outside wall in November. They have just about completed another school for the 6th-10th grades - the foundation was the only thing there when I was here before! One boy came up to me with a big smile and said: "Puppets!" He had translated for me when I did puppets there before!
We also visited two of IGL's schools and only caused 2 riots! The children get so excited to see you and want to shake hands as we also taught them how to give high 5's. We will have to show you the pictures from one classroom where there had to be almost 150 children in a 30' x 15' space. Visited one of the local villages where there was a life center for a preschool and teaching trades to the women. Because of IGL's work there, every child now has the opportunity to go to school - 100% literacy rate! Amazing work being done!
Our teaching starts tomorrow. If you are praying for us, we have two specific requests:
* Stamina: the room we are teaching in is not air conditioned. It is very humid and probably about 85+ degrees outside. I know, I know - drink lots of water!
* Holy Spirit directed teaching: we have tons of information for each session and they desire for the participants to have as much practical experience as possible - and with the translations that need to happen - we have to talk even less. Yikes! (especially Beth!)
BETH HERE!
Gary summed up the journey, above, with thoughtfulness and accuracy. India is an amazing country that is more diverse and extreme than any I've seen or visited. During time with the Lord this morning, I was reminded of the Chris Tomlin song "His love is better than any riches of this world." While the poverty is overwhelming, the richness of faith, in Jesus Christ, is humbling and staggering. I am thankful to be a part of this mission. I told Gary that most of the time, I am moved to "silence" - impossible but true!
Please pray for our sessions, tomorrow, as Gary mentioned. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach...although it is going to be smoking hot in the conference center! Please pray for relief from the heat ... a nice breeze would be wonderful!
On a lighter note, I've loved seeing cows liter the streets, wild monkeys climb the trees of the base camp and the smiles of the hundreds of children we've greeted. My camera is busy capturing all the sights and creating near riots - like Gary said!
We hope to write again soon - stay tuned! Beth xo
Saturday, March 22, 2008
We're Leaving on a Jet Plane
The big day has finally arrived. Luggage filled to the max with supplies and books to be used by the people we have the wonderful privilege of being with. We are anticipating God to move in all of our hearts as His Spirit always does. I know we will all learn from one another.
I wanted to pass along India Gospel League's prayer requests from this week. It gives us a glimpse of the spiritual battles the Christians in India are facing and how to pray more specifically for them and for Beth and myself during the next two weeks:
IGL Prayer Needs for the Week
1. Pray for the pastors that are being persecuted in their village ministries. Pray that they would remain strong and grow through the process and that in God's time they would be vindicated.
2. Pray for pastors who may be experiencing problems with relationships in their family. Ask the Lord to bring peace and resolution so that their ministry will not be hindered. May the joy of the Lord be their portion.
3. Please pray for the pastors who are experiencing financial needs today. May the Lord meet those needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.
4. Pray for those pastors who are finding the village ministries extremely hard. Pray that the hardness of the work would drive the pastors and family closer to God and that God in His time would remove the obstacles and give them an abundant harvest.
5. Pray that our healing God would touch the sick or diseased bodies of every pastor and his family who need healing. May this testimony bring many to saving faith.
6. Our pastors in India are very zealous to reach out to several villages besides their own village church. I personally don't know how they do it! Pray for those who are experiencing burn-out. May they find rest and renewed
strength in our Lord Jesus Christ.
7. Pray for the pastors who are feeling discouraged and/or depressed. May our Lord lift up their heads.
"So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me." Colossians 1:28-29
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You!
gary
I wanted to pass along India Gospel League's prayer requests from this week. It gives us a glimpse of the spiritual battles the Christians in India are facing and how to pray more specifically for them and for Beth and myself during the next two weeks:
IGL Prayer Needs for the Week
1. Pray for the pastors that are being persecuted in their village ministries. Pray that they would remain strong and grow through the process and that in God's time they would be vindicated.
2. Pray for pastors who may be experiencing problems with relationships in their family. Ask the Lord to bring peace and resolution so that their ministry will not be hindered. May the joy of the Lord be their portion.
3. Please pray for the pastors who are experiencing financial needs today. May the Lord meet those needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.
4. Pray for those pastors who are finding the village ministries extremely hard. Pray that the hardness of the work would drive the pastors and family closer to God and that God in His time would remove the obstacles and give them an abundant harvest.
5. Pray that our healing God would touch the sick or diseased bodies of every pastor and his family who need healing. May this testimony bring many to saving faith.
6. Our pastors in India are very zealous to reach out to several villages besides their own village church. I personally don't know how they do it! Pray for those who are experiencing burn-out. May they find rest and renewed
strength in our Lord Jesus Christ.
7. Pray for the pastors who are feeling discouraged and/or depressed. May our Lord lift up their heads.
"So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I work very hard at this as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me." Colossians 1:28-29
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You!
gary
Monday, March 10, 2008
Two Weeks Out!
We are on the home stretch! After months of praying and planning, we are just about ready to go! Beth Hoover, a fellow staff member from Rolling Hills Community Church, is going with Gary to join the IGL's staff.
Gary with his wife, Heather, and their children: Garrett and his wife, Sarah, and Faye and Naudia
Beth with her husband, Mark, and their children, Grace and Sam.
We will be training several hundred leaders, whom IGL call, Master Teachers, who will return to their villages to equip 25,000 children's leaders! What can you do with that many leaders? Go and reach 500,000 children! How awesome is that! How totally God!
Here are some itinerary highlights:
* 3/23: Leave from Portland @2:45pm
* 3/25: Arrive in India; plan conference with IGL staff
* 3/26: Visit villages & conduct children’s program
* 3/27-28: Salem Conference
* 3/29: Leper feeding
* 3/30: Travel to Sri Lanka
* 3/31-4/1: Sri Lanka conference
* 4/2: Visit IGL Sri Lanka base
* 4/3-4: Travel home
We have been getting word of continued persecution of the Christians and bloodshed as the civil war continues in Sri Lanka. It reminds us to continually be in prayer for these people. The conferences can be so much fun and inspiring for the attendees, but we often times forget the hardships they must go back to. Join with us in prayer for those battling these physical and spiritual wars!
We covet your prayers!
* We remain open to how the Holy Spirit wants to use us and not have to stick to our outlines!
* Safety and health as we travel
* Sensitivity and insight to people's needs and cultural differences
* Final preparation of lessons and devotions
* Our families here at home
* For the Master Teachers and those they will mentor
* "Be still and know that I am God."
Check back periodically as we continue to update this blog!
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Gary with his wife, Heather, and their children: Garrett and his wife, Sarah, and Faye and Naudia
Beth with her husband, Mark, and their children, Grace and Sam.
We will be training several hundred leaders, whom IGL call, Master Teachers, who will return to their villages to equip 25,000 children's leaders! What can you do with that many leaders? Go and reach 500,000 children! How awesome is that! How totally God!
Here are some itinerary highlights:
* 3/23: Leave from Portland @2:45pm
* 3/25: Arrive in India; plan conference with IGL staff
* 3/26: Visit villages & conduct children’s program
* 3/27-28: Salem Conference
* 3/29: Leper feeding
* 3/30: Travel to Sri Lanka
* 3/31-4/1: Sri Lanka conference
* 4/2: Visit IGL Sri Lanka base
* 4/3-4: Travel home
We have been getting word of continued persecution of the Christians and bloodshed as the civil war continues in Sri Lanka. It reminds us to continually be in prayer for these people. The conferences can be so much fun and inspiring for the attendees, but we often times forget the hardships they must go back to. Join with us in prayer for those battling these physical and spiritual wars!
We covet your prayers!
* We remain open to how the Holy Spirit wants to use us and not have to stick to our outlines!
* Safety and health as we travel
* Sensitivity and insight to people's needs and cultural differences
* Final preparation of lessons and devotions
* Our families here at home
* For the Master Teachers and those they will mentor
* "Be still and know that I am God."
Check back periodically as we continue to update this blog!
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
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