Day 3 Visit 1

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On this day, we were all hiking in an area underneath a huge temple. We figured we would find the soil of hearts to be pretty hard to our message, but we were wrong!

My team this day had made really good time and opted to keep going around to another section of the mountain. We had walked a long time and had seen no people or any houses. We had just had a conversation that maybe all God had in store for us this day was to pray for the people in this area. Not long after this, we met two older gentlemen on the trail.


Conversation began and they were willing to hear a story. One of the guys with us started sharing the story of the prodigal son with them. They were listening very intently. When the name of Jesus was mentioned, these men were asked if they had ever heard the name Jesus before and their response was no. Even though we went into this trip knowing we would encounter this, it was heart wrenching to hear those words verbalized and realize in a deeper way the reality of it.

A third man had joined us. He had heard the name of Jesus before and shared what he had heard. It was quite a bit...his conversation was not fully translated for us, so I'm not sure what all he said.


While more was being shared with these men, those of us not speaking were praying for the Holy Spirit to blow through this valley. As we prayed that, a big wind blew through where we were sitting (and continued through the rest of our visit...even after we moved to one of the men's house.) It was such a visual reminder to us of God's presence with us, and how He longs to be at work in lives.

The best news of all is that these two men accepted Christ and were taught other stories from the Bible. They have also had follow-up visits from those living in India. We praised God for allowing us to see the eternities of these men changed after their first exposure to Jesus!

Prayer Requests:
* Pray that these men will rid their lives and homes from any false gods/idols. Pray that they experience God in such a mighty way that false gods will not even be a temptation to them.
* Pray that the daughter-in-law and grandson who overheard the sharing will surrender their lives to God.
* Pray that these men will begin a house church and become spiritual leaders of their community.
* Pray that they will impact the city, where they will move for the winter. Pray that follow-up can be continued despite the move (or that God would send someone else to disciple them during this time.)
* Pray for their safety and for protection from persecution.

A Night Visit

A few of us had the opportunity to go back and visit a family my team visited during the day that was open to watching the Jesus Film.

After our discipleship training (outside at sunset overlooking the mountains), we ate a very quick dinner and headed on the road again. We originally planned to visit two homes, but one was too far down the mountain for it to be considered safe to travel there at night because of wildlife. This was confirmed on the way when two leopards were on the road!

We were so surprised when over 25 were at the home, since we had thought we would be coming the next night. We spent some time taking pictures and singing some songs with hand motions with the kids before we started the Jesus film. To give them more room to watch the movie, it was decided that only one team member stay inside with them. Somehow I got the privilege, and it was wonderful getting to watch them and pray for them as they experienced this film on the life of Christ. Some adults and children in and out, but the room always stayed full.

Thankfully we had brought more than one copy because the first one messed up before we got to the crucifixion scene. It was also amazing because when it was time for Christ to be on the cross, the father had everyone (including the rest of the team) come in to watch the remainder of the story. Amazingly we all squeezed in. After the film was over, our translators had some conversation with them and asked and answered questions.

We left at almost 11 p.m., even though they really wanted us to spend the night with them! It was an amazing time.

Please pray that the images of the movie will continue to replay in their minds. Pray for one of the sons, who has been exposed to Christianity at the university and has quite a bit of knowledge about it. Pray for their son, who is a very famous Garwhali singer that travels around the world performing. Imagine the impact he could possibly make for the kingdom if he became a believer! Pray that the eyes of this family will be opened and they will be willing to leave behind all their traditions related to false gods and that they will follow the one true God and share Him with their neighbors and friends.

A Visit with Johnson's Family

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We had the opportunity to visit the home of Johnson, one of our translators. He was the translator for the prayer team the day I was on it. He is a very soft spoken and godly man.

At his home, we were able to pray over his family and his ministry. They have recently moved from a city where Johnson had actually experienced threats on his life because of sharing the gospel. It's amazing to know that even though he has moved away, he still goes back to that city to continue ministering to some contacts there.

Johnson works closely with our American friends who are working there. He has also been involved in the follow up from our trip and the pastor's training that I told you about on Moses' entry.

Please pray for fruit for Johnson's labors. Pray for his safety as he travels and as he shares. Pray for his home to be a place of refreshment for him and for marriage to be protected from the enemy. Pray that he and his wife can raise their son in the ways of the Lord. Pray for more house churches in the town where he lives.

Prayer Day Visit

There was a store on the road where we were walking. Even though they had not been very friendly or open during a visit during the summer from another team, we decided to give it another try.

We ordered chai and cookies, and then we had Johnson, our translator pick out items from the store for his family, who we were going to visit later in the day. This not only helped Johnson, it really helped soften the store owner's attitude toward us.

He actually accepted the music we were distributing, and he even began playing it immediately even with other customers around.

Showing the customers their picture.

Please pray that he still continues to play the music and that he, as well as his customers will believe message of Christ they hear about and allow Him to be Lord of their lives.

Day 2 - Prayer Walking Team

On day two, I had the privilege of being on the Prayer Walking Team. It was amazing to spend the day in prayer over the valley in which our other teams were sharing. As we looked out over the valley, we claimed it for God and prayed that His Spirit would move in mighty ways there.

We were able to spot some of the teams as they stopped and shared. We prayed that they would clearly communicate the gospel and that the Indians would have ears to hear the message.

Checking on the map where a team should be.

As we walked along the road, Doug, our team leader, had some of us share our journies in faith and how God has worked in our lives. It was neat to hear more about fellow team members and better understand where they had come from and how God had orchestrated events in their lives and had used difficult situations to grow them and reveal Himself to them.

We spent time praying God's word over the Indians and the teams out ministering. It definitely felt like we were doing ministry and not just having an "off" day from hiking.

Please pray that the Bibles distributed will be read. Pray that there are now believers in this valley and that those believers will boldly share with their family and friends.