A New Church

The small church made of thatch was blown down in a storm last year. Land was leased and this magnificent church was built using local finances. Communities that recieve the Gospel benefit in more ways than just spiritual, the whole frabric of society becomes stronger and their situation improves as sanitation and education lifts the people out of poverty. The well that last year was so poluted has been replaced by a new one that even has a pump to draw the water up. The abloution block is well made with a septic tank well away from the well.

The Faith Church was opened on Dec 24th 2007. We had a "fesitval of light" that brought in two other churches that have connections with the Faith Church. Another awesome time in God people set free, delivered, filled with the Holy Spirit and encouraged, this day will be remembered by the people for quite some time.

North India

The roads north in the mountains are tight and twisty, with many more washouts than last year. The views are magnificent if one remembers to take their travel sick tablets. Monkeys playing along the side of the road provide a source of entertainment to the splendid backdrop of the mountain rivers and sheer drops.

Truths of the Gospel are communicated in drama which are always enjoyed by everyone who attends. I really enjoy being in the dramas as I am a bit of a dramatist, I usually get to be the Devil it is exciting to see their faces as the Devil is overcome by the Name and Word of God.These help the people understand the truths of God in a fun way and God speaks to many during the dramas bringing encouragement.

Its amazing how these people build their cities on such slopes knowing that everything has had to be carried in for the construction on someones back. But being here especially as the sun comes up and the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow capped mountains can only reinforce the majesty of our almighty creator God.

On Top of the World

Many of the houses are built off the ground like this with the animals being housed beneath.

The towns are allways a colourful experience with brightly coloured clothing on display. I joined the team at the start of their second conference in the Himalayas. I had many memories of this place from last year, fortunatly we had sufficent bedding this year and were blessed to be able to stay on site.

The people are so hungry for the empowering that the Holy Spirit brings.

Every day we pray for the nation and nations surrounding the Himalayas

Not so many men this year but those who came were so blessed they even requested we have another fire tunnel.

I am amazed that the local people are able to feed so many people from such basic kitchen facilities. Chilli featured in many of the meals, thankfully our dishes were made less spicy than usual.

The Himalayas are a most amazing place I recommed that you come and join a team. Experience God moving among His people in an awesome display of supernatural power.

Himalayas

Today the server is a bit slow so we will see how many pix I get to upload. Click on any npix for a larger view and one can go to the "Four Corners Blog" in my links for more pix

Markets are every where in every town. The smog was very bad this year making picture taking a bit differcult.

In The Himalayas

The direct flight through to Kolcutta was rather long but I made it in one piece with all of my luggage even though I had plane changes. What a blessing to have a taxi waiting for me, the driver holding a card with my name on it. Got to the guest house at 10pm Indian time. Up at 5am to catch the taxi to the train station.

Found the right train after asking a policeman where I should go. Then I had to find the carriage that I had a berth booked on. Found the right seat. I was expecting to be able to take photos but the carriage being air conditioned had sealed windows and a film covering it. Not a problem as all the scene was the same just mile after mile of rice paddy. Elisabeth met me at the station at 7.30pm after 12hrs of being on the train. Left the train feeling like I had been at sea for a week, not felt like that since my Navy days.

The next day it was straight into the Himalayas for the first conference and to meet the rest of the team. The three days went fast, busy with teaching and dramas. It is such a privalege to be here. The day before we arrived two bombs went off just 5km up the road so the people were surprised that we still turned up. God is awesome and its amazing to see Him move over the people as they respond to him. Amazing miracle of a woman healed from terminal cancer who had been involved in witchcraft, She was prayed for on the first day then went to the doctor who did an ultrasound and could not find any trace of the cancer. She is here in the pix giving here testimony

From The Himalayas it was a short stop back in Siliguri to exchange warm weather clothes for cold weather ones. Then off to Northern India and the mountains for another conference. This has to be one of my favorite places in the world, magnificent mountains and friendly people. This conference I was given the task of being co ordinator. God is putting my talents to use over here, such a good feeling to be able to serve the Lord and His people.

We have a serris of meetings in a village over the next couple of days where we will be able to provide a feast for the local village people before a candle light Festival of Light service.

Last Sunday in NZ

I took some leave for today so I would be able to attend our Church and be prayed over. Our small fellowship is excited for me and keen to give the monies raised for the wall that will protect the future training centre. Pastor Paul handed over the money raised and I was prayed for. Such a special time for us all. The wall in the background is our progress chart with each brick representing $10US. It is awesome to see our people take on such a vision and give to this cause. I cant wait to give the proceeds to Pastor Daniel on behalf of our family in Kawerau NZ.

Last few days left will be busy trying to remember what I have forgotten to pack. Keep checking this blog as I will update as soon as I can throughout the trip. My first few days will be in the Himalayas and it is unlikely to post anything as there are few internet cafes where we are going. Though finding them will rate highly on my list of things to do.

Christmas Done

Christmas and new years have been and gone and now only two weeks before I fly out.
Got most of my stuff together only need to put it all in a case. An early morning departure from Auckland before a long flight via Oz and Singapore to Kolcuta. This time it seems that I will be taking the train from Kolcuta to Silliguri so I am looking forward to that experience. I am looking forward to meeting up with the team and friends I made last year. O yeah and the job of water boy and pack horse will hopefully work off some of the extra pounds I have gained in the meantime.