Stuff happens

Philippines

2011-07-27T23:35:00.001+12:00

21 days of Evangelism
So far we have planted 5 churches and have seen hundreds of people commit their lives to the Lord. Two prison visits. This trip has been amazing.

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Bangladesh

2011-02-25T00:00:00.001+13:00

We are here in Bangladesh it's in the low 30s when we arrived at 5pm. We were met at the airport and driven to the compound.
Spent a couple of days teaching. We were unable to venture out which I found frustrating. They don't us to draw undue attention. So I sit here typing on my phone.

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Nearly The End

2011-02-20T05:14:00.000+13:00

The last days of ministry are done here in the Himalayan wonderland. God has proven Himself faithful yet once again.
times of repentance followed by His grace that allows one to respond to His love and forgiveness. It is such an honour and privilege to have been used by God to bring heaven to earth. Transformed lives that will pass on the love of God transforming their community.
These mountains are amazing even in a thunder storm with the lightning dancing across the snow capped peaks lighting up the night sky.

As much as I love this place it is good to be going home to my wife. Even though there is still one more week and one more country to go. I say not farewell, but until next time we exchange the bond that Love has forged within us is renewed.

Heaven is a wonderful place

2011-02-17T14:02:00.000+13:00

Spoke on intimacy then on the alter call a lady was lost in the Lord. She was there over half an hour lost in raptures of love. When she came back she said she had been to heaven and Jesus had given her flowers. Ealked with her and kissed her. Her face shone radiated God's love.

With My Head In The Clouds

2011-02-13T05:38:00.000+13:00

Enjoyed a 8hr bus trip through a breathtaking sensory stimulation that filled one with awe of an amazingly creative God. A free afternoon and another free day tomorrow ;-)

Back in the mountains

2011-02-11T23:05:00.000+13:00

Sitting here in the airport waiting for a delayed flight reflecting on the last couple of weeks here.
So much has happened and so many lives changed by the power of God. Time seems to have melted away like the spring snow. Sad news today, Rosemary one of our team found out that her father had passed away last week. She had been unable to check her email due to the busy schedule that we have been keeping. She has decided to stay on. Please uphold her in prayer. The last couple of weeks I have not been able to connect to the internet on my phone. Here I purchased a sim that allows it. Now I can update this blog anywhere.

Off to the subcontinent

2011-01-25T13:43:00.000+13:00

Once again the big bird awaits. Beth just got home two days ago and now I'm off. Next stop Bangkok never Been there before.
Drop me an email let me know that you are praying for us. Thanks

Life Is Exciting Following God

2011-01-12T14:20:00.001+13:00

I have had a lot of trouble getting into this email account
as much of the internet is blocked.
Everything is great. It is like I was made for here
I love it and don't want to leave. I will come back that is for sure.
We have had amazing moves here, lots of awesome things with the father.
I am falling in love with the people here they are beautiful and the
conditions are very manageable. How is the group? Please pass my love to everyone.
Nothing on the intinery was how it was planned.
We are very much day to day here with hs filling everyday with more than you could normally susatain but it has been no
problem for the whole team. We thank everyone for their thoughts and ask that they keep up the great work. We cant do what we are doing without them.
The bus trip ws 13 hours then a few hours in the foyer of hotel then on a
23 hour train trip. No problem, Samuel was our guide and has been wonderful at looking ater us and keeping us safe. You won't beleive it but I came on the back of a motorbike to the internet place.
Miralces do happens Side saddle, its only slow anyway around the crazy traffic.
So much has happenned that there will be plenty of stories to tell when returning
home. I managed to get away with one of the boys so I have been able to get through
to you becasue of his help, every other time it is all denied,
everything is screened here, very hard to acess the worldwide web must go Love Beth

South East Asia

2011-01-07T13:26:00.000+13:00

After arriving in Thailand it was a trip to the orphanage for a few days. A flight could not be made to another city due to a festival having booked all availiable seats so a 6 hr overnight bus trip followed by a 12hr train trip to the next conference. Another city and another orphanage for a few days. Two weeks have now passed and two more to go. I've had one phone call from my wife as emails have been blocked by the government. How did the people of last century cope when mail took months to get through.

Beth has left the country

2010-12-26T21:50:00.000+13:00

Finally after all the fundraising and having purchased the air tickets time has finally come to leave the country. Beth flew out today for Bangkok. She plans to spend some time with Rahab ministries. Being away for a month from my wife will be different being at home by myself.

My Wife Is On Her Adventure

2010-12-03T18:26:00.000+13:00

Beth has purchased her tickets to Bangkok, the start of the adventure into what God has for her for a month in Asia

End of Year

2010-12-02T14:41:00.003+13:00

The end of the year is looming close, that means that Christmas and family time to be enjoyed before the silver bird heads off for foreign shores once again.
Please uphold all of the team members in your prayers as there is a lot that can be put in our path to hinder the calling that God has on our lives. I've been laid up for a couple of weeks with a back strain and prolasped disc that has pinched the nerve running down my leg.... much pain and grumpiness.

Thank God that I am well on my way to recovery.

Pastor John in India is expecting a third edition to their family December 20th, please uphold Racheal in your prayers.

God has been good once again by providing air tickets and the majority of costs have been met, just as well as business has been very slow this year and we have had to close one of our stores down.
Thank you for your prayers
Blessings in Jesus' name

Another Trip Looms

2010-09-19T21:06:00.002+12:00

Please pray, finances are needed to be able to continue going into the Himalayas. This comming year I have also been asked to go to Bangladesh. I thought that last year was tuff regarding money, but this year has proved even tuffer. My wife is also heading off to an Asian country not all that friendly to the things of God, this has been the main focus for fundraising. She still requires a substantial amount of funding. I will be interesting to see how God comes through this time. If it's God's will it has to be His bill.

Pray that God's will be done.
Thanks

Persecution from Radical Hindus

2010-03-09T10:19:00.003+13:00

Persecution is growing in North India.

Christians are bearing the brunt of ethnic and religious cleansing
from being killed to burning of property to being refused to draw water from the local well.
Remember to pray for our family over here.

Sightseeing

2010-02-12T03:12:00.000+13:00

2010-02-12T03:01:00.002+13:00

Kathmandu from the air

The mountains on the way to Pokhara

I am here in real life after dreaming of this place for years. God unleashed His Holy Spirit upon His servants big time. 8 salvations, God is good.

A lady told her testimony of how her husband beats her and is mean to her. He gave the ultimatum of leave her Jesus or leave him. she refused to do either. He then threatened her with death by pouring kerosene over her and setting her on fire, stating that it was a suicide. Her reply was that she was ready to meet her Jesus. At which he started to curse God, her response was to tell him to stop or he will be in really big trouble with God. Pray for her....

The Next Country

2010-02-12T02:47:00.001+13:00

Bus loads of supporters enforcing the strike

Rickshaws to the airport

Signing out of India

North India Conference

2010-02-12T02:31:00.002+13:00

The team had divided up and my team had the North India conference. Cam, Kim and myself. After suffering from giardia in the mountains it was a blessing to be able to eat western type food again. Strikes were on again there was some uncertainty of if we would be able to get to the airport
But thanks to rickshaws we got there on time after a 2 hr ride.

Projects on the Land

2010-02-05T05:19:00.003+13:00

Kim and Elisabeth at the land in North India

Pigs give a good return

Mushroom Farming small scale
Next step is to up size the project as there is a good market for these mushrooms

In The Mountains

2010-02-05T04:57:00.004+13:00

Our Hotel upon arrival

God moved mightily by His Spirit before we even prayed for the people

This is a doorway not a window

View from the hotel

New Church Dedication

2010-02-05T04:48:00.002+13:00

Nan cutting the ribbon to officially open the new church

Pastors Ordaination

2010-02-05T04:30:00.002+13:00

Pastor Denise ordaining Pastors, Elder and an Evangelist

Bringing a word of encouragement to the new Pastor

More Projects

2010-02-05T04:12:00.003+13:00

GOATS help improve the quality of life

Back in Northen india

2010-02-05T03:56:00.002+13:00

Back in North India
Our driver tying down our bags

Project Garden has been a great success
except for the fence that has let goats through to enjoy the bountiful harvest

Open Air

2010-01-31T00:16:00.005+13:00

First time doing an open air meeting here in India.

It seems that every pastor has to sing a song before anything else happens.

There were close to 50 salvations over the two nights. What an experience.

2010-01-30T04:46:00.001+13:00

The car kept overheating

we prayed that we would make it back to the city

2010-01-30T04:41:00.002+13:00

I wanted to be a naturalist discovering God's creation

A new camera makes taking pictures easy

2010-01-30T04:32:00.001+13:00

It was really friendly

2010-01-30T04:27:00.001+13:00

Ordaination of 15 new Pastors

2010-01-30T04:23:00.000+13:00

Baptism

South India

2010-01-30T04:16:00.001+13:00

The Team at Bangalore

South India

2010-01-30T04:14:00.001+13:00

South India was amazing, salvations at the meetings and even some baptisims. 15 pastors were ordained

Back in India

2010-01-25T05:03:00.002+13:00

Bangalore was an interesting place got to do some tourist stuff and other stuff.
Hours of driving late nights early mornings, confusion over nearly everything, but worth every minute of being here. Only been here 4 days feels like heaps more its hard to remember what has taken place when and where as everything blurs into the experience of India.

2010 trip preparations

2009-12-05T12:04:00.003+13:00

Preparations are well underway, tickets have been acquired and visa is being processed. Cant wait as next year we are heading to south central India before heading back to the Himalayas. Its hard to believe that another year has gone by so quickly.
Remember to pray for us as we prepare to depart

Game Park 11

2009-02-19T15:51:00.003+13:00

I have lost a heap of pix from on my flash drive but after I had saved only a few of them. Most of the game park pics have been lost but here is what I have. The night saw a rhino come out to the salt lick but light was not the best to capture it on the camera. The next morning we had an elephant ride for one and a half hours through the jungle. We were hoping to see the rhino but it was so foggy and misty that even the sun had trouble shining through it. Just as we thought that we would not see a rhino there it was walking around large as life. What an amazing beast, to see one in the wild is truely spectacular.

Why No Location Details

2009-02-19T15:21:00.003+13:00

Due to the pressure from fundamental militant groups surfing these web pages looking for people and places to target in this region we have been requested not to include place locations to protect the people who live there from unwanted attention.

Please bear with us as we try to impart some of what God is doing in this part of the world. While there is still an opportunity to empower and encourage the local believers we will be continuing to travel into these places while the window remains open. The people are so hungry here for the things of the Spirit, even conservative believers are opening up to the Spirit's move in their lives to bring empowerment and a full Spirit filled and led life.

The Game Park

2009-02-02T18:06:00.005+13:00

This is a first for us. To have time out to visit the attractions that India has to offer.
We went to a tiger rescue center where we got to view some Leopards up close and personal in a large enclosure. A battery powered autorickshaw drove around the 1km track to view the animals while others could only look on in from the outside. To get there it was a squish into two jeeps and a 17km drive at 20kmph down a dusty rough gravel road. Everything on the roofrack got covered in dust. The Bengal Tigers have been rescued from the circus as they are now not allowed to be used for circus work.

Thats all Folks
Time is gone
Stay tuned for the next exciting episode at the Game park

Travel in the Himalayas

2009-02-02T17:44:00.005+13:00

The roads are steadily getting worse each year but that is what makes this trip so exciting. I have been really blesssed that I have not felt sick at all despite the bad roads.

Most of the time the clouds were obscuring the majestic mountains that surrond these towns giving that mystical romantic feeling that I so love about this place. Our last day high in the mountains the clouds cleared some what and one was able to view the 3rd highest peak in the world through a slight haze.

Still have yet to get to ride up top like the locals but I keep trying.
The trip down was picturesque with the changing vegetation as the altitude reduced.

Remember to keep blowing ones to adjust the pressure in ones ears every so often as the descent is quite rapid.

Next post the Game Park.

Check out this Blog Also

2009-01-26T23:25:00.002+13:00

Remember to check out the Four Corners Ministries blog link in the side bar.
Pix have been uploaded and I don't have time to redo them on this site.

The latest conference in the Himalayas was awesome, the people are so hungry for the things of God here. You can join with a team check out the Four Corners Ministries website for countries and places.

Wonderful Moves of God In The Himalayas

2009-01-26T17:47:00.003+13:00

The road up into the mountains has not got any better, though the newish Chevrolet was a real treat luxury all the way. I am so in love with these mountains and I feel the heart of God for this place that I can hardly hold back the tears. I would have liked to see the beautiful mountains this year but it was not to be. Clouds kept rolling on by bathing the city in a grey light. This year is really mild here with the temperature being in the mid teens and even at 6am it was a near balmy 10deg C compared with last time we were here when the high was 4.5degC.
Our conference here high in the mountains saw such a sweet move of God. People here saw angels and had visions of Jesus. They felt the wind of the Holy Spirit and smelt His presence. The worship leader had gold dust throughout his hair. It is such a privilege to be here and have the Holy Spirit move through you and touch the people.

Faith Church Conference

2009-01-22T02:55:00.004+13:00

Our first conference. What a blessing it is to see people set free and recieve all that God has for them, what a contrast from outside where the smog is extreemly bad this year. The pix is of a building next to Faith Church showing how bad the smog really is here.

Drama is always a powerful medium to explain what we are teaching. I was the Devil again what a buzz seeing the readctions on the peoples faces. Here is John being Lazarus being set free from the graves clothes after Jesus has raised him from the dead.

Looking forward to going into the Himalayas again only a few days away.
Remember to pray for our team, there is a lot of new experiences for the new members to have, and not all are what one would chose to have.
But this IS India

Training Centre Compound Project

2009-01-21T02:30:00.004+13:00

Tomorrow is the big day of full time ministry we are going to Faith Church. What a buzz it was to see the wall completed with well dug and a store room built. The next project needed is to build the ablution block so people can start to be trained on the site. A special treat this year is that we will be going to a game park where we will hopefully see the rare White Rhino, Elephants and even Anaconda.

Himalayas Once Again

2009-01-16T18:15:00.003+13:00

After 24hrs travelling I have arrived in India again. I had a ride waiting for me at the airport to the guest house in Kolkata. Flew up to Siliguri the next day. Paul and Kim are here with their two children. Its great to catch up and have a bit of free time before we really get into it.

Kim and Dan at the restaurant

I walked up to the market to this internet cafe its not that far at all from the hotel. This afternoon we are going out to a village for a meeting with Daniel.

Last Week In NZ

2009-01-08T21:20:00.002+13:00

The final week has come around quickly. Everything has nearly been done that needs to be done.
I thought that I would be short a few dollars for the conferences as this year has been very hard for businesses.
What an amazing family I have
They are prepared to forgo quite a bit in order to send me on this mission to make up the short fall. I am very humbled to see their sacrifice and their commitment to following the paths where God leads us. Above all I covet your prayers, with out your support and watching my back I would be unable to do what I do. So if I happen to be on your mind at any time of the day or night it is so that you need to pray for me at that moment.
Previous trips people have woken by the Holy Spirit pressing them to pray for me and the team in the Himalayas. Back home times were compared and it was when I needed prayer backing to most.

All Go Once Again

2008-10-31T13:51:00.004+13:00

Tickets are purchased, its just the count down until the silver bird departs these shores.
We are hosting an Ethnic Dinner to raise funds for the completion of the wall for the training centre that was destroyed during a cyclone.
I have added the promo Video that I made for the dinner.
My daughter is off with Teen Mission in a few weeks for a month to help rebuild a school in Fiji. My oldest daughter is with YWAM preparing to go to Brazil again.
Josh my oldest is now a Youth Pastor and has just about finished his degree in Youth Ministry,
Please remember us in your prayers as we plan and prepare for the coming year.

Blessings

Gordon

09 Trip Planning

2008-08-18T15:44:00.002+12:00

Thats right its time to get my act sorted ready for the 09 trip to the Himalayas in Jan/Feb.
This coming year we will be heading to Kathmandu and also Pakistan and India.

Remember to keep me in your prayers and also for the rest of the prospective team members as costs have risen so much since last year. Drop me an email if you want to keep me in your prayers or wish to supply some of the need for finances.

The Lord works great signs through our hands.

Missions Day

2008-04-06T13:47:00.003+12:00

I had the morning service to share about the work in the Himalayas.

A Power Point presentaion helped with the visuals along with a display at the rear of the Church with posters made from pix I have taken, that are also for sale in A3 or A4 format.

The challenge was to either go or to support those who do go or to support the locals with our Goat Project. We as a church have already raised $400USD for two families to each have 4 goats. Our goal is to provide goats for 5 families that in turn will provide goats for another 5 families over several years.

Toy Train

2008-04-06T12:55:00.003+12:00

What a blessing being given the opportunity to do the Toy Train Trip. It has been said that this is a must do while over in Western Bengal.

I even got to visit a Royal Enfield Distributor. One day I hope to do a trip across the Himalayas on one of these.

A Special Blessing

2008-02-09T19:31:00.000+13:00

I got to go back to Darjeeling again this year.
The slow way by the Toy Train. (pix to come, computer did not recognise my card reader)
Darjeeling was as cold as last year, it had snowed last week. Kashmir is under 15ft of snow just as well as I am not there.
What a special time this has been, a honour and a blessing to have been a part of what God is doing over here in this part of the world. I did not want to leave this year as it felt that my time was not over yet.
Only a 12 hr wait in Kolcuta airport the off to Singapore and Osaka Japan before arriving back in good ole Kiwi Land.

Last Ministry Day

2008-02-05T00:06:00.000+13:00

The last meeting for our small team that was left, was to head back up the mountains to speak in a house church of 11 families. 27 were baptised last year with more coming to the Lord.

The road up was a new road that literally zig zaged up the mountain side. This route was much quicker and easier on those of us who feel a little uneasy in the stomach as the journy was much slower due to the tightness of the road and many stops to allow other vechicles to pass.

The Bridegroom Cometh

2008-02-04T23:51:00.000+13:00

This must be the season for weddings.
They are a very noisy, colourful affair that carries on late into the night.
Reminds me of how it must be when the Lord returns. As it is the bridegroom that comes - no one knows the hour.

Powerful Dramas

2008-02-04T23:11:00.000+13:00

I enjoy doing the dramas must be the performer in me

Last Conference

2008-02-03T00:38:00.000+13:00

Our last conference held in North India saw God moving wonderfully among His people. The worship just kept going on and on. People were wonderfully set free and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The dramas flowed well provided a visual impact to the teaching.

Here the team seperated into two groups, the team heading up into the mountains and the rest of us returning back to Silliguri. Tomorrow we will be heading back up the mountains to preach at the church, a four hour drive there, speak for around 1 hour then another four hours back down the hill. Should be some awesome secenery from the recent snowfall on the mountain, or it may just be cold.

A New Church

2008-01-29T18:13:00.000+13:00

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

2008-01-29T17:35:00.001+13:00

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

2008-01-29T17:11:00.000+13:00

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

2008-01-28T01:21:00.000+13:00

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

2008-01-27T01:06:00.000+13:00

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

2008-01-13T13:09:00.000+13:00

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

2008-01-03T13:20:00.000+13:00

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.

Time to Pack

2007-11-22T19:31:00.000+13:00

What a year it has been. The economy has been hard for business', with several going under in our small town. Our own shop is just hanging in there with Christmas looking like a non event.

But enough of the doom and gloom, God is above all that, and has proven Himself faithful even when we ourselves are not always looking to Him as we should. I have provision given for me to return to India and Nepal. Now its all the organisation that needs to be done to actually be able to go, visas, reviewing of notes, and pre trip meetings.

I fly out on the 18th Jan and return 11th Feb
Thank you for your prayers as I prepare to go
Blessings
Gordon

Fundraising for Projects

2007-08-20T22:51:00.000+12:00

This week we started fundraising for projects in Northern India as a Church.
We have taken on the project of the wall that needs to be built around the land that has been purchased. Once built the other projects needed will be able to commence.

Also we have taken on as a second project the raising of funds to purchase goats for families in the village.

Want To Experience The Move Of God

2007-07-29T18:47:00.000+12:00

Men Are Needed

2007-07-29T18:45:00.000+12:00

Two are stronger than one

2007-07-26T09:30:00.000+12:00

I know that God is calling me back to the Himalaya's and now the call has also been answered by my wife. Now its time to extend my faith as the cost of the trip for one person was easy to believe for now that two of us are going its double the cost. Though when the call of God is on ones life the cost is not something to stop one from being obedient to the call of God.

I value your prayers to open the way for us to go as this trip for my wife is part of the calling that she has had on her life since she was a little girl and also is part of the reason why we got married. Needless to say I am excited to be taking my wife with me on this upcoming trip to empower the believers of the Himalaya's.

E-mail me
xsinna@gmail.com

Another Trip to the Himalayas on the Horizon

2007-06-27T08:40:00.000+12:00

Time certainly flies, I have been asked to return to the mountains which would be another awesome opportunity to see God move in power and might.

I would love to go again though after the last trip I am more than a bit strapped for cash. I had used money earmarked for other purposes to go this year and am now struggling to repay it. It is amazing how the enemy tries to cause disruption to God's plan for our lives. We have had our vechicles , all of them off the road at the same time with mechanical failures. Just waiting for my motorcycle to be fixed after a gearbox problem. My wife is sure that if I am ment to go next year the finances will be there for it. I know this to be true after many times of proving God to be true to His word.

The men over there are crying out for men to come and teach them, and there is traditionally precious few men who take up the call to do this. If you are lead to pray for me please do so so that the windows of heaven are opened and the required finance is released to be able to fulfill this destiny that is on my life.

If you need more info please email me for details of support needed both financial and spiritual.
Thanks for reading this blog of mine. Hopeing to be able to add to this blog more of what God is doing in our world.
Blesings
Gordon

Poem

2007-02-17T04:30:00.000+13:00

Home at last

2007-02-17T03:32:00.000+13:00

The last day in Kolkata was quite memorible as we went to a market that had handcrafts from each state. I brought a few things. My best buy was a cusion cover from the Kashmir region stiched in raw silk a picture of a couple of birds. Not that it was cheap but that it is a focus on a part of the world that God has highlighted for me, so watch this space. The taxi drivers know how to get the most out of tourists, most stated a price well above the meter price and even when the meter is running they demand the higher price anyway. Just as well it was the last day. We went and saw the Victoria memorial but due to the Prime Minister arriving it was closed to the public. Back to the hostel and across the road for dinner and birthday tea for Eleanor. It seemed like a drag race to the airport and when traffic came to a stop the driver jumped out to shut the bonnet as it kept popping open.

Through security and more security before we were able to board the plane. The four hour trip to Singapore went fast, watched a movie and the meal used up some time. Singapore and four hours to kill, off to the showers to wash off the dirt of India. How good it was to have a proper shower and see the dirt wash down the drain. Time to do some shopping, brought the Mrs some perfume for Valentines.

Back onto the plane this time heading for Auckland and home. Really looking forward to seeing the Mrs as she is to meet me at the airport. We arrived at 11:30pm cleared customs after declaring the Gurker Knives and paintings that had untreated timber. At the motel I opened my bags and out jumped the smells of India, the other half was none too impressed. So off to the shower again and got rid of yet more dirt. Our roads are so empty no animals or people everywhere. Back home and time to unwind until the shop was due to close. An early night as I was a bit tired. Some time in the night I awoke and thought to myself this room looks like my room at home not realising that it was, I got a huge shock to find someone in the bed with me. Who could this be, a gentle shake to get some responce and was surprised to find that it was my wife and relieved that it was not someone else. With sleeping in so many different beds over the past month I forgot where I was for a moment.

The next day I got a phone call from work asking me to come in on overtime as theyhad heard that I was back in the country. Not really ready to return to work I still went anyway, old habits die hard. What a job it was to stay awake for just 8 hours. Now I'm back into it on night shift for 12 hours and surprisingly feeling quite good. I have uploaded pix of the trip to my photobucket account
http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f74/ulybod/India%20Nepal%2007/?start=all
More of the sanitised travel type pix so enjoy.
Blessings to all who have been following my adventures and praying as I have needed your thoughts many times over the last month.

It will be interesting to see what God has instore for me in the days to come.
Gordon

Photo Essay

2007-02-09T17:40:00.000+13:00

Just a few of the pix from the trip from 700 odd pix taken.

Last day in NZ at Church.______ Singapore Airport.__________ The Merlion.

Baptist Guest House Kolcuta ___Traffic in Kolcuta ___________Rickshaw ride in Siliguri

View on the way to Darjeeling. __Tea Plantations everywhere. ___Narrow Streets follow the train tracks.

The Team at Darjeeling. _______Morning Mist over Darjeeling. ________Prayer Flags Darjeeling

Border into Sikkim. __________ Mountains from Namchi. ______ The Church at Namchi

Ironing the old way. __________ A tea bush Flower. __________ Widows receiving shawls.

Traffic jam at Border. ________ Markets. ______________ Use it if you have to...

Cow Pat Fuel Drying on Wall.

Ran out of time will add more pix when I can....

10 Days in the Himalayas

2007-02-08T18:10:00.000+13:00

What an amazing time dispite the political situation there. Our first conference just over the border was in a rented hall. We had to travel some kilometers to get there and back each day. Here strikes happen at any time that shut down the entire countryside, no shops are open and any vechicle found driving on the road during the strike is burnt. The week before we were there in the next district 24 busses and trucks were burnt out as they tried to break the strike. The Maoists have a strong hold over the country areas. Their slogans are painted everywhere.

The next conference was nearly cancelled due to the strike as where we were to stay was 10km from the church and we would not have been able to travel. There were no local hotels suitable and being late in the evening we went to the church where we were welcomed and given clean rooms to stay for the conference. This worked well as no one could travel during the strike and God saw that the conference was able to continue. The night before the conference we went bvack into the town for a meal where we had to drive through a demonstrating mob of young people, torches alight and very angry. We were told if we were out tomorrow our truck would be burnt. Fortunatly the conference was on the same time as the strike so we stayed put and had a wonderful time. There was one pastor who has not been able to get back to Kathmandu for 2 weeks due to the rolling strikes around the different regions.

Here we saw on our arrival was a huge mound of CHILLI, ginger and garlic outside our rooms. IS THIS JUST FOR 3 DAYS!!! Yes it was.

Due to the strike and our late arrival mattress' and blankets were hard to find. I let the ladies have the blankets as I had a silk liner to sleep in. It wasn't too cccccoooollllllddddd. The last night was luxury as I had a blanket but it was a short night as we had to leave at 4am to get to the next place before the next strike became effective. God's blessing wasd on us as we had a weeks grace and were able to travel unhindered. Rumours of strikes keep the people in constant fear and yet once again we were on alert to move at a moments notice, but we had a days grace so some shopping was done and back to the boarder and home to India.

This trip back to the boarder saw several bus loads of people crowded onto the roof must be getting warmer now. How do I get to ride up top instead of in this tin cage?

Back at the hotel in Siliguri I tried to phone the Mrs as our schedual had been so busy for the last couple of weeks and once again got the answerphone. But the next day I got through YAHOO was it great to hear her voice again. Half an hour was 380 rupees but money well worth handing over. Not long to go now and good ol NZ will be welcoming me home.

I am sure that I will be back, I LOVE the mountains and their people.

Ever been to an Indian Circus

2007-01-27T19:09:00.000+13:00

After being focused on the conferences over the past weeks a break back in Siliguri was most welcome. We went to Pastor Daniel's church for a service where the team spoke on the Holy Spirit. We saw 8 people commit their lives to the Lord. We had dinner at one of the leaders home afterwards. We have been shown so much honour from the people since we have been here it is so humbling.

After the dinner we went to the Circus. Similar to the ones back home. High wire trapeeze acts, juggling, trained animals, Ball of death motorcycle act, and the best was the elephants playing cricket. One elephant threw the ball to the other with it's trunk who then hit it with a bat that the other held in it's trunk.

We will be leaving for the Himalaya's this afternoon for 10 days. We will be doing three conferences back to back from 7am to 7pm. Nothing will be open outside these hours so this is it until we get back to some civilised hours again.

For more pix of the trip visit the Four Corners Ministries Blog
http://pioneer.vox.com/

Namchi Sikkim

2007-01-26T02:44:00.000+13:00

Namchi is an awesome place. High in the clouds so one can not always see the great sights that there are to be seen. My heart breaks for this place each time I gaze out over the mountains.

The church here is so hungry for the things of God, even the children are fully in to it.

The journey from Darjeeling to Namchi is only 100km but that took 5 hours to travel due to the tight twisty steep narrow roads that wind down one side of the mountain and then thread its way back up the other side. Oh for my motorcycle to eat up the twisty miles that abound here, such paradise.

Darjeeling

2007-01-21T17:58:00.000+13:00

The first conference is over now. Life has been so busy with meetings there was no timer to get to an internet cafe. There were 200 at the conference fewer than expected but the temp being 4.5 deg C during the day meant only the hardy ventured out. It was exciting to see both men and women getting into the things of God. We only had one fine day where the cloud had lifted so one could see the sights. Today the cloud has covered everything so no pictures of the mountains. During the testimony time a lady said she had a vision before the conference of a large man with a beard and falling from heaven were flowers.

the team have given me the name of mountain man.

I have tried to download some pix but the computer wont recognise my card reader.

Singapore

2007-01-15T17:43:00.000+13:00

A long flight hard to sleep being built like I am in confined spaces. Got into Singapore before daybreak. Arranged for a free tour of the city that included a boat trip down the river to the Merlion. Plenty of photos like a tourist does were taken. Back to the airport for lunch and now I'm feeling rather washed out since its nearly 6pm back home but here its 1pm.

Being the only guy in conversations leaves one feeling a bit strange but I'll survive

India here we come

At the airport

2007-01-14T19:52:00.000+13:00

Fun and games never end but one just has to roll with the punches.

Caught the bus to Auckland where another bus was supposed to run every 20 mins ended up waiting an hour, not to worry have plenty of time.

Got to the airport and decided to change my money. They did not tell me when I booked the money to pickup that there was a system limit. I had to make several withdrawals and max out the ATM limit to get the USD. Now I dont have any money for dinner and incidentals unless I change back some USD.

Only 4 hours to go so I'll try to check in now

Last Day at home

2007-01-13T11:08:00.000+13:00

Last minute gathering of gear that's needed and somehow has been forgotten.
I was needed at the shop to move display stands around so Beth can set up the "Back to School" stock.

Why does the enemy always seem to get a wedge in and stuff things up? Rhetorical I know.

I should be feeling heaps better than I do within myself with the amount of people praying for me.

Look over the notes again, standard stuff nothing new here. But to many over there, what we see as common place is pure gold. It has been said that for the Christian who has been in the faith for 3 years has more knowledge than many pastors in developing countries.

What would this world look like if all that knowledge was infused with submission to the will of God, walking in His power?

Now for the mundane practicalness of packing

Grey Beards and Silver Hair

2007-01-12T20:26:00.001+13:00

So what does a 40 something grey beard motorcycle riding father of five ex bible college student, thinks that he can achieve by going on a missions trip with a bunch of Silver haired older ladies?

In my earlier days following God was normal to me and my family, we learnt when the call was of God and when it wasn't. The children saw and experienced God in action, in circumstances many adults refuse to believe. Somewhere I lost the plot and got burnt out and disillusioned with the whole "church" scene. God was still cool and nothing can shake the love that God has for me, even when I take another detour along the way.

I have had the call on my life for this trip for 35 years but have not been able to go until now. Now I am not sure that I can be of much use, physically I am stronger (I think) than the Silver haired team members. Spiritually I am in a weak condition after years of being cynical and trying to ignore the call on my life. Well its straight into the thick of things from day one.

Its sink or swim time