First two weeks of outreach

Sorry the updates from Jared have been scarce, he has really been struggling to get access to the internet and when he does, they have only a few minutes.  The following write up is written by Jared to our leaders at the YWAM base in Chennai, updating them on how their first two weeks of outreach have been going.  I am sure Jared will be writing another update soon, so I will try to post that as soon as I get it.  Please note the two month outreach phase is split into about three or four phases/locations, the first 2 weeks being the first phase.

Jared writes:

"Two weeks have gone by so fast. Our time together in Kundrathur is already over. So much has happened, so much has been learned so many blessings poured out by our Heavenly Father.  We arrived late Saturday afternoon (14 April) and early Sunday morning we were asked to conduct proceedings at the MPA church (Pastor Lazarus ). The service included testimonies from all the team members as well as a message and the leading of worship.

Day to day ministry typically starts with a 06:00am prayer walk, circling a particular neighbourhood seven times in prayer, or house visits, praying for believers in their homes. Initially it was just believers inviting us in, however later Hindu homes began to ask for prayer and blessings. Some days this would take all morning, if not we would return back to our accommodation for worship and intercession. Worship has been our strength and lifeline as almost all of us have fallen ill at some point and every one of us has felt some kind of spiritual attack. However we have victory in Christ.  

Jared and the rest of the outreach team

The outreach team doing one of their skits depecting Jesus' crucifiction and resurrection

We were truly blessed by the hospitality we received. We scarcely needed to prepare food and were treated to real south Indian food by both the pastor’s wife and the local believers. After lunch we returned for general work duty, followed by some quiet time and some much needed rest as the days heat intensified.  Evening ministry would start around 16:00pm when we would leave to go and distribute tracts, do open airs (skits/dances) and house visits which often carried on past 22:00pm. At each open air many people came forward for prayer and many heard the gospel for the first time. About 4 people accepted Christ after hearing the gospel and we rejoice as heaven celebrates each time a name is added to the book of life. This was the typical routine however things changed from minute to minute.

Pastor Lazarus asked us to run his mini DTS for four nights, leading worship and providing teachings every night. We also helped with some tuition for the local gypsy children. The following Sunday we were again asked to run proceedings with worship, testimonies and the message for the day.  The worship included a song in each of our mother tongues, highlighting the beauty of the diverse cultures God has created.  Fridays we conducted fasting prayer services. The ladies in the team also helped with women’s meetings.  Pastor Lazarus also took us to Villapuram where we distributed tracts conducted open airs and made house visits to the local Banjaara Gypsy people. He is doing some truly amazing work among these people. 

The manner in which Pastor Lazarus and Timothy serve the people is an absolute blessing to behold. They have touched each of our lives and demonstrated true servanthood leadership. As they said farewell they went so far as to wash our feet as they anointed us with oil. May the Lord bless them and expand their territories.   We look forward to the next point of service as our outreach gains momentum and perspective.  Thank you so much for your continued prayer."

Jared and I have been truly blessed to be able to speak regularly (I am able to skype Jared on his leader’s cell phone).  He has expressed how The Lord is showing him a lot about himself.  Also I can recognise a definite growth with regards to Jared hearing The Lord’s voice more clearly, by getting words for people, by being led to pray specifically for those far away and by the increased understanding that he is gaining.  He mentioned that the next 20 days the temperature is going to be averaging around 45 degrees. 

Please keep Jared in your prayers, that he is surrounded by a devine coolness, filled with The Holy Spirit and continues to grow in gaining understanding regarding The Lord’s ways.

We pray The Lord will grow each of your understanding of His ways a little bit more each day.

Many Blessings

The Stanfords