The first 3 months of this year saw two trips being made to visit LCA projects in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Firstly, by Onkar (LCA Project and Ministry Director) accompanied by his church Pastor and wife, followed by Pastor Adam (Everyday Church Southfields) and Michael (photographer). It was a challenging and encouraging time for all.
This update is from Onkar’s experience and perspective of his trip:
“Having arrived in Hyderabad we traveled onto Carmel Ministries in Eluru where we were greeted by the children of the Home in a typical Indian welcome of garlands made of fresh flowers. We soon learned that Pastor Ebenezer was to have major surgery the next day but he had planned everything ahead so our trip would go smoothly.
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Bens SchoolThe School and Children’s Home continue to reach out to neglected children and those living in the slum nearby. LCA is privileged to help in a small way toward the children’s care, and to receive a good education.
The children were very excited to show their various projects and were keen to sing and dance to Christian songs. Anjum, a past student at the school supported by LCA, came to meet me and shared how Bens school had laid a good foundation for her studies in High School. Since last writing, Paul & Anitha are in the process of making it possible to purchase land and build their own school, hopefully in the not too a distant future
LCM Pastors
Vikram had been able to get in touch with 4 of the Pastors that LCA had helped to become self-sufficient 3 years ago, and arranged for us to meet up and see how they were getting on. I could see their happiness when they saw me, and they shared how they had been praying for LCA. We were mutually encouraged by our time together. Each had a testimony of how God had helped them and I would like to mention one Pastor in particular – Jayaraju. He had a congregation of 50 but then half from a nearby village suddenly stopped attending church as they faced condemnation from the villagers. In spite of this, he has witnessed growth in the ministry. Two years ago he started prayer in a different village. Initially there was resistance from RSS (Indian right-wing Hindu nationalist group). They seized the Bibles and threw them in the well. Prayer support from other Christians has helped him to overcome the resistance and Jayaraju even plans to build a Church there.
From Nellore back up to Hyderabad to visit Sujatha and New Life Ministries. I am really encouraged to see she is developing as a person, social worker and preacher. With the help of LCA they have converted the flat roof of the new house into an enclosed place for worship where around 250 gather on a Sunday. Two disabled young people who have successfully been operated on through the support of LCA came to visit us and it was good to see what a difference it had made to their lives.
Sujatha shared her vision with us:
To plant 100 churches in surrounding villages. Sujatha feels God has already shown her two places, and 3 young people have been trained to look after these.
To care for the elderly people. At present the ministry is supporting 5 in their own homes.
To care for children neglected by their own parents.
Sujatha would like to purchase the plot of land next to the house which would enable the last 2 projects to be possible.
The whole trip was an encouraging time seeing the ministries LCA support, grow in every way, spiritually, in number and reaching the needs of the people.”
Praise and Prayer:
Give thanks for safe and fruitful trips to see the work of LCA.
Give thanks that Pastor Ebenezer has recovered well from his surgery.
Pray for successful operations of 10 disabled taking place this spring.
Wisdom for Paul & Anitha Koti as they arrange funds to be available to buy property for a school building. It can be a long process in India.
Pray for a new LCA Chairperson to be found soon.
Wisdom & guidance for LCA Board meeting on Sat.11th May which plans for the year ahead and includes the annual budget.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support which is greatly valued.
Kind Regards,
Jean
(Friends Manager LCA)