June 7
We sorted through boxes, hundreds of boxes, to find school books today. Our search ended in vain however for we did not
find what we were looking for. Thousands of books were found for the library but none that were suitable for text books. After
getting cleaned up we went to Pastor Stephen's church in Lakavalli and preached. I shared from 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 and
Ephesians 4:11&12 speaking about the need for unity in the body of Christ and how we each have roles to play within the
church. The food was tremendous as always with curried beef, rice, and butter naan. I feel that the Lord has already used
us to encourage the believers to persevere and to tell them that they are the ones that He wishes to use to spread His hope
and love throughout India.
At the same time we are being encouraged by these people's commitment and their servant hearts.
June 8
We were unable to visit many people today due to various things that we had to accomplish. We spent this morning relaxing
and playing cricket with Daniel's nephews and of course Mike is a favorite because of his ability to get 6 points every time
his hand touches the paddle. We practiced a few songs for sunday and have somewhat worked out a chorus of "Everywhere
I go I see you" in Kannada. It will be very interesting to see if the kids are able to pick up on "Hellellee Woooooo Deruuuu"
instead. After lunch we went to Munjuulas home and spent time laughing, talking, and praying for her. She is a very dear person
who at the age of 26 has a daughter who is married, her husband has left her, and she had a stroke which left her right arm
paralyzed making her unable to work. The government gives her 200 rupees per month to live off of ( in case you're wondering
200 rupees is about the equivelant of 5 American dollars). When we returned home we had a prayer meeting on the roof which
went very well. Before going to bed Daniel walked around the building spraying for bugs but we fear that in his zeal he may
have killed the lizards inside as well.
June 9
We got up early this morning to go see the tribal kids. I was once again taken back at just how little they
have. I believe that this really stirred in Mike his vision again to start a school for these kids to give them a chance to
do something in this world. They were somewhat skiddish of Mike at first, but quickly warmed up to his smiles and laughter.
After leaving the tribal kids, we went to the other side of Gurupura to someone's house and met with around 20 or 30 kids
and a few adults. Mike and Rebekah got to try their first fresh coconut with milk and did not care for it.
June 10
Today
being Sunday, we woke up early to get prepared. I went to pick up all of the kids at about 9 o'clock and ended up getting
around 30 kids. The service went well and it was very good to see everyone again from last year. Shortly after the service
we left for Kemmanagundi which is a very touristy place. We had a service this evening to start a church in this town with
pastor Sandputh as the pastor. Several people gave their lives to the Lord and one man said that he had been praying for a
church in Kemmanagundi for the last 2 years. He was so happy that God had finally answered his prayers. 3 or 4 people are
taking baptism tomorrow although we don't know where as of yet.
6-16-07
Thanks to everyone for their prayers. We are all having a wonderful time but I miss everyone very
much. All of the kids are great. I have been spending some time playing catch with them recently. They think
it's funny to throw my hakkisac on the roof of the church and have Samuel get it down. I am trying to make all of them
bracelets by tomorrow morning. Currently only about 10 of them have bracelets. I am also going to have to buy
more candy because it is almost gone. The tribal kids especially love the candy.
We have traveled to many different house churches and shared. Many have made the commitment to follow Christ and
several have been baptized. Please pray that they continue to follow Him.
There have been many of the tribals that would like to send their kids to the school once it is ready. We have
found a teacher who is already looking over the curriculum that Mike brought with him. She would like to start working
on lesson plans and getting stuff together on Monday. We prayed while we were on the mountain that God would send
a teacher and He did. We are still in need of tables and chairs and some other supplies that we will be looking for
while we are here in Shamoga.
So many people have invited us into their houses for tea and we are then able to share with them the love of God.
Nearly everyone here has such a servant heart. They will do just about anything for you. It is so cool to meet
more family members. I am definately going to miss every one of them.
I hope everyone back at home is doing great. I will be very happy to see y'all again.
Bekah
6-19-07
Hello, I hope everyone is doing O.K. back at home. Just one more week and I will see everyone
again. A lot has gone on since the last entry. Several more people have gotten saved and one was baptized yesterday.
On Sunday night we had a small birthday party for Andy. A good many that we have gotten to know in the in the village
showed up. Anand brought coconuts so we could have fresh coconut milk and M.E. brought the cake. Most of the kids
showed up. We all had fun. Sunday morning I taught Sunday school. I taught the kids about Samson and M.E.
translated. Thankfully I made enough bracelets for all of them. After church we drove to Pastor Steven's church
in Lakkavalli and Mike shared. They thanked us for coming again and presented us with flowers. Today we visited
three differrent houses. In one of these houses a hindu man gave his life to Christ. After visiting, we drove
to Badravati to have a church meeting in Pastor Joel's house. Rensey is one of his daughters. She is 13 and has
had brain cesures her whole life. She cannot speak very well but she is precious. She knows a little bit of English.
She told us good morning when we arrived. Please pray that God will heal her.
I love all of you and hope you are doing great.
Bekah
