Indian Village Parade!

Chevitikallu is deep in the rural farming area. We passed fields of corn and maize, cotton and red chilies. Once in the village, we were again given flower garlands, and paraded like royalty through the entire village to the beat of a very loud, large drum band! We visited throughout the village--a big crowd, as it is Republic Day--a national holiday like our 4th of July. (We all sported Indian lapel flag pins). The church here is very big, and was built by Maranatha about 10 years ago. They are in the process of redoing the stone floor that had been ruined by the annual monsoon flooding, so the inside of the church had a sand floor right now. They served is a huge lunch there! if it hadn't been a church, we could have played beach volleyball!

Riding on a Bull Cart!

We drove about 45 minutes on a rough road through fields of tobacco, cotton and newly sprouted grain to S. Amaravarum. They met us on the outskirts of the village with garlands and two decorated bull carts! We were then carried into the village on the carts to the beat of a drum and much fanfare! That's not something that happens often in Maine!!



This small village is about 70% Adventist, and needs a Bible worker home built next to the church. We plan to do this as part of this year's project. The homes are not visible from the road--low, thatched roof "porches" in front hide them. It was a bit tricky for our tall guys to stoop low enough to go in!

The other photos are of us passing out Beanie Babies in the church and praying with the people in their homes.

"Hello India!"

"Hell-o-o-o-o India", Josh shouts! "Hello America", the crowd hollers back! This is his signature greeting, and the villagers love it! So began Josh's original sermon on God's ten blessings--the ten commandments. He did a great job! As you can see from the photo, the people pack into the autocabs to and from the meetings. The kids love it when the girls sit with them in the audience!

Visiting in Damuluru and Chilukuru

It has been quite an experience visiting in the villages. Some of the homes in these villages are the poorest we've seen this year--dried dung floors, tarps covering a frame of sticks. One hut was about 40 square feet and the entrance so low, you could hardly enter. One family of 15 lived in two rooms! The children followed us around from place to place as usual. In Chilikuru, they led us into the village while they threw flower petals on us! We have eaten lunch in the villages every day--it's a cultural, gastronomical bonanza!

Heartstring Tuggers!

If ever there were kids that tugged on your heartstrings, these are they! As Harry was having worship with the boys hostel at the school one morning, the dean told him about three boys sponsored who were very poor. Sponsorship covers only tuition, food and housing. Joshua, Arvin and Anil Kumar own no long pants, have no uniform for school, and no shoes. Arvin and Anil Kumar also have no sandals and have to walk everywhere barefoot. Joshua shares his pair with a younger brother! Their parents are unable to provide even these bare necessities. Needless to say, our friend's remaining $40 went to buy uniforms, shoes and sandals for 2 of the boys. We covered the third. And we think we are hard put not to have something we think we need!!

More on the Meetings

In spite of 15-20 minute nightly power outages, the meetings have been going so well! We've been packed every night since Sabbath. There are even more people who want to come from the villages, but there are not enough autocabs. We may have to rent more--we don't want to have some left behind. As it is, they are packing twenty villagers into each vehicle that may possibly hold 6 average adults! You should see and hear the villagers sing our action songs! Such enthusiasm! It's wonderful to watch our young team members in action (I know Josh, Eric and Josh are men, but they'll always be our "Kids"!). Leigh and both Josh's did children's stories: Julianna and Eric had health talks, and Josh L. gave a tremendous sermon on salvation. Everyone pitches in wherever needed--singing, praying, teaching new songs. We have the best youth!

Visiting in Kothapeta Village

Kothapeta is the village where we are holding our revival meetings. It is such an amazing experience to visit the people in their homes! The average size dwelling is about 150-300 square feet, and up to 3 generations can live in the one or two rooms! We pray for the families, and they are so appreciative. The children want to hold hands, the ladies put flowers in your hair, and they all love the Beanie Babies and Matchbox cars! We were invited to eat at one of the member's houses. The food was wonderful--chappatis, curried potatoes and lentils. Here are some photos of our day.