india team sunday

If you missed this past Sunday's service when we re-capped the India trip:

listen to the Sunday message

watch the India re-cap video

harvest india photo album

Check out photos taken by the Harvest India photographers: Photo Album

a few of my favorite photos

In a day or so, we'll have an online photo gallery up. For now, here are a few of my favorite personal photos from India...

we're home!

We landed tonight a little after 6pm at LAX. It was great to have family and friends there to welcome us back.

Can't wait to share the stories of what God did in and through us!

sunday, september 4th - india team stories

As we are getting ready to catch a flight tonight, I just wanted to remind everyone that we're preparing a special celebration Sunday on September 4th to share the stories of what God did in and through the 2005 India Team.

India Team Sunday
September 4th (9 and 11am)
Revolution Church

Expect to see team members in Indian attire, a video montage of the trip, an update on our Generopoly projects, special songs including one in Telagu, and personal stories from team members.

If you're a friend or family member of a team member and you don't normally attend Revolution, please plan to join us for this special service!

If you know someone who'd like to attend but doesn't read this blog, be sure to invite them!

powerful time of debriefing

This morning, we took 3 hours to debrief our experience in India. We worshipped, prayed, and affirmed one another.

I shared about what to expect when returning to the US. Each team members will experience a wide range of emotions...

- from exhilaration to depression.
- from a spiritual lows to spiritual highs.
- from irritable to needy.

Some people will be excited to share their experience, and people in the States won't be interested. Others won't be ready to share their experiences, and people will want to desperately hear.

If you are a friend or family member of someone on the team, be sensitive to what they're feeling. It is pretty brutal entering back into a lavish, opulent culture when you've seen the intense physical and spiritual needs on the other side of the globe. Some people will be excited and ready to share, but others will need some space. And, everyone will be exhausted and need sleep...

More than anything, we talked about capturing the experience.

- What did God do in you?
- What did God say to you?
- How are you going to implement what God did when you get back to your own cultural context?

We want to take our experiences home with us. We want to pray just as passionately. We want to share the Good News just as openly. And, we want to warmly welcome people who are different than us just like we have in India.

I truly believe this trip has capped off an amazing summer at Revolution, and it will be the beginning of an even more powerful fall season!

a night of rest

After finishing up the pastor's conference and our ministry in Tenali, we boarded a 6 hour train this afternoon and headed to Chennai. We are now on our journey home.

We're staying the night at the Radisson Hotel and enjoying international cuisine, air conditioning, and a comfortable mattress again. Tomorrow, we'll spend several hours debriefing our trip and what God has been speaking to us, and then we'll do some local shopping.

Tomorrow night, we'll catch a 10pm train to Kuala Lumpur (3.5 hour flight), and then we'll have a 11 hour layover. Some us will probably take a bus tour of the city while others sleep.

Pray for a smooth journey home!

pastor's conference in tenali

Late Monday night, we arrived in Tenali - the headquarters of Harvest India and Suresh Kumar. We checked in to the Goutham Hotel and enjoyed air conditioning, a clean room, warm shower, and a western toilet. Ahhh.....

Yesterday morning, we kicked off the Harvest India Pastor's Conference with 250 pastors in attendance. Half of them were still travelling as far away as 7 hours. By the 2nd session last night, there were over 500 men and women pastors crammed into a big concrete building with fans circulating overhead. It was very sobering to leave last night knowing that we'd be returning to a comfortable air conditioned room, and they would be sleeping on the floor of that big building.

The conference is broken into 5 sessions. Each session includes an Indian worship time, a couple of songs from the Revolution team, teaching, and small group discussion. After our team sings, everyone who isn't speaking heads out to do other ministry at the orphanage or in a village. Then, the speaker for the session speaks about 45-60 minutes and presents 2 questions for discussion. They've never attended a conference where the speakers had them break into groups of 5 or 6 and discuss the topic. They were freaked out and frozen when we asked them to do this during the first session. But, now they love it!

Tuesday AM - EMBRACE YOUR CALL - Bobby Marchessault
Yesterday morning, Bobby did a great job walking us through how God called Moses in the book of Exodus. Moses struggled with his calling and came up with lots of excuses. In order to be fully effective in ministry, we must embrace our call. It was unbelievable to hear the stories of how God had uniquely called the men and women into ministry. Every person there knew the exact day that they heard God's voice - remarkable.

Tuesday PM - RECEIVE GOD'S VISION - David Trotter
Last night, I shared from Nehemiah 1 and 2 about the process of receiving a vision from God. See the need. See the potentional. See the opposition. See God work. It was a powerful time, and people were fired up - yelling and screaming.

Wednesday AM - EQUIP THE CHURCH - David Trotter
This morning, I taught on the need to invite people into the vision God has given you. If you're able to accomplish the vision on your own, the vision is too small. We looked at Nehemiah 3, Ephesians 4, and 1 Corinthians 12. Good times...

Tonight, Bobby will take the night session.

Before attending the conference this morning, we participated in feeding several hundred gypsies, toured the Harvest India free medical center, and met the 40 students at the nursing institute. We saw 20 of the bunks we purchased at this location!

Right now, it is pouring down rain, and we're headed back for a 2 hour rest. This afternoon, we're going to a place where a ferry overturned killing numerous people and leaving 15 children orphaned. We'll give money, support, and prayers...

Many of us are feeling much, much better, but there are still a few angry stomachs and fevers. Keep praying!

repalle - sunday/monday update

Last night, we took a short drive to a water well dedication and crusade site. A regional governmental official was on hand as I dedicated the well. It was powerful to see how many people were all raising their hands as I asked, "Who will be drinking fresh water from this well on a daily basis?" What a sight!

After dedicating the well, we held a crusade in this village of 1000 people. Maureen Borillo and Chris Hoff shared their stories as Terry Costa and Jon Gaw shared from the Scriptures. It was a powerful night with many, many people choosing to follow Jesus. Ironically, there were 2 churches right next to the site - one behind us and one in front of us. Neither church is in use and neither has a pastor. So, Suresh was negotiating with the village elder to use both building for new church plants in the coming months!

During the service as we were honoring the governmental official, he pulled me aside and requested Revolution's help in providing housing for the dalits (untouchables) in this village. Many of them don't have housing. He indicated that the government would be willing to pay 75% if Revolution would pay 25%. Then, it would be called Revolution Village. Who knows what will come out of this?

Last night, we all got to bed by 10:30 or 11pm. I got 9 hours sleep for the first time last night, and most of us are now adjusted to the time change. Some of us are feeling better, but most have angry stomachs.

This morning, we had omelettes and the usual spicy donuts. Then, we headed over for another wedding. As we're sitting in a large wedding hall waiting for the bride and groom to show up, Suresh comes over and says, "I'm sorry to inform you that you'll be giving the message this morning. Please get ready."

I rented a rickshaw and quickly headed back to the hotel to get my Bible, and I ended up giving the same message that I gave at the first wedding. Ravi (groom) and Bugge (bride) had never had a conversation; they had only seen one another from a distance. Today, they begin their life together - wow! At the wedding, we also got to see the first couple. They were both very happy and smiling. Things are going well for them.

This afternoon, we're recovering and resting. Tonight, we'll hold our last crusade before returning to Tenali late tonight. Originally, we were scheduled to go to an island, but northern India has released a great deal of water from their dams to prevent further flooding. So, boats are not allowed on the Bay of Bengal where we would be travelling. Suresh mentioned that they thought about sneaking us to the island, but they thought the risk would be too great. Yeah, I agreed. So, his team set up another crusade near Repalle tonight. Chris Koble and Lisa Shewfelt will be sharing their stories, and Bobby Marchessault and I will be sharing the gospel.

Please pray for many people to follow Jesus tonight. Pray for the health of the team. And, please pray for the preparation of the Pastor's Conference where 500-600 pastors will be present.

I talked to several people about the Sunday services, and I was so glad to hear that things went well. Troy Dean is an awesome man! God bless!

repalle - saturday/sunday update

Saturday was probably the most grueling days of our adventure so far. All of the sickness, power outages, and travel issues aren't coincidental in our eyes. After a morning water well dedication, we headed out to another island. We were suprised by the short 30 minute drive to the boat, but we were overwhelmed by the 2 hour boat ride in the heat and humidity.

By the time we got to the island, half of our team was pretty shaken by angry stomachs, fever, or weariness. I immediately helped one team member find shelter to cool off from a fever. After they were stabilized, I walked with another team member several hundred yards to the house of the island president. (Yes, even islands have presidents.) We walked into his small home that was quite posh for the area. Both of us laid down to sleep for a couple of hours while the rest of the team helped conduct a medical camp and minister to the kids. I was laying on a small hand-made cot in the doorway of the 10x12 bedroom overlooking the front entrance of their home with 30+ chickens, a fire cooking dinner, and the president smoking a fat cigarette. All that chicken odor and smoke was wafting right in through the open door. It was quite a sight. It was a long trek back to our ministry site, and my angry stomach was yelling for relief. My wet wipes were back at the site, and all Indians use are their left hand and a cup of water. Thank God for that small receipt and a 40 rupee bill in my pocket!

Later, the sick team members moved to the roof of an adjoining building back where the crusade was being held. Since I was ill, Dave Sloan mc'ed the night with the team sharing great testimonies and a drama. As the power cut in and out, Terry Costa and Bobby Marchessault became even more passionate about sharing God's love. It was quite a sight as several hundred Hinuds stood to follow Jesus. BTW, did I mention that we held the crusade right next door to a Hindu temple?

Most of us were feeling a bit better by the time the crusade was over, and we hiked back to the boat. The boat ride turned in to 2.5 hours due to the fact that we had to drive around 15 or so fishing nets on the way back.

This morning, we divided our team into two groups and ministered at 2 separate churches and dedicated one water well. Paula Chisam preached at one church, and Chris Koble preached at the other where I attended. We sang, shared testimonies, and gave messages of encouragement. At the other team's church, a demon-possessed man was manifesting a snake demon by writhing on the ground. According to church leaders, this man had been possessed by the demon for 6 years, and no one was able to cast it out. Our team gathered around with the help of Sudheer (Suresh's brother), and after some time, the demon left. The man was sane and at peace. I can't wait for you to hear the story firsthand.

This afternoon, I'll dedicate a water well nearby where a regional, govenmental official will be present. Then, we make a 30 minute drive for our 4th crusade. Terry Costa and Bobby Marchessault with be giving the message, and Maureen Borillo and Chris Hoff will be sharing their stories.

Please pray in faith for our team's health. We are having major stomach issues - unlike our last trip. Despite the issues, we are moving forward strongly and sharing God's love to many people.

Have great Sunday services, and we look forward to being back with you all!

Phone call from India

I received a call at home tonight from Dave. It was about 8:00 p.m. When the phone rang, I had a feeling it was going to him. Needless to say, the kids and I were ecstatic! I spoke to him for only a minute before Waverly and Emerson were both screaming in my ear that they too wanted to talk to Daddy. Quickly, I had to give up the phone for a few moments. Waverly wanted to know every detail of what the team was experiencing. (I love her excitement and interest for the trip this time.) Emerson could only say, "Hi Daddy" about 5 times in a row and then he passed the phone back to me.
It was so good to hear his voice. I miss him so much as I am sure that everyone else that has loved ones in India are feeling the same way. Dave said that the team was doing well overall. He said that he was feeling a little under the weather so please pray for continued health and stamina for the entire team.
Dave also said that they have been experiencing some major adventures. Wading in water, sloshing in mud, and long boat rides to name a few. All of this to share the love of God with those who have never heard. Amazing!!
I cannot wait to hear all of the stories when they return!!

Laura Trotter

repalle - friday update

Yesterday was a challenging and amazing day!

After breakfast on the roof of our hotel, we had a great time of devotion led by Richie Garcia. We all reflected on our experiences thus far, and we took time to affirm one another. We loaded up the vehicles and headed out to our 2nd well dedication in Vemanenivari Palem. I'm not sure that's quite spelled right, but you woudn't really know anyway, would you? lol Jon Gaw did a great job communicating Revolution's heart for the people of India. He shared about Jesus as the Living Water, dedicated the well, and cut the ribbon. We all took turns cranking the handle to see the fresh water pour out. The village was very thankful.

After the well dedication, we drove for over an hour on very bumpy asphalt and dirt roads to a remote village with a muddy harbor. When I say harbor, I use that word in the general sense. Basically, we all walk down a few steps, take off our shoes, roll up our pants to above the knee, and start wading into the water. The water is knee high with your foot plunging into dark brown gushy mud way above the ankle. It was absolutely hilarious to see our team trek 30-40 yards through the water and mud out to the boat.

This boat had a lower section where you could sit on the floor or on wooden planks. The roof is where all the medical supplies, sound equipment, and our bodies were perched. Dave Sloan and Chris Hoff grabbed some swim trunks and dove into the muddy water as we saw curious things float by. After an hour boat ride, we arrived to a mud bank with a 6 foot mud wall that we had to scale with the help of the villagers.

The island of Elesedi Dibba is inhabited by 1200 people, and they were very excited to see us. After climbing up the bank, our foot and legs were filthy with mud. One of the men took us over to the side and slowly began to wash each person's feet. It was a humbling and powerful moment to say the least.

We walked through the trails to see the thatch hut homes - no roads, no cars, no bikes, no motorcycles. They all fish for a living and the amount of fish available to them has plummeted since the tsunami. About 30 people died on the island, and they are trying to rebuild their lives.

We promptly were treated to a wonderful meal of fresh fish and prawns - freshly caught that afternoon. They were delicious. We then held a medical camp where 2 Harvest India doctors treated several hundred people - giving out medicines and vitamins. This is the first time something has ever been done like this on that island.

A bit later, we rallied everyone under a big tent and held a meeting. We worshipped, we performed dramas, and we introduced this island to Jesus for the VERY FIRST TIME. Jerry Stout and Jennifer Boza shared their stories and did a wonderful job. After a powerful drama about Jesus rescuing us, Paula stepped up to the mic and shared how Jesus had rescued her from fear. There was a moment in her message when she paused, and something happened. She shifted from using her notes to passionately proclaiming God's love for the people. You could feel the Holy Spirit using her in a powerful way. It was instantaneous and amazing. Jon Gaw finished the night with a strong call to follow Jesus, and about 200 people chose to accept Christ. Very powerful.

Then, we set up tables and chairs and fed the people rice and curry. It was interesting to find out that they were eating right on time for their culture - about 9pm. We walked back to the boat in the dark, jumped aboard easily because of the high tide, and road an hour back to the cars. From there, we drove another hour back to the hotel.

Please pray for the health of our team with several of us experiencing upset stomachs, fever, and back aches. Today, we head out at 1pm to go to another island on the boat. Pray for Lisa Shewfelt and Kevin Chisam as they share their stories, and pray for Terry Costa and Bobby Marchessault as they share the good news of God's love!

repalle - thursday update

It is Friday morning in Repalle, and we are so thankful for a good night's rest. (Our first night in Repalle was rough, but last night everyone slept much better.)

Thursday started off with breakfast on the roof of the hotel. Tortilla-type breads, spicy potato and onion mixtures, and other sauces. Bananas and fresh grape juice each morning - very delicious! After a devotional time and worship practice with all our hand movements, we loaded up the 3 vehicles and headed to a wedding. After a long drive out into the middle of nowhere, we got out and said hello to the groom (Sundara) and all his family. They were eating before they headed over for the wedding. Sundara is on staff with Harvest India, and he lives in a village called Tippalakatta. As we started to walk to the old aged home (where the wedding was to be held), it started pouring rain. We ran for cover underneath a tree that is painted orange and worshipped by the local Hindus.

We gathered for lunch in a small room at the old aged home, and we learned all about Indian arranged marriages. Sundara and his arranged bride (Ratna) had only met once before the wedding. We were all very interested to find out that they would be together on their wedding night (if you know what I mean.) Anyway, it was quite a sight to see her ride in with a huge entourage all wearing beautiful saris. She had a beautiful veil, and she was looking down without smiling during the entire ceremony - very traditional of Indian brides.

I had the privilege of giving the wedding message before they took their vows. I can't even begin to express the radical differences in their wedding and marriage process. BTW, India has a divorce rate of about 2% according to Suresh.

After the wedding, we headed to an orphanage to play with about 40 kids. We made salvation bracelets with them and listened to each one of them rapidly recite one of over 200 Bible verses that they each know. In the words of Suresh, "No Bible verse - no food!" They obviously place a huge value on knowing God's Word. Every child was so well taken care of and full of such joy. What fun it was to be with them.

We all were exhausted so we went back to the hotel for a 1 hour rest. Then, we re-loaded up and headed to a well dedication in Allaudi. A bunch of people from the village came out to watch the action. Then, we walked over to the site of the crusade located in the same village.

Unfortunately, the high-caste Hindus were very reluctant to join us and many of them just stood on the side. There were only a few hundred people there, but we faithfuly shared God's offer of love and grace. The drama team performed an awesome "creation" drama. Then, Richie and Terry shared their stories and did a wonderful job. Chris gave part of the message and talked a great deal about how God created everything here on this earth - including us. I finished up the night sharing from God's Word. 12 people chose to follow Jesus for the first time, and we had the chance to pray for many, many people to be healed and blessed.

Today, we'll leave at 12:30pm to dedicate a water well, and Jon Gaw will be leading the charge on that one. Then, we'll be heading out to the first island to hold a medical camp and feed people. Tonight, we'll hold another crusade with Jen Boza and Jerry Stout sharing their stories and Paula Chisam and Jon Gaw sharing the Gospel. Pray for them and everyone else to maintain strength, health, and a deep sense of God's presence. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

royal paris hotel

This morning, we traveled across town to the Royal Paris Hotel to have brunch at the Royal Treat Restaurant. The food was wonderful - chicken soup, rice cakes, fried rice, spring rolls, chicken mole, fried chicken, and tandoori chicken.

We're now ready to catch the 2pm train to Tenali - about a 6-7 hour trip. Everyone is rested from a wonderful, air-conditioned rest last night!

We're having a great time and very anxious to get started with ministry. Everyone is overwhelmed by the smells, traffic, crowds, and sidewalk stores. It is quite a sight!

Please pray for the first crusade tomorrow night. Richie Garcia and Terry Costa will be sharing their life stories, and Chris Koble and David Trotter will be giving the message and inviting people to follow Jesus.

comfort inn in chennai

We just arrived at the Comfort Inn in Chennai, India. We were quite suprised to stay at such a nice place our first night in India. Things will definitely change tomorrow night.

After arriving at the airport, we had a few speed bumps getting through Immigration and Customs, but all is well. They questioned our donation bags, and they were a bit uncomfortable with whether one passport photo actually matched up with the right person. No worries though - all is well.

We packed tons and tons of bags on to the top of two small buses, and they all got tied down. We climbed in to the super-hot buses and were treated to our first Indian-style ride. We weaved in and out of the streets - dodging motorcycles with women riding sidesaddle, rickshaws, buses, dogs, and more. The smell and the humidity are both strong.

It is great to see Suresh and his team. We'll be heading out at 10:30am to have brunch, and then we'll board a 2pm train to Tenali. We'll drop off our donation bags and catch a bus to Repalle for 1.5 hours.

Pray for good health, team unity, and a deep sense of why we're here!

kuala lumpur

We just arrived at the Concorde Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Everyone is doing good, but we're all tired. We'll shower and rest for about 4 hours, and we'll catch our next flight to Chennai, India. Here we go...

prayers and packing

This morning, we had a great time of prayer with our entire congregation gathering around the team during both services. Now, my guess is that everyone is packing.

We meet at the church at 9:30pm to head up to LAX...

calling suresh

I just made my first phone call to India (other than the Dell customer service department). It took me awhile to figure it out, and I just ended up using my cellphone. Next time, I'll probably use a pre-paid calling card or something cheaper.

Suresh is very excited to have us arrive in just a few days. His team has everything planned and dialed in - including the wells, church, and bunks we've purchased. He's also very excited that we're able to supply the remaining amount of money to purchase a large vehicle for Harvest India.

If you want to keep up with our schedule, take a look at our tentative schedule.

weather report

Check out the weather forecast for Chennai - the city where we'll be landing. After we arrive, we'll travel about 9 hours by train, but I don't think the weather will be changing much.

Rain, rain, and more rain.

Chennai, India Weather Forecast

last training meeting

Last night, we held our 8th and final India Team training meeting. Our training sessions have been held on 8 Sunday nights over the past 5 months (5-7pm each night).

During our meetings, we've prayed, bonded as an entire team, planned in our sub-teams (worship, teaching, drama, and children's ministry), shared our testimonies, and received training in specific areas including:

• Cultural Differences
• Team Dynamics and Expectations
• Religions of India
• Personal and Crusade Evangelism
• Reflecting and Learning on a Personal Level
• Cuisine of India
• Spiritual Warfare

It has been amazing how God has provided in so many ways for our team - especially financially. Beyond the personal support that each person had to raise ($2,750 each), Revolution and others invested over $25,000 in projects including:

• 8 water wells
• A church that seats 250 people
• 25 bunk beds for the female Bible College students
• A new Harvest India ministry bus
• 1,000 bags for pastors including sandals, soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush

This is our final week of preparation, and we'd really appreciate your prayers.

• Pray for the safety and health of our team.
• Pray for our team to maintain an encouraging, supportive environment.
• Pray for all the projects (wells, church, bunks) to be completed by the time we arrive.
• Pray for soft hearts in the people we'll be introducing to Jesus.
• Pray that many people choose to follow Jesus.
• Pray that many people will be healed as we pray for them.
• Pray that we will be a huge blessing to Harvest India.
• Pray that God transforms our team members in the process.