Our Sisters Return

I am sitting in my own home pondering several things.

As I wait for the mission girls to bring me Chai & Mary to bring Bombay toast & broken (scrambled) eggs, my heart aches knowing that unless I fix something, I will be waiting a long time. My faith is in God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and technology takes a lonely back seat!

My Little (Great) Grandma had a saying about the road to Hell & good intentionsions, but technologically speaking, my trip did not go as planned. "Hot Spots" in Puttur are anywhere you are when the current (electricity) goes off, but there are no WiFi connections around the GSM. There is internet connection at Henry's & Praveen's houses, but it is unreliable at best.

We had a faith building, God inspired trip to Good Shepherd Mission and visit with our family in Puttur & Kolladom India. Deb said it best when she exclaimed, "My life will never be the same!" None ever are after a trip to India! Physically, we are challenged every minute. It is just HOT!!! We did sleep in air conditioned comfort, thanks to new AC at the Mission & at Kolladom. During our work days, we just enjoyed a good sweat. . . bandanas to wipe it off & bottled water & mango soda to replace the fluids! We met new children at the Mission (ask Linda about the "Dirt Brothers") and saw new schools. We visited with old friends and family. Like our own families at home, the children are growing into lovely & delightful young men (Ahnand's boys would break some hearts!) and women who praise the Lord with their songs and deeds. Winnie (Vijay's daughter) is on the brink of entering Medical School and is faced with the reality of finding financing. Her grades are good, but since she claims to be Christain on her application, her Low Caste standing is moved to High Caste which makes her uneligible for scholarships. Please join us in prayer to find ways to help her.

Dear Friends, please know that "serving" the Lord does not have to feel like a sacrificing burden, instead it feels like you are "getting" to do something you will love to be part of. Sometimes I am afraid that people see how much "fun" we have while we are on mission to India and think that we are just going for our own reward, but that is the beauty of following Christ. It is a joyful journey with Him. You can be forever encouraged to be the hands & feet of Christ. I am sorry that my words cannot express what my heart knows to be true. Know that I am constantly searching for others to share this journey. . . people who will "get it". . . understand the joy & need to serve Him by loving His lambs!
Linda, Debbie & I want to thank you for letting us share this with you!

Vicki Gentzell

It's been a couple of days since we sent post, but TISI (This is India)! Thursday we had a medical camp at the "Friendly" School. Deb stayed at the Mission (with “GI upsets” - 'nuff said!). I helped Dr Murthy. He taught me to diagnose some problems! Nopea = pain. The people would say "nopea nopea" & point at their heads or legs or arms. There is lots of pain. India is hard on the body. They would say "montha" & rub their stomach or point at their feet. This could possibly be gastric reflux. If feet were a concern, then we would check blood sugar for Diabetes. We saw many people & gave many medicines.

After the medical camp we rested, Linda & I then went to the second VBS church. We worshipped mightily! We prayed for many children, elders of the church and for the success of the church!

On Friday, we shopped at the Steel Store & the Fancy Shop. Debbie was amazed at the traffic, the noise & the monkeys! TISI. The electrical current was out for several hours. We are then so thankful when it comes back on & we praise God! We worked on our Bible Study for a while; Beth Moore provides a good study. We got new clothes from the tailor. Linda's & my chudeedahs (tunic and pants outfit) fit nicely & we looked good (even if we say so ourselves)! Deb was wrapped by Mary in her first ever Sari! She looked like a beautiful Indian woman! Then we preached the Word at the Good Shepherd Ashram. It was a great evening! Many of our old friends were there. Vajeya Grace & Winnie & Minnie all were there. After the service, we all sat in the yard by the porch & laughed & talked. Everyone had to see Debbie's electronic Kindle Bible. Henry & Praveen really like it. Vajeya Grace sat with Linda & me and asked about all her friends in Missouri...Pastor Scott, Sis Jeanette & Bro Dean and the children, Sis Susie, Sara & Bro Thom. We have made many friends here at Good Shepherd Mission. We have strong prayer partners reaching around the world.

Finally, it is Saturday. We started slowly again with Bible Study, lots of good discussion. We will have to finish when we get home! We shopped at the Silver Shop for anklets & toe rings. You never get enough toe rings. Anitha told us how to wear the toe rings if you are married or unmarried, so we are good to go! The current was off when we returned to the mission & was off for at least 2 hours. Just when we thought we could not stand it anymore, God sent the rain & cool wind to care for us until the current returned. Please know that as we have tried to explain what we have been doing & even a little of how it has affected us, we are sure we are where we are supposed to be, doing what we are supposed to do! God is richly blessing us!

Isaiah 40:31
…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength
They will soar on wings like eagles
They will run & not grow weary
They will walk & not be faint.

As we sit here today thinking about what we have seen and done, it is hard to believe that we have been here almost a week. I have seen more of God in these last few days than I expected. Brother Henry wanted us to go to Tirumala this morning to see the largest Hindu Temple in India. He had to arrange another driver with a bigger car because Bala doesn't speak English very well so Praveen and Paul went with us. It was a lovely drive up the mountain to the temple. It was so serene and peaceful, little did I know what was at the top. When we got out of the car and walked to the temple, it reminded all of us of an amusement park, lots of chaos going on. At one point when I was walking down the stairs and the people were selling their 'wares' everywhere, all I could think of was how Jesus had overturned the tables in the temple where the people were doing their selling. We all talked about that and realized that our religion and their religion are sooooooooooooo different. I am so glad that our God is a loving and caring God and not one we have to bribe with 'things' to make him happy with us. We need to live the life that he taught us. We had a lovely lunch at the Hotel Bliss and returned back to Puttur for rest. I think we are going to rest this evening before doing a medical camp tomorrow.
Your Sister in Christ,
Deb Sherard

.....Freely you have received, freely give...... Mathew 10:8

Message from Sister Debbie

Greeting to all from Puttur,

As we sit here today thinking about what we have seen and done, it is hard to believe that we have been here almost a week. I have seen more of God in these last few days than I expected. Brother Henry wanted us to go to Tirumala this morning to see the largest Hindu Temple in India. He had to arrange another driver with a bigger car because Bala doesn't speak English very well so Praveen and Paul went with us. It was a lovely drive up the mountain to the temple. It was so serene and peaceful, little did I know what was at the top. When we got out of the car and walked to the temple, it reminded all of us of an amusement park, lots of chaos going on. At one point when I was walking down the stairs and the people were sellint their 'wares' everywhere, all I could think of was how Jesus had overturned the tables in the temple where the people were doing their selling.We all talked about that and realized that our religion and their religion are sooooooooooooo different. I am so glad that our God is a loving and caring God and not one we have to bribe with 'things' to make him happy with us. We need to live the life that he taught us. We had a lovely lunch at the Hotel Bliss and returned back to Puttur for rest. I think we are going to rest this evening before doing a medical camp tomorrow.

Your Sister in Christ,

Deb Sherard

Monday Activities in Pictures

Yesterday was jammed packed full of experiences.We started the day at the Good Shepherd Mission HIV/AIDS Support & Care Center. Here are some pictures to share.

In the afternoon, we "took rest, Sisters." We are really liking the afternoon rest! In the evening, we went to the Hospital to see the patients who had been selected at the Medical Cilinic on Sunday. They will have cataract surgery about 11:00PM. There are about 25 patients. We got a lovely surprise at the hospital as a baby had been born in afternoon. A beautiful girl baby was loved on by Linda & Debbie! The mother was somewhat disapointed that she did not have a boy baby. The baby & mom made 5 generations of women present at the hospital!

We then went to Brother Daniel's village to worship. We were greeted by rows of children with candles lighting our way to the church. We were given large leis of flowers & then we adjourned to an outside praise worship. There was much music! Ahnand's son Andrew is growing into a handsome young man with a voice of an angel! It truely is like watching your nephews & nieces grow up when you come back to the Mission. They are a precious generation of believers who are not afraid to proclaim their love for Jesus Christ! We all shared the message and drove back to the Mission.

Our final "new experience" for the day was a heavy rain storm. Usually it is hot & dry when we visit, but this time hot & wet! We sat on the porch & watched children & adults hurry through the rain & puddles. God Bless the young girl who ran to Praveens house (twice) to get Chai for us! Heavy rain brings many visitors to the porch. We have had many Gypsies around the mission this time. The "civilized" Gypsies sleep in a group of blue tarp tents. They were here last week, but one afternoon...gone without a trace (except the trash). Now the "uncivilized" Gypsies who sleep anywhere they put out their mat are here. Henry & his family care for the Gypsies. Viola (Henry's late wife) used to wander through the Gypsy camp to see if there were any babies who needed blankets or clothing. Henry allows them to sleep on their porch when it rains, even though their chattering late into the night often keeps him awake. Henry & our friends at Good Shepherd are truly the hands & feet of God, providing for those who do not have anything.

We are having many exciting experiences and will have many exciting stories to tell, so when we get back, please be patient with us as we will want to share! We are preparing to go to Kolladom today & spend the night, so we will post sometime tomorrow.

Sister Vicki Gentzell

The following pictures: Mother and son aids patients; Prayer garden in front of HIV/Aids Center

Group in front of the HIV/Aids cottages; Linda loves the new little girl

Monday at HIV/Aids Center

We just received word from Sister Vicki:

Just a quick note. We spent the morning at GSM HIV care & support center. Our hearts are humbled and stolen by the people we saw. A 3 year old boy and his mother who reside there greeted us as we arrived. They are both HIV positive. Linda & Deb collected the stories and pictures of residents and families. There is much to be done, but there is much going on at the present time. Much more to come!!!

It rained hard this afternoon, so the porch is full of Gypsies! India is full of all kinds of people. We are waiting to go to worship at a nearby village. It maybe very short visit, depending on the rain. We will keep you posted!

Your Sisters in Christ
Vic

Isaiah 40:31~
"..but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength
They will soar on wings like eagles
They will run & not grow weary
They will walk & not be faint."

Word from Good Shepherd

Though no pictures are attached I spoke with Sister Vicki this morning via cell phone. They are all doing very well. They had just returned from a medical camp in a small village by Tiriputi and Vicki was able to help identify 25 people for free surgery at the hospital tomorrow. They have toured several schools and spent time with the children. The medical camps are very busy...much need. They have many stories to share and hope to be able to send pictures and more information tomorrow. "Internet is unreliable" was a direct quote and they spent several hours without "current" for the last few days. They are enjoying their service time with the Good Shepherd staff. We will update, whether we have photos or not!

Stateside reporter - Sister Jeanette

Brief Report with More Promised

We place our trust in the Lord, not technology!

I am very disappointed that I cannot get my laptop to connect to internet, but we go to Praveen's house or use Henry's laptop. We just cannot communicate as much as we would like to. Last night (Thursday evening US time) we worshiped in Kakavedu in a street service. We all spoke the message & prayed for the people. It started to sprinkle a little while Praveen prayed. The internet would not load up so we could not send. Today (Friday) we visited several schools and Linda & Deb loved seeing the children learning. We shopped at K&L textiles and had a lot of fun.The current went off for a short time. Long enough to make us appreciate it when it came back on. We laughed & praised the Lord for the fan.

Friday evening worship at the Ashram was beautiful. I prayed the Power of Protection message as Praveen translated my words to Teligu. We prayed for the evangelists and for the children. I think we are going to the Hindu temple at Tirimula tomorrow morning. We will keep you posted.

In Christ's Love,
Vicki Gentzell

Spreading the Word

We worshiped last night at another church in Kakivedu We worshiped in the street with a medium gathering of mostly women & children. We sang with the praise band. Vicki shared a message about teaching the word to our children & family. We should share the stories morning & night, coming & going. If we don't share the good news we are not pleasing Our Lord! Last night we shared & pleased the Lord! Linda taught the Five Finger Prayer, as only a teacher can. She had the crowd counting on thier fingers & praying for others. Debbie taught from her Bible on her Kindle (Henry is very interested in it!) that we would never stop praying for them! There were chickens on piles of straw & dogs wandering throuh the crowd and we had a great evening!

On Thursday morning, we began our Beth Moore Bible study. We all listened to the CD & followed in our work books. It was a very revealing, we prayed for God to open our hearts to understand the Word. Beth taught that though we think we are persuing God, actually He is persuing us! He wants to be with us and care for us. We are excited about our study!

We just returned from morning worship in Appalayagunta. This is an area that Pastor John and his congregation had to fight for the right to worship! Back in the late 1990's, Jeanette and others in a Mission team tried to worship in the village, but were threatened by non-believers and had to leave before they could meet. The villagers cried & begged them to stay. Today they have a thriving church group that meets on Wednesday mornings, Friday evenings and Sunday mornings! The Lord is greatly pleased with the people in Appalayagunta! A village that is difficult to spell, impossible to say and easy to love!

Linda (finally) made a new friend of Noel, Praveen's youngest son!

We are planning to go shopping at K&L textiles this afternoon.

First Day Medical Camp from Sister Debbie

Good Morning All,


What a glorious day in Puttur. God has blessed us with being able to attend our first medical camp. I had no idea what I was getting into, but this day has opened my eyes and my heart. We were welcomed into the hospital with an opening ceremony by Brother Henry. He introduced us and the doctors that would be providing care at this camp. We were then given the 'royal treatment and tour' of the facility. We spent time working with people who had just had eye surgery. The bandages were taken off and we were allowed to help them put their dark glasses on for the first time. This was a very special time for me since my mother has lost most of her eyesight and has had numerous eye surgeries. We were introduced to a Muslim woman who had just had eye surgery. We need to remember that our God is the God of all, specific religions don't matter, God loves all. After the eye clinic tour, we finished with the rest of the hospital and watched the drs. work with their patients. What an awesome experience to see how WPCC impacts people half way across the world.


Debbie


"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed..."~Luke 4:18

News from Sister Vicki and the Travelers!

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Our adventure so far has been all about the journey, not the destination! God pulled out all the stops to move us where we needed to be. We have met some very nice accommadating people along the way. Linda seems to always find a teacher to share experiences, Sleeping in the airport at New Delhi was much the same as sleeping in the airport at Newark, except they let you stay all night in Delhi. I went a little bonkers when we were without water for a couple of hours. It shames me that I can take my eye off of Jesus for just a moment & sink into the sea, just as Peter did. He provided us with water just a little later. We must be strong in our faith, for He is true & kind. We are just a little tired, but excited to be here.We stopped somewhere in Chennai for an Indian Continental Breakfast. Picture corn flakes with hot buffalo milk. TISI (this is so India) then back to our long ride to Puttur. Mary had fixed us a "Sunday" lunch. Red chicken legs & cooked carrots & peppered potatoes.

We have just finished at the Ashram saying hello to the children who are back from summer holiday and to the families & staff at the Mission. I have guessed so many people incorrectly, it is not funny! The kids change so much in 2 years! Everyone is tall & strong. Today is Edward Samuel Joel's 10th birthday, so, of course there was cake to be fed to us all! Whoops, probably given Sister Deb the head's up on that one. We are having dinner at Anitha & Praveen's house, so I am using Praveen's laptop, since I am having laptop power struggles. I will bring my laptop to Praveen's house daily to post.

In Christ's love!
Vicki Gentzell

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." ~Psalm 9:10

We are in India, Sister!

Just spoke with sister Vicki via cell phone call to Brother Henry. They are all well, all their bags came through just fine and they are with Brother Henry and the Good Shepherd staff on their way to the mission where they will have time to rest and recover from their trip for a little while. I asked if it was hot and Vicki said "we are in India Sister, it is hot!" but they are delighted to be there and begin to serve with our brothers and sisters at Good Shepherd Mission. Thank you for your prayers!!

"The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice!" ~Psalm 97:1

Delhi Update

We have a report from Vicki. They are in the Delhi airport.....it is 1:30 AM on Tuesday and they have found a spot to wait until their flight at 6:45 AM to Chennai. Everything is closed but they are all doing fine and anxious to get their final flight. Please pray for their safe travel and for their luggage! The phone call was very short but Vicki wanted us to know that they are all well after their 15 hour flight from Chicago to Delhi. We will keep this updated!!

"O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress" ~Psalm 59:9

Flex and flow

Our sisters missed the connecting flight in Chicago due to weather and have been re-routed on a flight directly to Delhi. Sister Vicki told the airline representative that an upgrade to business or first class would be acceptable :) if they could work that out. Once in Delhi they will spend the night in the Indira Ghandi airport and then catch an early Tuesday AM flight to Chennai arriving at 9:20 AM.

Please keep them in your prayers! It is always an adventure and each trip is unique. We pray for their strength and flexibility as the journey has taken an unexpected turn.

Check out the first post by clicking on "older post" to see our team at the KCI airport!

Three Musketeers Leave for Good Shepherd

A new adventure and mission trip for Good Shepherd got off to a spurting start this afternoon. Linda Swope, Vicki Gentzell and Deb Sherard left KCI 2.5 hrs late for Chicago then to India via Brussels. Hopefully all connections will be made and they arrive safe, on time and with some energy left.

Keep tuning in for the latest updates from Vicki, Linda and Deb. Your prayers for them and for those that they will encounter are greatly appreciated and sought after.

"the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:8

In Frankfurt

The plane from Frankfurt to Newark is scheduled on time and has just arrived. We landed in snow--we had circled for an hour!

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. -Psalm 121:8 (NRSV)

Send Off at the Airport

We are in the airport waiting to go through baggage security and then to the ticket counter. We will see you in Frankfurt!

In you, O LORD, I take refuge; . . . Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. -Psalm 71:1, 3 (NRSV)

Friday

We all slept like rocks last night. Praveen came about 11am and took us to the music store. We had a great time there. The one man there wants to study music in the USA. He played and sang songs for us. I accompanied him on Suzy Q!!!! We then went to Spencer's and shopped til we dropped-actually it was as long as it took for Doug to kill himself-1 hour 45 minutes. It is okay-he had fun!! Lavanya met us at Spencer's-she is sponsored by the Humphrey's-and we paid $200 for her last semester tuition in college. She is studying chemistry. We ate at Pizza Hut and then back to the hotel to check out. We are now waiting comfortably at the hotel before going to the airport to wait outside before we can enter.

A vision for the appointed time ... speaks of the end. ... If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. -Habakkuk 2:3 (NRSV)

Thursday Night

We are in Chennai. We ate at the hotel and then Praveen took us to St. Thomas Basilica--very, very beautiful!! There was a wedding while we were there. We then went down to the Bay of Bengal (right behind the church) then back to the hotel for rest, early dinner, and sleep.

Jesus said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." -Mark 6:31 (NIV)

Thursday

We had breakfast at Vijay and Grace's house.





Doug wants one!

After breakfast, we sang hymns and said prayers. Grace is giving Stacie a blessing and then the tears began flowing as we said our good byes and gave hugs. Well, maybe not good byes but "see you later"!

Doug-I thank God for Charlie and Marianna for opening up my eyes to what God is doing through Brother Henry here at GSM. Miracles truly happen here, and we are the fortunate ones to see them with our own eyes. For me, these mission trips to GSM are an integral part of every journey with God. Perhaps the most vivid times in my life when I can actually feel His transforming power at work in and through me and my co-missionaries.

Before leaving, we blessed the new slit lamp and new dental chair. The microscope will be picked up in Chennai tomorrow and brought to the airport for our send off!!

Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal. -Psalm 136:1 (TEV)