India 2012 Day 11,12
Saturday was a day that we had set aside for people on the team to fill their shopping lists and get all their souvenirs for themselves and for people back home.
In the evening, it was back to Chengalpattu for the second night of our weekend crusade. Steve Whinery gave a powerful message to a crowd of almost 4,000 people, and many souls were added to the kingdom of God. It is amazing to see so many people come out to hear the gospel, and then to respond in such numbers. The people of india are in bondage, and Jesus Christ is setting them free! To a people in such darkness, the gospel really is good news. Again, we were very happy to lay hands on and pray for many sick people, many people with family problems, work problems, alcohol problems, etc., and for many young people seeking wisdom for their exams coming up. The second night of crusades was a big success, and we are hoping for another big night on Sunday.
Sunday is our last day in India. We have another full plate of ministry, and everyone is filled with expectation and anticipation, knowing that this is the biggest night for crusades and also that we are going home!
The team split up for two morning church services. Steve, Kyle, Ryan, and Bryan went with Josh to his church, while Billy, Zach, Cassie, Kayla, Sandy, Jackie and Abbey went to Caleb’s church in Vandalur . At Vandalur, Zach gave a brief encouragement before Billy taught on 2 Peter 1. After the service, everyone played with the children and passed out candy before we jumped into the van and met the rest of the team for lunch.
Our last night at the crusade was pretty impressive. The crusade grounds were completely packed out. There was standing room only inside the grounds, with people spilling out into the streets and all sides, even listening from behind buildings. It was estimated that there were about 7,000 people listening to the preaching of the gospel! Billy K preached the last message, and again, thousands came to the Lord Jesus Christ. We stayed and prayed for many people again.
We went back to Josh’s place to take showers and pack up, then headed down to the airport to board the plane for our 4:00 am departure. Our first flight took about 4 ½ hours from Chennai to Dubai. Then, after a quick two hour layover, we got on a small puddle-jumper which will take us to Seattle in a mere 15 hours. As I write this last update, we are at the North Pole, which is just about halfway to our destination.
See you all soon! Thank you so much for your kind prayers and financial support. Once we get home, the team will share our photos and videos among each other, and soon after that, I will post a blog with links for you to go to and enjoy visuals of all you have been reading about. Until then, may God richly bless you for your part in this wonderful ministry!