Report on Ministry Trip to India, 5th – 19th December 2002
The Ministry Trip in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh was successful. It is difficult to quantify the work of the Holy Spirit in terms of ‘results’.
We visited 9 village house churches, held one village open-air outreach, and convened a three-day Conference for pastors and church leaders. 181 had registered in advance and there were over 200 in attendance. Peter Marchand, Director, spoke on Revival in the Churches (3 seminars), Spiritual Warfare (3 seminars) and the Baptism in and Gifts of the Holy Spirit (2 seminars).
V. Suresh Kumar, Director, India Village Ministries translated throughout. We were there at his invitation, in conjunction with Golden Candle Church, Puritigadda. Pastor Jespaul from Golden Candle Church accompanied us throughout the duration of the trip, and led each meeting. Converted to Christ from Hinduism, he has pioneered and planted many churches in the area over the past 25 years, together with his wife, Shekinah, and sister, Vijaya.
Pastors came from up to 250 kilometers away, on foot, bicycle and motorcycle, often walking through rivers to reach the Conference. They represented many varying Christian denominations and networks.
Peter ministered on average twice a day for ten days, preaching for up to two hours (with translation) each time. Such is the hunger for the word of God and thirst for the Spirit of God amongst believers there.
Most of the outreach was done through invitations to relatives and neighbours to the House Church meetings, and by broadcasting them through hired PA systems. There were on average 25 people in attendance at such meetings.
For further information on the work of India Village Ministries, please visit their website www.indiavillage.org
“We were blessed through having the word of God in this seminar on Spiritual Warfare. It was very clear and I understood everything and also it was so encouraging for my spiritual growth.”
“Peter taught bus very clearly with very good illustrations and I was blessed particularly by ‘How to Host the Holy Spirit’ and what we had to do in order for God to abide in us.”
“We were challenged how to win our country for God. He explained what our role is as the church here on earth. The revival in Uganda he spoke about was very encouraging to us and also the teaching on ‘Abide in Me’ was very clear and it helps us to understand the importance of embracing the Holy Spirit.”
“If we could have notes in our language we could use them to preach to our congregations.”
“We appreciate your ministry for organising this kind of Conference in the village. There are so many in the big cities but we cannot attend due to financial reasons or our busy schedule in our ministries. Through your seminar I was able to get fellowship with other pastors in this area, and I was so blessed though the word of God for the three days. I experienced heavenly joy during my three days here. I pray to God that you conduct at least once a year seminars of this kind in this area.”
“You brought a man filled with the Spirit and a passion for the gospel and the word of God.”
Pastors’ Conference
Pastors’ Conference
Village House Church – open-air (broadcast)
Village House Church – indoors
Village open-air (broadcast)
Golden Candle Church - preaching
Golden Candle Church - response