Brothers in Christ

Russ and I have spoken in churches all across the spectrum, and we always find each group of believers has a flavor of its own.  The recent Lutheran churches had a distinctly Indian mix of formality and fervor.  Back in Virginia, we called a  Church of God service “aerobic worship”—body, heart, voice and soul went into expressing their zeal for Christ.  We saw that again here in the town of Pithapuram, India.

We held a two-day Pastors’ and a Wives’ Conference under the auspices of Pastor Samuel Raju, Grace Baptist Church. The pastors met in the second-floor church for Russ’ teaching on Leadership and Discipleship.  The wives met on the roof under a very colorful canopy that we had to constantly re-secure due to the burning sun and occasional (welcome) gust of wind.

Satan is definitely warring against us.  Mostly small things, like fiery little ants biting us all night in bed (we don’t mind their ever-present trails across the walls and floor, but…)  At each stay, we have to reconstruct a routine for getting Russ bathed and ready every morning, especially when we share facilities with an extended family.  And of course, during ministry, the usual power outages...  Just enough to constantly eat away at our patience and endurance.

Russ & Pastor Samuel

Some bigger things too:  Rumors of threats to those who work with us. Recurring blisters across Russ’ legs from the heat, humidity and long, steep stairways.  Some necessities were overlooked despite lists and planning.  Then today we found our Visa card is dead—Bank of America/USA had been hacked and they re-issued new cards after we left.  Ours is probably sitting safely at home in Oklahoma…

But as Karen May said in her video, “Our God is greater!”  The Conference was a tremendous success.  Over the two days, Russ clapped to feverish drumming and joyous dancing by the ‘sedate’ pastors.  Their concrete ceiling (our floor) shook.  The ladies were a

Dancing before the Lord

little more reserved for a while, then opened up when I welcomed questions—not just about the lessons, but about us personally.  I assured them that I did basically the same things they did:  Cook, clean, wash laundry…  Then we prayed together. 

We taught, and they learned.  I could see some eyes riveted on me during the whole six sessions, but even those who appeared to be dozing in the heat of the day came alive during the discussions.  At the end, all the pastors and wives came together and shared.  Men spoke of Russ’s meticulous printed notes—something they had never had before—and many of them said they would use them to teach others across this part of India.  So, the Word of God and His principles will go forth in a widening circle from here!  Another man reinforced Russ’ advice to memorize Scripture.  He was previously illiterate and could not read the Bible, so he memorized verses so he could minister effectively.  He is teaching his son to do the same.  

Alice and Mary Grace

This was the first time the wives ever had anything geared to them!  I taught them principles  from the lives of Sarah, Ruth, Mary and others.  My focus was on following/helping your husband in his calling.  You would think that in this patriarchal society, the husband's leadership would be a "given".  Not so!  One woman, Dayamani, spoke at the end:  She had learned about Sarah’s obedience to Abraham (1 Peter 3:5,6), and with tears, promised to change her ways.  She confessed that she often spoke disrespectfully to her husband when he came home late after a long day of ministry.  “Get your own water, I’m sleeping!  There’s rice in the pot, don’t disturb me!”

Dayamani

We spoke of our partnership marriage/ministry and I believe they see it in our lives.  “Two are better than one, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  They learned from us, and we learned from them.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ.  Different clothes, different food, and different culture—yet “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father…” 

We have begun outdoor Gospel Meetings in Kondevaram village.  More later…  Please pray for souls to be saved through Russ’ gospel presentations.  Tonight he gives his testimony (the small boys in the front rows have already seen, wide-eyed, his “robot legs”).  Plus pray for our upcoming incursion into the Eastern Ghat Mountains to more tribal peoples.  It will be a remote area and Christians there endure a lot of persecution.  But the Lord is in control, and He desires to be worshiped by all tribes and nations and languages.  Praise God!  Dayvuniki stotrum!

--Alice Sharrock