We are home

Our trip back to the states was right on time. We were tired but it was a good tired. We sensed satisfaction and contentment for all that took place. God truly showed up in a huge way and enlarged our hearts for the people of India.

The pastors conference was full of excitement and joy. Pastors traveled as much as 5 days to get to Quiet Corner. One Tibetan man, Toshi, was a Buddhist who is now a Christian pastor. Another, Mohamed, a former Muslim. They, along with the nearly 100 other pastors, are very zealous to reach their people with the truth of the gospel. They all enjoyed the three days of teaching presented by Sal and Tom. An invitation has been extended to return as early as next year to conduct another conference. The hunger for God's word is large among these men.

During the conference you could hear the distant sound of power tools. Peter and Renee were fast at work making library shelves for the new Mercy Corner. They worked feverishly for three days to construct the units. They are beautiful and will house the reference books and bibles that will be made available at the center.

Participating in the feeding programs for children and the elderly and attending the medical outreach kept us all on the go. The children are especially unforgettable. They so enjoy meeting us "white skins" and playing games. Tara was gobbled up by the kids and they hardly would let her go.

A special time was spent with the ladies in Masaangudi Church. About 40 women came to worship with Tara, Bev and Elena. Elena gave a message about the One True God with a salvation invitation at the end. One Hindu lady named Bandamma gave her heart to the Lord that day. We were told later that her daughter had become a Christian five years earlier and was praying for her mom ever since.

Two very special events touched our hearts and brought tears of joy. The first was the dedication of Mercy Corner. We had no idea they planned to dedicate the building while we were there. Sal was given the honor of uncovering the corner stone and cutting the ribbon while all the staff and pastors gathered around. The second was the graduating of the Tailoring School girls. These were the girls who were attending the school 18 months ago when Sal and Elena were last there. The graduation was delayed a few months so that we could attend and hand the girls their certificates. Each girl was given her own sewing machine from the mission. More importantly, each girl gave testimony of how she came to Christ as a result of the program.

We had no problem keeping up the hectic pace thanks to the fine and delectable meals. Usually Marykutty is in charge of cooking at the mission, but because Thomas had to have a pacemaker implanted (successful by the way), she was not able to be there. So, there daughter, Usha, hired a professional chef to cook for the team. Dos cooked a storm of traditional Indian and continental cuisine. We were humbled by the special treatment and service. The food was amazing and we all ate too much.

There is so much more to say but words really cannot adequately describe what we heard and saw and participated in. The powerful ministry of Quiet Corner is not found at what happens within the borders of the compound. It is found in what is happening outside the mission. Through the feeding and medical programs, through the handing out of Bibles by Mobilization Teams all over the country, through the second Saturday prayer meetings that happen in various places, through the training and teaching of pastors and so much more.

We wish that each of you reading this blog could go there and see it for yourself. Some of you perhaps can but most of you can't. But you can be a part of it. What happens through Quiet Corner takes prayer and money. So we challenge you to consider both. Make Quiet Corner part of your prayer list. If you are able to give financially, make a contribution to the ministry. The American dollar really goes far in India. It is a worthwhile investment that will produce an eternal profit. Please visit http://www.samindia.org to find out how you can help.

Resting In Kerela

Today we took a 25 minute drive to the nearest local city. Like all other Indian cities, it was overcroweded, noisy, polluted. Yet I seem to not be able to get enough of being here. I love the culture and the people. While using a toilet in a back alley, a man was eating his lunch nearby. He was very friendly and asked if I was an American and then If I was a Christian. I told him I was both and then I said "Praise the Lord" in his language. He was excited to meet an American Christian and I was surprised he was not a Hindu.

Until today we were the only people staying on this Back Waters Resort. Now there are a group of French people who arrived. All we hear is french being spoken. Tomorrow we leave here after breakfast and we will travel to Kochin to see the sight where St. Thomas first landed in India around 40 AD. Also we will tour a jewish temple. We have to catch a plane to Bangalore at 8:30 PM. Wednesday is our last day in India. We will spend part of the day shopping. We have to get to the airport at midnight. Our plane leaves at 3:30 AM India time on Thursday which is 3:30 PM your time on Tuesday. Please pray for our safe return without delays.

Back From the Jungle - February 12

We sadly and with many tears left Quiet Corner yesterday afternoon and arrived 6 hours later in Bangalore. It is hard to put into words what we witnessed and shared with the tribal people and the pastors.

The End Times Conference was an enormous success. Over 75 pastors and some with family in tow attended. They loved the teachings and expressed their gratitude many times over. There is already talk of future conferences. The pastors are so hungry to be taught sound doctrine to bring back to their own congregations. They were from all over India. Some traveled 30 hours by train and others 5 days in a car. We were humbled by there enthusiasm because we consider the 19.5 hour flights for us to be inconvenient.

Peter and Renee worked feverishly (literally since it was quite hot) to build beautiful library cases for the new Mercy Corner building. Speaking of Mercy Corner. . .to our surprise they dedicated the building while we were there. Sal got to unveil the cornerstone and cut the ribbon. We did not know that was going to happen. All the staff and pastors joined in the celebration. Tears were flowing freely. How honored we all felt to be a part of it.

We participated in the feeding programs and medical outreach. Everywhere we went small children would surround us. They especially loved Tara. She had a definite connection with them and they clung to her and did not want her to leave. Where ever we went people were so hospitable and kind.

Our trip to the tailoring school was so special. The girls were the same ones who attend 18 months ago when Sal and Elena last were there. Quiet Corner deliberately postponed their graduation so we could hand out their diplomas. Each girl gave a testimony. All of them were saved out of Hindu or Muslim faith. It is hard to put into words all the stories they shared. We have most of it on DVR. For the most part each girl faces much hardship because they may be the only Christian in the family.

Bev, Tara and Elena got to join the women of the Masamongudi Church for a time of worship. Elena shared a gospel message based on Exodus 15:11 and a Hindu lady came to Christ. We found out that her daughter had become a Christain 5 years ago and has been praying for her mother to convert. What a blessing it was for us to be a part of her conversion.

We wish we could accurately describe all that took place. It is in many ways indescribable. The writer of this blog (Elena) now is sitting at the computer of Thomas Samuel. A man with such great faith and vision. All we saw was the doing of his passion and love for India. The fingers of Quiet Corner are reaching all over this country. It has also reached the hearts of this mission team.

Tomorrow Tom, Bev, Sal and Elena will take a flight to Kerela for some rest and recuperation. Paul Samuel will come with us as our guide. We look forward to seeing what is known here in India as God's Country.

Hello From Bangalore

We arrived safe and sound last night or early this morning at 1:30 AM. We got to bed by 4 AM and slept soundly until 8 AM waking to a wonderful breakfast cooked by Marykutty. The sounds of the city are lively as ususal with all the cars and people about.

We are planning to spend the day in Bangalore and will leave tomorrow early for Quiet Corner.

Thomas is in need of prayer as he will have a pace maker implanted today. He will rest a few days then join us in the jungle for the Pastor's Conference.

I will update the blog as I am able to get a connection in the jungle.

NAMASTE!

We Are In Lock & Load Mode

The final days before we leave are here. Lists have been made and check lists have been checked. Today was an awesome day at church. The love and support that has been extended to the team is humbling. We have the greatest church ever!

We also had the biggest blessing when Thomas' son, David and his family, showed up for church to see us off. That meant the world to us. Thanks Dave and Chris and kids!

In final preparation, we would ask your prayer support for the coming days:

Bev is staying in with a bad cold. Pray she recover before we leave.
Renee has been battling headaches for a couple of weeks.
Elena has bronchitis.
Sal and Tom have much to do to put the final touches on the Pastors' Conference.

Pray that in the days to come we will all get over our ailments and the men will have all teaching notes in order.

My hope is to add to this blog while in India. All that depends on a proper internet connection. So until you hear from us again, thanks for your interest, support and prayers for MissionIndia 2010.

Christmas In The Jungle 2009

One of the feature events at Quiet Corner is Christmas. The camp is open to villagers and nearly 2,000 came to enjoy the day. They received a meal, each lady received a Sari, the men received some clothing and all received a new blanket. All attend a special Christmas service where the Gospel is given and an opportunity to receive the Lord is offered.

Here Is Our Schedule

End Times Conference & Mission Service
Feb 8th - 11th, 2010

Men’s Team
Pastor Sal and Tom Kish will be tag teaching during the Pastors End Times Conference from February 8-11.
Peter Erdmann will be building library units for the new Mercy Corner.

Women’s Team
Tara will share the gospel while teaching the girls how to make a salvation bracelet while visiting the Tailoring School.There are about 10 Hindu and 2 Muslim girls training this school year.
Bev will give some medical training and Renee will help Peter with some of the construction.
Elena will speak at the teaching session for women.
All of us will be assisting with the Feeding and Medical Outreaches. We will also help with the hospitality and food while the Pastor’s Conference is in session.

Please Pray!

Please remember to pray for our short term mission to Quiet Corner. We are all very excited to minister with Paul and Thomas Samuel. We are certain God will speak to us in many new and awesome ways. Here is a short list of prayer needs:

Pray for safety as we travel to and from India. The trip is about 19.5 hours. We depart from O’Hare to Frankfort, then on to Bangalore. In light of recent terror threats, please pray for safety on the ground and in the air.

Pray for good weather conditions and no flight delays.

Pray for health and safety during our stay; protection from diseases, allergies or other health threats.

Pray that we would be a blessing to Thomas and Paul and the staff at Quiet Corner.

We will arrive in Bangalore on Friday, February 5 at 2 AM.We will be staying with Pastor Thomas and Marykutty for the remainder of that day. Pray for rest and rapid recuperation from our journey. We will also be buying supplies for Quiet Corner.
We will leave for Quiet Corner on Saturday arriving mid-afternoon.

24 DAYS AND COUNTING

Last night our team met for orientation. Paul Samuel sent us a tentative schedule of what our time at Quiet Corner would include. You could feel the excitement in the room as we visualized the opportunity we will have to reach so many through our ministry contributions. The End Times Conference has been well promoted. They expect as many as 100 pastors to attend. Sal and Tom will have the great privilege of teaching these men about the second coming of Jesus, so they in turn can return to their churches and share these truths with the people.

Peter will be building library shelves for Mercy Corner to house Bibles, Hymnals and other books. He will also be purchasing needed power tools for the mission which are sorely needed.

The women on the team will be meeting with the girls at the sewing school. Tara will teach them how to make a salvation bracelet and share the gospel with them through the colors of each bead. We will also go to the feeding programs for the elderly and the children and help at the medical outreaches.

As we begin packing and preparing to depart for India, we would appreciate your prayer support. Here are some of the immediate requests for our team:
Tara: That she would not be nervous or shy. That the trip will make an impact on her life.
Peter: That his business would contract for more jobs in this bad economy and that his children would choose the right path with God.
Renee: She is preparing for a new career as a CNA. Pray she gets a good job.
Tom: That he and Sal would properly prepare to team teach at the conference. Also, that the long trip to India would not be difficult.
Bev: That she could be used and serve well in India. That both she and Tom would be in good health before, during and after the trip.
Elena: That the new dose of Thyroid meds would begin to kick in and bring her back to normal vitality and strength. Pray also as she prepares a message to give to the women.
Sal: That God would anoint him with preaching and teaching that is relevant to the culture. That he would travel well and be in good health.

In light of recent security threats, we would all ask that you pray for the safety of the team on the ground and in the air.

Pray for Pastor Sal and Tom as they prepare to teach pastors from all over India. They will be conducting an End Times Prophecy Conference for four days. Quiet Corner is prepared to accomodate 100 participants. Quiet Corner will be anything but quiet as these servants of God come together to learn and grow in their faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Thomas will be presenting a teaching on intercessory prayer. He hopes to conduct a Midnight Watch Prayer Service that we will all participate in.

As January approches, please pray for the team as we begin the final preparations for our trip.

Welcome Tara!

We are excited that Tara Schwalbach has been added to the mission team. Tara is a terrific young woman who loves the Lord and has a heart for missions. We are excited that she was able to book the same flights as the rest of the team. I am certain this trip will be a blessing to her and grow an even greater passion for missions.

Here is the updated picture of the team from left to right: Tom & Bev Kish, Sal & Elena Massa, Tara Schwalbach, Renee & Peter Erdmann.

Can You Spare A Cup Of Coffee?

Did you know that for the price of a specialty cup of coffee from Starbucks you can feed a child in India for a full month? Find out how at www.samindia.org.

The MissionIndia 2010 Team

The 2010 MissionIndia Team
From left to right: Elena & Sal Massa; Tom & Bev Kish; Renee & Peter Erdmann

We recently enjoyed a wonderful evening with Pastor Thomas, Marykutty and their sons Paul and David and David's wife, Chris. A full Thanksgiving meal was enjoyed by all. Paul had never eaten turkey before! He seemed quite pleased.

After dinner we spoke with the Samuels about how we would best serve while at Quiet Corner. Peter is a cabinet maker and will be make needed bookshelves for the camp. Bev. Renee, and Elena will be helping with the medical outreach and tailoring program. The young women at the sewing school learn how to sew, crochet, knit and bead. They are from poor Hindu and Muslim families and will never marry because they have no dowry. The sewing school equips them with skills to make a living. Upon graduation, each girl is given her own sewing machine. Very Cool!

An exciting event that will take place on the mission trip is the End Times Pastors' Conference. Pastor Sal and Tom Kish will co-teach a three day conference for pastors from all over India. This will be a valuable teaching experience for the pastors and staff at Quiet Corner. Please pray for Sal and Tom as they prepare material for this event. Pray also that funds would be provided to help poor pastors who can not afford the transportation expense of attending.

Here We Go

February 3-12, 2010, Sal and Elena will lead a team to serve at Quiet Corner in India once again. Since our last visit there, we have longed for a time we could return. The Lord has given an open door and four others will travel with us to the jungles of southern India. It is there that our dear friends, Thomas and Marykutty Samuel, have served the Lord faithfully for the past 35 years. And now their son, Paul, is assuming more and more of the responsibilities at the compound.

The team is made up of some really gifted and talented people.

• Peter is a master woodworker and hopes to assist with the building project, Mercy Corner.
• His wife, Renee, was with us last time. She has a wonderful passion for the ladies and children. Her heart is open to them and she shows the love of Jesus in wonderful ways.
• Bev is a retired nurse and will be valuable to educate village people about hygiene and health. She will be a blessing to Joyce who runs the medical outreach and is the only source of medical care in the area.
• Bev' s husband, Tom, is an elder at our church and a gifted bible teacher.
• Sal will once again be able to teach and encourage the local pastors.
• Elena looks forward to speaking to the village women and sharing the gospel with the young girls at the sewing school.

There is so much more that we will experience while with these precious people. But we will be the ones who are most blessed and encouraged. Each of us is certain we have been called to go to Quiet Corner. We all would appreciate and covet your prayer for us as we prepare for the trip. Pray especially for our families to be healthy and protected in the months to come.

One of the most difficult things for us is to ask for financial help. It is much easier to give then to receive. There is a humbling that comes with asking for financial support that stirs the prideful heart. The last trip was blessed because of the generous giving from our church family, our friends and loved ones. The giving was over the top and not only paid for our travel expenses, but we were able to buy sewing machines for each girl at the school, buy a new jeep for the Bible Mobilization Program, purchase bibles to be given to village people and feed many children in the feeding program.

So we humbly ask for your financial support. If you feel led to give, you can send a tax deductible donation made out to Lake Country Bible Church to:

Lake Country Bible Church
300 Cottonwood Avenue
#9
Hartland, WI 53029

Please write Mission India 2010 on the lower left side of the mailing envelope. We sure appreciate your prayers and support.

Please check back here for updates and prayer requests. We will be posting our progress and our trip. Please view the attached video which is from the last trip we made to Quiet Corner. It will give you a glimpse of the wonderful work that happens there.