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.
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