Hi guys-Ian Here
Had an amazing time last night with all the guys from Bellwood joining us for a meal the place was packed. I also got the one picture I was dying to get-that of a cobra. I couldn't believe it when this guy open up this basket right in ront og me and up popped this cobra-head up straight away-no warning or anything.
The students really blessed us last night as they performed some dances for us-we have it all on film-so men of the church beware cos you'll be next!!!
Its now 9:30pm and we have well settled into the Paridise Beach Hotal in Nagumbo-what luxary! What can we say its beautiful-palm trees, sea crashing on the shore just meters away. The waves are intense-the pools are warm and inviting. The sun is going down into the Indian Ocean-Bob E has had a swim and is now chilling out with a book by the pool, Bob C, Dave & Alice, Ian, and the 2 Helens are walking along the beach.
However, the drive here was long and tiring. we callled in at the elephant sanctuary to shop for leather goods , and we also visited many more as well. The road to this hotel leaves a lot to be desired and Suresh loves a challenge. We were bumped and bounced along, missing dogs, and other road users by inches.
At one stage the police tried to stop us for crossing a double white line-Suresh hurried on but the cop caught up and a fine was given.
5:40 Sun has gone down-most of us sitting by the pool discussing the day. We have to be up early for our flight home-Dave is still in the pool while a beautiful Sri Lankan girl serves him coffee 'poolside'. its tough but he's managing.
The hotel lights are coming on-the tables are laidfor dinner and still the air is warm. The hotal has hot water for showers and dry towels. We appriciate it like never before.
While Ian was getting pounded by the huge waves in the sea earlier he lost his swimming shorts-you'll have to ask the others for details!!!! I think money may have to cahnge hands though.
This is the other side of Sri Lanka but only for the rich.
God bless you all see you tomorrow-The Sri Lankan team signing off.
We may try and post some pics laster
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Tuesday 10th November
It rained so hard for the rest of yesterday that we couldn't do the building work. In fact the power cut out many times across the evening and the whole site was plunged into darkness. When we left the internet cafe we had a phone call to say that Suresh had been taken ill and needed to go to hospital. That meant that we had to go straight back to Bellwood through the monsoon.
When we got there we found Suresh had recovered somewhat but still had to see a doctor. He took some persuasion and only agreed after Dave spoke to him. He went to hospital and they changed some of his medication. He spent the night in Kandy too exhausted to come back to Bellwood. Please pray for him as he still needs healing.
The team spent the evening playing a hilarious game of Trivial Pursuit which the women's team won!!
We waited up until midnight but the drivers did not return until about 2.00pm from taking Suresh into Kandy.
Throughout the evening we had 1000's of bugs somewhat resembling flying ants only about 10 times bigger flying into the room through the ventilation between the walls and the roof. The men attempted to clear the room especially Ian, Dave and Bob C with the aid of brooms and flip flops. It made a very funny photo opportunity!
Today Ian, Dave, Sue J, both Helens and Alice have come into Kandy to shop with Mercy and Danny. This gave us the opportunity to visit Suresh at his sister-in-law's and to catch up with his medical news (see above). We've looked at a lot of shops and now we are due to go back to Bellwood with food for 28 including the team and the students and staff at Bellwood for a final farewell meal. Tomorrow we will be heading for Columbo where we are due to stay in a hotel before flying on Thursday. Hopefully we will be able to get hot showers in mud free water for a change!
The two Bobs have stayed in Bellwood with Sue C today. The two Bobs are working with the students on the new chicken shed. They will be laying the foundations in the morning and if we are able to we will build the concrete block walls this evening. That depends on the rain holding off and the concrete foundations setting well enough to take the weight. The chicken shed is on a very steep hill on a flat place with magnificent views and just below the tea bushes. This morning there were a team of three workers picking the tea ready for processing. Helen L spent some time with them learning how to pick the right leaves.
We will try and put some photos on but have been unsuccessful for a couple of days as the connections are slow and unreliable. If they don't come through it will be because we've had to leave to catch up with the shoppers.
We miss you all at home and are really looking forward to being back with you again and sharing our stories and photos. God has really blessed our time and already are hearing very encouraging reports from the pastors all over the island that we have worked with (either them or in their churches).
Blessings, Dave and Alice
When we got there we found Suresh had recovered somewhat but still had to see a doctor. He took some persuasion and only agreed after Dave spoke to him. He went to hospital and they changed some of his medication. He spent the night in Kandy too exhausted to come back to Bellwood. Please pray for him as he still needs healing.
The team spent the evening playing a hilarious game of Trivial Pursuit which the women's team won!!
We waited up until midnight but the drivers did not return until about 2.00pm from taking Suresh into Kandy.
Throughout the evening we had 1000's of bugs somewhat resembling flying ants only about 10 times bigger flying into the room through the ventilation between the walls and the roof. The men attempted to clear the room especially Ian, Dave and Bob C with the aid of brooms and flip flops. It made a very funny photo opportunity!
Today Ian, Dave, Sue J, both Helens and Alice have come into Kandy to shop with Mercy and Danny. This gave us the opportunity to visit Suresh at his sister-in-law's and to catch up with his medical news (see above). We've looked at a lot of shops and now we are due to go back to Bellwood with food for 28 including the team and the students and staff at Bellwood for a final farewell meal. Tomorrow we will be heading for Columbo where we are due to stay in a hotel before flying on Thursday. Hopefully we will be able to get hot showers in mud free water for a change!
The two Bobs have stayed in Bellwood with Sue C today. The two Bobs are working with the students on the new chicken shed. They will be laying the foundations in the morning and if we are able to we will build the concrete block walls this evening. That depends on the rain holding off and the concrete foundations setting well enough to take the weight. The chicken shed is on a very steep hill on a flat place with magnificent views and just below the tea bushes. This morning there were a team of three workers picking the tea ready for processing. Helen L spent some time with them learning how to pick the right leaves.
We will try and put some photos on but have been unsuccessful for a couple of days as the connections are slow and unreliable. If they don't come through it will be because we've had to leave to catch up with the shoppers.
We miss you all at home and are really looking forward to being back with you again and sharing our stories and photos. God has really blessed our time and already are hearing very encouraging reports from the pastors all over the island that we have worked with (either them or in their churches).
Blessings, Dave and Alice
Monday, 9 November 2009
Saturday 7th November to Monday 9th November
Hi everyone, it has been three days since we last got the opportunity to post an update, so we need to catch up!
Saturday: We left the hotel in the town where we were ministering and went to the YMCA, where we ministered to 80-100 children and mothers using songs, drama, facepainting, balloons and games. Great time of ministry to some people with very difficult lives though poverty and other things.
The people there fed us lunch and then we started the journey back to Bellwood, which was horrendous! We drove for many miles on very rough roads in torrential rain. We wore through the rubber on the tyres on one of the two vans so that the canvas was showing by the time we got home.
We stopped in Kandy for a meal on the way home and said goodbye to the second minibus driver who we were able to give Christian literature to (written of course in his own language). When you hire a minibus here it comes with its own driver!
We continued the journey to Bellwood in our own bus, crammed in with extra people and luggage. We arrived safely nonetheless.
Sunday: Helen L, Rob E and Ian went to the sister Church in a town nearby and ministered there. Helen F, the two Sues and Bob C stayed at Bellwood with Dave and Alice for the service there. Helen F gave her testimony and the team did a drama. Dave preached and the two Sureshes translated. Dave even built a head wobble into his culturally relevant jokes, which each Suresh had to translate (one into Sinhalese and the other into Tamil)
The worship at Bellwood was fantastic and the presence of the Holy Spirit was amazing. This was also the case at the other church. Bob E really connected with the congregation when he shareed his testimony, Ian preached about having a purpose, and the team prayed for many of the church members who pressed forward eagerly for a blessing.
The Monsoon rains started at the end of the service at Bellwood, and we sat in our 'prayer room' which has a large glass wall and watched the rain and lightning whilst we waited and prayed for safety for the team to come back as the roads had turned to rivers.
Suresh senior became pretty ill during the afternoon, please pray for him as he is suffering badly from stress related ill health. Dave has been ministering to him all week, and both he and Mercy have had some really powerful encounters with God during the mission, and both are improving daily. Mercy has slept all night every night for the past 8 days, something that she has not been able to manage for the past two years!
We worked out the material needs for the small building project that we will be beginning over Monday and Tuesday, and ordered or gathered the various building stuff like cement, cement blocks, ballast etc and worked on the plans for the new chicken shed. We relaxed in the afternoon whilst the rain stopped. In the evening we were presented with a Sri Lankan 'English' roast chicken dinner, once more eating our own chickens from Bellwood's farm!
Monday: The team's first half day off! We went to an elephant orphanage where elephants are rescued from areas troubled historically by civil war. One or two had lost limbs to minefields, but mostly they were rescued as babies that had lost their parents to the mines or poachers. We had a great morning at the river where 50 or so elephants washed and cooled down. After lunch we headed back to Kandy where we are now in this internet cafe. If the monsoon stops for long enough we will be setting the foundations for the cement block walls to be buiilt tomorrow. The students, it must be said are doing the heavy labour and will have moved all the material, cleared the undergrowth and dug the trench for the foundations!
God bless, Dave
Saturday: We left the hotel in the town where we were ministering and went to the YMCA, where we ministered to 80-100 children and mothers using songs, drama, facepainting, balloons and games. Great time of ministry to some people with very difficult lives though poverty and other things.
The people there fed us lunch and then we started the journey back to Bellwood, which was horrendous! We drove for many miles on very rough roads in torrential rain. We wore through the rubber on the tyres on one of the two vans so that the canvas was showing by the time we got home.
We stopped in Kandy for a meal on the way home and said goodbye to the second minibus driver who we were able to give Christian literature to (written of course in his own language). When you hire a minibus here it comes with its own driver!
We continued the journey to Bellwood in our own bus, crammed in with extra people and luggage. We arrived safely nonetheless.
Sunday: Helen L, Rob E and Ian went to the sister Church in a town nearby and ministered there. Helen F, the two Sues and Bob C stayed at Bellwood with Dave and Alice for the service there. Helen F gave her testimony and the team did a drama. Dave preached and the two Sureshes translated. Dave even built a head wobble into his culturally relevant jokes, which each Suresh had to translate (one into Sinhalese and the other into Tamil)
The worship at Bellwood was fantastic and the presence of the Holy Spirit was amazing. This was also the case at the other church. Bob E really connected with the congregation when he shareed his testimony, Ian preached about having a purpose, and the team prayed for many of the church members who pressed forward eagerly for a blessing.
The Monsoon rains started at the end of the service at Bellwood, and we sat in our 'prayer room' which has a large glass wall and watched the rain and lightning whilst we waited and prayed for safety for the team to come back as the roads had turned to rivers.
Suresh senior became pretty ill during the afternoon, please pray for him as he is suffering badly from stress related ill health. Dave has been ministering to him all week, and both he and Mercy have had some really powerful encounters with God during the mission, and both are improving daily. Mercy has slept all night every night for the past 8 days, something that she has not been able to manage for the past two years!
We worked out the material needs for the small building project that we will be beginning over Monday and Tuesday, and ordered or gathered the various building stuff like cement, cement blocks, ballast etc and worked on the plans for the new chicken shed. We relaxed in the afternoon whilst the rain stopped. In the evening we were presented with a Sri Lankan 'English' roast chicken dinner, once more eating our own chickens from Bellwood's farm!
Monday: The team's first half day off! We went to an elephant orphanage where elephants are rescued from areas troubled historically by civil war. One or two had lost limbs to minefields, but mostly they were rescued as babies that had lost their parents to the mines or poachers. We had a great morning at the river where 50 or so elephants washed and cooled down. After lunch we headed back to Kandy where we are now in this internet cafe. If the monsoon stops for long enough we will be setting the foundations for the cement block walls to be buiilt tomorrow. The students, it must be said are doing the heavy labour and will have moved all the material, cleared the undergrowth and dug the trench for the foundations!
God bless, Dave
Friday, 6 November 2009
YESTERDAY'S BLOG AND COMMENTS
Hi everyone. We removed yesterday's blog and will rewrite it again. If you left a comment please write it again. We realised that we may have been too specific about a sensitive situation here and didn't want to compromise the folk here.
Everyone up and out, hired another minibus. Much speculation about what the smell is. Rumour has it that Ian has a new aftershave. Stopped at several places to try and get some breakfast but couldn't find anywhere that did anything but Sri Lankan breakfasts so had to get biscuits. While we were there we saw a beautiful lizard looking at us from a tree.
In the middle of the jungle we were stopped by security about 3 times. We went through a formal war zone.
At hotel, the best in the town. Weather very hot and humid but rooms cool and comfortable. Lunch rice, chicken, beef and veg. At 4 in afternoon Ian, Dave, Alice, Sue J and Helen L all went to pastors meeting. It was a short minibus ride to a Methodist church. Looked quaint and English and the bricks looked like York stone and it had a proper stone floor and wooden pulpit! Dave spoke on Gideon and spoke about leadership qualities which was excellent.
There were roughly 20 men and 10 women all pastors and wives.
After Dave's teaching the team prayed with them and we had fellowship with them with food! Spicy fish sandwiches and fish rolls.
We were asked to pray for a widow of a pastor. Her circumstances left us feeling quite shattered and challenged.
It was a great day especially travelling from the height of the tea plantations right down to almost sea level through the jungle.
Everyone up and out, hired another minibus. Much speculation about what the smell is. Rumour has it that Ian has a new aftershave. Stopped at several places to try and get some breakfast but couldn't find anywhere that did anything but Sri Lankan breakfasts so had to get biscuits. While we were there we saw a beautiful lizard looking at us from a tree.
In the middle of the jungle we were stopped by security about 3 times. We went through a formal war zone.
At hotel, the best in the town. Weather very hot and humid but rooms cool and comfortable. Lunch rice, chicken, beef and veg. At 4 in afternoon Ian, Dave, Alice, Sue J and Helen L all went to pastors meeting. It was a short minibus ride to a Methodist church. Looked quaint and English and the bricks looked like York stone and it had a proper stone floor and wooden pulpit! Dave spoke on Gideon and spoke about leadership qualities which was excellent.
There were roughly 20 men and 10 women all pastors and wives.
After Dave's teaching the team prayed with them and we had fellowship with them with food! Spicy fish sandwiches and fish rolls.
We were asked to pray for a widow of a pastor. Her circumstances left us feeling quite shattered and challenged.
It was a great day especially travelling from the height of the tea plantations right down to almost sea level through the jungle.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Roller coaster day!!
Out for breakfast at a Tamil cafe called Milanos, curry for breakfast great! with egg & halepino chillies in a roll. Fuel to go to the tea plantations for the baptisms this morning.
Three people from one family, who recently gave their lives to Christ. The water for the baptisms is held in a concrete trough in a concrete shed. We sang songs and prayed together, while everyone celebrated. Dave baptised the father, Ian did Mum and Bob E baptised the daughter. The family grow vegetable and pick tea for an income and live a very simple life, with few possessions.
We are 6,000 feet above sea level here and often find ourselves in the clouds themselves. Left and went straight to the government school, access to the school was via a muddy slope which they were still preparing as we arrived. 130 children were in attendance and were very excited to see us. We taught them a really great way of saying hello in English with actions. We had them all laughing and joining in the action songs. The 2 Bobs introduced themselves to the children, Bob E demonstrated that he wears a hearing aid and took it out to show the children. Bob C not to be out done took out his teeth!!!! Much to the amusement of the children, not to mention us. They did'nt want us to leave and neither did we.
Just down the road, outside the tea leaf weighing station, where local people tend to congregate
and the lady tea pickers collect their wages. The monsoon rain had started but this did not put them or us off from singing and sharing our stories of how God has changed our lives. They listened intently and stood there for a long time, many without shoes on their feet, including children as young as 2. Pastor Charles looks after this area and although we had to leave he will continue to work with the people of the this village. We found it difficult to believe they would stand in the rain all that time, after a hard days work. AMAZING BUT TOUCHING.
After dinner we visited Suresh juniors family home in Nuwara Eliya, they welcomed us with us tea and bananas from their garden. He was very proud of his family and we felt very privileged to visit them. Back to the hotel after a long day with another early start tomorrow.
Three people from one family, who recently gave their lives to Christ. The water for the baptisms is held in a concrete trough in a concrete shed. We sang songs and prayed together, while everyone celebrated. Dave baptised the father, Ian did Mum and Bob E baptised the daughter. The family grow vegetable and pick tea for an income and live a very simple life, with few possessions.
We are 6,000 feet above sea level here and often find ourselves in the clouds themselves. Left and went straight to the government school, access to the school was via a muddy slope which they were still preparing as we arrived. 130 children were in attendance and were very excited to see us. We taught them a really great way of saying hello in English with actions. We had them all laughing and joining in the action songs. The 2 Bobs introduced themselves to the children, Bob E demonstrated that he wears a hearing aid and took it out to show the children. Bob C not to be out done took out his teeth!!!! Much to the amusement of the children, not to mention us. They did'nt want us to leave and neither did we.
Just down the road, outside the tea leaf weighing station, where local people tend to congregate
and the lady tea pickers collect their wages. The monsoon rain had started but this did not put them or us off from singing and sharing our stories of how God has changed our lives. They listened intently and stood there for a long time, many without shoes on their feet, including children as young as 2. Pastor Charles looks after this area and although we had to leave he will continue to work with the people of the this village. We found it difficult to believe they would stand in the rain all that time, after a hard days work. AMAZING BUT TOUCHING.
After dinner we visited Suresh juniors family home in Nuwara Eliya, they welcomed us with us tea and bananas from their garden. He was very proud of his family and we felt very privileged to visit them. Back to the hotel after a long day with another early start tomorrow.
MORE PHOTOS
Here are another couple - we were in a school today which was a complete surprise. It is the first time anything like this has happened here. Here are the kids doing the actions to 'Shine'!The other is of Bob having a real good laugh over our meal time. I'll let him share the joke with you when he gets home!
THURSDAY 5th NOVEMBER
We have taken loads of photos and it is so hard to choose a few to put on the blog to give you a flavour of our time here. This mission has been so full of amazing opportunities to share with all ages and all faiths.On the right you will see three baptismal candidates who were baptised in a Buddhist back yard in a stone tub in freezing cold water. The young girl in the middle had a high fever but was determined to go through with it. We prayed over her and she began to recover. Dave, Ian and Bob Easter all baptised one each!
The photo below shows the team doing kids work in a church. The young guy at the front is Suresh Jnr and he is great!
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
DAVE AND ALICE UPDATE
We arrived in Colombo yesterday and were met by Danny and Suresh Jnr who drove us up to Bellwood. It seemed to take all day and we had to stop loads of times to get things on our way. Eventually we arrived to a wonderful welcome from Suresh, Mercy and the team. We chatted through all the things that had happened with them. Dave spoke with Suresh and also made further plans to get the team to do some work on improving the chicken house.
We had to unpack and repack as we were going to get up to be away at 5.00am. Somewhere in the middle of the night that turned into 6 o'clock and we got told we had another hour's grace! PTL
This morning bright and early we left altogether in a van with all our cases in the tuk tuk. We went into Kandy where we picked up another minibus and carried on to have breakfast on the roadside from a bakery. We then split up and the team went in one direction and Mercy, Suresh, Dave and I went another. Through the most amazing scenery and past tea plantations called Devon, Somerset and other very British names with the most fantastic waterfalls we hurtled on pot-holed single track roads, across mountains. We saw monkeys and other beautiful wildlife. Tea pickers were all over the hills and we saw cattle drawn ploughs and other rural scenes. Eventually we arrived at a Pentecostal church where we were to minister to pastors and wives. There must have been 40 to 50 there. Dave taught them in the morning for 2 hours. We had lunch and then Suresh was supposed to speak but they requested that Dave speak again as they had enjoyed his teaching so much. He spoke altogether for over 3 hours!
We then met back with the team at a hotel in another area and will stay overnight in a hotel. Not too luxurious but it will suffice.
The team have now gone to do a second meeting with children - please pray as a couple of them are feeling quite tired and a bit under the weather. We need encouragement for them and they love getting updates and comments from home.
God bless
Alice
Team update
Monday
Breakfast, Ian hogged the Marmite - not that we minded..... Much!!
All of us went to Galaha, we expected 31 chidren and we had a 100 children and 30 mothers. We sang, played pass the parcel, but the balloons were the biggest hit. Suresh, our interpreter was great and joined in. Bob E told the story of the 4 friends - Luke 5v17. We asked the children questions on the story, they answered really well - so they were listening. The open air church was up in the mountains and was lovely and cool, with beautiful views.
Sue and Ian had a visit to the local doctors, so clean, quick and cheap. Danny, our driver suddenly became sick and in pain, he was raced to hospital, we prayed and they injected him for kidney stones and within half an hour he was at home eating. Praise God.
Some of us finished the day off with an Sri Lankan special, a dish called hoppers, egg and hot chilli filling. Delicious. Home and bed.
Tuesday
11.50am All excited, Alice & Dave will be here soon. We are sorting out the blankets for when we go to the cool area to give to the children. We also arranged the presents and prizes for our next three childrens ministries.We plan to go up country, down south! Will explain later. Whooppee the sun is shining.
3.45pm Dave & Alice arrive safely. We are talking about improving the chicken house making it mongoose proof. The 2 Bobs went to visit the chicken house area, Bob C bought 4 leeches home with him. Great excitement as he tried to beat them to death... It doesn't work - and thats where they plan to build.
So many of us, everyone nearly has a bed tonight! And so to bed as early rise of 5am tomorrow as we are going Nuwara - eliyl. Get your teeth round that one!
love to you all - The Team
Wedneday
After an early start and a 4 hour journey. We stopped to eat and went straight to the local church to minister to them. The children greeted us by singing a song in English to us. It really blessed us and moved us to tears. We greeted them in Tamil with their word for welcome, which is "wannacombe." We had a great time with them and they all gave us a card each that they had prepared for us when we left. We are staying at a hotel and we if the rain stops should be doing an outdoor ministry with children tonight.
Breakfast, Ian hogged the Marmite - not that we minded..... Much!!
All of us went to Galaha, we expected 31 chidren and we had a 100 children and 30 mothers. We sang, played pass the parcel, but the balloons were the biggest hit. Suresh, our interpreter was great and joined in. Bob E told the story of the 4 friends - Luke 5v17. We asked the children questions on the story, they answered really well - so they were listening. The open air church was up in the mountains and was lovely and cool, with beautiful views.
Sue and Ian had a visit to the local doctors, so clean, quick and cheap. Danny, our driver suddenly became sick and in pain, he was raced to hospital, we prayed and they injected him for kidney stones and within half an hour he was at home eating. Praise God.
Some of us finished the day off with an Sri Lankan special, a dish called hoppers, egg and hot chilli filling. Delicious. Home and bed.
Tuesday
11.50am All excited, Alice & Dave will be here soon. We are sorting out the blankets for when we go to the cool area to give to the children. We also arranged the presents and prizes for our next three childrens ministries.We plan to go up country, down south! Will explain later. Whooppee the sun is shining.
3.45pm Dave & Alice arrive safely. We are talking about improving the chicken house making it mongoose proof. The 2 Bobs went to visit the chicken house area, Bob C bought 4 leeches home with him. Great excitement as he tried to beat them to death... It doesn't work - and thats where they plan to build.
So many of us, everyone nearly has a bed tonight! And so to bed as early rise of 5am tomorrow as we are going Nuwara - eliyl. Get your teeth round that one!
love to you all - The Team
Wedneday
After an early start and a 4 hour journey. We stopped to eat and went straight to the local church to minister to them. The children greeted us by singing a song in English to us. It really blessed us and moved us to tears. We greeted them in Tamil with their word for welcome, which is "wannacombe." We had a great time with them and they all gave us a card each that they had prepared for us when we left. We are staying at a hotel and we if the rain stops should be doing an outdoor ministry with children tonight.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Blog news written by the two Helens!
Two teams today! Helen F, Sue and Bob C and Sue J went to minister in a small village called Galaha. They travelled there and back in 'Tri-shaws' which are simply 'toks-toks' three wheelers or in Bob's words 'sheds with an engine!'
Ian, myself (Helen L) and Bob Easter stayed here at the Bible College.
The church here prays and worships passionately and with great freedom. Ian preached up a storm with a sermon entitled 'Jesus is still rolling the stone away'. Bob shared his testimony and both had the church laughing. I shared my testimony and we had a time of ministry and forgiveness.
We are going to pray for a two year old babe that is seriously disabled and for her parents. Please remember them in your prayers they are 'Aisha (daughter), Can ti (mum) and Malina (dad).
Helen F's team preached and shared testimonies and were able to share a word of knowledge that God had given which spoke into the life of a woman who came to the church very beaten and scared. The village pastor is caring for her family situation giving her a new home and safety.
We have just eaten a great big Sri Lankan dinner with spicy yellow cauliflower as one of the dishes. Great food freshly cooked every day and we don't even have to wash up - praise God!
Ian, myself (Helen L) and Bob Easter stayed here at the Bible College.
The church here prays and worships passionately and with great freedom. Ian preached up a storm with a sermon entitled 'Jesus is still rolling the stone away'. Bob shared his testimony and both had the church laughing. I shared my testimony and we had a time of ministry and forgiveness.
We are going to pray for a two year old babe that is seriously disabled and for her parents. Please remember them in your prayers they are 'Aisha (daughter), Can ti (mum) and Malina (dad).
Helen F's team preached and shared testimonies and were able to share a word of knowledge that God had given which spoke into the life of a woman who came to the church very beaten and scared. The village pastor is caring for her family situation giving her a new home and safety.
We have just eaten a great big Sri Lankan dinner with spicy yellow cauliflower as one of the dishes. Great food freshly cooked every day and we don't even have to wash up - praise God!
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Sue Clark's update
It is always difficult to sleep in a stange house, but its 8.45 and we are all up and dressed team outfits... Ian has stolen our hot water for our tea to shave with, we will forgive him. I say we are all up, but there is no sight of Bob Easter as yet.
2.40pm - what a morning?! Lots of worship with the Sri Lankan church leaders, all very young and very enthusiastic. They have amazing faith. They work and minister in very hard and often dangerous places. Some have travelled nearly all night to be here this morning.
In the service this morning Sue Judd gave her testimony, and managed with a translation done by Suresh. We then sang 'Isn't He Beautiful' and praise God it went well. Bob C then gave a testimony and we did a drama called 'Stretch out your hand'.
Ian then brought an inspired word from God which turned out to confirm a word Suresh had for the pastors - praise God for the leading of his Spirit. We then ministered to the pastors and the wives that were present - it was encouraging to see them all hungry for God as they responded to the word and a move of the Spirit.
Both Sue Judd and Helen Lobar had words and pictures for the pastors which really encouraged them. As we prayed for the rain of the Spirit to fall on us the heavens opened up outside and did it rain - monsoon style!
Some of the young pastors then danced to 'Our God is an awesome God' - they were annointed and blessed us so much.
And still the rain came ... then Suresh ended the services (3 hours long) with prayer and at the same time the rain stopped.
We are looking forward to ministering in two churches tomorrow.
God bless you all, hopefully we will upload pictures tomorrow.
Sue C
2.40pm - what a morning?! Lots of worship with the Sri Lankan church leaders, all very young and very enthusiastic. They have amazing faith. They work and minister in very hard and often dangerous places. Some have travelled nearly all night to be here this morning.
In the service this morning Sue Judd gave her testimony, and managed with a translation done by Suresh. We then sang 'Isn't He Beautiful' and praise God it went well. Bob C then gave a testimony and we did a drama called 'Stretch out your hand'.
Ian then brought an inspired word from God which turned out to confirm a word Suresh had for the pastors - praise God for the leading of his Spirit. We then ministered to the pastors and the wives that were present - it was encouraging to see them all hungry for God as they responded to the word and a move of the Spirit.
Both Sue Judd and Helen Lobar had words and pictures for the pastors which really encouraged them. As we prayed for the rain of the Spirit to fall on us the heavens opened up outside and did it rain - monsoon style!
Some of the young pastors then danced to 'Our God is an awesome God' - they were annointed and blessed us so much.
And still the rain came ... then Suresh ended the services (3 hours long) with prayer and at the same time the rain stopped.
We are looking forward to ministering in two churches tomorrow.
God bless you all, hopefully we will upload pictures tomorrow.
Sue C
THE FIRST TWO DAYS
Hi all, it is Sue Judd writing for the next couple of days.
We met TCC around 8.00am and after a tearful farewell to loved ones we set off to warmer climes and adventure. The flights were all on time and the planes and service were excellent. We arrived in Colombo airport at 8.30am to a very warm welcome from both the weather and the guys from Mount Carmel.
Helen Lobar and Sue Clark wasted no time in witnessing to two folks at the airport and on the plane.
FRIDAY 30th
The time difference is five and half hours ahead which is having its toll to some degree. The heat! Well, it's more humidity than the heat - but we'll cope. We were met by Raja and Danny - two of the pastors from Mount Carmel in an air-conditioned minibus. By now we were all feeling very tired and jet-lagged.
The drive from the airport was an adventure in iteself - the rule of the road is simple - thre are no rules which makes for interesting driving. We drove through beautiful mountainside but with our hearts in our mouths. We even saw a huge lizard takings its life in its hands by crossing the road.
We stopped at KFC in Kandy (to use toilets) and then went for a Chinese in what seemed to be a very questionable place but we're still alive!
We met up with Suresh and Mercy in Kandy and met Raja's family and Mercy's father.
By the time we arrived it was late afternoon. We had taken our lives in our hands by going up 3,000 feet to the college with nothing but sheer drops either side.
Everyone here is so welcoming and helpful, they have been preparing for weeks to get the place ready and they continue to serve us with humility.
We practised our dramas etc for tomorrow and listened to the local Buddhists chanting across the valley (they are very noisy). This is going to be an amazing couple of weeks.
God bless - the Sri Lanka team
We met TCC around 8.00am and after a tearful farewell to loved ones we set off to warmer climes and adventure. The flights were all on time and the planes and service were excellent. We arrived in Colombo airport at 8.30am to a very warm welcome from both the weather and the guys from Mount Carmel.
Helen Lobar and Sue Clark wasted no time in witnessing to two folks at the airport and on the plane.
FRIDAY 30th
The time difference is five and half hours ahead which is having its toll to some degree. The heat! Well, it's more humidity than the heat - but we'll cope. We were met by Raja and Danny - two of the pastors from Mount Carmel in an air-conditioned minibus. By now we were all feeling very tired and jet-lagged.
The drive from the airport was an adventure in iteself - the rule of the road is simple - thre are no rules which makes for interesting driving. We drove through beautiful mountainside but with our hearts in our mouths. We even saw a huge lizard takings its life in its hands by crossing the road.
We stopped at KFC in Kandy (to use toilets) and then went for a Chinese in what seemed to be a very questionable place but we're still alive!
We met up with Suresh and Mercy in Kandy and met Raja's family and Mercy's father.
By the time we arrived it was late afternoon. We had taken our lives in our hands by going up 3,000 feet to the college with nothing but sheer drops either side.
Everyone here is so welcoming and helpful, they have been preparing for weeks to get the place ready and they continue to serve us with humility.
We practised our dramas etc for tomorrow and listened to the local Buddhists chanting across the valley (they are very noisy). This is going to be an amazing couple of weeks.
God bless - the Sri Lanka team
Thursday, 29 October 2009
THEY'RE ON THEIR WAY!
Just back from the airport - all went well with the journey over to Gatwick. Right now they will be in the sky and heading out to Dubai and then onward to Colombo. We'll be joining them on Tuesday. Felt so strange to leave them and say 'See you at the Elephant Orphanage!'
ALICE P
ALICE P
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Monday, 14 September 2009
Team Training - Maldon
The team went to nearby Maldon to give out balloon models and talk to people on the streets
....
....
Monday, 27 April 2009
SUE CLARK
Hi, I've been married to Bob for 45 years and we have a daughter, Sharon.
I've been a Christian for 12 years. The most amazing 12 years of my life, God has been so good to me.
I like gardens and gardening, sharing meals with friends and talking about scripture.
God spoke to me about Sri Lanka before we were invited. I am pleased and excited about being on the team, and really looking forward to making new friends.
Do I like chickens? Watch this space!
Thursday, 23 April 2009
SUE JUDD
Hi, my name is Sue and I will have been married to Rob for 32 years this year.
We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. The family keep us both very busy but we love it. I also like to keep fit and going on holiday.
I have been a Christian now for 25 years. I was 28 when I realised for the first time that God was real and that He loved me and that Jesus has a plan for my life.
I have been to Romania twice with Thundersley Congregational Church and am now looking forward to exciting things happening in Sri Lanka.
We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. The family keep us both very busy but we love it. I also like to keep fit and going on holiday.
I have been a Christian now for 25 years. I was 28 when I realised for the first time that God was real and that He loved me and that Jesus has a plan for my life.
I have been to Romania twice with Thundersley Congregational Church and am now looking forward to exciting things happening in Sri Lanka.
Monday, 6 April 2009
BOB CLARK
Hello! I am Bob, married to Sue for 44 years and have lived in Benfleet for 43 years. We have one daughter, Sharron, who is married to Adrian. God used Adrian to give us the word and bring us all to know Jesus.
I first became a Christian in 2003 and was filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time during an Alpha course.
My hobbies are DIY, fishing, stamp collecting and I try and keep fit.
In 2005 I was a member of the TCC Brazil Mission team and was amazed how God uses us. We did things only possible with God leading us. The only thing I missed in Brazil was not having Sue with me and so when she said that she felt that God was leading her to go on the Sri Lanka mission, it had to be right for me also.
I wait with excitement to see how God will use us in Sri Lanka.
Hello! I am Bob, married to Sue for 44 years and have lived in Benfleet for 43 years. We have one daughter, Sharron, who is married to Adrian. God used Adrian to give us the word and bring us all to know Jesus.
I first became a Christian in 2003 and was filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time during an Alpha course.
My hobbies are DIY, fishing, stamp collecting and I try and keep fit.
In 2005 I was a member of the TCC Brazil Mission team and was amazed how God uses us. We did things only possible with God leading us. The only thing I missed in Brazil was not having Sue with me and so when she said that she felt that God was leading her to go on the Sri Lanka mission, it had to be right for me also.
I wait with excitement to see how God will use us in Sri Lanka.
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
ALICE PICKETT
My life was totally changed at the age of 25 when I found out that Jesus was real, that he loved me and he had a purpose for my life. I am really looking forward to going to Sri Lanka - I love meeting new people, experiencing other cultures and telling people about what God can do for them.
TEAM LEADER - IAN MILESUp until 11 years ago my life was going nowhere fast. I had spent the best part of 24 years drifting through life, avoiding responsibility and simply trying to get what I could out of life for nothing. Then in April 1998 I experienced what I can only describe as an amazing life changing experience that completely changed not only my lifestyle, and attitudes, but also my destiny.
After attending a Teen Challenge programme in order to overcome life controlling addictions I remained with the organisation for a further 2 years to work alongside other addicts that were seeking both God and freedom from addiction. It was here that I also met my beautiful future wife Lisa. I then attended Regents Theological College and obtained a B.A.(Hons) in Theology. In July 2004 I took up the position as Associate Minister at TCC where I still serve in a pastoral role.
In June 2004 Lisa and I were married, and we now have 2 beautiful daughters, Melisha 4 and Esther 3.
Being in God’s will and purpose has been challenging, exciting and rewarding. It has also been an amazing journey and the next step in this journey will take me to Sri Lanka. I am really excited about the possibilities that God can open up for the team as we seek to minister and to share the love of Jesus in Sri Lanka. Please pray that we will see many find their security and hope in Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
HELEN FARMER
Hi, I’m Helen Farmer and I live in Basildon. I have a daughter and two grandchildren and work with vulnerable adults in the community.
Attended Thundersley Congregational Church (TCC) for about 10 years. Am on the ministry team, and oversee four of the life groups TCC run.
Likes chocolate, reading, going to the gym, holidays.
Why go to Sri Lanka? Those who have gone on previous missions have always come back changed and the trip has impacted them in a new way. So I am looking forward to going to a country I haven’t visited before and spending some time with the people and just sharing the love of Jesus with them.
BOB EASTER
I am married with 2 daughters who both have their own families now. I retired after 40 years with the Ford Motor Company during which I acquired the status of Chartered Mechanical Engineer and European Engineer. I am secretary of Westwood Art Group and Vice Captain of Hadleigh Bowls Club.
I have been aware of a draw towards Sri Lanka for several years and after a few exchanges with Shuresh I sense that my role is to encourage the people working with him and sense that something important is still to be revealed.
DAVE PICKETT
Looking back I can see that God placed a passion for adventure and travel in me way before I really knew Jesus as Lord and Saviour of my life. In fact I was in my late 20's, after having served as a Royal Marine Commando and seen active service, when I gave my life to him. Although I'd already had many 'adventures' more were to come as I began to serve God with my whole life. I am really excited to be part of the Beacon Mission Team 2008 to Sri Lanka, and to be working with my old friend Suresh there. The adventure with God never ends and seeing lives transformed and changed makes all the difference.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Welcome to the Beacon Mission Sri Lanka 2009 Blog
In November 2009 a team from Thundersley Congregational Church are going to Sri Lanka.
Please visit this blog as we update it over the coming months and introduce you to the team as they train for this exciting adventure with God!
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