names

October 3rd, 2008

  names: Joseph, Sasicomar, Paul(tall?) Jayapaul, Daya, Joseph,Joshua(waterboy),David,Daniel   Vinodha, Charles-driver

India Trip Diary (outline form)

September 23rd, 2008

2008 India Trip

Sep  5 Fri
  1pm EST PIT airport, leave 3pm
Sep  6 Sat
  London
Sep  7 Sun
  4:30 pm IST arrive Chennai, we’re not in Kansas anymore!
  slept in, talked with John’s family; Chai tea!
  Karin motorcycle
  TD Lazarus church; Saint Thomas, dinner
Sep  8 Mon
  Shopping, shopping, shopping; elevator,lost,living dead
  6:15 train
Sep  9 Tue
  “This is the train that wouldn’t end” coffee coffee coffee
  arrive 10:15 Tuticorin
  pushed the bus
  tour of Sayarpuram village/house visit/farm/engagement party
Sep 10 Wed
  all day wedding/parade/rice mound/chicken dance
  6:15 train/panic!
Sep 11 Thu
  6:15 am arrive - Taxi ride! John’s apt
  Josh village (volleyball medals)
  hotel
Sep 12 Fri
  church, Bob word
  village (legs/feet)
  lady w insect bite, Hindu boy-cousin, 3 large toes,
    lady curse, man leg curse, leg, 2 ladies uterus
  recorded puppet skit / GT
Sep 13 Sat
  AIDS orphange
  surprise party  princess…
  kfc/shop mall
  beach
  practice skits
Sep 14 Sun 97 degrees!
  9:30 Barb testimony, Karin word, One Touch
  11:30 Prabhu testimony,word
  2:00 Pizza Hut 
  3:30 village - kids program
  7:00 rooftop, webcast, Bob/Karin word, 4 sins bloody nose    
  11:00 Chinese - kitchen/bathroom
  2:00+ arrive Vellore
Sep 15 Mon
  leprosy, 4 salvations
  village - Peria Pubur (sp?) wild kids
Sep 16 Tue
  Prabhu’s Hindu (upper caste) neighbors - Katpalda (7 salvations)
  12-2 Prayer/Fast meeting, laying on of hands
  2 orphanges, Rehoboam
Sep 17 Wed
  7:00 am - Dedication/groundbreaking - Uprising!
  10:00 slum (1 salvation,lady), suitcase of toys/clothes
    TB,widow,family baptism,puppy killed
  6:00+ hospital, One Touch, MA word, Texas man-rapture 2037
  dinner at the Doctor’s house
Sep 18 Thu 
  village in Andhra Pradesh?? west  Karnataka?
  Medical Camp - hearing restored, deaf-mute, MS girl
  School kids - upside down man
  Gospel Mtg - Connie testimony, Bob word; 4 sins; 20+ salvations
Sep 19 Fri
  Dedication - parade, ribbon cut Bob Gig Liotti
  Lunch
  13 baptisms, Bob/Kathy word, 4 sins, One Touch, preacher   
 
 
 
Things that are hard to find in India
Immodium
trash cans
towels, napkins
souveniers
bug spray
playgrounds

Church Distinctives #2

August 25th, 2008

Hi all,

This is the second entry in a series of posts describing the distinctives of New Life Fellowship, in other words, the things that I feel make us unique as a church and that should, over time, be evident to all those who come into contact with us. 

Blessings to you,

Pastor Chris

#2 - Structure built on God’s mandates with members doing the work of the ministry

Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good.  You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him.  Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.  But select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain — and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.    -Exodus 18:17-23

In Exodus, we see a picture of one of the most dysfunctional organizational charts in history.  Moses was the leader of the nation of Israel and had approximately 1 million direct reports!  Jethro came to Moses and gave some wise insight (”what you are doing is not good”), as well as some divinely-inspired advice (”select capable men… and appoint them”).

God never intended His plans for the earth to be carried out as a one-man show.  By allowing himself to be consumed by every detail of the day to day lives of all Israelites, Moses was wearing himself out, not able to focus on the big picture of where God was leading them and stopping capable men with leadership giftings from being able to use their talents to serve the Lord. 

Throughout history, almost every one-man ministry that you can think of came to an abrupt halt when that person passed on.  Looking at Jesus as our model, we see that he choose twelve men to commit his ministry to and invested in them the things that the Father had shown to him.  Later on, those disciples even selected others to assist with the work of the ministry so they could focus on the things God had called them to do (see Acts 6:1-6).

Looking further in Ephesians, we see more of the Lord’s plan for his church:

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  -Ephesians 4:11-16

God has placed leadership in the church for the purpose of preparing the people of God (including the leaders themselves) to serve and build up the Body of Christ to carry out the vision he has given us. 

At New Life Fellowship, every person has a valuable part to play.  The church is not a group of “spectators” watching someone else do things for God, but a place where every one of us is connected to others and actively involved in establishing the Kingdom of God here on earth.

 

Songs and Skits

August 16th, 2008

Skits:
‘4 Sins’
‘One Touch(Press)’ - see Links for a similar one
  need garments
‘Doctor’s Office’
‘Upside down man’
puppets? I have 3 or 4 puppets

Ca Thud Petty Ir Vah (God is Good?)

Ca thud         petty ir vah   God
Numb uppa    petty ir vah   Father
Daven            petty ir vah  Lord
Numb easu     petty ir vah  Jesus

 

One Touch (Press)

Been ostracized for 12 years
I’m used to being alone
Spent everything I had
And now it’s gone
I’m used to being put down
Mys issues tell it all
My only hope is anchored
In this fall

Chorus
If I could just touch the hem of His garment
I know I’d be made whole
If I could just press my way through this madness
His love would heal my soul
If only one touch

So many people calling
How could He ever know
That just a brush of Him
Would stop the flow
If He knew he would rebuke me
Or shame me to the crowd
Well I’m desperate ’cause it’s never or it’s now (note from Bob: now or never????)

Chorus

Suddenly He turned around
He said somebody has unleashed my power
Well, frightened and embarrassed I bowed
You see I told Him of my troubles
And how…

I had to touch the hem of His garment
And I know I’ve been made whole
And how I had pressed my way through the madness
And His love has healed my soul

Then with one word He touched the hem of my garment
And you know I’ve been made whole
And somehow He pressed His way through the madness
And His love has healed my soul

I tell you He touched me
He reached way down and touched me
When no one else would touch me
Jesus, shol’ ‘nough He touched me…(bob’s note: sure ‘nough??)
And I know I’ve been made whole

 

Glory to God

Oh, glory to God
He has lifted me up
Jesus Lifted me up I know
He reached out His hand
and he lifted me up
And that’s why I love Him so.

I love Him more and more
I love Him more and more
And when I stand upon the other shore
I’ll praise Him more and more
I’ll praise Him more and more

Oh, Devanukku Mahemai
Thukki Eduthar – Ennai
Thukki Eduthar – Easu
Tham Karathay Neeti

Eratchitharae – oh
Deranukku Mahemai
Easuvai Naesikkirane
Meinmalum Naesikkirane
Akkariyil Naan Nindu Avarai
Endandum Naesikkirane

Church Distinctives #1

August 8th, 2008

I thought a good place to start my blogging experience would be to write a little bit about what  I see as the distinctives of New Life Fellowship.  These are the things that God has specifically called us to do and is developing more every day in our church.

 #1 - Help to the poor and needy infused with supernatural power.

Proverbs 31:8-9 - “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Mark 16:17-18 - And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” 

The Bible is very clear about the fact that there will always be people in need among us and that, as Christians, we are directed to help them by sharing the love of God through ministering to their physical needs.  We love our community through feeding the hungry, clothing the needy and ministering to widows and orphans (those who are alone physically, emotionally and spiritually). 

However, there are many organizations out there that do good things and try to help those in need - what sets us apart?  To quote a book I read recently, “if we can’t do any more than mere men, then let us not tell others we are a part of the church of a living God.  We have to accomplish more than the Elk’s Club if we are going to call God our Dad.”

Our help to the poor and needy is infused with the supernatural power described in Mark 16 above.  As Christians, we are part of the Church of Almighty God, filled with power from on high through the Holy Spirit living in us.  As we meet people’s physical needs, we also see God touch people with physical healing, deliverance, salvation and the glory of His Kingdom and His presence.

New Life Fellowship is a place where our help to the poor and needy is infused with supernatural power.

Stay tuned for distinctive #2.  Many blessings to you!

-Pastor Chris

T-minus 28 days…

August 8th, 2008

Less than a month away - can you believe it? If anyone can master those Tamil phrases, I’ll let you say them to the congregation before you go. We have been praying for all of you and the trip preparations, but we will also be laying hands on you and praying for you the Sunday before you go (8/31).

He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. - Psalm 111:6

Abundant blessings to all of you!
-Pastor Chris

Tamil Phrases

August 4th, 2008

Vanakam - Welcome (greeting, hands folded)
Stho Trum - Praise the Lord
Rombuh Nandri - Thank you very much
Nandri - Thank you
Eppadee ir keenguh - How are you
Non nalla irukken  - I am fine
Boyta verain - Good bye
Non - I
Yen - My

Food:
sumba-veggie stuff
biuvani-mutton/goat/chicken with rice
poordum-ENOUGH ALREADY!

 Numbers:
Zero   Boogayam
One    Ondra
Two    Eranda
Three  Mundra
Four    Nale
Five     Ainda
Six      Aara
Seven  Yera
Eight    Eta
Nine     Onbada
Ten      Path

Please correct me if I’m wrong - I’ll update this!

Bob

Team Photo

August 4th, 2008

P1060533IndiaTeamSmall1.JPG

Full size photo at NLF Missions site :
http://www.nlfpittsburgh.org/Missions.dsp

PACKING SUITCASE FOR TRIP

July 25th, 2008

If you go to the following websites - it will tell you what you will need to pack in your suitcase and how to pack your suitcase: 

http://www.pitairport.com/AiportGuideServlet?action=carryOn

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/about_311.shtm

I also printed information from websites.  If you want a copy, please let me know.

Connie

India Trip Checklist

July 24th, 2008
Things to bring:        

Small pillow - Dick’s or Dunham’s
sheet and/or blanket
toilet paper
DEET bug spray
tylenol etc,flashlite,extra glasses,sunglasses
Toiletries, sunscreen, immodium  vitamins
Jacket, hat
cheap digital wrist watch
boots
umbrella
Dictionary/translator - software?
electric converter
puppets?
to show people where we live, and our families:
   photo of family, etc   small world map - printout showing US/India
bubbles balloons
FYI - brush teeth with BOTTLED WATER !!!
cables for photo/video
passport/airline ticket holder
tag suitcases with  yarn or something
important numbers
European hair dryer
personal wipes
hand sanitizer
Headphones-airplane
ipods
I will bring my laptop - wireless communications, picture uploading from cameras, Photoshopping

Bob

Collection of paper towel rolls

July 19th, 2008

Please bring in as many as you can to church, we need them for a craft for VBS.

Tammy

India Trip Calendar

July 18th, 2008

This is just a rough and informal calendar for preparation:

  create a donation list for the bulletin board - polaroid camera/film, portable dvd player, guitar
  clothing bank strategy, how many pounds available 
     (100lbs per person ,jfk–>chennai),
     talk to Bob/Val, Joanna, Sucila, Pastor Chris,
     congregation for summer clothing donations?
     use 1 suitcase for all souveniers?
     Also Prabhu requests used dolls & toys
  hardware/electronics strategy - no unnecessary
     duplication(within reason), weight/size

Week of August 17th

  Sunday School Bob leading (testimonies/skits)
  Tuesday, 6:30 Prayer in one of the downstairs Sunday School rooms

Week of August 24th
  fasting some time this week?
  Sunday School Joanna leading
  Tuesday, 6:30 Prayer in one of the downstairs Sunday School rooms
  break in walking shoes if new.

Week of August 31st

Malaria pills?

Possibly go to bed earlier/get up one hour earlier each day for 3 days before the trip for jet lag(Sept 2nd-4th) 

Joanna leaving for India Sep 1st

Sucila leaving for India Sep 5th, earlier flight

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu  notify credit card company that you are travelling;cancel mail delivery
Fri    pgh to jfk,  jfk to london
Sat   london to chennai

Week of Sept 7th

Sun  arr chennai 4am
Mon  leave at night for wedding (12 hr bus ride)
Tue  arrive in Tuticorin/Sayarpuram) Engagement
Wed Wedding
Thu  arrive back in Chennai (12 hr bus ride)
Fri
Sat

Week of Sept 14th

Sun  morning / afternoon - 2 Chennai church services - 1st one is for youth primarily
        some of us may speak in front of 50,000 people  - ok, maybe 2 or 3 thousand….
        9:30 pm ‘Live Broadcast to NLF’ from a home church!! ?? A song with a lot of Hallelujahs (Lord I Love You…)
            if they have internet connections there - otherwise, some kind of cell phone/photo broadcast
Mon minister in Vellore?/church paint&repair/foundation on property?
Tue
Wed golf - NOT!

Thu 
Fri ride to Chennai?
Sat home at 11pm

Sun - if we are conscious, go to church for brief summary of trip?
  Tammy could lead kids in singing ‘You’re the Answer’ (Hillsong)
     while we show a 3 minute slide show (prepared in India?)
  perpare photos/video for following Sunday??

Shots

July 18th, 2008

I forgot, if you get a script from your doctor the shots might be a little less money.

Connie

Thanksgiving & Prayer for Trip to India

July 17th, 2008

I would like to thank God for this opportunity to go India in September. I know that God will be doing something marvelous over in India while we are there. I would appreciate the congregation praying for us before we go to India and while we are in India.

Connie

Vaccinations

July 17th, 2008

 

Shots

 

The following shots are recommended by the Allegheny County Health Dept. for the trip to India: Oral Typhoid $42, Hepatitis A $66, Polio - Adult Booster $33, Tetanus/Diphterial/Pertussis Adacel $10.  Vaccination start date should be 4 to 6 weeks prior to travel. 

There are two places that you can get your shots for the trip.  You can get your shots at the Allegheny County Health Department Clinic, 3441 Forbes Ave., 3rd Floor (Oakland) (412) 578-8060 - No appointment necessary - Clinic hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Wednesday 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  The other place you can get your shots is St. Clair Traveler’s Medicine, 200 Oxford Drive, Suite 110, 1st Door on Left, Bethel Park, PA 15102 Open Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM - You need to make appointment to get shots at Bethel Park Office.  The phone number is 412-942-7115.

 When I called the Allegheny County Health Dept. they said to get the shots the last week in July or the first week in August.

Connie

 

New Life goes to India, new life comes to India (the Team)!

July 15th, 2008

The India Mission Team is made up of:
Kathy C,
Connie F,
Karin S,
Mary Ann S,
Barb G,
Bob G

The trip is to the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the cities of Chennai, Vellore, and Bangalore Sept 5th to 20th. The team will be ministering in a large variety of ways, from orphanages to slums. See the ‘Agenda’ post July 2nd to get an idea. :)

Bob G  

YAY for our Team Leader Bob!

July 15th, 2008

I was so blessed when I found out Bob was joining us on this trip to India!  He’s already shining as a great team leader… no wonder with all his experience!  Bob, seeing all your missions trip in print on the church website somehow startled me!  I knew you went at those times, but seeing them all listed together like that really hit me that you are an experienced missionary!  I remember your first trip and the words spoken over you and now years later how much you have been walking through this all.

Thanks for all the time and effort you are putting into this trip, making it smoother for the rest of us.  I’m excited about what God will be doing in and through us all as we prepare first, then walk the streets of India, just loving on the people there.

~Mary Ann

The check is in the mail

July 14th, 2008

The check for the tickets from NY to Chennai is in the mail, Friday 9-5-08 @9:20PM, return 9-20-08 4:10PM.

Next up is:

1 Pgh to NY
2 Visas
3 Shots
4 Preparation - learn culture, develop stategy for ministering

 

“Give until it hurts, then give some more”

July 14th, 2008

Not sure if this is an original quote or not, but it’s a good one - ouch! Also - KISS - keep it simple stu…sweetie! And ITSS - it’s the Spirit, sweetie!

“It’s better to be nice than to be right”

July 13th, 2008

Love beats the law!

Last year’s mission trip to India

July 13th, 2008

An exerpt from the Voice of the Solid Rock website:

 

After returning to VELLORE on 12th August, the unique ministry began by and through us.

My American friends (6 Men and 4 young ladies) from Brisbin, Pennsylvania came for a Mission trip to our place. They reached Vellore on 15th August exactly on the Independence day of India (The day India won freedom from Great Britain ) to free the people from the bondages of sin and slavery  under satanic power. By the grace of God and the co-operation of my co-servants of God in Vellore, we were able to do various ministries to the people of various fields and sections of the society.

Glory to be God!

The following  are the ministries done by Our V.S.R TEAM and “Narrow road ministries, Brisbin P.A.”(U.S.A.) between 15th August and 28 th August in and around Vellore.

Ministries among M.B.K.G KASAM AND REHOBHOT HOME ORPAHANGE CHILDREN.
Ministry among College youth( Voorhees college, Vellore) 12 of us were able to enter into each class room and share the gospel and testimony in a college where 80% students were Hindus. It was amazing work of God! Many students understood the gospel and accepted Christ.
Pastor. Kevin an young and dynamic pastor and leader of this team shared the word of God in Christian medical college and hospital chapel ’s English service on 22 nd August. Bro.Tracy and team rendered special songs in that service.
we visited and shared the Gospel in a village called “Peria pudur and in the slum areas of Samad nagar, Vellore. Each one of this team entered into each hut and shared the gospel in a simple , humble and in a friendly way to these poor and unsaved people. Praise God! Many have committed to the Lord.
Along with this team we reached an interior village called ‘ Ramapuram’(chitoor dt) and conducted the free medical camp in the morning and Gospel meeting in the evening . Also Pastor. Kevin’s team members visited every home,shared the gospel and prayed with them.
Pastor.Kevin and I shared the messages of God .The team members did choreography and   a small skit which  revealed the LOVE OF CHRIST OF CALVARY .
Through these programme hundreds of this village people were blessed both physically and spiritually.   We thank God who enabled us to organize  these progrommes in the midst of rain threats and lack of needs.
 

We visited the S.L.R.S.KARIGIRI WHICH IS A SPECIAL INSTIUTE AND      HOSPITAL FOR Leprosy people and shared the Gospel and prayed for them.
Also each one of  N.R.M.U.S.A. and V.S.R. TEAM visited the Hindu houses in our street in KATPADI.
As the crown of this Mission trip, we along with this N.R.M . U.S.A. TEAM went to a town called ‘PERNAMBET’(VELLORE DT) for an YOUTH REVIVAL MEETING . Pastor. Mahendran  had organized this meeting so wonderfully.
300 YOUNG BOYS AND GIRLS   HAD ATTENDED AND RECEIVED BLESSINGS THROUGH THE MINISTRIES DONE  BY THIS TEAM.
After ministering in this youth meeting, The same evening we traveled and reached    ‘YELAGIRI’ HILLS  which is one of the beautiful summer hill resort in our State to minister among TRIBAL people and among the EBINEZER HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN.
We enjoyed the Lord’s wonderful natural scenes of this hill and with the people and children of this school during this visit.
 

We praise and thank God for my beloved  brother Rev.Vivekanandan,  Rev.Joseph (in-charge of V.S.R) Bro. Ananda raj, Bro. Dayalan,Bro.Jeyapaul, Bro. Masilamani, Dr. Jeyaselvadass . Pastor Caleb Muthu kumar and Bro. Senthil for all their tireless help and co-ordination in organizing these ministries and enabled to achieve these successfully.  I am very proud of my daughter Joanna Prabhu who assisted and guided this American team so wonderfully. I praise and thank God for her active involvement.

Ministries in Bangalore.    (From 16th August to 18th August)

      With the help and co-ordination of our dear Pastor Yashwant Kumar and his family, we were able to minister for various programs in his church and around the villages in their area. Some members of this team traveled with Pastor Yashwant Kumar to ‘Shimoga’ which was 300 miles away from Bangalore, to participate in the village branch church dedication.

We are grateful to Pastor Yashwant, a great man and humble servant of God and His wife for the love, care and hospitality they showed towards us during this Mission trip in Bangalore. May the Lord bless them abundantly. 

Ministries  in Chennai.       (From 26th August and 28 th August)

After completing the ministries at Bangalore and Vellore, we arrived at Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, on 26th August.

Although we had a long and tedious journey, Pastor. Kevin and his team ministered in a young ladies prayer group in Nungamabakkam (my daughter Joanna is a regular member of this group) and in the INDIAN APOSTALIC MSSION CHURCH, Aminjikkarai (lead by Pastor. T.D.Lazar,a Great man of God and a senior pastor in Chennai) for the same evening, until 9p.m.

Then we stayed in Bro. Jeyapaul’s brother’s house in Kazikundram, Adyar till they (N.R.M.U.S.A.) left for U.S.A. on 28th August night. Even during their stay in Chennai for a short time, the team went around the streets in this area and shared the gospel with Hindus and unsaved people. Many came to Jesus Christ through this ministry. Also we went as a team to visit the Blind Home, at  Thambaram Chennai. Dr. Simon George with his wife greeted and welcomed us to visit their home for the blind people.

Finally, in the evening before the day of their departure to U.S.A, part of this team along with my daughter went to the FISHERPEOPLE’S CLAVE ( MEENAVAR KUPPAM,MARINA BEECH CHENNAI) and shared the gospel by entering in to their houses. It was a great challenge for our ministries. The Gospel touched and enlightened many people there.

Oh! What a mighty God we serve!  Only by his pure Grace were we able to do these various ministries in different area, within a short period. BELEIVE IT! THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LISTENED TO THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. Hundreds have accepted Christ and salvation.

I give all the glory, honor and praise to Him alone. We thank God for using us as a small instrument in a wonderful and amazing way to build his kingdom on this earth.

http://www.voiceofthesolidrock.org/previous_events.htm

Sunday School for the India Trip

July 11th, 2008

Hey gang, don’t forget to give Joanna questions about the trip via email or a post/comment here. She’ll be talking about the culture this week, and we’ll be planning skits, music and more. I’ll ask my question here - seriously - is coffee commonly available? Don’t want caffeine withdrawal headaches over there, I’d rather wean myself off it here if not available.

Class is at Sunday School time, 9:45 - 10:45 in the house living room. 

Also, here’s a link to the Tamil language:

 http://www.indax.com/tamil.html

Connie got her passport!

July 10th, 2008

PTL! Talk about a quick answer to last night’s prayers!

Passport info

July 5th, 2008

Connie just had her expired passport sent in, they paid $60 to have it expedited, and it should be a week, hope it’s not a ‘government’ week! For anyone reading this who has had a tug on their heart for missions, and they believe they will go on a trip within a couple of years, getting a passport is a good first step; put it on your ‘To Do’ list. God will honor that. I believe it’s less than $90.

Hallelujah, He Reigns!

July 5th, 2008

Here’s a good GodTube video, for inspiration’s sake! It’s on the NLF missions page.

http://www.nlfpittsburgh.org/missions.dsp

 

Skits

July 5th, 2008

While I’m thinking of it, my daughter Nicole has offered the skits from when she & the group went to Mexico in 1996 or so. One of them is non-verbal. She saw this blog and is eating her heart out, wishing she could go! :(

Electric Power - 220 volts

July 4th, 2008

India uses 220 volts, so a power converter will be needed for electric items you bring. Radio Shack should have them. Hold off purchasing one for now till we figure out what’s the best option.

Meeting Notes from Wednesday night July 2nd

July 2nd, 2008

You are allowed 2 50 lb suitcases (100lb total) - you can wash clothes there, if possible leave some room for clothing bank donations.

Sometimes there will be a lot of walking, but there can be flexiblity in scheduling to avoid this if need be.

They would like to build a church foundation on the property near the Prabhu house in Vellore. It was purchased by the previous mission trip.

The schedule roughly is the first week in Vellore(some construction), then 3 days in Bangladore, 3 days in Chennai. 

It is possible to have a 1 week trip from Sept 5th to approx Sept 12/13th.

Joanna is looking into pricing for tickets in approximately 3-4 weeks from now as opposed to 2 weeks. (could be more $)

If collecting checks, they can be made out to New Life Fellowship, with India Missions Trip on the note line. No mention of the person’s name, for tax deductiblity purposes.

Mastercard or Visa cards are accepted in India.

Your transportation (auto rickshaw):

 

Agenda

July 2nd, 2008

These are the following air-fares for 2 plans:( forwarded)
starting on Sep 5th and returning on 20th September.( 2 weeks including flight journeys of the round trip for 2 days)
The reasons for the above time is:

1.I will be in India only from 20th August, after ministering in Swiss and U.K.

2. The temp and climate would be fair.

1. From NY to Chennai. (round trip)                         $1350
2. From Pittsburgh to Chennai via NY. (round trip)   $1500

 The Mission Team can do these in our town called “Vellore” and surrounding villages  This is 250 miles away from the city “Chennai” south India.(Tamil nadu state)
1. Evangelistic ministries among Slum people and non-Christian homes.
2. Visiting lepers home, Blind homes, Orphanages and share the Gospel of love by sharing the testimony , preaching and through songs, music, skits and dramas.
3. Participating and helping in the foundation and construction of the village church which we are planning to do during our vacation.
4. Participating in the Free Medical camp in the rural areas during the day time and Gospel meeting in the evening at the same village.
5. Sharing the experiences of your personal salvations among the youth, in churches and with other non-christians.
6. Painting and repairing of our main Solid Rock Church at my place in Vellore.
7. We can visit the nearby villages and suburban areas surrounding the cities like Chennai and Bangalore , south India and plan to do various ministries as mentioned above .
8. The temperature with 70 -F would be fair with warm weather  during day time  and slight cool in the evening. I assure, it wont be scorching heat!
We would provide the Boarding and lodging! Free!Only local transportation expenses should be taken care of yourselves.
(I will let you know the approximate expenditures which depends on the days of your stay  for 2 weeks after we finalize the places of our ministries where we do.
Food, we can provide the both western and eastern foods.
 dress codes:
Ladies: except  half shorts, jeans and other full size trousers can be worn. or Indian chudidar which covers the body from neck to the ankles.
Gents: any type of half or full pants.

Any small Medical needs would be taken care of by ourselves.


We need to book the air tickets as soon as possible at least before the 2nd week of July. otherwise the price of the air ticket would go up.
  The air fare for September is around $ 1350.00 and $ 1500.00 (each). These are very good deals, if we book it as soon as possible.The extra expenses would be $ 100 to 200.00 each.
( the current air fare  for this summer season is higher from $2500.00 to $3000.00.)
Anyhow, Pl forward this to Pastor.Chris and other elders and members of our church who are willing to come for this Mission trip.

Thanks.
In His service
Prabhu.

Transportation

July 2nd, 2008

What you will be riding (seriously)
http://www.bobfet1.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/rickshawpak.jpg

What you could ride
http://blogs.sun.com/harisharora/resource/images/cart.jpg