Shepherds Fold

christmas 2010

2011-01-02T15:21:00.001-05:00

Gathered around in their new Christmas clothing, the children surround Martha and Deena with Jacob, looking very dapper in his new beard...or at least this is our first peek at the beard!! This was a very nice Christmas for one and all, thanks to the Board and the people of New Beginnings Church in Paulsboro, NJ.

Here are a few pictures of the children as they presented the Nativity Story.

They include singing and dancing in their presentations, and Deena and Mary are the ones who hunt out and prepare the costumes. This is something the children enjoy very much and it has become an annual tradition to perform not only for their own church but for other organizations and groups in the area.

(Note, I do wish someone could help me so that I could get these photos to go where I want them...it is a problem!!)

Little ducks all in a row...the children don their new raincoats!!! And then there they perch on the one bunk cot that Jacob ordered. With the recent fundraiser completed by the Board, he will be able to purchase several additional bunk cots and soon all the children will be able to sleep "Off" the floor.

Hepatitis B shots all around

2010-08-06T19:20:00.001-04:00

Because of some plagues recently prevalent in the area, government officials have required all of the Fold children to receive the series of Hepatitis B vaccinations. In these photos, the children are being administered the first dosage/shots. Jacob reports that all were well behaved except for two of the younger ones who "made a big clamour and cried." Apparently there will be two more doses following a period of time at the cost of $3.33 per little ones and $3.88 per high school children. Private hospital nurses were hired to administer these, being given at the home. So many diseases run rampant in India because of weather and living conditions, and the children are exposed to lots of germs at the school they attend. Their school is actually located in a slum area and the grounds surrounding it flood during rains. This is one reason school is often called of during a heavy rain. Still, they go and learn and are happy with all they have.

Martha, a trained nurse herself, helps the children remain calm.

The two nurses are the lady with her back to the camera and the gentleman seated taking down names and ages.

Evening classes: homework and study time. I wonder what the young person hiding behind the chalk board is up to??

Back to School in Guntur

2010-07-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

It seems that Jacob had his work cut out for him in supplying all these items for this new year. Not only every book, notebook, pen and pencil, but also uniforms are required and are the responsibility of the "parents." In addition, fees must be paid for each child. It is wonderful to know that the Fold USA is so vital in providing an education for these very special children.

Some of our US children may dread returning to school each year, but not so with these happy ones, glad to have the opportunity and not be forced to provide for themselves from begging, household labors or factory or field work. Instead, they have the chance to be part of a productive society.

Martha is dishing out breakfast before the day begins in earnest...rice in abundance to keep the tummies happy.

It was always a special time for me to watch the children line up for school and to bid they good day. Once I walked with them, a perfect line of little "duckies" on their way to classes. Here they are showing off their new uniforms...and their gorgeous smiles as they wave hello to us and good bye to their "family."

What's the latest?

2010-06-21T15:50:00.000-04:00

How to build a shed, Indian style....this structure is adjacent to the white building already present on the site, and here workers are attaching palm leaves to the web working to form the roof. The shed is being constructed to protect worker's tools and other items as soon the rainy season will be upon them and it is not good to leave things out in the weather. Below the roof is on, but there remains a bit more work until all is ready.

On a more personal level, we congratulate Karuna for her successful completion of her high school and passing all government examinations. Deena and Mary are diligently searching out possibilities for her to attend what they label pre-university classes. It seems that she will be living in a girl's hostel since it would not be wise for her to attempt travel to and from on a regular basis. Here is our Karuna growing up so beautifully.

She does look serious there with her new eye glasses and in her more grown up attire.

Reports have it that Roshini is doing very well with her intern work at the hospital, and Mary may soon be leaving for her studies to obtain her teaching certificate. Amos is still engrossed in his university work and field trips to various factories and other work places.
Jacob himself has been often called back to work at the school in Chennai where he must spend differing amounts of time depending on the need. Here he is pictured with other staff in front of their building.

Post continued

2010-05-13T15:35:00.000-04:00

I am becoming more and more frustrated with this site as it seems harder and harder to make it do what it used to do easily. I could not make the curser go below the photos to continue my posting; therefore, here is the rest:

What is in India an "Exhibition" is here called a fair or a carnival. Whatever name we wish to give it, this was a rare and wonderful treat for the children on May 7. Here are a few photos taken of the joyful experience.

And now...drum roll please...here is an architectural drawing of what is envisioned for the land, a combination building for dorms and school - an all purpose construction. This was done professionally and according to government specifications. It is quite wonderful...the price tag is rupees 80, 70500. So as is obvious, much help is needed to begin such an endeavor, but with God ALL things are possible.

News Flashes...SOS signals...celebrations!

2010-05-13T15:27:00.000-04:00

Updates on the land...a real plea for help, help, help...and a look into a fun time at the Fair....

Jacob has been taking the children out to the site to help with small chores. The boys' job on this day was to pick up what he calls metal chips, things that needed to be removed from the soil.

Septic in the making...real excitement!!

2010-04-25T11:45:00.000-04:00

It may not seem so thrilling to us, but for the children and care takers at the Shepherd's Fold India, to see that progress is being made is always reason to smile. Mary, Amos & Roshini peer into the the pit dug for the septic tank. In the distance sits the Fold jeep and the outer walls can be seen...beyond which are some hills that are for Jacob a sign that this place is God-ordained. On this particular day he took three of the girls out to the site with him, as pictured below. The contractor doing the work (in photo alone) is noted as a man of integrity and one on whom Jacob is relying to finish the work in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.

Both girls, Mary (Prabhodhini) and Roshini are home for while; Mary from her work as college instructor, and Roshini from her nurse's training. She has completed her courses and now will be in apprenticeship for one year, beginning in about a month. Amos is finishing up his year with the University. The girls here are Pravallika, Rajeswari and Soujana...all of them growing into lovely young ladies.

Creative Arts Lessons

2010-04-20T22:46:00.000-04:00

Taught by Jacob's sister Buelah, the children are learning how to embroidery greeting cards. When completed, these beautiful cards will be for sale. This is very delicate and fine work and you can see the intent expressions that the children have as they watch the demonstration. Photos below present a sampling of their talent and their dedication.

This week, all the children are on half days as they take their final examinations for the year. Then they will have some time off before they begin their new session.

Meanwhile, at the land, digging is started for the septic system and drawings have been worked up for the main building which would house a kitchen, dining hall, and dormitories for both boys and girls. These were done gratis by an architect whom Jacob met and who became interested in the work.

Congratulations are due Roshini who has completed her nurse's training and has come out on top of her class. She is to be commended for not only the hard work but the excellence of that work. Now she will give one year's service to the hospital where she trained, without pay, but will gain the experience needed to continue her profession.

Prabhodhini has been awarded funding to begin the one year extra education she needs to receive her teacher's certificate. This award came from the college where she has taught for the past two years. Again, excellent work is being noticed and rewarded.

Jacob has successfully gained permission from the landlord to allow the children to remain in their current home until the land is ready, so long as they don't sing too loudly!! There is nothing, though, more lovely and joyful than the sound of these voices being lifted in praise to our Lord.

Needs Alert

2010-04-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

As the economy here in the US continues to be questionable, poor and challenging, even more so is it a problem for our Indian family. Included here are words from Jacob regarding the costs of caring for our adopted children. Additional funding is desperately needed; let us be diligent in prayer and expectation.

"Last night I came from the work place. It was too tiresome trip for six hours travel from Chennai. spending out side of home for three nights in a week is a little difficult thing for me. But I cannot help it. My financial situation demands me to work for money in the ministry oriented areas. I need to explain why I am working else where.

The cost of living is rising since 2005. It was too different from 2005 and 2008. In 2005, the cost of 1kg rice was about $11.00 ($0.28), in 2008 it was Rs.23.00($0.57) Now in 2010 it is Rs.34.oo($0.78) per Kg. And still it is expected to rise high. Orphanage need 360 kgs for children home every month and about 40 kgs to our family. Pulses rates also grown. From Rs.17.00($0.43), to Rs.42.00($1.05) and now the same pulses of 1kg is Rs.95.00($2.11) and the same thing with oils and other gorcery items. Sometimes I find myself in deficit and I am trying to cover up with the adjustments of monies. Whenever you send me an extra money that helps me greatly. The present Orphanage rent is charged Rs.5000/-($111.00) and our home Rs.3000/- ($70.00). For this reason we wish to shift to the new place at the earliest. I trust that God will help us. As things are demanding, I am failing at times to make adjustment between all things. Money sent for ear marked purpose will be implemented without fail.

Now it is challenging me in every way, even in case of Roshini mess charges,school fees every month and Amos university fees and travel expenses, apart from raising needs everyday and maintenance of vehicle and our family maintenance etc. So I needed to work to earn money in ministry oriented Organizations.

We are thankful to you for the intervention and taking care of the cause of children. Today I will be meeting the Land Lord of the house to discuss the possibilities of continuing in the house. I am hoping that he would cooperate with me."

Our children receiving a few packs of Easter candy from America.

Celebrate Passover

2010-03-28T16:48:00.001-04:00

Palm Sunday is an important day for Christians the world over. Our Lord entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey and the people surrounded him with shouts of praise and enthusiastic hails as "King." The problem was that they wanted an earthly king, not a spiritual one, a Heavenly One. Today we should consider what we are looking for in our Jesus...earthly things, or Heavenly? Are we seeking the maturity that comes from living by the Spirit, producing those fruits that are free to all (patience, kindness, love, peace, joy, goodness, gentleness and self-control)? Here the children of the Fold have decorated their palms for the morning services at their church in Guntur. Enjoy their beautiful smiles and happy faces. Here, let us rejoice in this day and consider our "palms"...the works of our hearts and hands...and see that they follow what Jesus entered Jerusalem to do...to pay the price for us.
Happy Palm Sunday...and tomorrow...Happy, Joyful, Meaningful Passover~

Land Updates and more

2010-01-15T17:12:00.012-05:00

Keeping up, not appearances, but information, the following items of interest are posted for your review:

Currently Jacob has been asked to travel to the Bible college where he has worked before to act as interpreter for a variety of speakers. This engagement is to last a month, and at present requires him to travel back and forth by bus for several hours daily. He could stay at the school, as they have made provision for him, but a recent attempt at thievery in their colony has encouraged him to be home through the nights. He says: "... three of them speak for five hours and Only one has to interpret to them all. and I found it too exhausted by the end of the day. They are all God's men and have the thoughts for the new generation. I am playing dual role, from English to Telugu and from Telugu to English (I do commit mistakes and no one finds it out anyway). I wish I was born some where in the English speaking land to make myself better interpreter and I think God must have been (right) to put me right here."
Fill dirt is needed at the land. According to the residents of the village and other experts, "...when there is heavy rain, then the water stands there about one feet as the neighbouring houses (built by Govt. of AP) are built almost two feet high from the ground level. We will at least rise one feet over the ground when we initiate surface construction.Otherwise our land will be found in the low level as the time goes by. I have no doubt that the Lord will certainly will lead us to that extent if is all needed."
A Christian professional has volunteered to draw up plans for the toilets and septic system at the land. This he will do without charge!
The children received many gifts for Christmas and are rejoicing in their blessings from God. Several donors including some from the New Beginnings church in Paulsboro, NJ, and members of the board and family (Coles, Kompas, McKishens, Tuckers, Jones) also sent gifts and/or money for the children to shop. Below is a collection of photos showing some of these special prizes that the children are delighted with.

Miss St. Joseph's...

2010-01-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

Sometime in late fall, Roshini's nursing school/hospital, St. Joseph's, decided to have a beauty contest. This was not something that Roshini was interested in; however, the supervisor called Jacob and asked his permission to have her enter, and he was loathe to say no. As a result, Roshini was coaxed into the contest, and of course, she won!! Known now as Miss St. Joseph's, she is the reigning personality at the school. These photos were taken when she was totally exhausted (she works hard and many hours, often on the night shift as well as doing her studies), and you can see the weariness in her face. The official photos were not released because they are "official;" these were taken by some of her friends and finally shared with the family. This hospital/school is a large one, run by Catholic administration, and it is very strict. Roshini has been singled out on several occasions. Earlier too she was chosen by the superiors to accompany them on a journey/workshop/conference in Dehli. She was the only student selected for that honor. (The senior sister had her suitcase stolen on the return to Guntur, and all photos were lost).

So, even though this was not a dream for Roshini to reach, she is still our royal princess and reigning beauty at St. Joseph's!!

Christmas Drama

2010-01-06T14:24:00.001-05:00

Meet the cast: our children! Jacob hired a teacher of drama to instruct them for this performance. She was in charge of all costumes and so on, and it looks as though she did a great job! The group took this presentation to several places to share the story of Jesus' birth and bring him honor. The drama included singing and dancing as well as the lines of the story. Martha was the chief coach at home, insuring that each one knew his or her part. Looks as though they had fun while they were at it!!! Our support money at work...not only for basic needs, but to give these children so much more as they learn and interact with the general public. We have much to be grateful for with Jacob and Deena and Martha as leaders of these precious children.

Keeping up to date

2009-12-30T19:02:00.000-05:00

It seems there are still troubles in Andhra Pradesh and Guntur, though the children have gone back to school and the post office has been open. They received a gift of money from the New Beginnings Church in Paulsboro, NJ, and the children's shopping trip was postponed a couple of times because of this unrest. Some shops did not remain open. Since Jacob is still waiting for his laptop to be repaired, we hear little from them and so it is not clear whether they have yet done that shopping.

In the meantime, here we have earned a total of $70 and some cents from our Entertaining at Home sales. This is a thank you to Beth Jesse who donated her entire commission to the Fold and has said that any future purchases will be treated the same way. So, if you see things you like, be sue to order from Beth. (Check out the site at http://www.entertainingathome.com) You cannot order from the site, but can contact Beth via email (ask me).

Please remember to check out our affiliate Genesis Foods. Their products are good and our purchases help us as well as adding income to our Jewish brothers and sisters.

Roshini is hoping to send up photos that have long been promised...and when they arrive, there will be a story to tell. The children have all participated in the nativity story and have spent a good bit of time at drama class and rehearsals.Hopefully we will also be able to share some photos from that presentation when the laptop is restored to Jacob.

Additionally it is reported that this winter in Guntur it is colder than most and they are grateful for warm sweaters and blankets.

Crisis in Andrha Pradhesh

2009-12-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

"Hyderabad: The political crisis in Andhra Pradesh, triggered by the Central Government's decision to grant separate statehood to Telangana, deepened on Friday with legislators from the other two regions continuing their mass resignations while shutdowns paralysed life in parts of the state."

The southern state stood divided on regional lines, with as many as 130 legislators submitting their resignations protesting the decision on Telangana.
The above is copied from the article which explains the troubles Jacob and the Fold have been facing lately. Post offices have been closed down when mobs and strikers have shown up and crowded in. Schools are closed and the children are home making things, singing and enjoying the days off.

In addition to the outside turmoil, Jacob has been without his computer for days. It is in the shop waiting for a part...all too familiar a situation.

At present they have until March 31 to be out of the flat the children are in...which means they really should have much work accomplished at the new land.

Our recent efforts at fundraising did not go so well as we had hoped, and it is agreed that we shall try no others in the future as no one on the Board is able to sell anything! But we can pray, and that is what we will do!

Fold Children Lead the Pack

2009-11-15T11:03:00.001-05:00

Bravo and congratulations to our winners!! Jacob received a call from the school official telling him that his children are among the best, and that in that school of 700, several had won high honors in various categories. Rewards were given out at a general meeting in the city stadium, with all schools present, and these Fold children were honored with trophies and books for their various accomplishments (books and trophies are rewards for two different levels, so those with both have two separate awards). We honor our winners in this photograph: at left Krupakar - second in English (John was third). (Jacob's prize is the smiles on the faces of his "kids.") Aruna -first in singing; Soujanya - first in ALL subjects (WOW); Standing in back row is Pravallika - first in her class; Gopi - first in drawing. And then Deena, who was able to attend the ceremony with Mary.

At the same time, another contest was taking place at St. Joseph's Hospital where Roshini is a student. More on that in the next blog!

Hard at work!

2009-11-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

Having a holiday from school permitted these older boys from India's Fold to visit the land and work on the difficult task of pulling out weeds to prepare for future planting. They will also be white washing both the building and the wall. The kids had a wonderful time doing this not-so-fun job, but knowing it is to be their future home, encouraged much hearty labor.
At the same time, Jacob has hired electricians to put in lighting both inside and outside. Each step brings them closer to their goal of having the place ready by March 1. However, one problem is that this building was not constructed to handle a second floor, which means an additional building MUST be in place to hold all the children. also, of course, water, septic and toilets must be ready.
Reminding all that the fundraisers begin tomorrow, and all materials are being handed out for that purpose. Please encourage others to visit our partners as well as to support this one time drive for funding with Mary Kay and Entertaining at Home.
On a more personal note, Roshini has returned from her journey to Calcutta. She was the only student selected to attend the sisters/instructors to conferences there. This was an honor and she will have stories to tell when she completes her last 6 months of training and then enters into her one year apprenticeship.
Mary continues to teach at the college, and Amos is about to attend a spoken English session at his university.

Flood Relief...to the poorest of the poor

2009-10-21T01:13:00.004-04:00

Here the team has finally arrived at a village of dalits (untouchables). Jacob is there with other members of his team; Joseph, a close friend, is bending over the large rice bag to fill the smaller bags brought by the people. By stretching their dollars, they were able to supply rice, dahl and blankets to 100 families.
The journey to reach these villages was difficult as roads are narrow, rutted and the traffic was horrendous...jams kept them sitting still for many hours. Still they were able to complete their task though it took several attempts to reach their destination. Here you see the happy smiles that testify to the joy of those who found that they are loved and cared about, all because of Jesus.

Well Gated

2009-10-18T15:25:00.000-04:00

Installed and ready to have the name painted on, the new gate is now protecting the land and building on the site of the new Shepherd's Fold India. Posing for their dad are Mary (Prabhodhini) (Fold India's treasurer), Roshini (Susanna) and wife Deena. you can see the small person's gate within the larger gate. Finishing touches will include adding dirt to form a ramp for vehicles to pass into the property. This gate was made possible by New Beginnings Assembly of God in Paulsboro, New Jersey. The church held a yard sale and donated half their earnings to two ministries, and this was one...what a wonderful blessing!

Jacob has hired a mason to begin work on toilets and septic system, and has hopes to "shift" to the new property by March of 2010.

Flood Update

2009-10-12T21:37:00.000-04:00

Can you imagine? Water that not only floods your home, but literally washes it away. this is the fate of so many who lived in this type of housing in the villages. The river so overflowed that it demolished homes and carried away bodies of both livestock and people.

Jacob and a team of his close associates are putting together survival packets for families, something to carry them through with food and protection for a few days. He is able to do this because of some wonderful donors who gave through the Shepherd's Fold USA. Even before those funds arrived, he and his pastor friends were begging from survivors and those on "higher ground" to donate a few rupees, with which they purchased bananas to feed many who had not had a meal in days. Some were not even able to rest, being packed together in tight spots, on high ground, roof tops and such.

We are blessed to have a man in India whose heart is for those less fortunate than he, who will give of himself for the cause of others whose needs are obvious and pressing. Jacob is such a man.

We thank all donors whose funds are literally saving the lives of many people who otherwise would have had no hope of recovery.

Another post will follow soon when the team returns from their donations with photos of their work. In the meantime, if you have a heart to help, go to our web site at the right (click on our logo), and/or visit one of the sites that contribute proceeds to this cause (also located in the right hand column).

Flood, Flus & Gate

2009-10-03T12:50:00.001-04:00

FLOODS - Heavy rains from the Bay of Bengal have been causing great damage to many of the villages and towns in Andhra Pradesh, the area of The Fold in India. Jacob reports: "Here in Vijayawada, the flood situation is getting worse and worse. The water level is raising in Vijayawada, as the many dams are connected to it are releasing abundant waters.The situation and communication system is cut off in many districts. And there are constant rains. Beulah (sister) is really afraid to step into Vijayawada (her home) for the fear of flood. There is no problem for them as they are on the foot of the hill. It seemed very horrifying when we hear the news as so many dams all around are filled and the villages are inundated and dms are overflowing. One district head wuarter called kurnool district experienced 10 ft water even within the town, because of the Srisailam dams back waters. In few dayss we will have news of hundred and thousand deaths. Tonight people here are afraid of Vijayawada Krishna river covering more villages. water flow is too dangers. But for Guntur we have no trouble for now, if the dams are damaged then Guntur will be swept away with the flood, till such time, Guntur has no worry." Keep praying for this situation.
FLU - Swine flu hasn't flown far enough away yet, and is a very prominent threat in Guntur: "The schools are given holidays for three days for swine flu(it's the reason). There is no way anyone can lessen the intensity of the epidemic. BUt schools declared holidays. Children are found memorizing some songs under the leadership of Mary and Beulah's daughter Shanthi." A second item for prayer.
GATE - The compound wall is nearly completed and after pricing out the cost of a gate, Jacob was overjoyed to receive the right amount from Pastor Joe's New Beginning Assembly of God. The phot shows the gate pattern he has ordered, and the new gate should be completed soon (when electricity can be restored to the work shop). This is cause for celebration! God is good.

September Discount at Genesis Foods

2009-09-19T14:33:00.000-04:00

Some great foods and lovely tea chests that would make terrific Christmas gifts...not to mention the Christmas fruit cake...very yummy. 10% off all purchases through the end of this month. Just type in 10PERCENTSEPT at the check out page.
The fruitcake has been tested here by several different persons, and all have agreed that it is very tasty and worth the cost.
Click the link at the right to go straight to their site and place your order; remember you will be helping the orphans and the people of Israel at the same time that you are enjoying good foods from the Holy Land.

Auditing time

2009-08-28T15:01:00.001-04:00

August has nearly ended for 2009, and for the Fold in India, it is auditing time. Jacob has been busy gathering all the data for them, since the auditor and tax accountant come together. All spending must be verified by receipts so that there is not a penny (rupee) missing or not accounted for. Part of what they do includes making sure that Jacob is doing what he says he is doing. Note the photo of the children, lined up before the tax inspector in pink shirt and the auditor in white.

Other news from Guntur is that Roshini had a bout with Typhoid,but she is mostly mended now and soon will return to her duties and classes at the hospital, where she has been receiving treatment. Mary was able to leave her teaching position for a few days to stay with Roshini and care for her; she has also returned to work now and as it was last school year, she will be home on weekends and holidays. Amos is enrolled in the human resources course at a University about an hour's journey from home. He takes a few buses each morning and evening to attend his classes. Recently as a student he was required to assist in a Hindu celebration for the elephant headed god Vinayaka.He managed to convince the instructors that the Christian students would do such tasks as serving tea rather than decorating the idol or other such activities. Amos reports that there is almost a 50% ratio of Christians in his classes, which is unusual for the low population ratio (1.9%)

Work at the new land continues to move forward and the wall is about half way completed. Jacob is pleased with it and says it is strong and well built.

If you have not already done so, please visit our web site as it has been rebuilt and now is actually a professional work of art! Thank you to our new web master!!!
We have partnered with Genesis Foods...get some yummy stuff from Israel: https://genesisfoods.com/shepherdsfoldfamily?a=shepherd

Fold USA progress report

2009-08-13T13:27:00.000-04:00

We are delighted to announce our affiliation with a terrific company located in Israel, a company created for the purpose of helping our friends in Israel as well as to help organizations such as ours. It is Genesis Foods. Find a link to their shop on our web site http://www.shepherdsfoldfamily.com
Although Jacob had signed a two year contract with the landlord of the house where both his own family and all the children resided, that landlord sold the place this winter and Jacob and Deena were forced to remove to another rental property. They are about 10 minutes apart from the children, whom the new landlord told them were permitted to remain in the downstairs apartment. However, he too has changed his mind and rented that out to someone else, telling Jacob on the 11th of August that he wanted them all out by the end of the month. Some serious prayers went up and the land lord has graciously granted them until the end of September to locate a new home. Still, finding residence for 28 children and their care takers will not be an easy job.
All the children are doing well in their new school year which began in June. Already they are preparing for the new Christmas drama that will occur...last year they were featured on Indian TV and that made for a great deal of excitement.
Jacob's family is also well. Mary Prabhodhini is back teaching at the women's college where they she was called for her second year to teach computer science, even though as Jacob acknowledges, she does not have all the credentials they generally require. Apparently she is an excellent teacher and she does enjoy this. Her hope is to complete more teacher training and to be the head teacher for the children when they move to the new property.
Roshini is in her final months of nurse's training after which she will give a free one year's apprenticeship to the hospital where she has been trained.
Amos was denied a visa to come for schooling here this year, so he has enrolled in a nearby university where he is currently studying human resource management. He is enjoying this and learning a great deal about management.
I promise to be more diligent in updating this blogsite.
Blessings!

nearly a year

2008-12-11T15:34:00.000-05:00

Nearly a year has passed already since our India visit. Much has happened in this time. One major change is the acquiring of property for development into the Fold's permanent home. It is only one half acre at this point, with one hall erected and a bore well in place. The property was practically delivered to Jacob, and the purchas has been an ongoing challenge...but we are half way there!! I will send you to the website to view a photo and the blueprint for the future: http://shepherdsfoldfamily.com
The Shepherd's Fold USA, Inc. has been organized and approved as a 501C3 public charity. Now we are hoping to have a wider reaching audience for this worthy purpose.
In Guntur, things have changed too...Mary Prabhodhini has become a teacher of computer science at a private women's college. She is not only doing very well, but she enjoys it immensely. Susanna Roshhini continues to excel as she is number one in her class quite often (exams and such)...she is in her third year. Amos graduated from college last May, has taken the toefl course, acquired his passport and is planning on coming to the US for Bible school perhaps beginning in August of 09. If so, he will be staying in Delaware as his home base, visiting all the Board members and family here, and attending school at Mt. Zion in Pennsylvania. Jacob has been working part time for a college in Chennai, and so he must travel there approximately twice monthly for weekly stays. Chennai is a 6 - 7 hour train journey from Guntur. Deena, Elisabeth and Martha continue to hold down the fort with the children, keeping they healthy, overseeing their studies, and filling their hearts with love.
Ther is a link to this blog on our website (currently under new construction at a new web host). Happy days to all. Thanks for reading!!

Looking Back & anticipating forward!

2008-06-01T17:48:00.001-04:00

In early May, the children of the Fold were able to move into the same home as the family who cares for them, thus placing all of the Fold under one roof. This move has granted additional space both inside and outside, and has provided a shaded play area so that the children are not bound to the indoors during either the hottest summer days or during mild rains.
Here they are sorting out and packing up their belongings in preparation for the move.
Mary, Jacob's eldest daughter, has been hired as an instructor for computer science at a private college. She will be one of the youngest on staff and her hiring is quite an accomplishment and an honor.
Teams have been set up to work out details for Impact Ministries efforts towared further discipleship in India.
Both Amos and Mary have been engaged in completing the Toefl (test of English for foregin learners), in hopes that one day Bible school will be possible in America!
Every day God reveals new hope and new promises to His people, and the Fold children are both happy and successful in their endeavors. They have enjoyed many games, new songs, some classes in traditional dance and for the boys some karati, and now that June is upon them, school will resume and vacation will be a fond memory.

A Sunday of Partings

2008-02-24T06:37:00.000-05:00

Today I am offering a listing of facts and items of interest that will shed yet more light upon the way of life for the average Gunturian! It is our final full day here with Jacob and family and a day of nervous stomach, energetic packing and very mixed emotions for me. I am most eager to be home again and see my family and friends, but at the same time I have become so very attached to all here that it won’t be an easy parting. Nevertheless, here are some things I have learned about Indian life in Andhra Pradesh.
• Surnames are not required for most everyday usages…my naming this as the Kumar family was as I thought entirely wrong. The surname is registered at birth and death, but is not required for mail. Those of you who have seen Jacob’s name written out may have noticed the N. in front of it, which represents his last name. He tells me that his forefathers were net makers for fishermen and that their name meant “month net” for it took one month to make one net. As for the Kumar, a high school teacher liked the sound of it and added it to his name on his certificates…thus N. Jacob Sudheer Kumar. Likewise, for Prabhodinin, the Mary was dropped from her name by a teacher who did not like the idea of her having a Christian name…so she can not use Mary any longer at least in school.
• Each morning our neighbors downstairs who are Hindu go out front of the gate, sprinkle water and draw one of those little pictures of flowers and swirlies onto the pavement with chalk. This is a daily practice for most Hindus.
• The ironing carts have intrigued me (a photo of one in the collection entitled “a peek at daily life”). While the cart looks like a large plywood box with a roof and a couple of shelves inside, it also contains a box for burning coal. The iron is huge and heavy and is filled with hot coals. The ironing is done by men and is done very well…most things are starched and perfectly pressed, all done on a flat plywood surface.
• The main food staple is rice and is prepared in many ways: rice cakes each morning made from a concoction mixed up the night before and left to stand overnight. This is placed in small cup containers that fit into a large steamer pot and the cakes come out soft and with the consistency of very porous bread. They do not have a great deal of flavor, and are served with rice, perhaps mixed with lemon or plain. Noodles are also made from rice, mixed sweet or hot.
• Curtains are hung in most all doorways both inner and outside doors, to prevent the influx of mosquitoes and other such critters. It is pleasant to see them float in the breezes that seem always to be present (so far summer has not arrived in its fury, at which time this may change…and of course, the rainy season will bring yet another phenomenon.)
• Windows are not screened and have remained open during this entire visit.
• The work week can be seven days…though shops close during the day on Sundays, and reopen in the evening. It seems that a number of them shut their doors for the afternoon rest although many are open rather late at night.
• It is interesting to note that many games and songs popular in US, have Indian counterparts – no doubt inherited from the Brits. Of course, many US and European things are brand new to them, such as fairy tales and the wheelbarrow race!
PLEASE BE SURE TO CLICK THE PHOTO LINK AT THE RIGHT TO SEE A COLLECTION OF SIGHTS AROUND HERE.

Picnic in the Park

2008-02-23T11:14:00.000-05:00

Picnic in the park…a pleasant and happy concept that was carried out today with great enthusiasm and energy. Dressed in new shoes, hats, and “dresses,” the children were delighted to be out in the open air, with swings, jungle jims and slides as well space for cricket and jump rope. Lunch was carried in and enjoyed under the trees…and a series of fun games took up the afternoon. The giggles and squeals brought great joy to as the children played Simon Says, what they call the circle game, 3-legged, wheelbarrow and sack races. Then a rare treat for all was a trip around the water way in the park boat, which held about a dozen persons or so. (This was a day of hookey from school for the children who will have to write letters of absence).
The park is about a 30 minute ride from home, and we were piled into 3 vehicles (31 bodies)…the jeep and two rickshaw cabs. A road detour was created where building was going on…simply a rope about 4 feet high stretched across the street. On our way there, we were stopped at the railway crossing to wait for the train. Roshini, who managed to get 3 hours free time from her college, said that for the Indian, it could be a 30 minute wait…everyone was sitting with motors turned off, but our wait was not much more than 10 minutes so we were fortunate.
Upon arrival home, there were a couple of hours dedicated to school work and study, and then the children gathered to write letters to the US family…Akosh translated and I printed out in English for them to copy. Tomorrow they will finish with the writing and decorating their papers.
A very satisfactory day indeed…everyone seemed to enjoy it and since it is not an expensive event (about 10 cents per person admission), it was agreed that such an outing should be planned more regularly for the children and the adults! American ways are rubbing off…it cannot be all work and no play! (Be sure to see the pictures at the link on the right).

Family's Daily Routine

2008-02-21T05:32:00.000-05:00

One day in the life of the Kumar family begins about 6:30 in the morning. For Jacob it is up with a cup of Indian coffee (instant coffee and sugar added to milk and boiled), and then a brisk morning walk. While we remain, Deena’s first task involves coming to our apartment where she begins the breakfast for us and the children. The children are up as well, and two of the older girls are in the kitchen cleaning up the dishes and items from the night before. All the children bathe, wash their clothes, hang them and prepare for school. Breakfast is served to them and they gather for morning songs and prayers before leaving for school at 9:30. When the jeep is available, they all somehow manage to pile in (20 small bodies!), but if it is not, they line up quickly according to height and off they go.
In the meantime Deena has served us breakfast and already begun some preparations for lunch and dinner. Jacob’s day will follow its individual demands, whether it is paperwork, teaching at a Bible college (a two day a week job), translating a book into Telugu for some company, or other related tasks. He is also the family shopper and may be out purchasing fruit, vegetables or even clothing and supplies for the Fold. He also has frequent meetings with the many pastors who come to him for guidance.
By this time also Elizabeth arrives from across town to begin her daily work as helper. (Her husband is a rickshaw cab driver and his day begins early and ends late.) Her first task is to gather all the laundry, and then to clean the apartment (sweeping, mopping floors and tidying up.) She carries the washing outside to launder each item by hand and hang it on the line on the roof top where the breezes will dry it by late afternoon.
From this point until lunch, there is the constant sound of mixing, grinding, and cooking where both Elizabeth and Deena will work preparing everything from scratch. Following lunch we are always instructed to “take rest (a siesta if you will) and everyone will disappear into the quiet of a sultry afternoon.
Things begin to stir again around 4:30 or 5:00 when dinner cooking resumes in more earnest and snacks, coffee or Sprite are offered. This is a fairly casual and easy time when there can be conversation, visiting with Martha and so on. Around 5 o’clock the children return from school and their voices are heard as they bathe, change from uniforms into play clothes and settle down for two hours dedicated to homework. During this time Martha’s voice occasionally punctuates the quiet as she both encourages and scolds to keep all children on task. If homework is not done, the school can impose a fine, so that must be avoided; education is highly valued here for without advanced degrees, good jobs or any jobs are impossible. The government minimum wage for a housekeeper such as Elizabeth is 3000 rupees, about 90 dollars per month. It is also about this time that Amos usually returns from college, though his days now are short as graduation will be in April. By 6 pm, Elizabeth will head for home either by rickshaw cab or walking.
For summer time, seven PM is the hour to watch for since it is time then to turn on the water…and only then can the tanks on the roof tops receive water from the tower. There are no automatic indicators so if you miss it, you have no water the next day…and often by 7:30 or so you can hear water splashing over in many places as the tanks fill and residents rush turn off the valve.
After the quiet hour the children have play time or tutoring time (a young man from university sometimes comes to teach them lessons or dance) (the ladies are still cooking up the huge pot of rice, vegetables, some curry or chutney and any variety of sauces or juices for the rice.
Our practice lately has been for the children to come to the porch for story time, and they have been hearing various fairy tales and Bible stories and coloring pages to accompany them. Their dinner will be served them at 8:30 after which they will prepare for bed with evening songs and prayers and be asleep by 10:00 pm.
I assume that the routine evening meal here too is 8:30, though Deena generally feeds us just before the children arrive. Notice that hots do not eat with guest; they will eat only after guests and not in their presence. All food is served to us, put on our plates for us and watched over.
Sights to be seen in the neighborhood daily begin with the women washing clothes in the streets or in their yards. Yards are very small and all walled in, but from our second floor vantage point we can look down and observe their activities. The slapping sound of the wet fabric against the stones carries a good distance. Every day there are saris draped from rooftop walls, clothing on lines and walls, and blankets held in place with rocks waiting for the drying breezes.
Other children march by in their school uniforms on their way to classes. The milkman stops by with his pail of milk and cup to pour a portion into Deena’s pan. A woman or child is often in the open space out front brushing trash and burning it (Not all children go to school and many here in this area are home or working all day). Hawkers pass by selling all manner of plastic ware and other items, including jasmine. The ironing man hauls his cart along collecting the items for pressing. It is never unusual to see the buffalo graze in the little grass that sprouts out front, and sometimes the white Brahman bulls also pass by. Behind them is generally a woman with a long stick to keep them out of trouble. Large boards are hung around their necks to prevent them from running off. Every week or so the street sweepers come, four women with dustpan and long stick brooms. Everywhere they are friendly, waving and smiling and taking time to stop and say hello or “bagannara?”
Throughout the day the Muslim call to prayer is heard along with Hindu chanting.
With night come the mosquitoes and the highest jumping crickets I ever saw…they nearly fly! (I had one caught between the layers of my sari last night/… imagine!) By ten o’clock all is dark and quiet…except for a few dogs, one of which is the most unhappy in all creation, for he cries bitterly and painfully at all hours, particularly in the night. And the distant sound of horns is always present…a phenomena difficult to describe, but it is a symphony that plays in the background of all city life here in India.
And another mystery is solved, for in the middle of the night (midnight to 2 about) there is the sound of a whistle like a child would have, blowing, blowing, blowing and a consistent slapping of something against metal.I have learned that it is the night watchman, who patrols the colony (neighborhood) blowing his whistle and tapping at every gate. Once a month he stops for payment and each household gives him some money, according to their own wishes. He is from the police department and hired by the colony.
And so morning arrives with daylight and thus the cycle begins again.

As the days count down....

2008-02-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Note: Written for posting on Tuesday, but too many outages prevented it...so posting is now Wednesday morning. A successful skype call was the highlight of yesterday’s activities for the children, who came well decorated with ball caps, hair clips and flowers…all ready to talk to Doreen aunty and Grandmother. Some of them begin to get cold feet when the headphones are passed to them, and they stand staring and grinning without speaking. But Amos came to the rescue and by keeping his ears close the children, he could hear the questions and responses coming from the US and prompt the children to speak. Some quoted verses, some mentioned their favorite fairy tale and some sang songs. It was a great opportunty for them to practice English and they did very well.

Today’s adventures took a slightly different turn and have inspired a bit of commentary that I will include after today’s report. As the stomach turns would make an appropriate title for this day, as that is precisely what mine did for several hours until mid evening, making it impossible for me to accompany the rest to Solomon’s village. I felt sad and disappointed, but we convinced Deena that she could go and assist Bob and that I would be fine here with Elizabeth. Having little chance to converse, when I came outside after a good while of trying to rest and stay out of the loo for a while, Elizabeth and I sat and watched the neighborhood, where everyone who sees me waves…including a lady who happened to be walking with her toddler on a distant rooftop! Elizabeth is a lovely woman but she knows practically no English and my telugu is not good for beginning a discussion of any kind…each attempt was met with giggles, so needless to say, there was a lot of “quiet” on the porch this evening. The fearsome threesome returned after handing out 15 more saris and felt good about their visit.

Since some reports sound so much like others that have gone before, I thought I would begin a series of discussions on life in India. After having spent the bigger part of six weeks living with and among them, I believe I can give a somewhat valid picture of what daily life is like.

Hardly a topic that we wish to discuss, sickness is one subject that cannot be avoided here. At every turn there is an opportunity to be ill…a wee bit of tainted food and here comes the diarrhea; inhale too many fumes from burning trash or running drains and watch out for dizziness and fever; get bitten by a mosquito or other pesty critter and be ready for malaria, walk among the crowds and do not be amazed by your heavy coughing. Imagine a place where the chance to be sick is ever present and likely! It took me a while to realize that to be sick here is so commonplace that no one is surprised and they simply smile and say, “Again she had fever.” For each ailment, they do have remedies; amoxycilin is available over the counter. But for most things herbal or natural cures are preferred and they do work. While Bob chose to stick to US prescriptions and drugs, I have used a few of these: I drank one of Martha’s herbal potions made of herbs, with ginger and garlic and tulsi leaves; I consumed lots of plain hot water to clear the throat., and I slept several nights with a chunk of nut shell (I forget what nut) tucked between my teeth and gum to help subdue the cough. The probability of illness as an everyday occurrence saddens me, yet the people take it in stride and are not burdened down by it.

Fly by days!

2008-02-17T23:23:00.000-05:00

My goodness, how has it happened that there are no entries since Wednesday? The days have flown along and many things have taken place, sights seen and new experiences. So let us begin with Thursday’s adventure…a shopping trip to Vijiuwada. After a great deal of bumping and jostling along in very heavy and crazy traffic (have I mentioned the rules of the road in India? There are none. That about sums it up), anyway, we arrived at a huge warehouse type building inside of which was a myriad of hallways, little shops and piles upon piles of bundles, wrapped, tied and in various degrees of order lying about everywhere. Buelah is the master shopper, and after a couple inquiries she led us to a silk shop into which we stepped with bared feet onto a padded floor. We were then led up a tiny flight of stairs tucked against a wall. The shop itself was long and narrow, and once p the stairs, we were invited to sit against the wall in one spot, leaning against the padded drawers that lined the botton 3 feet of the wall, above which were 3 walls of glass protecting such a rich array of colors and textures, all saris. A young man sat facing us, spreading another cloth and asking what we were interested in. Then he sent others to fetch and sari after sari was laid out before us. Since Buelah’shusband knew one of the owners, and she had bargained before we began, we were given a discount off all the labeled prices. In the middle of the “shopping” another young person brought us each a bottle of cool orange drink, which was very refreshing but a huge mistake on my part! (Some of you may guess the reason). This was a very pleasant experience and I only wish I had a photo…but alas, no camera. Bob opted to sit in the hallway, shoes intact, and waited for us…a long wait I might add.
Friday afforded another opportunity to spend with the children and we did more story telling and coloring. They have excellent minds and were able to report back on all they have heard so far…even remembering the name Rumplestiltskin!
Saturday afternoon involved another sari handout visit to a rural church that is pastured by Mr. Bharath, one of the young men on Jacob’s team. We sat for a while in a thatched hut, peaked roof made of dried palm leaves, and the overhang in the front before the door so low I could barely get in…well, had to bend over a good bit. The interior was neat and clean, with wires running here and there, a ceiling fan whirring above us hooked up by a rope (which did become loose and threaten to fall on our heads…but was unplugged in time). We were told that five people lived there, the pastor’s brother & family, and space could not have been larger than 10 square feet. Service was held out of doors on an area covered with emptied out rice sacks. The people were extremely poor but very happy and welcoming. One man approached us whose arm had been broken 5 months ago and hung at his side…the pain evident in his face. There is no medical help there and no hope of his having a doctor’s help. This is just one example of the horrors faced by these masses of people every day. As Jacob says, if one is bitten by a snake there, he is dead even if they attempt to get him to help…they are too far out with no transportation and horrible roads.As we were leaving, I was saying goodbye to several ladies and turned to step over the drainage ditch up onto the road, about 18" above the level ground...I did not see two ladies approaching such as the one above, with those grasses spanning about 6 feet across their heads, and they nearly knocked me into the ditch...only a quick step and I believe some angelic intervention kept that from happening...can you imagine that sight!
Perhaps you have heard of or read about the Dalits, or the untouchables.Our Sunday visit to a young pastor named David was in just such a rural community. The government has built huts for many of them there, but they are no more than cinderblock sheds, no running water, little electricity, outdoor cooking with clay pits and grinding stones that look as though they were transported from our own native Americans. These are not relics here; they are everyday implements and indicate their ways of life. Even though I had a personal battle with this journey, fearing that it would take too many hours to complete, I found these people very open, friendly and joyful. One young boy about 9 came walking over to the outdoor service with a set of kango drums on his head, which he plopped down and proceeded to play with great style and sound. I was so taken with him that I could have scooped him up and brought him home. The bright eyes of the little girls in their dark braids, babies with jinglyankle bracelets and black dots on their foreheads (to keep the demons away), and old ladies bent and broken…these will capture your heart but they also leave you feeling so helpless, so useless.
Had the technology been cooperative, the children would have spoken with Doreen aunty last night, but that plan was thwarted with a lack of connectivity so that the plan had to be postponed.

All God's children

2008-02-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

Not only is India vast in land mass, peoples, languages, gods and diversity, its culture and traditions are innumerable and some are difficult for the American mind to grasp. Time today was spent well learning more of these patterns, and realizing that underneath it all is the truth we have always known, that people are human everywhere, evil is rampant, but God is still on the throne and it is He alone who makes any real difference in human lives.
It seems that materialism here is as bad as America even though it may not show itself in the same ways. The jealousies among women for their clothes or jewelry or chappels (shoes) is intriguing…for when one gets something just a little different, then they all want it. For men it seems to be more things like books, how many on your shelf and so on. At this level of the culture, it is not so much what is in the home, for furnishings are not a huge item apparently. The folks downstairs from us have not one stick of furniture in their place, yet their children go to private school and the man drives a motorcycle.
Our children love to hear stories and color. The other night I did my best rendition of Cinderella with Mary interpreting. Jacob then enquired of a number of them to relay to him the story as he arrived back when it was over. They did it! Last night we did Rumplestiltskin with Amos as translator. And from the Internet I printed for them pages to color from both stories, which they put their hearts into and voted unanimously to send to Grandmother! So, Mummy, you have 18 pictures of these fairy tales coming your way!

and the beat goes on....

2008-02-12T07:48:00.001-05:00

All the hustle and bustle of the past ten days has come to a quiet and peaceful end, with all parties feeling satisfied that the best was offered and received. After a short shopping trip on Monday morning, Mark and Gerald were escorted to the Vij… train station by the men in the company, Buelah, Stanley and Akosh returned home after so many days away, and things in Guntur seemed suddenly silent. The morning mixture of laughter and the evening preparations, the daily rush to the jeep, these things were over now and for us the days would settle into something more normal for the family…the rhythm of their lives beginning to return. Amos went back to college, Jacob began receiving visitors and calls, most of whom were commenting on the past week’s events, and Deena and Elizabeth were somewhat able to return to normal kitchen and household duties.
Tuesday morning finally afforded a nice long talk with Jacob to discuss hopes, goals, dreams for the Fold, for his son and for his work in general. We tackled such questions as to how to continue supporting these children, how many children would be the maximum number he would consider, what aims does he have for the children, and how could the Fold eventually become self-sustaining. What should make everyone happy is that Jacob wants these children to know that this is their home…always. It is not an orphanage from which they simply gain food, clothing and perhaps education and then are set free to be on their own. It is family, home, an anchor for life. And the central theme of his care is to raise each one to be a real child of God.
Mary Prabhodini just prepared for us the very best galob jobs ever, yum!! Happy lick smacking!

As the conferences end....

2008-02-10T11:04:00.001-05:00

Is it tomorrow yet? It is Sunday evening now and the conference days have ended. Mark and Gerald depart in the morning, but their parting gift was the traditional Indian dress you see above. They were dressed by Deena’s father and the laughs continued for some time; even the children enjoyed the fun. Jacob says that he has laughed so hard that he now has a headache…that’s a lot of laughter.
The reports are that yesterday’s meeting went really well and this morning’s service as well. This afternoon, two other leaders, Jacob and the team met for a recap, evaluation and some plans and outlines for continued work in the future. Discipleship is a mandate form the Lord and learning how to be one and to lead others is what will require the focus of each one.
Mary seemed to be better today but Deena is not. She has been having a high fever and is being taken in for blood work in the morning. Let’s pray that it is nothing serious and that it can be easily cleared up. Sickness is almost normal here.
Things will be quieter now, but what the schedule is at this moment, I do not know. More on Monday.

Village visitations

2008-02-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

Indian Thursday…it’s really Friday! No one brought home any photos yesterday and the men were feeling quite under the weather, so they returned early. Deena and I had remained home to relax and visit, and I had personally spent a good part of the day reading a great book called Waking the Dead. I also had some time with four of the children, practicing some English pronunciations and readings and learning their hopes and dreams for the future. All four of them have hopes of college and other special schooling to become, teacher, doctor, lawyer and police person. These are bright children, already preparing for medium school, levels 6 and 8 exams in 3 languages…Telugu, English and Hindi. Wow.
This lovely day took us to the seaside town we had visited earlier, but we were not in the same area as before, where the goatherd frolicked on the beach along with the fishing boats. Here there was a mix of seaside cottages and lots of fishing boats and racks either filled or being filled with fish for drying. The odors were quite a mixture and rather difficult to describe.
The meeting itself took place in a church structure with about 50 pastors present, who heard the messages and received them as truths from the Word. Our lunch was a little disappointing since ants had invaded our lunch supply, and we only consume Buelah’s food at this point, not anything coming from unknown sources.
The two hour drive took us through bustling towns and villages, past several huge Hindu temples for various gods, the elephant god, the monkey god, the snake god and we aren’t sure what else, and through fertile green fields that stretched for miles against the bright blue skies.
Tomorrow will take the team two hours north to a town that we visited earlier, down a tiny winding road. Deena and I will not go. Today Stanley made the trip to Hyderabad to pick up Mary Prabohini, who became ill and wanted to come home. They are expected within the next half hour. I will give updates on her health tomorrow…promise!

Conclusion! Day 3

2008-02-06T09:27:00.000-05:00

Lost in translation…that is probably something that every speaker who has ever needed the service of a translator is concerned about. As the conference was winding down today, Mark asked Bob to share a few words about his own experience as a growing Christian. After relating his work with Mark in Ecuador, he challenged the congregation to read Revelation 1-4 and was reminding them that they would all stand before the judgment throne of God. As the translator began in Telugu, everyone got to his feet and the look of great puzzlement was on the faces of the three speakers! It had to be explained again what was being said, and after a good laugh, things settled down again.
Both Mark and Gerald offered the final prescriptions for making disciples with enthusiasm and evidence of conviction and concern.
Feedback from the audience and team leaders evidenced that they had heard and understood the message and were ready to take on the task outlined for them. There was much appreciation demonstrated for the speakers, with more garlands, shawls and bouquets of flowers, plus some very robust applause.
Lunch today proved to be a disaster for the men as they partook of some chicken livers along with their rice and beets. That created a little stress to say the least. Tomorrow begins a series of one day seminars in various outlying villages. Mark has elected to cook breakfast for the team in the morning (Deena and I will remain at home), and they are taking bread and bananas for lunch only…no more food if it is not Buelah’s!
Next episode, Thursday!

Guntur Confernece Day Two

2008-02-05T10:41:00.001-05:00

Guntur Conference: Day two: Messages today centered around what a disciple looks like and the process of getting someone to that point. The morning sessions belonged to Gerald, who even though his notes were lost to him at the airport, found that God had brought it all back to him and his presentations were without hesitation. His own testimony was presented in several cases to show how we allow Christ to be in us and change us for His own use and His own glory. He explained that Jesus had taken him, a street boy with not a thing to his name, in rags, barefoot and full of lice and jiggers, and found a way for him to go to the US to attend Bible college. Faith in operation.
After a lunch of fish curry, rice, vegetables, and in our dreams blueberry cobbler with ice cream, Mark managed to awaken from a quick nap in time to present an excellent teaching on how a man is changed only from the inside out, by the power of the Holy Spirit. A man must make Jesus Lord of his whole life, accept the Word as absolute truth and humble himself to allow the Spirit to lead and teach him. Opening the floor for questions revealed some differences in cultural understanding, as one man was not sure how the illustration of baiting and hooking a fish as a way that satan captures a man in sin, could be good when fish are required for livelihood and nourishment among his people. Mark gladly added other illustrations to clarify the concept and then several questions and challenges were raised, which indicated that the listeners were hearing the Word and beginning to stir it into their own reality.
At home, Buelah was ready with dinner of egg curry, potatoes, and some fried puffy things whose name I have already lost.
I was hoping for a photo of the crowd today, but alas, Amos did not capture one. Tomorrow I will show you the group to whom these men have been pouring out their hearts.

Safe Arrivals and Day One

2008-02-04T10:05:00.000-05:00

*************************The children were ready last night with a hearty welcome for Mark and Gerald…they had their garlands and flower petals and songs and dances all lined up as they eagerly awaited the arrival of yet more guests. The photos show the results of tossed flowers and happy smiles.
After a fairly good night’s rest, we were all up and on our way to the Pastoral Conference Center located on the road to Vijuawada, about 30 minutes drive from here. Slowly the pastors gathered and settled into the hall, and then the program was underway. Sporting yet more hefty garlands, Mark and Gerald enchanted the listeners with their own stories of coming to the Lord, meeting one another and the discipling of Gerald by Mark over the past 21 years. Gerald began the morning sessions with stories about how often Christians act the part but inside they do have the real thing and after a while they lose hope. The central theme was “Christ in me the hope of glory.”
Lunch break left the “honored guests” in the bishop’s own rooms where a fine meal of fried rice, vegetables and chicken were delivered to us from the kitchens.
Mark did most of the speaking in the afternoon session, concentrating on why making disciples was important to Jesus, and how it should be begun. One interesting question concerned the Hindu concept that a guru may make a disciple, but that disciple can not make another disciple until the guru dies. They pointed out that Gerald is Mark’s disciple and already he is making disciples though Mark is still alive. This did get some rousing laughs from everyone! They day ended on a positive note with lots of anticipation for the next messages.
Once home, Buelah prepared wonderful chipotles, fried boiled eggs, rice and vegetables for our evening meal. Something tells me this may be an early night! Vandanalu! Thank you Lord!

A weekend

2008-02-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

The weekend is not much different from the weekdays with the exception of Sunday morning worship services and Sunday School for the children. On Saturday the children prepare for school as usual, only they may wear civil dress rather than the school uniform. They attend government school, and the uniforms apparently are not at all prestigious as they are in the private schools. As Amos pointed out, no ties, no scarves… just white shirts and blue pants or jumpers. The day begins for the children around 7 when they arise, and until about 9:30 or so they have breakfast, bathe, do laundry and other chores. Then they either walk to school, or all of them (20 plus) pile into the jeep and are driven to the school. Note the photos of their walk; these children know how to line up, smallest to tallest, in quick time. They return from school around 5 pm, and until about 7 pm, it is homework time…very quiet in the pink house. At 7, their dance instructor/tutor may come for lessons and help. If not, they may still do some practicing or they may be free to play. Dinner comes around 8:30 and then by 10 pm they are all to bed. Of course, their beds are mats on the floor, so no one should think these happy children are being pampered or spoiled.
Although I attempt to be and do as much like my hosts as possible, there are things they just will not allow. Most everyone in church sits on the floor, on mats. However, there is one long pew in the back, and it was there that Deena insisted I sit with Roshini. The women sit separately from the men, and Amos found Bob a folding chair along the wall where the men were gathered. Although the service was all inTelugu, I was able to follow more than you might imagine because Roshini told me what each scripture reference was so that I could look it up and follow along. Eventhough Deena had promised us that we would simply be part of the congregation, we were still called to the front and presented with the traditional welcoming garlands.These were indeed the largest and the heaviest yet, and I was not sure I would make it all the way to my seat again with so much weight around my neck. Imagine the mariner and his albatross!
Apparently fallen flower petals are not good for the hindu, and since many rose petals were dropping from the garlands, the family downstairs wanted them swept up so they could walk out their gate (which we share since we are upstairs). Deena says that they think flower petals mean dead bodies…I am not sure exactly how, but Elizabeth was quick to do down with her broom and dustpan to clear the way for them.
A few days ago the children were here when we spoke on Skype with Lori Aunty and so each child was given the chance to say hello to her and ask about Sean, Seth and uncle. Last night we spoke with Grandmother and Jacquie Aunty and again their faces were lit up with the happiness of this experience. What a joy they are when they smile from their hearts and sing songs with great enthusiasm.
Tomorrow begins the series of conferences with Pastor Mark and Gerald – they are at present on their way here. The next few days will be busy, but I will try to post all the news! In the meantime, Devudu mimmunu deevinchunu (God bless you all)

thursday and friday

2008-02-01T10:44:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow did not come, at least as far as our slum visit is concerned. Yours truly found herself under the weather digestive wise and so the afternoon visit was canceled. Apparently such reactions are often the case after such visits, and even Jacob says that he was suffering the same symptoms. Nevertheless, it was a day of rest and sleep.
The highlight of the evening came when I was able to spend it with the children in their dance class. It was super fun watching them as they acted out a message about salvation, the struggle between good and evil and the second coming. The meaning was explained to me as all the songs were in Telugu. One in English is rather catchy and goes something like this…”I love India, You love India, God loves India too…pray for India.” The accompanying dance is quite enchanting and features about 8 of the older boys and girls.
Friday brought us a treat as Roshini was able to acquire permission to come for a 3 day visit. What fun we had. She bounced into my room this morning bearing earrings and necklace to match my dress, placed them on me, pinned jasmine in my hair and with many smiles, greeted me as a beloved aunty. Can you think of anything more that would make a person’s heart sing with joy? Martha wanted photos and so that is the cause for the above! This day was enjoyed in conversation learning about the hospital systems of the area, what some of Roshini’s duties are, and many things about the current health conditions of the country. Future hopes for Roshini include finishing her second year in nursing and then going to a school for teaching as she believes that she would like to teach. It is my evaluation that she would be an excellent teacher.
One glitch in the plans involved Mark’sflight that was interrupted and has held him up for one day. Now everyone is engaged to rearrange all the necessary details of train tickets and hotel reservations…such challenges. But it does seem to be working out. I believe that tomorrow I will be exercising my arm in writing out certificates for al those attending the conferences next week.
As Martha taught me today: Devudu naaku balamu ishtaadu (God gives me strength).

tuesday and wednesday

2008-01-30T07:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a free day as the driver needed to have a day off. It was slow and easy as Martha came to teach me again, and the children came to visit and dance in the evening. I did take a video of one of the girls dances, but it is too long uploading so I have not put it on the site. Instead I will take some still shots of their dances in the next few days.
More Lombadis today, this time at a slum area right in the city. It was one of the harder assignments for we were seated in the street near the open sewer and all the ladies and children crowded around. Every few minutes some traffic would pass through and everyone would have to rearrange themselves. Some of the women were in tribal garb and Jacob took a mess of photos…they all wanted to be in the pictures. Bob spoke about how God commissions Christians to take care of the poor and the widows, and they were receptive to that message…most of them do not want to hear the gospel. One lady who received a sari was determined not to be happy about it, but the rest were bubbling over. When we finished, the crowd thronged me…wanting to shake hands, hug and have a picture taken. Jacob is very obliging.
The worse part of today was that I was not feeling up to par and by the time the jeep returned for us, I was really in not good condition. From there we went to Roshini’s college to visit her, discovered she was at the new building a few miles away, so went there. Standing in the shade talking with her, I suddenly felt very dizzy and had to sit down. I don’t know what happened, but I have slept off and on all day and still feel like you know what. Deena says it could have been the green curry because it sometimes affects her and Jacob that way too. Yikes…there will be no more of that for me if that was the case. I like feeling up and energetic and ready to roll, not all drained out like today. So if you believe in healing please pray that my body begins to mend in all areas. I will appreciate it.
Every day is an adventure…and I desire to be ready for it with God’s intervention, His strength in my weakness.
Tomorrow more slums…in the afternoon. Until then, relistano!

Monday's excursion

2008-01-28T12:05:00.000-05:00

Monday…long drive to a tribal village, where the spirit of the tribe, though now becoming Christian, is still rather primitive and an argument broke out because they wanted more saris than we brought. Jacob was not rattled as he says it is their way; they think because they have converted and switched to traditional Indian garb and language, that it makes them “civilized.”
Because this tribe, the Lombadis, are animators, believing that every tree, rock and bush is god, Bob spoke on creation and God’s purpose in it to win us back to himself.
This caste, the Banjara, are supposedly descendants of ancient gypsy tribes that were carried to India from France. There is some dispute about this, but there seem to be no real facts to establish their origin. They are illiterate, given to thievery and so on, and in India today become common laborers of the lower sort. They were mostly quite eager and friendly people, despite their argument about the saris…which we believe was started by one rather “mouthy” lady (Jacob’s description).
Afternoon…enjoyable and sweet….polishing the nails of the Shepherds Fold girls. Such tiny little hands and nails I have never seen, and such patient and gentle children. Even as I worked with each child, all the others, boys included, sat patiently watching and smiling, and occasionally breaking into song. Imagine American children behaving so?
More tomorrow….

Our weekend

2008-01-27T08:47:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness, the time is flying by even though Indian time is not so punctual as American time. 10 oclock could actually mean noon or later, and of course, tomorrow? Well, we all know that it never comes. Anyway, I am going to cover two days here I hope.
Yesterday was one of the two Independence Days celebrated here. I still have not figured out why there are two, so I may need to research some history yet. I do know that Ghandi is credited the day that freedom was won from the Brits. Our day began with the typical introductions and welcomes (Indian welcome is the flower garland, much like Hawaii…and some of these garlands are very weighty). Our gathering took place at a church related organization that does all sorts of social work including health, yourth education, job training and so on. It was established by the same lady, Ruth Sigmond, who created the colony we visited last Sunday. Most of the work here is volunteer.
There was a little school demonstration, singing and standing at attention then at ease several times, and then the flag salute, with arms stretched out straight toward the flag. Imagine my surprise when the flag ceremony consisted of a reminder of the meaning of their flag, green for the fields, white for the peace, and orange for the cpirage. The ashokchakra represents the braveness of the Indian) unraveling a blue string that had kept their small flag in a bundle at the top of the pole and allowing it to open and drop a bundle of flower petals at everyone’s feet.
At this point Bob was asked to share a few words and he assured everyone that God had intended freedom for all, but that our ancient parents had sinned and rebelled against Him and so given us over to the enemy. The simple salvation plan was outlined.
Next on the agenda was the handing out of 50 saris. After much ado, this function began and the assortment gathered would frighten some of the faint hearted, for truly these were from the poorest of the poor. Some had not seen water in quite a long time, yet each was worthy of love and a warm hug regardless, and the happy recipients were glad to have a new garment. Their faces beamed and smiles grew even wider when it was announced that lunch was to be served. You never saw such quick organization as they parted like the red sea finding easy spots along both sides of the porch. Some were served on toss away foil like platters while others had fake banana leaves. Hearty appetites abounded, and Bob had quite a struggle getting down close enough to get the food from the server to their plates. This was one time it would have been good to be shorter! In Indian fashion, once meal was over, the plates were tossed a few feet away into the bushes. Picking up trash is something no one has heard of here. I did ask Amos about that, but he just kind of shook his head.
Today, Sunday, we visited a village just outside Guntur where the congregation of the Holy Spirit Mission showed us just how it should be when we praise the Lord. Jacob told us that the people like long services on Sunday, so though they had begun at 10, we did not show up until after 11:30 when they were on their second sermon. Once told to enter, we were again positioned on the platform, which in this case was a dirt floor covered in mats inside a partially walled concrete block building. It did, however, sport a good tin roof and the atmosphere inside was one of joy and peace. Following the typical welcome, Bob spoke from Ephesians on the power of God. Fourteen widows were given saris, and then Jacob had promised the pastor and his wife that we would have lunch with them in their home. A short walk from the church found us in a small building with a tin roof, neatly partitioned off into a sitting/sleeping area (we were perched on the bed for our meal). It seemed as though half the church was gathered there, and several women were behind the curtain in the kitchen. Rice and chicken curry were quite tasty, but Bob was not up to the challenge of eating strange food having been battling a bit of traveler’s troubles for a couple of days. Now, it is important for you to realize that in India the guests eat first, and everyone watches! That has been quite difficult, for it is the case even at home -.Deena serves us every meal! It was most disconcerting at first, but they will have it no other way, so I am getting used to it. I think??
Upon arriving home at last, we discovered the children lined up on the porch waiting to be served their lunch, which was my happy chore. Bob opted out of this, but I think he missed a wonderful thing. Each child came up with his plate, huge smile, and either a “Thank you aunty, or a Thank you Mother” – I could pack them all up and bring them home with me! Martha encouraged the tiniest boy to sing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” (in English) and he began so quietly that I put my ear to his mouth. That encouraged him and he sang more loudly. You should have been here!
Hopefully now I am somewhat up to date…and I hope you are checking out the photos at the other site. I believe you can figure out what goes with what story. Amos has been my photographer lately and is dong a great job; he is pictured above playing tic tac toe with his Auntie Buelah.

Moving on

2008-01-26T06:18:00.000-05:00

My, how much has happened since our arrival and since I made my first attempt to post a blog from here. The comments posted on Friday were written several days ago when we were promised to have the connection “tomorrow.”
Today I managed to get it online and was in the middle of uploading some movies when we lost power. On Sunday we attended a service in a small colony that had been established by a missionary some years ago in her efforts to keep the children off the streets and give families homes and work. A cluster of small structures surrounded the church building. In each lived either an entire family or several widows. These were happy eager people, and the children and young people were polite and curious. Many are college students, while their fathers might be rickshaw drivers or other common laborers. Most women do not work, but care for the home and family, where cooking, laundering and maintaining the home are full time activities. These homes looked as though they would barely accommodate two persons, let alone children too ,some of whom were well into early adulthood.
Even though we arrived and sat in a back row, we were asked to please sit up front (this was not what I wanted, but I realize that it was not about me, so I took the opportunity to really look at the people, meet their eye, smile at the children who gathered close on floor mats.) Bob had been asked to bring a short message, which he did, and after much singing and prayers, it was time to deliver the saris to the widows. I asked permission to give hugs and so had a wonderful time with these ladies.
A tour of the colony was quite eye opening to see the pride in each one as we visited their homes and were recited their histories. It makes me often ashamed of the average American and his constant complaining when in contrast here, there is nothing to complain about at all.
Hopefully I can find the photos that accompany this particular event. In the meantime, I ask for comment and questions so I will know what sorts of things I should include in these posts. Picking and choosing what to mention is difficult because there is so much, so very much …help me plesase!
Written on Friday during a power outage.
Added to on Saturday after yet another outage….
Since that posting we have visited to other villages. One hidden away along some rather rugged roads among groves of mangoes. There we met in the pastor’s home, where the congregation gathered on the small porch and poured out onto the ground around it. The pastor and his wife had a small home that was immaculately kept, and they offered us fruits and snacks upon our arrival. Here again was a service where Bob gave the Word, speaking on Jesus call to come to Him and He would bear their burdens. It is curious that most of the people in these Christian services are not Christian but Hindu, yet some will read the Bible if they are literate and will love to attend service, sing and praise His name. Prayers for real understanding of who Jesus is are needed.
Another night we traveled east to the sea and visited a fishing village that had been quite damaged by the tsunami. Bob was quite taken with the primitive nature of the boats and methods, nets, and he did take some video but says it is not ready for posting yet. One man gathered about $35ooo to resupply the village with the boats, and many of them are emblazoned with Jesus Christ is Lord of all. The entire community depends upon the fishing and so at days end they wait for the boats to come back and all are there to unload onto small carriers. At our little outdoor service, Jacob warned me that these ladies had been out hauling fish…hint hint. We had a good laugh over that. Bob had to deliver a message in the dark and he chose the story of Peter when Jesus had him take the boats out again and throw in the nets. This they understood well. Except for my chair having one leg that kept sinking deep into the sand and threatening to toss me onto the dirt, and then stepping on a dog in the dark as we returned to the jeep, the evening was fine and the smell of fish did not seem that bad. The sky was brilliant with stars and as Jacob was bringing the evening to a conclusion, I was captivated by the little dipper just above his head!
More stories tomorrow…this is Saturday and another adventure…but I am running on too much. Check out a fewmore photos at the side link….
Devudu mimmunu deevinchunu (God bless you all)

Slightly old news but finally posting

2008-01-25T00:17:00.000-05:00

Such lessons to learn about life and living - for this there are not enough days. It has taken some time to finally establish the right connections for posting blogs, but now it is nearly finished and so I will attempt to summarize succinctly what has transpired in these days. Our journey was long and tiring as anyone could guess, but the reward at the end of the 17 hours air travel, 9 hours train travel and additional hours jeep travel, was truly amazing for me. Jacob, Deena, Buelah and Stanley are wonderful hosts and travel companions, helping to cross very busy streets, accommodating foods, and looking out for every need.
It was after 1 in the morning when we finally reached the children’s home and oh my what a greeting was waiting there. Dressed in their red shirts and khaki pants, girls with flowers in their hair, and all wearing the biggest smiles ever, they loaded us down with flowers of every kind, covering us from head to toe in flowers and petals that they enthusiastically tossed.
It took three tips to the police station to register, and twice we waited for over an hour or more for the superintendent to appear…then on Saturday the papers were approved.
The highlight for me thus far has been the children. All afternoon on Friday I rejoiced in their happy exuberance. Together we played some games, and they shared with me all the many prizes from Sunday school competitions, and they sang beautiful worship songs, many in English. Be to check out the movies at the link on the right.
Unfortunately, I seem to have been overtaken by a cold, and on Saturday I was advised by Jacob not to accompany the men to a village for handing out saris to the widows. Deena also has a cold, and he did not want her to go out either, so we both remained at home. I am writing this in word now and hoping that I can copy/paste into the blog site as soon as our connection is completed.
Today the tailor came and measured me to sew dresses. Already she has sent back the tops for jeans and two of the other ready mades that only needed the have sleeves sewn in. They could have been left sleeveless, but I opted to have the sleeves as custom prefers the upper arms to be covered.
I am learning some Telugu words and phrases and practicing the art of eating with my fingers. It is not a sloppy method if executed properly.
Jacob has been sharing many wonderful stories with us and I will perhaps attempt include some as time goes on.
Today I shared the movies from yesterday with the children – what fun they had watching themselves on camera. Martha too was quite tickled seeing herself perform some of her antics she is an amazing woman and her love for these children is something to behold. Yet it doesn’t stop there, for each member of this family cares deeply about every single child, and that is why they seem to be so content and so happy. They play together, work together, and seem to have no animosity among them. How wonderful it is to observe this.
The mosquitos are beginning to invade so I will off to “OFF” (with Cutter’s smelly deet.)
Until tomorrow (which often takes several days to arrive), I will say relistano (my own spelling) (I will go and come again).

Packing

2008-01-07T16:52:00.000-05:00

Packing...always a chore, always a challenge. Here I am beginning: included items, gifts to take to family and children, mosquito repellent, sun block, sandals, books, journal, camera, towels, email addresses, (tp - advised in travel guide), CHOCOLATE, and eventually I will get to the clothing. This is such fun even though my brain is on overload at the moment. See the attractive arrangement of items as they begin to accumulate in the guest room. I hope what I will have to report from this point onward will be much more interesting that this, but I thought I would start at the beginning...so here it is. Come back again!!

still working on this

2007-12-30T15:43:00.000-05:00

For fun and frolic, still working on this to see just how it works and how easy it will be to use while in Guntur. I will no doubt delete this entry once I realize just how things size up. If you have ideas, let me know. This is my special and precious sister Deena, whom I am so very happy to visit with in just 2 weeks time! Here she is on Skype speaking with my mother, Lois, the lady who named the Shepherd's Fold!

Goals and Visions - December 2007

2007-12-29T21:39:00.000-05:00

On our way, at least in our hearts. India, land of a million gods. In it we found Jacob and his family, six persons whose love for the Lord Jesus have caused them to "adopt" to their personal care some 25 orphans, now members of the Shepherd's Fold. These are they whom we have grown to love, and those whom we are on our way to visit.
So much more is involved in this visit than we ever dreamed, but for now, it is the love of this family, these precious children, and the leading of our Lord that is taking us there.