December was another
great month for our 24 trainers in central India. They trained 265 people in 28
different villages. They baptized 40 people, started 31 new house groups and 20
new house churches. We continue to praise the Lord for his great work through
these men we trained in July of 2007, sent in October of 2007 and are now
supporting for 1 year as they go to make disciples in 8 tribal districts.
Please pray with us as you read the following report from each district. Pray
for protection for the men and that they are able to be bright lights in the
dark areas they are seeking to reach. Also, pray for financial provision for
these men as we have a monthly need of $2,000.00 to cover their
support. If you would like to give to this need please go to this link and use the India category.
District
1
Trained 43 people in
3 villages. In one village there is a man who is the leader of a group of
villages as well as a very key member in a fundamentalist (Hin.) group in the
area. He had suffered from skin cancer for more than two and a half
years. Our trainers began praying for his healing. After praying
for three months, the man has been healed of all cancer. He is now a
follower of Jesus. This district saw 7 new house groups formed as well as
3 new house churches.
District
2
Trained 36 people in
4 villages. One of our trainers had an accident and is in the hospital in
critical condition. Please pray for him. Two sisters (63 and 65),
both widows, began to follow Jesus this month. In three weeks, they
traveled to 8 different villages to share their new faith. They have been
instrumental in gaining access for our trainers to these villages. This
district saw 3 house churches started and 17 baptisms.
District
3
Trained 30 people in
4 villages. During one of the training sessions, two women were instantly
healed; one from an issue of blood and one who had been unable to walk because
of stiffness in her back. The witnesses were amazed to watch God's power
being released so strongly and many joined the local house group as seekers of
the kingdom of God. This district saw 6 new house groups started as well
as 2 new house churches.
District
4
Trained 29 people in
3 villages. Two years ago, in one village in this district, a boy was bitten by
a poisonous snake. The believers in this village prayed and took the boy
to a hospital, five hours away. The boy did not survive, but the
villagers became very interested in the gospel because of the love shown by the
believers. This past month, our trainers were doing a training session in
this same village. A young girl was bitten by a poisonous snake.
The believers gathered around her and prayed. She was healed and there
was no need to take her to the hospital. Many of the villagers are now
coming to the house church, seeking to know more about the God who heals.
This district saw 2 house groups formed as well as 2 house
churches started.
District
5
Trained 41 people in
5 villages. The training in this district continues to expand in a rapid
way. In the whole of last year, we only had 31 volunteers to help with
the trainings. We have only been training for three months (since October
2007) and already we have 29 new volunteers. The request to have
trainings in villages continues to increase and we are most likely
understaffed. We are excited about this development. This district
saw 3 new house groups formed as well as 2 house churches started.
District
6
Trained 33 people in
3 villages. This district continues to suffer great persecution. In
December alone there were 13 locations where believers were attacked and beaten
and property destroyed. Two houses were burned, almost to the
ground. We know of 7 men, 5 women and 16 children who have been seriously
wounded and admitted to the hospital. The persecution is strong. In
spite of this, the church is growing. This growth is especially strong in
the areas where we distributed medicines. In the villages where we
distributed the medicine, there were 17 baptisms in November and 23 baptisms in
December. Also, more than 71 people in these villages are now attending
house churches to learn more about the gospel. Praise the Lord with
us. This district saw 4 new house groups formed as well as 3 new house
churches started.
District
7
Trained 30 people in
3 villages. Many remarkable healings took place this month, including a woman
who had been completely paralyzed for 8 months. After our trainer prayed
for her, she was able to walk on her feet. Her healing is the reason for the
kingdom growth in her village and the whole area. This district saw 5 new
house groups formed as well as 2 new house churches started.
District
8
Trained 23 people in
3 villages. One man was delivered from many demons, all at once. Many
others have been delivered from demons, addictions and other kinds of
bondage. There is also much persecution in this district and homes have
been attacked in 5 different villages. Please pray for the believers in
this district. This district saw 4 house groups formed as well as 3 new house
churches started.
Until ALL Have Heard,
Eric
