I had a great 3 week trip to India, visiting 3 states, conducting 3 pastors seminars, speaking at 11 churches, preaching at 4 gospel meetings and one youth camp, teaching at 2 Bible Schools, conducting 2 baptism services and 2 house dedications, one new church dedication. one wedding and visiting 3 areas affected by the Tsunami.
 

In Andhra Pradesh I spent 3 days each with Pastors SNJS Kumar and Pastor GS Kumar. I had excellent pastors seminars with each and felt I got to know them better. Last years visit was so hectic I was not able to easily assess their work. With GS Kumar I spent one-day distributing rice and clothing to Tsunami survivors.
 

I visited Trivundrum, Kerala for the first time in over 13 years, and spent the time with Pastor Roy, Thankachan’s brother. He has a very good work with excellent facilities - a School, orphanage, Bible school, church and a printing press. He also supports many pastors. Thankachan’s youngest son, Joy, a youth pastor and Bible school lecturer came with me to Kerala and we had some very fruitful mentoring times.
 

In Tiruvallur, Chennai I spent time with Pastor Thankachan, my friend in the gospel for over 22 years. I had a great time visiting some of his 32 churches, teaching at his bible school and main church. It was so encouraging to see the continued growth of the work. He is at present purchasing a HUGH plot of land to build a new church (the 400+ members are crammed into their present building). An amazing faith venture! He plans a church to accommodate 5000! He will also relocate the bible school there but will keep the orphanage and old peoples home separate. His ‘Garden of Hope’ agriculture project continues to develop as he seeks to become self-sufficient.

 I visited a church in Chennai near the coast where many believers lost everything in the Tsunami but no one lost their life – I heard some amazing testimonies. I help distribute rice and provisions to them. I also visited another Tsunami effected areas 450 km away. Thankachan has been working with two local pastors to bring relief to many. Pastor Martin and his wife, Annie (Thankachan’s daughter) have established an orphanage for surviving children of the disaster. It was incredible to visit it and see 54 children so well cared for and so happy and grateful to God. I even received a new title from the –‘Reverend Daddy’. To see peoples faith amidst suffering is very humbling.
 

I thank the Lord for safe travelling and good health and the joy of serving our brothers and sisters in India.

David Eaton