Gary called today to share the HIGHLIGHTS of their trip. They have not been able to access the Internet for several days. Please continue your prayers for the team and how God can use them in His best way. I will do my best to capture the PURE JOY this team is experiencing by serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

Julie, David and Gary all shared that visiting the leper colony (2.5 hour drive from Salem) touched their hearts the most. They were able to enjoy a church service, meal and visiting time with this special community of families.

The people of this colony are ostracized like no other community in India. If it were not for the Christian church, they would be alone without any outside contact. Most everyone in the community has come to Christ.

Gary had hoped each person would be able to write their own highlights to you, but they will carry these in their hearts and be able to share personally with you soon.

Julie:

~The leper colony impacted Julie in a huge way. She was struck by the fact that these families have no out. There is nothing they can do to change the outcome of their life because they are complete outcasts. There is nothing that compares – our biggest complaints ‘here’ just can’t even come close to their plight.

~Julie was able to hold a 1 ½ year old baby and she could sense that the mother wanted her to take her child. This mom wants something better for her child than she is able to give.

~The enormous compassion of the leaders for this village of families touched Julie’s heart in a deep way.

~While at Sharon Gardens, the children put on a show for the team, which was delightful.

~Total awe for the IGL staff and their work ethic and how impactful they are for the kingdom with the most antiquated of tools & materials.

David:

~The leper colony was also his highlight for the reasons listed previously. In addition, it did not match the expectation he had. He found the colony and the people to be much cleaner than he at first thought it would be.

~No one but the church will help the lepers. The church (IGL) even built the road to the colony.

~David found it a complete honor to be able to serve a meal at the leper colony.

~At the IGL trainings, he has completely enjoyed the music and how they teach the songs to the children. He is also enjoying the songs they are learning. JOY

~Loves the unity of the team and the fellowship.

Gary:

~The leper colony was again his highlight. It especially reminds Gary that we do not deserve anything. He is always struck by the joy he sees in each person’s face just by being touched.

~Gary was able to meet the child he has been sponsoring. It was a brief encounter, but definitely a highlight.

~His heart swells just by observing how much people honor and bless one another.

~His total need to have full reliance on God. The Lord has given him strength when all is taken away. His health was not good for 3-4 days, his notebook was left in the Dubai airport and yet God has met Him in all the places he needed. He was reminded how much we depend on ‘things’ instead of Him.

~And he cherishes the fact that he gets to be with all the people who are completely sold out for Jesus.