MARCH 2008

Dear Friends and Family,

A month or so ago, three different businessmen visited us on consecutive weeks.  What was so striking about Mark and Mike was that they were exploring creative ways of utilizing their business involvement to benefit the poor.  Their faith was driving them to integrate their beliefs with their daily lives.

Robert had a slightly different approach, but one that was equally refreshing.  While here speaking at a convention for local employees of Adobe, he made a point of visiting our Vineyard family whenever he could.  He even prepared by learning some basic Hindi and used it everywhere he went (to everyone’s delight!).  As the weekend approached he asked if instead of staying at the hotel he could spend the weekend with one of our leaders so that he could get to know him better.  I later found out that Robert has done this before, and becomes a faithful pen pal and prayer support.  Wow!

Then, our National Director, Bert Waggoner and his wife Evelyn visited India and Nepal for a week.  Bert and Evelyn have always been extremely kind whenever our paths have crossed, so I knew they would connect relationally with the pastors, but I wasn’t too sure how the messages would go over.  We have so many come and speak in a way that people can’t connect with.  The longer I live here, the more I am personally challenged by this.

But I must say, session after session, in many different contexts Bert shared profound truths in an incredibly simple way that helped explain the core of who we are as the Vineyard Family.  Time and again, he shared life stories that not only illustrated his points but were also Spirit initiated.  I watched as particular stories were the perfect key to unlocking someone’s heart.  I have to say it was the greatest example of Spirit-led cross-cultural communication I have ever seen.  Thank you so much Bert and Evelyn.

And then came Easter.  For the last six months, here in Delhi we have increasingly become a close network of two Sunday fellowships and four House churches (plus several regular home groups).  Two months ago we got together for our first city-wide celebration, and for Easter we decided to rent a local Baptist church to use after their service.  About 140 people participated, including some who had come to see their older brothers and sisters go through a public ceremony to commit their lives to Jesus.  Sixteen people professed their faith. For several of the house church pastors who have joined our team, this was their first opportunity to do anything like this. It was very special for all of us. We are really proud of these guys; they are doing such a great job while facing so many challenges.

As always we thank you for your ongoing love, support and prayers.  May God lead all of us to serve him as faithfully as each of these servants who have touched our lives.

Love, Rick and Ellen

I Peter 4:10

Prayer Requests

Please pray the new believers, that they will continue to grow in Jesus, share with their friends, and have strength to face the challenges of being a minority even in their own families.

Please pray for our pastors and leaders as they learn how to financially support their families and ministries.

Please pray for pastor Simon and his wife Blessy as they try to gain admission for their son into a Christian school.

Please pray for the Discipleship School which Amy will be launching in August. Amy is continuing to recruit students and instructors, and raise the necessary funds.

Please pray for God’s favor and wisdom as we begin the process of moving forward in establishing a children’s home in Delhi.

Please pray for Ellen, Amy and I for perseverance as we are stretched by cultural challenges.