Delhi Vineyard Citywide Leaders

Mukesh Joseph, Shamim, Elisha, Rocky, Ramesh and Prashensha, Simon, Blessy and John, Mukesh Paul and Jaya. Amy, Lovey, and Ellen. Simeon and Rick.

JUNE 2008

Well, we put Amy on the plane this morning, and Ellen and I leave late Tuesday night for six weeks in the U.S. It’s been a hard year in some ways; several close friends from the U.S. passed away and our parents health has continued to concern us. And like any new church plant we had some ups and downs. But the good news is that when we look back, we see God’s hand faithfully at work.

Rick and Ellen Coffin

Delhi Vineyard News

It really has been a good year overall. In September a house church joined our cluster of ministries, bringing lots of new friends and a number of strong leaders. Their pastor, Simon has begun to take on more and more leadership in our citywide fellowship, and will be helping to oversee our downtown gathering while we are in the U.S.
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Amy’s Blog: Memoirs of a Foreigner

As a foreigner I often feel overwhelmed in Delhi. It can be something as simple as men staring at me or something as profound as my friends being forced out of their home with less than a weeks notice. I could make a list of the things that make me ask if I can really do this or rather declare I cannot do this, but last week I experienced something that I can never forget. I visited a village within the city of Delhi otherwise known as a slum which has no water.
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June Prayer Requests

From time to time our believers experience significant opposition. Usually this comes from family and neighbors. Please be praying for several of the new believers in Northwest Delhi who are being threatened by their community. Read more

Would you like to help?

Dear Friends,

If you would like to help support the work in India and Nepal, you can contribute to our efforts by sending a check to the Marietta Vineyard, 2060 Roswell Rd. #300, Marietta, GA, 30068 Please make checks out to the Marietta Vineyard and write DelhiCP in the memo section.

With love and friendship,

Rick and Ellen Coffin

Delhi Vineyard
Isaiah 43

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.