There are 23 districts (or counties) here in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Yesterday, we had the unique opportunity to conduct one of our pastor’s conferences on Practical Evangelism AND Village Development Projects with district leaders from all 23 districts. This is great favor and influence that will impact the whole state of Andhra Pradesh. Each of these leaders oversee 50-80+ pastors within their district over 1,200 pastors statewide.

I taught 2 sessions. One on the proclamation of the gospel and the second on the demonstration of the gospel. During the proclamation session we highlighted several practical resources: bible distribution, mobile evangelism, audio Bible units called Proclaimers, DVDs of the Jesus Film in 16 Indian languages, and more. When I showed them the Micro SD cards GHI is distributing that contain audio files of the Telugu bible and the Jesus Film in Telugu which can be used on most cell phones in India the pastors cheered! They had never seen this before. Equally, they loved the Proclaimer and the DVD of the Jesus Film. I was surprised and sadden that only 3 out of a room full of pastors previously had a DVD of the Jesus Film. Now they all do!

During the demonstration session, we highlighted many practical resources: toothbrushes, t-shirts, as well as our village development projects which provides practical solutions for water access, hygiene, sanitation and food to needy villages. They we very excited.

Ask most village pastors to describe their evangelism efforts and they quickly share about their street preaching and gospel track distribution efforts. While this has its place, it focused solely upon proclamation. It is a new day to challenge the church in India in practical ways of demonstrating the gospel. This is absolutely revolutionizing their evangelism efforts!

I taught them our of John 6 about Jesus feeding the multitude. There Jesus stops proclaiming and starts demonstrating. Seeing the demand he asks Philip, “What are WE going to do?” The disciples bring Jesus their inadequate resources (2 small fish and 5 barley loaves) and Jesus blesses it, multiplies it supernaturally, feeds everyone, and even provides more than enough to meet the PHYSICAL and SPIRITUAL needs. I challenged the pastors to hear this same questions over the physical demands in their villages and to expect the same Jesus to do the supernatural in and through them.

Thanks to everyone who prayed and was praying what I preached! I could sense God’s anointing. Jake Taylor said later, that the Holy Spirit was very evident. To God be all the glory!

I am very thankful to Pastor James Rebbavarapu of India Christian Ministries, Ongole AP for giving us this opportunity. After the conference, James shared with the pastors that this was an historic day for them as well. He exhorted the pastors to return their villages determined to demonstrate the gospel.

After lunch we all loaded up and drove over 3 hours to a remote village where we celebrated the launch of another village development project. This village only had water after 6pm and only if the electricity was on. Often they would go days without any water. Now by God’s grace they have their own well! The team had Tressa Kanan cut the ribbon to open up the well. Jake Taylor was the first person to pump the water from the well then each of us took turns pumping the well along with the village pastor and his wife. Over 200 people looked on as the water began to flow. They all cheered! Their smiling faces will forever be sketched into my memory. Once again, it was glorious to know that this church now has a well they can leverage for the advancement of the gospel. Soon this VDP will provide electricity to the village as well as the first toilets this village has ever had. Join us in prayer for God to reveal Himself and His love among these precious people.

Again, thank you to everyone who is making this trip, pastor’s conference, and village development project possible. It is only through the generosity of our partners that we are able to do these things. You are truly being used of God to impact lives for Christ. May great be your reward!