This day was filled with learning of the Indian culture. The Spurgeons took us to Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin, the southern most tip of peninsular India. It is the confluence point of three oceans--the Bay of bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Apart from this, it is also a vital Hindu pilgrim center, renowned for its exotic sunrises and sunsets over the horizon.. One of the unique features of Kanyakumari is the multicolored sand found on its beach. This exquisite land is encircled by majestic hills along with swaying coconut tress and paddy fields. There are also a few elevated patches of red cliffs and some free flowing valleys presenting an eye-pleasing scene. There is the memorial to Gandhi where the Hindus can gather to remember his life and achievements for the Indian people.
After leaving Kanyakumari, we headed home to attend our next school ministry in Nagercoil. Upon our arrival at the school, we noticed some of the girls who attend the Charity Home were there. We ministered to the students and teachers as our hearts were touched by the children singing to us of the love of Christ. We drove away pondering on the preciousness of Christ's mercy and grace upon the little children and how He touched our lives through these children.
Afterwards, we traveled to the Charity Home to minister to the girls. Again, we were truly blessed by the reception of our coming and attentiveness of God's message. After our special time with the girls, we traveled back to the Spurgeons for rest and preparation for the next day.
We were beginning to feel the physical weariness of the trip; however, God strengthened our bodies as well as our hearts to stay focus on why we were there.
In Christ Alone,
Dean
Philippians 2:13-16
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Post by Kristin
Whew! The trip is passed, and we are home with family. But I thought that maybe you would like to know what happened the last several days.
On Thursday we traveled to Madurai. It was about a three hour drive, but I think it was my favorite drive of the whole trip. It was smooth ("er" I might add, definitely appreciate the driving in America more now :). So it was slightly easier for some team members. :)
As we traveled the land started to change. Nagercoil had more trees and was much greener than Madurai. It was a lot like a desert, with just some low-lying shrubs on the ground. I knew Madurai was going to be a different experience, but not just in how it looked (grass, trees, etc.), but in several different areas. Areas like poverty, the spirituality of the city, and the condition of the people. I wasn't prepared for what I would experience on this short trip.
Madurai was very crowded and very dirty. It reminded me of a "Dallas size" city, but with several thousand more people jam-packed into the same space. There was much more poverty than there was than in Nagercoil. People were sleeping on the streets, there were also many more people who looked very thin than in Nagercoil. My heart felt for the people there in Madurai.
It is definitely eye-opening when you travel to a different country. I know it made me realize how blessed I am here in America. I have shelter, food, clothing, heat, water...I could go on and on about my blessings. Mrs. Spurgeon was telling me one day about how she would give an extra saree to begger woman that would come to her door. She said she felt compassionate towards them because they couldn't change clothes because they owned only one saree. When she was telling that story to us, it made me realize again how much of an abundance we have here. It made me want to just go and give away most of my clothes.
The next day (after we arrived in Madurai, it would have been Friday the 18th), we went to a local college to give speeches about different topics that we had picked out. Mr. & Mrs. Spurgeon's daughter worked there as the head of the the department of Commerce (?). So when she heard we were coming to visit her parents...and she figured out that we would be here during a conference...she asked us to come and speak. It was a neat experience.
After we gave our speeches, Dr. Mrs. Jacqueline Gigi Vijayakumar, M.Com., M.Phil., Ph.D. (we called her Mrs. Gigi for short :) showed us around the campus. We walked into classrooms and the students showed us their work. We got to see almost all the College classes, but some of my favorites were the Home Economics class, Computer Science class, and the "Cooking" class (my unofficial name for this class). The students seemed very open to us intruding in their class time. :)
Needless to say, after we were finished our speeches at the college, we all felt like we had a huge weight the just fell off our back. So, after we finished lunch, Mr. & Mrs. Spurgeon and Mr. Viji (Mrs. Gigi's husband), took us for some sight seeing. The first place we "went near" (we weren't allowed into the temple because we were Christians, and because of our consiences, I'll explain more as we go on), was a Hindu Temple. As I write about this temple experience, it is a little painful for me. Being near this temple, really being in Madurai, I was hit straight on in the stomach with some spiritual oppression. This city is a very dark city. It is largely Hindu. Madurai is called the "Temple city" because of how many Hindu temples there are. The architecure of these temples, like the one here on the right, is quite amazing. It is very intricate and extremely colorful, but...this architecture is dedicated to the Hindu gods. It is dedicated to their gods out of fear and hate. You can clearly see that fear and hate in the pictures carved in these huge towers. Walking close to these temples, hearing the music and chanting, made me realize how terrible is the spiritual condition of this city...of these people. Even now, the music can be played back in my head, songs of evil and fear and sin. Even though that was hard, I am glad I went through it. I am glad that the Lord gave me those feelings which are hard to describe. I am glad that while I was going through this trial, the Lord was ever with me holding my hand. While I certainly didn't feel physically safe, I knew that I was safe in the Lord and that he would watch over me. When I think back to all that has happened, in preparation for the trip, the actaul trip, and now the recovery, it is amazing to me to see the work of the Lord in everything. If the Lord has taught me anything, and I know he has taught me a lot, he has shown me how not to worry. He has shown me how I need to put my whole and complete trust in Him. One of the things I learned through this trip, was how to start trusting in God.
In Him,
Kristin
"Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light."
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."-Proverbs 3:5-6
On Thursday we traveled to Madurai. It was about a three hour drive, but I think it was my favorite drive of the whole trip. It was smooth ("er" I might add, definitely appreciate the driving in America more now :). So it was slightly easier for some team members. :)
As we traveled the land started to change. Nagercoil had more trees and was much greener than Madurai. It was a lot like a desert, with just some low-lying shrubs on the ground. I knew Madurai was going to be a different experience, but not just in how it looked (grass, trees, etc.), but in several different areas. Areas like poverty, the spirituality of the city, and the condition of the people. I wasn't prepared for what I would experience on this short trip. 
The next day (after we arrived in Madurai, it would have been Friday the 18th), we went to a local college to give speeches about different topics that we had picked out. Mr. & Mrs. Spurgeon's daughter worked there as the head of the the department of Commerce (?). So when she heard we were coming to visit her parents...and she figured out that we would be here during a conference...she asked us to come and speak. It was a neat experience.
In Him,
Kristin
"Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light."
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."-Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Post By Kat
Hello all! What an amazing adventure we are partaking of here in India. Even though half the time I've been trying to survive food poisoning and car sickness (due to the WILD controlled chaos of the driving), it is such a blessing to have this oportunity to share Christ's love with others. With each day I am constantly reminded to put my trust in the Lord as our schedules change and we learn more about the Indian culture. 
Each time we are with the girls (with their unbelievably precious glowing faces and their sparkling eyes) at the Charity home, my heart breaks to think that girls are considered worthless. Words cannot describe how it feels to have a mass of little girls stampeding to put their arms around you and pull you down to their level to give you constant hugs and kisses. They have such joy and excitement written on their faces. When you first see and meet the girls it's impossible to think they could be anything other than little angels.
However, as we talk with Mrs. Spurgeon she tells about the problems and difficulties that lie beneath the suface of their beautiful appearance. We realize how serious it is to make sure they are recognizing the Lord, not us enjoying the attention. I pray that the Lord will plant strong seeds in their hearts and that they will cling to Him always. This trip has blessed me with many eye opening experiences and I know the Lord will use them to help me draw closer to Him throughout my life.
Each time we are with the girls (with their unbelievably precious glowing faces and their sparkling eyes) at the Charity home, my heart breaks to think that girls are considered worthless. Words cannot describe how it feels to have a mass of little girls stampeding to put their arms around you and pull you down to their level to give you constant hugs and kisses. They have such joy and excitement written on their faces. When you first see and meet the girls it's impossible to think they could be anything other than little angels.
However, as we talk with Mrs. Spurgeon she tells about the problems and difficulties that lie beneath the suface of their beautiful appearance. We realize how serious it is to make sure they are recognizing the Lord, not us enjoying the attention. I pray that the Lord will plant strong seeds in their hearts and that they will cling to Him always. This trip has blessed me with many eye opening experiences and I know the Lord will use them to help me draw closer to Him throughout my life.
~Kat
Monday, February 14, 2011
Nagercoil Day 5
We traveled approximately an hour to reach our destination, which is a Christian school that admits to 300 children. It was a beautiful school, because the Bible is the main focus and majority of the teachers are Christians. Kat, Kristin, Mykaela and Elizabeth sang, performed a skit, and Elizabeth gave her testimony. The school administrator gave each one of us a gift, which was so precious. Afterwards, the school administrator took us back to her office and fed us with some yummy Indian treats. The school was located inland and among rubber tree, jack fruit, pineapple and pepper vegetation farms. The scenary was breathtaking. Dr and Mrs Spurgeon took us to a waterfall, a infamous dam and an amazing aquaduct bridge with a walkway that gapped two mountains. After our scenic tour, we came home to rest before we minister to the girls at the Charity Home. Again, the girls excited to see us, but we still have a language barrier, which makes it hard to share Christ. The girls performed the skit--"A Humble Heart", which is based on the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, who go into the temple to pray and the Pharisee boasts of his wonderful accomplishments and the tax collector beats his chest in humility.
How often do we go into church and boast of things that we have accomplished in Christ's name? May we come to worship Him in humility.
Overall, two of the team members is struggling with car sickness--one severe and the other not so severe. The roads in India are basically one lane and very bumpy and windy. I believe it affected most of us. Spiritually, we are standing strong in the Lord and the girls are bonding very well. They have been supportive of each other as well as compliment each other. This team is His team and we praise Him for this team.
Today, we travel again, so please pray for our team members who get car sickness. We are continuing to adjust to the culture, so please pray for us, because the luxuries of America have spoiled us.
Thank you again for your support.
In Christ Alone,
Dean
Psalm 51
How often do we go into church and boast of things that we have accomplished in Christ's name? May we come to worship Him in humility.
Overall, two of the team members is struggling with car sickness--one severe and the other not so severe. The roads in India are basically one lane and very bumpy and windy. I believe it affected most of us. Spiritually, we are standing strong in the Lord and the girls are bonding very well. They have been supportive of each other as well as compliment each other. This team is His team and we praise Him for this team.
Today, we travel again, so please pray for our team members who get car sickness. We are continuing to adjust to the culture, so please pray for us, because the luxuries of America have spoiled us.
Thank you again for your support.
In Christ Alone,
Dean
Psalm 51
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Nagercoil Day 4
Well, we realized that our internet connection in India is very unreliable. The only time we are able to access the internet is between 3 to 6 in the morning our time. It is an inconvience but we are adjusting to it. Day 4 started off with us going to church. We really enjoyed the fellowship with other believers even though we could undertand very little. After church we traveled back to the Spurgeon's home where we spent time getting ready for our first meeting of the day with the girls. At 10:50 a.m., we traveled to the Charity Home to enjoy the girls again. Upon arrival, they were excited as the first time they saw us. Our time was truly a blessing to us. We shared the gospel message with the girls and the Hindu ladies. After our time with the girls, we left to have lunch Indian style--fingers only. We are truly being educated in the Indian culture and food. We are all enjoying the food even though it is spicy. After lunch, we can home and practiced for the evening with the girls. We practiced the skit and music. When it was time to leave, the Kat, Mykaela, Kristin and Elizabeth were excited to return to see the girls again. Each one of us have grown to love them as our own. We cannot understand how girls can be rejected by the Indian cultural; however, we made an effort to love them as much as we can. After our service, we had the privilege to eat dinner with them and we were given a tour of their sleeping arrangements. We left blessed. We thank God for what Dr and Mrs Spurgeon are doing for these girls by encouraging them to learn a trade or skill and do the best they can educationally.
This morning, 02-14-11, the girls were blessed to speak with their parents via Skype starting at 5:00 a.m. (our time). Everybody is talking about the crafts as I type about the wonderful things God is doing here and the wonderful time we are having with the Charity Home girls.
Thank you for your prayers.
In Christ Alone,
Dean
II Corinthians 10:3-6
This morning, 02-14-11, the girls were blessed to speak with their parents via Skype starting at 5:00 a.m. (our time). Everybody is talking about the crafts as I type about the wonderful things God is doing here and the wonderful time we are having with the Charity Home girls.
Thank you for your prayers.
In Christ Alone,
Dean
II Corinthians 10:3-6
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Nagercoil Day 3
We began our day with Melissa and I crying to our Lord with much tears. It did not end there. We gathered yesterday morning before the day began as a team and it was a precious time with the Lord as we cried for
humility, courage and passion for the lost. It was very profitable. Afterwards, the team traveled to a dedication of a home that consisted of two apartments that Charity Home build. Many years ago Dr. Spurgeon led by the Lord purchased land not knowing what will happen with it. This past year, God blessed them with the finances to build this apartment home to bring funds into the ministry. God is good to His people! Dr. Spurgeon and his wife prayed for the home as well as they asked Melissa and me to pray for the home. What a joy and privilege to be a part of this great blessing! Mrs. Spurgeon gave a tour of the home as well as the land, which they will be able to build another apartment home. Afterwards, we traveled back to the home of the Spurgeons. The girls readied themselves as they were going clothes shopping and Dr. Spurgeon and I stayed home to work on biblical studies for upcoming preaching opportunities. The girls were gone for almost 3 hours and returned with lovely Indian clothing for themselves. After the fashion show, we focused on our skit and lesson for the evening with the Charity Home girls. This would be the first time in meeting them, and the our girls were so excited. We left the Spurgeon's home around 4:50 and arrived to the girls standing in two lines waiting for us. We were touched. We unloaded out of the vehicle and walked between the two lines as we entered the building. Once we entered, the girls quickly sat down on their mats waiting patiently to begin the service. As we settled in, Dr. Spurgeon spoke to the girls in regards to how we became acquainted with the Charity Home and introdu
ced us individually. Surprisingly, when Dr. Spurgeon called our names, a girl would come to each of us to bring us flowers. They were precious! All of our hearts melted and questioned how the culture can treat the Indian girls as a curse. After the gifts, the girls performed two dances for us, which we were truly blessed. We felt specially honored.
Dr. Spurgeon turned the service over to us and the girls sang We Will Glorify and My God is So Big. The Indian girls participated in the motions for My God is So Big. I cannot say enough on how precious they are, but I was reminded that their hearts are wicked and need a Savior. This was the mission God set before us. After the singing, we performed the skit called The Waiting Father from the parable of the Prodigal Son. God truly used this for His glory! Subsequently, I gave a lesson, which led into crafts and games. We ended the evening with singing and Elizabeth giving her testimony.
Again, we were truly blessed to have the opportunity to share and live Jesus before the girls. The assistants at the school are Hindus as well as Dr. Spurgeon's driver. The gospel was presented and we pray for salvation to come to them as well as the girls.
Well, I need to go as we are preparing to leave for our second meeting with the girls. Thank you for your prayers and keeping us in your thoughts. God bless you!
In Christ Alone
Dean
(Psalm 103)
humility, courage and passion for the lost. It was very profitable. Afterwards, the team traveled to a dedication of a home that consisted of two apartments that Charity Home build. Many years ago Dr. Spurgeon led by the Lord purchased land not knowing what will happen with it. This past year, God blessed them with the finances to build this apartment home to bring funds into the ministry. God is good to His people! Dr. Spurgeon and his wife prayed for the home as well as they asked Melissa and me to pray for the home. What a joy and privilege to be a part of this great blessing! Mrs. Spurgeon gave a tour of the home as well as the land, which they will be able to build another apartment home. Afterwards, we traveled back to the home of the Spurgeons. The girls readied themselves as they were going clothes shopping and Dr. Spurgeon and I stayed home to work on biblical studies for upcoming preaching opportunities. The girls were gone for almost 3 hours and returned with lovely Indian clothing for themselves. After the fashion show, we focused on our skit and lesson for the evening with the Charity Home girls. This would be the first time in meeting them, and the our girls were so excited. We left the Spurgeon's home around 4:50 and arrived to the girls standing in two lines waiting for us. We were touched. We unloaded out of the vehicle and walked between the two lines as we entered the building. Once we entered, the girls quickly sat down on their mats waiting patiently to begin the service. As we settled in, Dr. Spurgeon spoke to the girls in regards to how we became acquainted with the Charity Home and introdu
ced us individually. Surprisingly, when Dr. Spurgeon called our names, a girl would come to each of us to bring us flowers. They were precious! All of our hearts melted and questioned how the culture can treat the Indian girls as a curse. After the gifts, the girls performed two dances for us, which we were truly blessed. We felt specially honored.Dr. Spurgeon turned the service over to us and the girls sang We Will Glorify and My God is So Big. The Indian girls participated in the motions for My God is So Big. I cannot say enough on how precious they are, but I was reminded that their hearts are wicked and need a Savior. This was the mission God set before us. After the singing, we performed the skit called The Waiting Father from the parable of the Prodigal Son. God truly used this for His glory! Subsequently, I gave a lesson, which led into crafts and games. We ended the evening with singing and Elizabeth giving her testimony.
Again, we were truly blessed to have the opportunity to share and live Jesus before the girls. The assistants at the school are Hindus as well as Dr. Spurgeon's driver. The gospel was presented and we pray for salvation to come to them as well as the girls.
Well, I need to go as we are preparing to leave for our second meeting with the girls. Thank you for your prayers and keeping us in your thoughts. God bless you!
In Christ Alone
Dean
(Psalm 103)
Friday, February 11, 2011
Nagercoil - Beginning of Day 2
God is merciful and good! Praise YHWH! As we end our first day, we encounter a spiritual battle that has us falling at God's holy throne. Please pray for us as the spiritual battle intensifies for each one of us. Melissa and I woke up this morning crying out to God. Satan is a liar, who is seeking to destroy us as well as keep us from being unified in Christ. The "thorns" consist of physical illness, emotional stress and discouragement. As we journey this predestined path, we are encouraged and strengthened by God's Word and His Spirit, who is always with us. We will begin this day with prayer and searcing God's Truth to prepare our hearts for the battles we will face today. God's faithfulness and goodness is refreshing. I pray for you who are praying for us and following along in this spiritual trek to seek Christ by denying yourself, taking up your
cross and following Him. Praise God! He teaches us how to live in Christ and the life we live must be solely fixed upon carrying the gospel message to the lost. Pray for a deep and sincere passion for the lost. May we cast off the foolishness and possessions of this world and live for Christ alone.
The team has encountered not only a spiritual battle, but we have seen with our own spiritual eyes the need for Christ. Oh, how I pray for God to be praise and receive all the glory while we live and share Jesus Christ not only with the girls, but men, women, and children who worship idols like Americans. How many of us go to church and worship the idol of self. It is no different here than it is in the American church. I pray that we strive to live for Christ--it is more than American Christianity. Paul Washer said that Christians still watch and do things that GOD HATES! So how can we live Christ if we continue to live like the world. We as a team realize that to live Christ is to die to ourselves daily an
d see through Christ's eyes. To live is Christ and to die is gain! May we not have a right perspective according to religious Christianity, but a godly perspective according to God's Holy Word!
Thank you for your prayers! Keep praying as we have never experience a spiritual battle like this. Praise God to suffer for Christ. Suffering only draws us closer to Him. Amen!
In Christ Alone
Dean
Galatians 2:20
cross and following Him. Praise God! He teaches us how to live in Christ and the life we live must be solely fixed upon carrying the gospel message to the lost. Pray for a deep and sincere passion for the lost. May we cast off the foolishness and possessions of this world and live for Christ alone.The team has encountered not only a spiritual battle, but we have seen with our own spiritual eyes the need for Christ. Oh, how I pray for God to be praise and receive all the glory while we live and share Jesus Christ not only with the girls, but men, women, and children who worship idols like Americans. How many of us go to church and worship the idol of self. It is no different here than it is in the American church. I pray that we strive to live for Christ--it is more than American Christianity. Paul Washer said that Christians still watch and do things that GOD HATES! So how can we live Christ if we continue to live like the world. We as a team realize that to live Christ is to die to ourselves daily an
d see through Christ's eyes. To live is Christ and to die is gain! May we not have a right perspective according to religious Christianity, but a godly perspective according to God's Holy Word!Thank you for your prayers! Keep praying as we have never experience a spiritual battle like this. Praise God to suffer for Christ. Suffering only draws us closer to Him. Amen!
In Christ Alone
Dean
Galatians 2:20
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