INDIA [October 2009]

What a colourful and mesmerizing place!  I have desired for a  long time to go there. Martha Clinch and  I had an exciting trip.   The hospitality  was  great  and  like  everywhere  else,  it  included  lots  of  tasty  food.  People  and  banners welcomed us heartily and we made new friends. We ministered in three areas. While I ministered to the adults Martha held  sessions with  the  children. We had a very blessed  time. We had  to get used  to  the noise  though!  “SOUND HORN”  are  the words written  at  the  back  of many  trucks  and  vans. All  drivers sound their horns – rickshaws, vans, motorcycles, trucks, buses and of course cars. After using ear plugs for a couple of nights, I asked for a back room at the hotel. Even during the night the noise was too much!  

ATTUR, Tamil Nadu State
God gave us the honour of being the first individuals that they hosted from Canada (and also  the  Caribbean,  which  I  represent).  Our  hosts,  Pastor  and Mrs  Dhariyinathan  and family treated us royally. They are leaders of Christ Evangelical Fellowship.


Annual Women’s Conference          
Around 160 women  showed up. 17 of  them gave  their  lives  to  Jesus!  It was a glorious time  as God  poured  out His  Spirit  in  a  powerful way. One man  called  his  two Hindu  sisters  and  they  came  for  prayer  after  the conference. One prayed  to  receive  Jesus. Another  lady went home  and  sent her  two daughters who were both  sick  to  come  for prayer. We praise God for His marvellous works.



At  the  “Gospel and Healing Meetings”  in  the village of Veeragapur, God  saved  souls  and He healed  the  sick. Glory  to His name! During  the  Sunday  service  at  Attur, we  had  the  honour  of  dedicating  the  cornerstone  for  the  construction  of  their  new  church building. We held a Ministers’ Conference which was a very enriching time of teaching and fellowship.

Anakapalli, Andra Pradesh State

The  pastors  and  their  wives  welcomed  us  excitedly. We  were  accompanied  by  Pastor Joshua of Attur and were  the  first  foreign visitors  that  they hosted. They oversee  several churches  and  I  spoke  at  three  of  them.  They  also  operate  a  home  for  children  which houses  one  of  their  churches.  The  services  there  were  held  on  the  rooftop  and  in  a bedroom!

Martha’s Report

“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

“We can never underestimate the value of children in God's eyes. What could please Him more than children committing their lives to Him and with  their childlike  faith accepting  Jesus as  their personal Saviour! While  in
India, we ministered  to  approximately  650  children,  sharing  the  Good  News  of  Jesus.
Children  of  all  ages  enjoyed  specialized  sessions  during  the  adult  conferences,  church services and at a Children's Retreat  in Anakapalli. They worshipped enthusiastically with hands raised in praise. Many, on their knees before God, prayed to receive Jesus as their Saviour.  What a privilege to conduct lessons and follow-up activities as part of the Focus On the World ministry during this trip! Please continue to pray for the churches as they
provide  the  follow up  for  these young believers. May  they grow  in  faith  to a  lifetime of service to God!”

Children’s Class in the stairwell at a hotel


Chennai, Tamil Nadu State            
On the way to India, because the airline had a computer breakdown they told us to sit wherever we found seats. I sat next to a man who runs a home for children and other services. He arranged for me to speak at a women’s meeting at the church which his sister and her husband pastor.  It was a God-ordained,  refreshing  time.  Indeed,  “the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.”

Humanitarian Aid & Gifts

We thank God for the gifts and money that were donated by many friends. The people were thrilled.  Gifts included: 300 hand-made bags donated by a  friend  from Hamilton; School supplies  for  the 350 children at Christina school and other children as well; New Testaments donated by a supporter from western Canada; Books for pastors from Christian Salvage Mission. The Bibles were given to ministers, school teachers and other individuals. We also participated in providing and distributing food to widows in Anakapalli.


We praise God for all that He did. 50 adults and many children received Jesus as their Saviour. Many were healed and delivered from demons by the power of the Holy Spirit. We give Him glory for His protection, strength, anointing and all His blessings.