missions meeting April 30th!

For anyone interested in going to Costa Rica, Wednesday night, right after service in the upper room we will have an informational meeting. Please come if you have an interest in going!

Debi's update

I love the people of India - especially the children. As you can see they are so beautiful. Children are the future and hope of every nation. I'm so glad I went on the trip. At first, I didn't think it was such a great idea to leave the country so soon after beating cancer. But I sensed God leading me and He made it all possible. It's always a blessing to obey!I don't know how to explain some of the things we saw and experienced. They are so different from the States. I'm not just talking about the poor living conditions of many - or the elaborate temples or random 40-foot statues built by human hands and worshipped as gods. I'm talking about the people.When someone comes to know Christ in India it costs - many times it costs them everything because even their family members disown them. And the pastors and missionaries! What words can be used to describe the kind of commitment and sacrificial love they have? How do you explain young men - extremely intelligent, educated and gifted who give up the opportunity to make good money and live in the States because they would rather live in humble means in India in order that others might come to know Jesus. Now that is the power of God’s love! Apart from the Lord it doesn’t make sense!The people I met thanked me so much for coming and told me how encouraged they were by the testimony of how God has worked in my life. But I was the one who was encouraged – encouraged, humbled and challenged. I guess you can say my comfortable Christianity was challengedYes, I’ve been to India and my life will never be the same.1) I'm speaking at one of the meetings. 2) They mow using 2 oxen pulling a grass cutter. 3) Me and my new friend, Sweety at an out-door market.

report from Steve Finger (India team)

Hi Y'all,First let me say thanks so much to all of you who supported me in prayer and financially. The pics (below) aren't in any particular order but they are a decent sample of what I experienced in India. I didn't take pictures of some of the things I witnessed as they were either too sad such as the children who were deformed and beggars or it didn't seem appropriate such as a deliverance I was a part of.As far as miracles go, there were salvations, rededications, deliverance and healing but the most graphic miracle can be seen in the pictures where you'll see Hindu's, Sikh & Muslim's all worshipping the same God, Jesus! In fact, when I was sitting in one of the services in awe of this God said, "there's even a Jew worshipping here with them, you!"I thought I was just going to give my testimony here and there but wound up preaching quite a bit as you can see from some of the pictures. God was so faithful in giving me what to share. In one picture you'll see me holding a rose which was used in an example to demonstrate the difference between a fragrance and an odor which we all have the choice to be based on 2 Corinthians 2:14-17. The odor was demonstrated by smelling my arm pit then the interpreter's. They all thought that was quite funny. A Pastor who has preached in India for years said that it was pretty awesome how they all laughed. I was in my room praying on how I could demonstrate the difference earlier that day and all of a sudden a maid came in and handed me the rose. The arm pit was improvised. Many of the pics may seem strange. Like the one of the toilet but I thought it was interesting. Let me just say that if you're travelling abroad in a third world country, be sure to bring paper and be prepared to squat. In the nicer places they have what look like shower nozzles or praise God "Western Toilets"! One of the pictures of a cow was through my train window at the station. Notice that it can go wherever it wants and people aren't even affected by it. It's not unusual to see cows on crowded city streets and highways.I believe that the Lord showed me the answer to make it through ALL of life's problems on this trip. The only problem was that I had to learn it in Hindi. I can't write in Hindi, but I can spell it out phonetically for you. "Yeshu Ka Sauth Chaltae Raho!" (Keep Walking With Jesus!) Think about this. Let's say you're facing financial problems. If you keep walking with Jesus you'll either be helped here or when you make it to heaven you'll be walking on streets paved with gold. If you're really sad, you can either get the joy of the Lord here for strength or God will wipe away all your tears in heaven. If you need healing, you'll either be healed here on in the air. To think I had to travel half way around the world for this to really sink in!Delores and I have been, and are going to continue to, pray for those of you who supported this endeavor financially. Please email me the praise reports of how you have been and are blessed out of the ordinary in the days and weeks to come.Blessings,Steve Finger
link to pics

another India update from June

Awesome meeting. 1 little boy about 10 gave me a bookmark. We had danced during worship and he had me pray for him. Get up at 4:30 to get train to Chandighar. Love and Blessings.

update from India

"We made it! Right now on our way to church & I'm crying as beggars hold their children up to beat on the windows that they purposely maim at birth to get money. They go from one side to the other. Went shopping in a market - tell pastor Joe there ain't no Nordstrom's!!Love to all June and Mom"

from Heather on the India trip

Posted by: Heather April 2, 2008
Now that i have seen i am responsible
Today was our first day in India. My eyes have truly never seen such poverty like this…This has to be one if not the worst place in the world. Complain about having to GO grocery shopping and look into the eyes of a 4 year old who hasnt eaten in a week and youll shut your mouth. So much to learn here …and so much growing inside of myself that needs to take place. I feel like God took me out of ‘my bubble’ of what i thought ‘NEED’ was and placed me in a place that changed all my opinions and mindsets…I have NEVER known need…sickness or sadness…These ppl. live it. Jesus these are the ones you run after…teach me how to run with the same passion and love that you do!
…..Now that I HAVE SEEN I am RESPONSIBLE

from our missionary in Kenya

Praise God! Greetings and blessings to you all the Pastors and all the Leaders as well as the entire Celebration Church. I trust that you are doing well in the Lord. We appreciate for your support and we thank you for praying for us and even for praying for our country God to bring healing to our Nation Kenya. God protected me, my family and the church. In my area most of the people lost their lives, their beloved ones,homes and properties but I thank God because He protected my house and my properties were not touched!! Priase God! Hallelujah! "For He shall give His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalm 91:1, 4-7, 10-11.

from our Romanian missionaries

Please check news and prayer requests onhttp://www.servingkids.blogspot.com/LoveEstera & Vio