21 June, 2009

Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh State, India

Dear brethren,

I arrived in India on 8 June and had a great week of fellowship in Mumbai (Bombay) with Craig and Teresa Phillips and baby Anna. We met with several house churches and made plans to work together again in January, Lord willing. There are hundreds of New Testament Christians scattered all over this city of nearly 20 million souls who need encouragement and teaching.  The spirituality of these Christians is awe-inspiring. I’ll spend another day with them on the way out of India at the beginning of July. Teresa’s parents, Eddie and Susan Cloer of Searcy, will be there at that time for a visit.

Rob Daniel from East Grand has been with me most of the time. He has been a great side-kick and brother. Rob works with the Christian Student Center in Springfield and has a connection with India through East Grand. They work with a congregation in Hyderabad, not far from where I spend most of my time in India. The East Grand elders asked me to go with Rob on his visit because I know the territory (sort-of). We found the Indian brethren in Hyderabad to be faithful and well. Rob left today to return home via Atlanta.

I am holding daytime Bible classes (topic is Sermon on the Mount) and nighttime village meetings in the area around Rajahmundry, near the east coast of India.  The family of brother S. John, who visited East Sunshine briefly last year, is my host. I have seen more than 20 of our Bible School graduates and scores of brethren of long acquaintance. I look forward to several more days of fellowship before returning to the States. Internet connection is sporadic, but I will post another report when I can. Please pray for the work in India. My health is good. The brethren here send greetings.

Love in Christ,

Damon