Pure Religion

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

Thomas Samuel is 86 years old. God still gives him vision to expand and develop ministry here in the jungles of south India. Just this year Thomas received a burden for the young widows. There is no pension or social security for these ladies. There is no life insurance policy or charity programs to help lighten the load. They have children to raise. Just keeping a roof over their heads is difficult since many of the homes they live in are literally crumbling. And so Thomas and Marykutty took the initiative and started a relief ministry for these widows. 

Young Widows

We met with 12 wonderful ladies who all have lost their husbands. Each one stood and told us their name, how many children they had and how their husbands passed away. Some died of health problems, some were in car wrecks, some committed suicide. Two women were abandoned. All of them were young with young children. 

Each is given rice and lentils

I was asked to speak to the ladies. What can you say? We are sorry for your loss? We can't imagine your grief? The only encouragement was to tell them of God's love and provision for them. Through the kindness of QCI these ladies have found a place that is showing the love of Christ to them in authentic and practical ways. Once a month they come here, they participate in prayer and praise to the God of the Bible. They are given a sac of rice and lentils. They are given about 300 rupees (a day's pay). They are served lunch. One lady's roof was in need of repair. QCI put a new tin roof on her home. What better encouragement could there be then to know that God loves the widow and fatherless children? How can they know that if we do nothing? 

Later we made a visit to see the latest member of Pastor Vasu's family. Little Sarah was born one week ago weighing in at just under 5 pounds. Everyone is doing fine.

Jemema, Vasu, Joyce and Sarah

 

Sunday, Sunday

Sunday was a long, hot, tiring yet a wonderful day. We left Quiet Corner early in the morning in order to attend church in Gudalepet, a good size village about one hour away. After a rough ride through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (at least 50 speed bumps), we arrived in the village which has a population of about 300,000.

The Quiet Corner Church there is a wonderful little community of believers. Thomas Samuel is especially proud of the

The Church in Gudalepet

Christian presence that exists there. Forty years ago QCI planted this small church. Since that time many have come to faith and Bible Vision has distributed many bibles throughout the area. Sal preached a message on being a light to the world. After the service we enjoyed fresh coconut water.

Satellite Church planted in the village

We had a good lunch at a vegetarian restaurant and then traveled about an hour to a newly established satellite church. Pastor Thomas, the pastor of the Gudalepet church, travels this distance every Sunday to conduct a service there and then comes back to conduct a service in Gudalepet. The small village of about 70 people is very poor

Rural church believers

and rural. The church meets in a tiny building with no electricity. As we drove down the narrow dirt road, villagers began congregating at the tiny church and gave us a warm welcome.
The Christians who attend the church read scripture for us and sang some hymns in their language. To see the conditions in which they live was troubling to us, and yet they all seemed to radiate with joy and peace.  

Our next stop was Elmbrook Farm. This 10 acre farm is home to almost 100 coconut trees and a large crop of tomatoes. Pastor Samuel and his young family live in a nice house there. It was a sweet time of fellowship. One of the farm hands climbed a tree to cut down some fresh coconuts for us. While at the tree top he took a call on his mobile phone. Technology has infected India!!!!

Completely exhausted we safely arrived back at QCI around 7:00 PM. A hot shower never felt so good. After a wonderful meal, we all called it an early night.

This is the (Sun)day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24