Bread and Life Minstry....To India with Love

Amazing are Your Works, Oh Lord! : )

2010-03-27T07:29:00.001-07:00

Ok people, I have some amazing news! MacResources just donated $500 to the kids bed fund! Its amazing what the Lord will do through people, when those he cares about care. So far, we have a total of $813 (including the generous gift from Mac) out of the $1400 that we need! 313 dollars of the money was raised by selling t-shirts. Thank you, all that have helped us move forward with this project!

Coconuts

2010-03-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

Waking up in the morning to the sound of brooms swishing against concrete and little whispering voices, is so wonderful. One morning, I walked out from a interesting bucket bath. Let me take a moment to diverge. *Cough couch* In India, we did not take showers, because there were no shower heads. We did not take baths, because there are no tubs. Instead, we had two ten gallon buckets full of cold, cold water. Laying beside the bucket, was always a little measuring cup like thing. Generally it was a yellow, green or blue color. When I first saw it, I could help but giggle at the interesting opportunities I knew I would have. Ok, back the the beginning.Water dripped from my hair and left big dark spots on my shirt. I tiptoed my way outside and on bare feet, and sniffed in the sticky, salty air. Little voices grabbed my attention, and fingers grabbed my arm. Looking up I saw Solomon, climbing a coconut tree like a little monkey. His feet gripped into the tree, as he scaled the trunk. Before we knew it, almost all thirteen boys were scaling trees like cats on a carpet castle. Their little brown eyes flashed with excitement. As fast as they had scrambled up, they flashed mischievous smiles and wriggled quickly back down. Suneetha chimed nervously“ Slow slow…SLOW!”

Pic on left: top to bottom David, Hamen

Pic on right: Solomon

Mornings

2010-03-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

There is no way in the world to describe the love and admiration I feel for the children. Even though they have gone through more than probably anyone of us could imagine, joy simply bubbles up from their little souls. Smiles spread across their faces, and laughter bursts from their little lips. They simply fawned over us while we were there. From the moment that we stepped out of the car, to the tear stricken goodbye when we left, the kids little hands were all over us. Their kisses were on our cheeks, and their love whittled its way into our hearts.

The mornings were generally the most calm and relaxing. Peter, Solomon, Zacheus, Swatekenen, Ridu, Raju, Jonah, Daniel, David, Hamen, Moses, Mathewe and Andrew (all the boys) were normally busy bringing water from the well. At least one of them would sneak into our little bathroom and fill our buckets, for bathing, every morning. Ramia, Renuca, Glory, Esther, Mary and Martha (the girls) were usually busily scurrying, cutting, peeling, sweeping and mopping.

Sometimes, I would sit in the kitchen and watch, while Suneetha and RajKumari cooked. The strong smells of curry always gently wafted its way through the house, hitting your nose with a gentle, spicy tingle. RajKumari took great pride in her cooking and loved to watch as we ate. Glory was the most helpful in the kitchen. Her little pigtails would bounce around as she looked this way or that. I sometimes would catch her cutting onions or cracking peanuts. She always cocked her head and would say, “Hi shishter.”

I miss the soft touch of little brown hands. I miss being called “akha”. I miss the smells, the sounds, the smiles. How can someone get so attached in a week? How can I fall in love with a place in so short of a time? More importantly, how can I get back?

We have seen them face to face

2010-02-26T03:58:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 13th, we left on an adventure. On Tuesday, February 23, we arrived back home. The only difference between those two moments in time, is that at the moment we left home we knew nothing, had seen nothing, tasted nothing, experienced nothing. But the moment we arrived home, our hearts were bursting with memories and a new love.A love that had secretly been unfolding itself in a space of ten days.

From the moment that we stepped into Visakhapatnam, friendly kindness enveloped us. Suneetha ( the un-boilogical mother to the children and overseer) grabbed my arm and squeezed me. Her head only came to about my shoulder. She smiled and greeted me with excited, broken English. Three of the boys ran beside us, dodging through other people and trying to grab our bags. The fresh smell of the Indian Ocean hung everywhere and people screamed as a political leader paraded down the sidewalk.

We squeezed our luggage into the tiny van, and jumped in. The boys sat in the back huddled on top of the bags. Smiles split on their faces like a ripe fruit and they grinned from ear to ear. Driving to the orphanage for the first time, was the rude awakening to how people, in India, drive. First off you are racing down the oposite side of the road, and secondly, you are dogding and weaving bobbing and honking. Dogs are crossing, people are hobbling, bikes are racing, three wheelers are warbling and giant lorees are plowing around you. ( A loree is what they call a semi.)I think I nearly squeezed Suneetha's arm to death one time, while we raced on the wrong side of the road and a giant loree blared its apporoach.

Seeing the orphanage was an incredible feeling. "It is real." "We really were a part of something amazing." Those are some of the awe inspired thoughts that swirled. When we got out of the car, 20 little voices excitedly shouted "daddy!", "ahka!" ( Ahka means sister in telegu). At least ten pairs of little hands grabbed my arm and dragged me into the little building. White teeth against dark skin, flashed at me in smiles and little pink tongues rolled, in excited words. WE had ARRIVED.

Written by: Shaina

In the picture, (from left to right) is Peter (13yrs), Solomon (13yrs), and Moses ( 11 or 12yrs).

They are on their way home from INDIA!!!!

2009-05-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,

I spoke to Mr. H last night for the last time prior to them getting on a plane and coming home to the U.S.. We are so excited to see them, all the pictures and video of the trip. The trip has been nothing but amazing as we hear from afar across the satellite and land line what God has done in a far away place.

The children have gotten a Doberman for protection and play so that will be very much fun for them to take care of and enjoy.

I thank you all for your prayers for them.

In Christ,
Jeff

UPDATE FROM INDIA!!!

2009-05-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,

Had a call from Jim last night full of good news. Jim and Lori are both feeling much better after Pastor D. gave them some home remedy medicine for their stomach bug. However, Jim is battling some pretty bad heat rash on his torso, however Pastor D. to the rescue with another home remedy. Pastor D. is kind of the local home remedy man of the area, so Jim and Lori are in the good remedy hands of Pastor D. Meanwhile they continue in the great hands of Christ as they have visited a few village churches.

One Pastor they visited was the recipient of a bicycle we purchased for him some 3 years ago, so it was fun for them to meet the pastor and see God's provision at work. However, another Pastor who's name is John is not in very good health. He is only 37 and has a malignant brain tumor which has been operated on 3 times. He has lost half of his memory in the process and is not doing very well. He has a wife and 3 children, so please pray for them all.

Jim stated that the children songs are written by Pastor D's daughter and that they are better than any American children's songs he has ever heard. There is one particular song that every night before bed, the children go up on top of the roof and belt it out for all to hear. I can not wait to see and hear this on video.

Sounds like Lori has memorized all the children's names and is enjoying them greatly. She can not wait to get back in tell Kristie face to face all that she has experienced.

We love you all...

In Christ,
Jeff

Update from India!!!

2009-05-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,

Well the phone rang again last night and it was Mr. H. Sounds like they are having a blessed yet somewhat difficult time, as they both have some stomach flu stuff. Sunday service went very well and Mr. H was asked to speak and I am sure it was wonderful. Lord willing they were off to one of the villages to visit others, however that depended on their health. Sounds as though the needs are great, especially for a generator to keep things running when the power goes out 2 times a day. Mr. H is pricing generators, so I am sure this will be an area to pray concerning The Lord providing support to bless the children home with a generator. Please keep them in your prayers.

In Christ,
Jeff

Mr and Mrs. H (our friends) arrived and are doing great!!!!

2009-05-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,

Tonight is a night I will never forget. The phone rang at about 10pm and all I could think is "Is it Mr. and Mrs. H calling from India". Well, it was and they are at Bread and Life and are doing wonderful. Kristie and Mrs H. shared tears on the phone as Mrs. H shared how precious the children are at the home. I spoke with Mr H. and he stated that Pastor D is taking great care of them.

They woke up this morning in a surreal state that they are in India at the mission. Even for myself and Kristie it is a surreal moment to know that they are at the mission that God has been caring over for the last 3 years.

Mrs. H stated there are many needs. So we will all be looking forward to their return and report of what The Lord is doing and how else He might use His children to suppor the Work in India.

Please pray for Pastor D's wife as her arthritis in her knees is extremely severe and Mrs H. said Pastor D's wife serves ceaselessly.

May 9th 2009 is a wonderful day for us and all whom have supported this work in India. May God use us further in seeing these 18 children be used for the furthering of His Kingdom.

They were all getting ready for Sunday Service, so I am sure the the report from that service will be nothing but amazing.

We love you all,
Jeff

Time is Near!

2009-05-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Our friends are leaving soon and we will get our
first onsite view of the children and how they are
thriving! Though Jeff and I were not able to make
this first trip, we are so thrilled! We are praying
for the children's needs to be clear and that our
friends will know what to do with the extra monies
we send.

Plans are set

2009-04-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Our friends have their tickets and have their visas and will be leaving May 7 to visit the orphanage. After 4 years we will be finally able to have a first hand report of our dear children and be able to really see the needs and evaluate what else can be done. We have room for two more children in the existing facility. (shown here) So, we are praying about that or if there needs to be some focus on the village needs. Our friend and contact in India oversees 20 thatched roof village churches with many other orphans and a high widow population. Widows in a caste system are ostracized and not able to even purchase food for themselves in public. They are completely dependent on the care of others. Pray with us as we pray for our friends safe travel and wisdom while they are away!

Praying for safe travel

2009-04-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

Our sweet friends are preparing for their trip! They will soon be with the children and be able to assess the orphanage and the villages and see what
the Lord would have us to do and how we might be of more help. We are leaving their names out of our blog right now as it could compromise their
country entrance. Jeff was never given Visa clearance and just got his
passport back. We think it has to do with our christianity.

The needs are great, but the children are happy and taught and well fed and healthy. We are so thankful for the DVD and the amazing blessing of watching them perform their tasks. We shared it with our community group on a rec night and have been able to share it with other friends. We thank you for
your prayers!

DVD

2009-03-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is the children doing their daily lessons.

They learn Math, Bible, Reading, English and

life skills in the orphanage. We received our

first DVD yesterday of "A Day in Their Life".

It was so wonderful to see them all and watch

their day and enjoy a "moving picture". We

wept seeing the simplicity of their lives: No

beds, eat on the floor, wash from a bucket,

carry their own water. So humbling to see

and yet they are so well cared for! They are

well fed and being taught daily!!!

Visa Arrives

2009-03-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord, A visa has been approved! The drawback
is that is not Jeff's visa. We so hoped that he would go on
this first visit, but it is not to be. We are grieved and
thrilled in the same breath. We will cheerfully send our
friends and thank the Lord in His providence that we
will soon have a first hand report of our dear little ones!

Thank You!!

2009-03-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

This is a drawing by one of our

little friends.

Thank you to DaySpring for your generous

giving and commitment to us for another

year!

You can't know what a blessing it

has been to have your love and support!

Travel Update

2009-03-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

So, we have been in touch with our state rep. Lloyd
Doggetts office. They had us fax in consent forms for
them to take over talks with the consulate on our
behalf. We were very hopeful as they told us that
they have had good success in these matters. However,
after several days of their efforts, we were informed
that they don't think there is much they can do. So,
aside from God changing the situation, we are beginning
to have someone else pursue visas to take Jeff's place.

You all know our heart and how we desire to meet the
dear children. The Lord knows what is best and we are
resting in His choices here.

Still Waiting

2009-02-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

This is Vedi, a 10 yr. old orphan living at the Bread and Life orphanage. She is in the 2nd level class. Our workers "homeschool" the children. We have 4 workers living and teaching in the orphanage. Vedi wants to meet Mr. Jeff and Mr. Jim.

Jeff applied Dec. 12 for a Visa to enter the country of India. After the Indian consulate inquired about his reasons, they gave an estimate of 1 to 3 mo. before they would made their decision as to whether Jeff may have a Visa or not. We continued to pursue them and sent 2 reviews of Jeff's character and work that were written by Indian citizens to the Indian Consulate. We heard nothing. We continue to work with Travesa (the courier service), but they are hearing nothing. It seems that they have pushed this aside and are hoping we will go away. They have Jeff's passport and we heard if we withdraw we will not get in at all, so........we wait and pray. Ultimately, this is not in the hands of anyone, but God; so His will be done!

Isaiah 40:15 "Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales"

Gods Grace

2009-02-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

About 10 days ago Jeff was approached by a co-worker, Troy Mills, who was given the opportunity to speak to about 400 people in Austin. He wanted to speak about God's
doing extraordinary things through ordinary people. He wanted info. so he could talk
about Bread and Life Ministry! Jeff sent him pictures and scanned a couple of our letters.
It continually amazes how God brings us to the attention of those He desires to know.
Thanks for following the Lord's leading, Troy. Our dear little friends appreciate it so much!

There have been requests to explain on the blog how to help and give to Bread and Life.
I will be adding that shortly.

Prayer for Visa

2009-02-12T16:11:00.000-08:00

So, here we are!! We have made it to the web and we are so excited that you want to know about the children in India! Our picture shows 15 children, but by the grace of God and through the help of our dear friends at DaySpring Chapel we now have 18 and are in the process of planning our first trip. The trip was originally supposed to take place in December; however, we are experiencing Visa hold ups and have had to reschedule. We are hoping for a March trip and are praying that God will move the hearts of men to grant the "golden ticket" for country entrance. This picture is Jeff and the man the Lord brought to be his travel buddy, Jim.