Tuesday afternoon

It is 3:00 on Tuesday afternoon as I write this. The team is almost done their first day at the orphanage where we have been warmly received by the children. Most of the 21 children here once made their homes on the train tracks. The Shaws opened this home for these children 2 years ago to provide safety, regular and healthy meals and an opportunity for education to these children. The difference between the children we met on the train tracks and these children is stark. These children are healthy, their finger nails are clean, there are no open sores or wounds on their bodies. The biggest difference is the smiles on these children's faces.

We sang with the children, taught them the story of Moses and enjoyed making some crafts with them.

For lunch we enjoyed rice and vegetables.

The youngest of the children are now taking a nap and our team is teaching a lesson to the older children.

All are well and slowly adjusting to the climate, the food and the new time zone.

Thanks for your prayers.

Tuesday morning update

It is Tuesday morning we have just finished our morning devotions and are having breakfast as we prepare to head to the orphanage for the day.

All members of the team are well.

Pray for a glad and sincere love to be demonstrated to these children. Pray for clarity as we teach and pray for a willingness to serve.

A quick update

Just a short note to let you know that all are well. We are still unable to log on to the blog at this time.

The team is having dinner and then will be heading to bed soon. Tomorrow we go to the orphanage for the first of three days.

On Wednesday night we have decided to spend the night at the orphanage rather than coming back to the YWCA. Wednesday night is a Hindu festival which sees the streets packed with revellers. Rather than brave the crowds, it will be safer to stay the night at the orphanage and return to the YWCA on Thursday evening.

Pray that we would be an encouragement and a blessing to the children in the orphanage and that we would honour Jesus in all we say and do.

Monday's plan

We are having difficulty accessing the blog from India so Mr. Lo will update it on our behalf.

Hello from India,

It is Monday morning. The boys will be joining Stuart Shaw as he goes to the train station to minister to the street youth while the girls will go with Monique Shaw as she works with women leaving prostitution.

In the afternoon, we will be visiting Mother Theresa's home and then spend the remainder of the day in preparation for our work in the orphanage.

Arrived Safely

Hello from India,

We arrived in Calcutta at 1am last night. We spent at least an hour snaking our way through the immigration line and were warmly welcomed by Stuart and Monique Shaw who had arranged to transport us and our luggage by bus to the YWCA.

We settled into our rooms by 3am and were up for breakfast at 8am this morning. Breakfast consisted of two pieces of toast, an egg and a banana.

We worshiped with other Christians this morning and had the joy of sharing in the Lord's supper with them.

At this point, we do not have reliable internet access. So, we will do our best to get out updates daily but no promises.

All the members of the team are well. We are going to do some orientation today and spend some time preparing for the VBS at the children's home later today.

Please pray for faithful and fruitful ministry while we are here.

Departure Details

See you tomorrow afternoon at 2:30pm at Pearson Terminal One, by pillar G.
Make sure you have your passport and malarone with you!

School Chapel: Missions to India Introduction

On December 7, 2011 the team made a presentation in our school chapel and introduced the students to India, described a bit of our ministry there with our host missionaries, and challenged us to follow the footsteps of William Carey, the "father of modern missions". Chapel was concluded with the entire school praying for India and the team in their community groups.

Please watch the video to receive more information about our mission and to get further acquainted with the team.