One of the many joys we had was traveling with eight talented people from around Indiana. Along for the journey was, Pastor Kim Schuessler, the talented videographer Vence Vida, emerging leader Libby Parker, and the incredible Alanna Story; Ally, Anna, Ben, Joel and Stephen.  Each weekend we traveled to partake in youth gatherings, joining with thousands of believers and others who were hearing the message of the gospel for the first time. We saw how the Holy Spirit moved through the preaching of Kim and my Dad and the powerful worship through song led by the band. The culture of the people in Meghalaya (pronounced Meg-a-laya (like the ending sound of Himalaya)) was what caught my attention. As a student of Intercultural Studies (how cultures interact) I was fascinated to see how people would receive the tall, white Americans. But almost everywhere we traveled we were shown the upmost respect and hospitality. Even with just a moments notice a home would be prepared to welcome us with milk tea and treats, even if that is all the food they had for the day.

After the first youth convention my Dad, a national leader from the church in Meghalaya,  Borman Roy Sohkia and I  traveled to Sri Lanka to lead a leadership training for the pastors there. It took us two and a half days of travel to finally arrive in Norton Bridge, where the theological school and training center is located. For a day and a half we shared with 24 pastors about the Five Principles Training focusing on the five areas of Leadership, Visioning, Spirituality, Knowledge & Culture and Relational Connectivity.  The pastors were tentative students; engaging with us and considering the words of truth we shared. Sri Lanka is a pluralistic context, recovering from years of civil war, with two languages and multiple people groups, religions and extreme poverty, the church in Sri Lanka faces a great many challenges. One of the topics that the pastors engaged with was the session on Knowledge and Culture. As the culture is a pluralistic society it is difficult for the church to know what is acceptable contextualization for the church. We talked about the wisdom of God and if we know God and His word, then we can better know what cultural forms are acceptable for the church. This topic was greatly engaged with and the church leaders were very eager to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit.

One of the other joys we had while traveling was to be hosted by the incredible Syiem family. We met this family through our dear friend Bakryman who spent many days in our home in Anderson while working on his doctorate at Anderson School of Theology. Bakryman is married in to this incredible family. His wife is one of ten children, many of who kept us well fed, warm and safe in all of traveling. One of these was Pyniaid. Pyniaid was one of our drivers and coordinators, helping us get where we needed to be. He is also a young man who seeks after Christ and is looking to serve in the local politics. He could claim his birth heritage as a Khasi royal, but instead he is seeking to get elected through honesty and hard work. Honoring the Lord who he has given his life too.

Pyniaid, Ba Bakryman, Ba Borman and so many others not only helped us to see the Lord’s faithfulness and work among the Khasi and Sri Lankan’s but also at work with in us. Thank you so much for your faithfulness to pray and support our family. We are so thankful for you. Our Lord is so faithful and we have observed that through your gift and blessings.

Thank you. Kuple.

Burom I’u Trai (Glory to God)

Gina Shaner & Mark Shaner

To whom it may concern,

It is my great honor to endorse Helping Him Ministries and the incredible work and ministry that they are engaged in throughout Haiti, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. They are a servant based ministry that is committed to the great commission through the local church. They facilitated this group of ten and another group of three to another part of India in the same two week window. All of those who journeyed on these two trips speak very highly of the work that is being accomplished in the name of Jesus.

Whether it is through giving or going to see for first hand where the Kingdom is flourishing in these days, I would recommend Helping Him and the incredibly vast ministries they are doing.

They truly are partners who come alongside the body of Christ.

Pastor Mark N Shaner

East Side Church of God

Pastor of Students and Missions.

Message from our National Leader in Bangladesh.

Greetings from Church of God Lalmanirhat.
This is to inform you that every year in the month of November to February the northern part of our country, especially the greater part of Lalmanirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Dinajpur and Kurigram Districts has to undergo through Cold Wave. You all are aware of the fact that ours is a poor country and most of the peoples are poor and earn their living by working in fields and labors. These poor people’s are not capable to purchase warm clothes for their family members. This year we would like to stand beside them and also like to show our love to them.

For your kind information; we have near 3,000 Believers in 7 districts and we hope to distribute at least 1,000 blankets among them. So that we could reach every door. It will be so kind of you to help us in this concern. The price for each blanket is around $5 US Dollars, so we would like to distribute 1000 Blankets. That will come to $5,000.00 US Dollars.

So, I would like to put my request to your organization for save those needy people from Cold Wave.

Sincerely,

After receiving this message I prayed about what should do, I felt like the Lord was saying share this with our supporting churches and let them see what they can do to impact a family for $5.

What a way to pass on a Blessing during the Christmas season! For $5 you can give a family a warm blanket to help them trough the cold season in Bangladesh.

What do you say, WILL YOU HELP US?

Please send us a message informing us of how you will help!

May the Lord richly bless you as you seek and serve Him daily!

Blessings,
Richard Fields

Earlier today we were able to get one house up and the second floor on the school started. Along with everything we did, there were still a few other things that required our attention, also.

Today’s house was up on top of a mountain and we had to do a lot of carrying of the building materials and prefab pieces, so everyone is quite tired tonight. They were very tired from just the walk up to where we put it, let alone carrying all the house parts, as well.

But tomorrow is another day that starts EARLY and will be full! Full, hard, busy, hectic yet so rewarding and blessed to be a tool in the Master’s Hands!

Heading to take a shower – a cold one – then off to bed. Be blessed and be used by God!

Knuckle Mountain

So I just got back from a trip to Sri Lanka and it was one of those beautiful experiences   I just want to share with people. Sri Lanka itself is crazy beautiful – gorgeous beaches     and steep mountains completely covered in green, with rivers and waterfalls and tea     gardens everywhere. My group was there primarily to participate in a Church of God     pastors’ convention designed to bring churches together from all over the island and     provide some much needed encouragement. In the process we heard incredible stories and dreams.

The men and women who have converted from other religions and witnessed miracles   have powerful testimonies. But the dream that caught my heart the most was about a     school. The theological training center our convention was held at has a lot of                   property not being used yet, and some of the Sri Lankans want to build a school on it.

In a mainly Buddhist and partially Hindu country, the children of our pastors are having trouble getting into school. Especially in rural areas where the main work is picking tea (for $3 a day), families’ hope for the future is in the opportunities their children get.

The dream is to raise money to build and create a boarding school so pastors all over Sri Lanka, and in neighboring countries, can trust their kids will receive a good education. Ideally, the school’s standards would be high enough to attract other students whose tuition will help keep fees low. Then the big need will be teachers – but not just classroom teachers. If children are leaving their homes they will need house parents at the school, building relationships and encouraging them. Because the cost of living is about a fifth of that in America, the leaders are hoping teachers will be able to come for several years and invest in the students.

I’m sharing all of this because it’s such a wonderful idea, but there are so many needs. Please join me in praying for the children in Sri Lanka, for the leaders planning the school, and for the teachers yet to come.

Abby leading Women's session

It says in Hebrews 10: 25: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)

During our last trip to India we had the opportunity to see the Lord work in many areas of people’s lives, especially in physical and spiritual healings. We also were able to take part in dedicating one Children’s Center and a Worship Center in honor and memory of family members of partners with Helping Hands In Motion. All of our work is designed to strengthen the local church and advance the Gospel!

John with Joyce's Dedication Plaque

The Children’s Center is located in an isolated India village close to the Bhutan border where several underprivileged children, and their

Children playing outside the Center

families, have been given the opportunity to receive physical, educational, medical and spiritual  help. There was an additional building needed in this Children’s Center and this building was provided in loving memory by the family of Joyce Boedeker Gompf for her passionate love for all children.

The other was a Worship/Outreach Center in which a new believer had given land and the church members started building the facility and was unable to finish. We came along side of them to help with finishing the facility. This was a joint effort turned into a reality with the help from the children of Rev. Homer and Laura Snow of West Virginia honoring their parents’ memory and Oak Grove Church of God, Tampa, Florida contributing the funds to finish this Worship Center.

New Worship Center

We continually need to build more Worship, Outreach and Children’s facilities for ministry opportunities for believers. We have seen many people saved, healed from sickness, forgiven from past sins and released from many bondages. Now these transformed people begin to grow in the fellowship of God’s people, which indeed is a very important aspect of Christian growth. We are finding these individuals need an exclusive place for worship or a Church building.

Though many people receive Jesus as their Savoir, sometimes they do not leave the baggage of their culture and tradition. In Indian society, caste system is very much prevalent and therefore people always do not feel comfortable to go to somebody’s house that is little lower caste than them. Of course, such thinking slowly gets eradicated from the minds of believer after getting sound teachings

Church Dedication Plaque

from the Word, but many people do not come to a worship place because the place belongs to somebody else.

In most areas of India, the worship services are held in the Pastor’s home, or in the Leader’s home. Most Indian houses are small with an average size of 12ft x 10ft. In such small houses to accommodate more than 20 people is very difficult and finally the believers stop coming to the fellowship due to space limitations.

In some places the worship services take place in a rented house and if anybody complains about the worship or singing or files a complaint of Christian activities then the owner of the house tells the Pastor to leave the place immediately. This causes real difficulties as the Pastor and then the believers do not know where to go and finally the believers are dispersed either to some other Churches or they backslide.

When the worship takes place under a shade or tree it can be very convenient when the climate is favourable. But when there is rain or storms, either the worship cease to take place and sometimes many of the shades are broken due to natural calamity.
These are some of the difficulties which are faced by our India Pastors and Leaders. Add to this the persecution they face daily, their children also need protected, so we try to get them into a safe environment for their education.

Many of our National Leaders are requesting a place of worship. Though the congregation is willing to help, but their help is so meagre that it would not complete a worship place. Therefore if a worship place can be constructed where believers are coming together they show the sign of spiritual maturity and growth, then we will see many people added to the Body of Christ by breaking the barriers of traditions and other difficulties.

Helping Hands In Motion stands ready to help our Brothers and Sisters in the Name of Jesus Christ! We appeal to our partners in ministry to bless us and help us provide a place of worship for our/your Brothers and Sisters. We know that a place of worship can hold multiple activities such as: seeker’s meetings, Sunday School programs, a medical facility for villagers, adult literacy programs, a place where children can come, hear and grow in a Christian environment and more. These are just a few ways in which a worship facility will be beneficial to our Indian believers. Many of you may want to help us build these facilities by doing this in honor or memory of a loved one. Please prayerfully consider helping us provide these facilities to our needful brothers and sisters around the world. Please contact us and talk with us about how you want to take part in this exciting ministry opportunity.

Thank you for your prayers and support on behalf of our friends in India, Bangladesh, Haiti and other areas of ministry. Several individuals and churches in the U.S. have worked through Helping Hands In Motion to construct new Sanctuaries in India, Bangladesh and other countries. Perhaps you, your family, or your church congregation could sponsor or co-sponsor a church in India as a mission or memorial project. If so, contact us for more information. Typical church/outreach or children’s buildings cost anywhere from $4,000.00 to over $50,000.00.

The Church is the voice for the voiceless, the hope for the hopeless! A church facility is a sanctuary where the Church meets to be empowered to go and be the voice and share the hope of Jesus Christ!

St. Roberts Church of God Team!

Haiti was a wild mix of sights, sounds, and feelings. Port Au Prince was full of people selling their wares on the side of the street. Some sold souvenirs, some sold fruits or vegetables, and some sold clothing or kitchen utensils. Their makeshift store fronts consisted of salvaged pieces of corrugated tin, branches of trees, pieces of plastic or tarps or just a bucket or washtub to sit beside. They all sold their items in the grimy streets piled curb deep in trash. Every block or so there would be a small mountain of trash; dogs and children picked through the trash for anything edible or salvageable. Many of these people are still living in “Tent Cities”. I use the term “tent” loosely because these tents are made of salvaged tin and tarps. After much time and weather the tarps are beginning to wear out. The rainy season was just beginning. The rainy season that brings the hurricanes.

Twenty miles into the mountains, Callebasse people are mostly farmers. The tomatoes, peppers, cabbages and lettuces were growing in neat rows. The school children wore brightly colored uniforms to school. A friendly wave from the Americans in the big red truck would bring an instant smile, a wave, and a response of Bon Jour, Bon Soir, or Bon Nuit depending on the time of day. But, as I looked around, I could see the devastation the earthquake had left behind. Crumbling walls and piles of rubble dot the steep sides of these volcanic mountains. The tents here are farther apart and a bit harder to get to. And their tarps are wearing thin as well.

Richard told us that as many as 80% of the homes in the mountain area were either damaged or destroyed in the earthquake. The houses we built while we were there replaced the tarp and tin “house” the families had been living in for over a year.
Finally, these hard working people have a roof over their heads and a solid floor under their feet. Not that it is easy to accomplish the task of house raising. The materials have to be trucked as close to the home site as possible and then carried by hand the rest of the way. The home owners were responsible for carrying the water, sand and gravel needed for the concrete floor. They carried it on their heads in buckets, pans, and whatever containers they could find. Barbara and I carried a front door down the mountainside to one house; slipping on the rocks and mud, trying not to break an ankle or damage the door either one. The wall sections and trusses had to be carried down as well. After the door, I knew I couldn’t carry anything any larger. One trip up or down the path and I was puffing like a steam engine. But the lady at the first house strode up and down that path like it was flat ground, carrying load after load of materials for her home. She was amazing!

So, shall I remember Haiti as I saw it in Porte Au Prince or as I saw it in Callebasse? They are both Haiti. Some of the people were hostile toward us as white people and foreigners. Some were very friendly and ready to give assistance. The airport personnel were wonderful and tried to teach us some Creole words. Some of them played games with the younger folks of our group as we waited for our transportation. Some of them begged without ceasing. Some smiled without ceasing. Some raised their fists at us and some raised their hands in praise to God.

I choose to remember the big brown eyes and smiling faces. The hands touching hearts as they thanked us over and over for their new home. The beautiful, breathtaking mountain views. And the love behind the hugs and tears as we left.

I thank you all for your support both prayerful and financial. We could not have gone without your help. Please know that there are two more families in Haiti that are sleeping in their own homes tonight because you care.

In Matthew Chapter 25, Jesus said, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Now you have built Him a home and I am sure He is well pleased. There are many more homes to be built, many more hungry children to feed. Please keep sending us.

Thank you, again.

Afterward they went to Pastor Marshal’s house and he fed the Team a very good breakfast. They stopped to shop in Gangtok for a short time before driving back down the mountain to Ralap to hold the next clinic.

This clinic was held inside of a church, with everything set up inside in one room. Some of our Team preferred this other using separate rooms – they could communicate easily with one another, everything was close by and easily accessible to them, so it went better, and they felt they got more accomplished.  They seen about 200 patients, but as always, they had a cut off time they had to follow, so some were not able to be seen.  They finished the clinic this day about 5 PM, then went to the Pastor’s home for an authentic Indian supper – rice and everything.

After dinner, they had to drive down off of mountain – it was night now, and very dark, and you are right on the side of the mountain with precarious turns and curves.  Some Team Members were understandably apprehensive about this ride, very concerned until they got off of mountain.

It was about midnight when they got back in Siliguri, this was the night they had to hunt for more hotel rooms because of the hotel they had reservations at did not have enough rooms.

Friday morning was more leisurely for the Team.  They have been going at a very fast and hectic pace, so a slower morning was a blessing. They went to Sanjay’s home for breakfast before making the 3 hour drive to Makrapara Child Development Centre. The children and staff were all waiting on them to arrive!  They had lunch ready for them, and then it was time to play with kids, sing songs with them before having a time of prayer with the children.

Some of the Team Members are Sponsors to some of the children at this Child Development Centre, so they had the honor of going to the homes of their sponsored child and spending time with the whole family.   It was a very moving time for a lot of people!  Team member Phyllis said she never had kids before, but now she does!  She picked out a boy and a girl to sponsor!  She was so happy and thrilled – it was emotional for several people.  Other Team Members also choose certain children to start sponsoring. Some visited the home of a child who is sponsored by a previous Team Member who sent gifts for their child.

But all good things must end, and they had to return to camp for the evening Worship Service. It was during this service that John Boedeker dedicated a building in memory of his sister, Joyce Gompf. Family members and friends of Joyce had donated the funds to build the building that is used for classrooms and an office at the CDC.  It was an emotional service for John, but he was honored to be able to do this in honor of the Christian and sister that Joyce was.  Richard found it emotional, as well. They did not get out of there and to the hotel in the forest until about 9 PM.

On Saturday morning 12 Team Members went on elephant ride in protected National Jungle. They seen rhinos, deer, peacock, wild pig, monkeys and a python – they really enjoyed the ride, the peace of the jungle and seeing the animals in the wild!  This was a refreshing break after the hustle of the clinics.

Afterward it was time to go back to Makrapara to hold the last clinic.

The clinic flowed well, however the needs of the patients required more time to be spent with each patient, so they were only able to treat about 225 people.    This clinic ended very well, they had stopped accepting names earlier, seeing it was taking longer with each one, so there were not a lot of people waiting in hopes to be seen that wasn’t able to be treated.  They did end up taking a few more close to the end.  When they finished, there were the children at the Centre waiting outside for them, so the team went out and blew up balloons, played ball or whatever games the children were playing – everyone had a great time ending the day this way!

On their drive back to Siliguri, everyone was ready for some American food, so we found a Domino’s Pizza!  Ohhh, it was sooo good!  When they arrived at our hotel, they all were full and ready to get some sleep, for the morning would be here soon and the trekkers were to leave at 5 AM!

And so the group of 7 or 8 trekkers did leave this morning . . .  the remaining Team Members will be going to Sanjay’s church before heading to Darjeeling for some excursions of their own (Tiger Mountain is one), shopping and a time of rest or spending it with the National Pastors and families.

All the medical clinics are now completed.  The Team saw approximately 1100 patients at the 4 different location; they performed 2 surgeries on the spot, while other arrangements were made with an Indian doctor for people who needed surgery, and these have been paid for.  People have been so appreciative to have been given this help, but it was very hard on our Team for those who did not get seen.  They spoke with another group that has done medical clinics in India that they would incorporate a “spiritual check-up” after the physical check-up at their future medical clinics.  This was done some of that at the last location & 4 people were lead to the Lord!  The group has worked extremely well together & are already talking about the next medical missions trip.  Crossings Church had other people on a waiting list to take part in this venture, and who are eager to go on the next trip.

The time is drawing nigh for part of the part of the Team, they leave India on the 14^th to fly back to the States.  Of course, some of the Team is staying longer, with the next 2 people departing India on April 20.  Richard and John remain there until May 6.

They have had no access to email at all so far in the trip, so don’t be alarmed if you’ve heard nothing or have expected a response from them.

So until next time . . . keep praying and keep your eyes on the Lord!