Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Our Hearts are Overwhelmed - Sri Lanka

Two weeks into our time in Sri Lanka and our hearts are overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord.  So many experiences, impressions, emotions - we’re on sensory overload.  

We are overwhelmed as we reflect on:  

  • Our great joy to be back in Sri Lanka after almost 5 years. Working with our ministry partners Deepthi and Layasing, we slipped back into fellowship and ministry as if no time had passed.
  • The overabundance of beauty.  Sri Lanka Means Resplendent land - and it truly is that. Photos provided as proof.
  • Gracious people who organize and host the eye clinics and services and prepare delicious local dishes for lunch: even toning down the spice level so as not to overwhelm our western tastebuds (although Gary has a missionary stomach  and can eat the spiciest of foods without concern).
  • The extreme poverty and seemingly un-ending need. Sri Lanka suffered through 25 years of civil war, ending in 2009. The nation was beginning to recover, when the world shut down during the pandemic.  Sri Lanka experienced a severe economic collapse beginning in 2019 and their Prime Minister was forced to resign. Costs of basic necessities have increased 400% over the past 3-4 years. There is little help for the people, their suffering is real.
  • Gratitude that we can come alongside and show the love of Jesus in a practical way – by giving eyeglasses to those who could never afford them.


Eye vision clinics provide a unique opportunity to serve the needs of people on both a physical level and a spiritual level. Local church workers, pastors, evangelists are involved, meet the people and follow up with them regardless of religion or church affiliation. 

First weekend: Deniyaya  By 5:30 Friday morning the van is loaded with eye glasses, exam equipment, overnight bags, drinking water.  We drive three and a half hours southeast, much of it on the country’s new E-01 toll-road which greatly reduces our drive time.  

Because of the potential for persecution by the Buddhists in this area, the eye clinic was very low key.  With the goal of developing positive relationships in the neighborhood, news of the eye clinic was discreetly spread by word of mouth.

During four and a half hours, sixty-six (66) people had their eyes examined with assistance and translation by local church workers. The local church workers had helped Deepthi and Layasing in another community a few months ago and were very organized and efficient. 

Fifty-six (56) people received glasses. Many had cataracts so severe glasses could not help. Younger people were experiencing eyestrain because of excessive time on their devices. They were given some basic eye care instruction and were taught exercises to strengthen their eyes.

Because of the very real danger of increased persecution, we only prayed with those who were already followers of Jesus; or those who specifically said they believed Jesus could heal them.  This helps to avoid the accusation of 'buying' conversions by giving free eyeglasses.

Sunday morning service at Diniyaya – Joyful praise to the Lord went up from the roof top terrace of a local hotel, rented for Sunday morning’s church service.  Gary shared the Word, communion was received.  What a joy to worship with our Sri Lankan family. 


Second weekend - Udugama & Hiniduma The last time an eye clinic was held in these two villages was October 2017 and my sister Cyndy was with us. Much has changed in the past seven years.  Click here to check out posts from 2017 - Udugama      Hiniduma a    Hiniduma b  

Udugama – is just two and a half hours from Moratuwa.  Friday’s eye clinic was held on an estate that produces palm oil, rubber and tea. Estates or gardens are basically plantations. Tea garden villages are built up over time, workers live and raise their families right where they work.

With three people doing the eye exams, and Pat dispensing glasses, we saw eighty-four (84) people in three hours. All but 6 or 7 were given glasses.   Tea and a local snack were served mid-morning.  A delicious and bountiful lunch followed the eye clinic.

Early evening we drove an hour further south to Galle to visit a brother from the Buttala Church who was in hospital for full checkup - high blood sugar.  Since we were right on a bay of the Indian Ocean, we found a seafood restaurant and enjoyed prawns, cuttlefish and seafood fried rice. Along with Sri Lanka’s most famous beverage – Elephant House ginger beer. 

The local Holiday Inn in Udugama provided basic accommodations (including air conditioning, but not hot water) for SLR 3,000 each; equal to US $10.  We seemed to be the only guests in this beautiful large facility, which apparently stays in business with income from their events hall.  

Hiniduma was a short twenty minute drive on Saturday morning. The eye clinic was held in  the Methodist church house.  People waited patiently under the shade of large trees or in the covered meeting hall where church services are held. 

Eighty eight (88) people were seen in just under four hours, and most were given glasses.  Sister Deepthi also checked several children and youth and taught them exercises to do for vision convergence - which happens when we are on the computer or devices for long periods of time. 

Mid-morning we were served coffee made from locally grown Sri Lankan coffee beans. It was enjoyed with a local dessert crepe rolled around a honey coconut filling and slices of lovely chocolate layer cake, all on very pretty China. 

The church ladies prepared and served a bountiful  lunch, featuring a  special local vegetable.  In Sinhala it’s called “paththra koku” which translates as ‘newspaper hooks’.  Two teenage girls went out and foraged some plants to show us how it looks before cooking; turns out it is a variety of fiddlehead fern. Another new taste experience. 

Plans are to be in Nurawa Eliya for our final weekend. Our last visit there was in February 2016 – click to read Cyndy’s account of that drive. (note this was before the toll road was constructed).

Look for future posts on Sri Lanka and Adara Sevana – a school for the differently-abled. 

Each of you – have a part in the ongoing work God is doing in Sri Lanka.  There is a ripple effect as hearts are opened to hear more about Jesus, families are changed, communities are healed; the long term impact that we will only know in eternity.
~ The Journey Continues -  Pat & Gary

Friday, March 8, 2024

Happy to be back in Sri Lanka

India makes a great base for us to travel to other parts of Asia. Flying to Colombo, Sri Lanka from Siliguri, West Bengal, India took us 2 short flights - a total of 8 hours with travel and layovers, and we are in the same time zone.  No jet lag! Yeah!!  (For those of you wondering, neither India nor Sri Lanka observes Daylight Savings Time)

Compare this to the last time we flew from Las Vegas to Sri Lanka – 4 flights and almost 40 hours travel time (including airport layovers), plus we crossed the international date line. The lack of sleep and 12+ hour time difference results in jetlag that takes 3-4 days to fully recover.

Outreaches are planned for the next three weekends.  Plans are to leave by 5 a.m. Saturday morning, drive 3 – 4 hours to the town where we will hold an eye clinic starting around 9 a.m.   Sunday morning there will be a revival church service.  Late Sunday we’ll drive back to Moratuwa where we are staying with our ministry partners.  It’s a joy to be  ministering together after almost 5 years.   

During the week we’ll spend time at Adara Sevana (Love Shelter), a school for the differently abled and share at a weekly healing meeting. 











Students who completed the week of training.

Gary's second week in South India was fruitful: imparting the Word of God to hungry hearts. He received several precious notes of gratitude from the students - sharing how their lives were impacted during the training sessions. Pat was blessed with several gifts and lots of love and prayers sent back with Gary.


Sunday Services:  This past Sunday, Gary and I shared at two different places.  I had a 2 hour taxi ride one way (with Sister Hannah my translator) to a small village called Nagrakata. (Taxis here are hired autos, quite reasonably priced)

Gary shared the Word at our home church in India. The people came hungry to meet with God.  He is always faithful to touch hearts and change lives. 

Raising up the Next Generation




What adventure in faith are you on at the moment?   Sharing our adventures reminds us that as followers of Jesus - every day of our life is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus - wherever you find yourself - with whoever you find yourself with.

Your love and prayers are so important - our hearts are encouraged with every email or message we get from you.

The journey continues ~ Pat
 

Thursday, February 8, 2024

God is Love

The Bible has a lot to say about love.  When you think about it, the entire Bible is God’s love letter to mankind.  The book of 1st John actually tells us that “God is Love “(1 John 4:8 &16).  He wasn’t content to ‘be’ love;  He was compelled by love to rescue us from sin and death.  John 3:16  in the New Living Translation explains that  “… this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Once we receive the love of Jesus, are born-again into the family of God, the only logical response to His great love – is to love others!  For Gary and I, at this time in our lives, that means living in India.   This may sound like a great sacrifice of service to God – but really it brings us such joy and satisfaction – that we can’t imagine doing anything else.  

Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. 1 John 4:19 TPT

Seeking Hearts
One of our greatest joys is to see people with a passionate desire for more of God.   To be part of meeting their thirst for a deeper knowledge of God’s Word; to experience His powerful presence together;  there is  no greater satisfaction in life.

Gary is in Hyderabad, Telangana teaching Session #2 of the Legacy Foundation Course for Pastors, leaders and hungry believers.   This training course is hosted by churches in various parts of India and other nations and includes four (4) week-long sessions. Men and women of all ages and walks of life leave their families, jobs and churches so that they can learn and experience a deeper understanding of God’s Word and what it means to walk in the fullness of Holy Spirit.

Reports after Session #1 were that lives were changed. Some students were born again, healed, freed from demonic oppression. Their minds were renewed by God's Word, which leads to transformation of their lives (Romans 12:1-2). The students are now more firmly established in their salvation, filled with the Spirit of God, and strengthened in faith.  With a firmer understanding of God’s Word, they are better equipped to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to others.

You can see their earnest desire for God on their faces.
Next week Gary will be at a different church in the nearby town of Tandur, teaching Session #2 to a new group of hungry students. Your prayers are invaluable.  The schedule is intense with full days of classes and multiple meetings on the weekend and some evenings.  

Wherever you are in your walk with God – our prayer is that you would pursue a closer relationship with Him. Allow God’s great unending love to fill your heart. If you haven’t received Jesus into your life and asked Him to be Lord and Savior – what are you waiting for?   Then share His love with other people – right where you are.  You don’t have to travel far to find someone who needs encouragement and love.

The journey continues ~ Pat
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Did you know we wrote a book?  It’s a book about God. His amazing love. His detailed plans. Sit down with us over a cup of coffee or tea (with a few ‘biscuits’ of course) as we share some of the amazing stories from our Journeys With God. This book is not chronological, it is not all inclusive or even finished, as He continues to write the story of our lives.   Our hope is that you will be encouraged on your journey. Say ‘Yes’ to God and see what He will do.

Click the book image to order from Amazon.com. 


Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Living this New Year - '24' Hours at a Time

I love the focus that a new year brings.  Think about how carefully you handle something new:  for example when you get a new cell phone you are very conscious of how you are using it and where you keep it; you get a cover and a screen protector for it.    You are very  aware and careful – because it’s new. It has a higher value than the ‘old’ item that you replaced. You want to protect your investment.

We have been given a new year - 2024.  At the beginning of each year, we tend to think about what we want to accomplish during the year, making resolutions and plans. Yet as the months go by, how often do we become careless with our time and allow ourselves to drift through our weeks without focus – without purpose.

I want to challenge you to look not at the ‘year’ 2024 – but at ‘24 hours’. Every 24 hour day is a gift to be cherished and wisely lived. 

As we walk through life with Jesus, continually refocusing our hearts and minds on Him, we will have ups and downs.  But as we look back on our journey we should see an overall upward trajectory – from glory to glory, higher and higher, drawing closer to His heart.  Be encouraged that there is purpose even in your pain.  Difficulties propel us upwards, because they draw us closer to the heart of God.  Our ultimate goal is to know Him, to be transformed into His image, and to bring glory to His name.  

That’s the purpose for each of our lives.  Without a vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29: 18 KJV) Without hope, faith wavers, without purpose, we drift.  

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy] ....  Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMPC 

Live each '24 hours' of 2024 with expectancy.  Confident because we serve a God who is with us; a God who is for us; a God who is working on our behalf.

Gary and I are blessed to be living in India for the majority of the year.  Our purpose  – to share the love of Jesus.  However and wherever he leads us. 

What’s ahead in our ’24? 

  • Continuing to live and minister in India 
  • Gary will be teaching a 2-week Pastor's Training Course in Hyderabad in the state of Telangana, in southern India
    • He will also be speaking at Sunday church meetings there
  • We will both be travelling to Sri Lanka in March 2024

~ The Journey Continues ~ Pat


Just a few of the smiles you are responsible for on
the faces of these little ones that Jesus loves. 
Thank you is never enough. 




Sunday, December 24, 2023

Merry Christmas from India

What an amazing joy to be celebrating Christmas in our own flat (apartment) in India!   Pat and I are so excited to be able to split our time between India and America. Plans are to use India as our base for missions in South East Asia, then avoid the heavy monsoon season by spending the summer months in the US.  

The weeks leading up to Christmas have been busy with Christmas outreaches. It's a perfect opportunity to talk about Jesus in this Hindu nation.  Children at the tea garden village of Baginbari prepared a special program with songs and dancing.  They were given toys, groceries for the family and a snack box to enjoy.  



Seven families hosted evening gatherings in their homes - carols were sung, the story of Jesus was shared, food was enjoyed.  Nepali people love to sing and dance - the video is a little rough - but captures their enthusiasm. The first few seconds do not have sound.  Regardless of the setting - a humble village with a dirt courtyard or a beautiful home - the love of Jesus was shared and hearts were encouraged. 

Thank you for being a part of what God is doing in India.  Your love, prayers and support makes it possible for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  May the following excerpt from my Christmas message encourage your heart as you celebrate His birth - and receive the precious gift of Jesus.

Christmas blessings from India - Gary and Pat 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas can be a discouraging time of year for some, because of a loss of a loved one, a failed marriage, loss of a job, poor health or a child who has not come home.

The good news is that you have a reason to rejoice because God has four amazing gifts for you. These gifts are not wrapped in ribbon and bows, but are manifested in Jesus Christ, who is the greatest gift you can ever receive.

Isaiah 9:6 reads,” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

  1. Jesus is 'Wonderful Counselor.' His counsel is unfailing and flawless, perfectly suited to the situation, always practical and wise.  

  2. If you need a miracle, Jesus is your 'Mighty God' who is for you and wants to be invited to help you fight the visible and invisible battles you experience.

  3. When you need comfort, Jesus is your 'Everlasting Father.'  Talking about God as a Father brings complicated emotions for some. But the love of your Heavenly Father is unlike any love you could ever know.  A Father, who loves you unconditionally and will never leave you nor forsake you.

  4. If you are overwhelmed by life, Jesus is your 'Prince of Peace.' True peace is not the absence of a storm.  True peace is found in the presence of God, and you can have peace in your soul no matter what your circumstances might be.

This Christmas Season receive God’s great gift “...to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”  He is your 'Wonderful Counselor', 'Mighty God', 'Everlasting Father', and 'Prince of Peace.'

Whatever you are going through, Jesus is exactly what you need!    

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Christmas is Outreach Time

Christmas is outreach time in this Hindu nation.  They worship many gods - millions in fact. Many Hindus recognize Jesus as a good teacher or one of the gods.  As we share the true meaning of Jesus' birth at Christmas time - our prayer is that their spiritual eyes will be opened and they will receive Him as Lord and Savior.

What does this look like?   Families from the church invite their neighbors and host a night of carols, food and fun.  If their home is small, the party will happen around a bonfire in the yard.  Christmas songs will be sung in 5 languages - Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, Adavasi and English.  I volunteered to be part of the Carolers and am working to learn the songs!  Whew.  I'll probably be humming along for a lot of them.

During the evening Gary will be sharing the story of Jesus - from the manager - to the cross and the power of the resurrection.  We have this hope - when we receive Jesus we are assured of salvation and now have the amazing privilege to actually have a relationship with God almighty.  We know that God loves us and cares for us; hears and answers our prayers.

Hinduism and other religions do not offer any assurances that their prayers, incense, offerings, good works, etc. will actually be accepted.  There is very little hope.  That is the difference between religion and relationship.

Scenes from Christmas 2019
Notice the snacks!
Volunteers from Master's Touch Church have been loving on the children at the tea garden village of Baginbari for almost six years now.  We've shared reports and photos in previous blogs. Click here to see the report from Christmas 2019.  

This year's Christmas outreach party will bless 16 mothers & young married women and 55 children at Baginbari. At a second location, the party will bless an additional  20 children.  They will receive groceries for each family, toys for the children, beauty products for the mothers, and a small box of Christmas treats for everyone.  (Slice of cake, a samosa, and a delicious crunchy snack called Bhujia )  There will be singing and sharing the Christmas story in their tribal language: Adavasi. 

India's Prime Minister Modi’s BJP Party has been pushing Hindu Nationalism and we have noticed that people have become much harder to the Gospel than in previous years.  

Will you join us in prayer for these outreaches?  As you prepare your home and your hearts to celebrate  Christmas, would you lift up these lost souls who will be hearing about Jesus' love - many for the first time.  Agree with us for:

  • Hearts to be dramatically touched by Holy Spirit
  • The Love of Jesus to penetrate their hearts so that they receive Him as Savior
  • Christians in India to stand strong and boldly share their faith in Jesus in spite of opposition
Your love and prayerful support make it possible for us to be here.  You are part of all we do - and we are so grateful.  This Christmas, may you find the joy that only Jesus can give.  

Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.  They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.    They will have influence and honor.  Psalm 112: 1 & 9 NLT

~ Journey with Joy ~ Pat

My morning meander lead me down a new path
 that opened up to this beautiful view with the
 foothills of the Himalaya's in the distance. 


Wednesday, November 15, 2023

An Early Morning Walk

Early mornings are the most peaceful time in our neighborhood.  It’s that magical hour when the sky is light, but the sun has not fully risen. The cool, crisp air echoes with birdsong – it’s energizing.  

The road is mostly clear of school buses, goods carriers, gravel trucks, tuk-tuks, motorbikes and other conveyances that normally raise clouds of dust.

Cows are on the move, they seem to know where they are going, while I dodge the ‘offerings’ they leave in their path.

Hindu worshippers search for flowers to gather for their morning worship. Street dogs sleep curled up on piles of gravel.  

My route takes me down Military Road,  the only smoothly paved road nearby. At the end of the road a block wall with heavy gates and ‘Keep Out’ signs are a reminder that India’s army is always on alert.

The neighborhood is stirring.  I pass a few other walkers, see porches and entrances being swept, watch laborers offload a delivery of bricks (by hand), and greet house servants as they cycle to work in their bright-colored sarees, their long scarves (chunni’s) trailing like banners.

Did I mention the cows?


Quiet street. Hindu altar. 
Unloading bricks by hand.

Walking, praying, singing - my favorite way to start the day in any country.

Wherever you find yourself today, I encourage you to start your day by talking to the Lord. Share your heart with Him.  Look up to Him. Find strength for your day.

The Journey Continues ~ Pat 




“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Psalm 5:1-3 KJV


Join us for Bible Study at Master's Touch India
English teaching, translated into Nepali.
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