Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, December 15, 2008
and this is it now. 
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hey all. Usually I don't put forwards on my blog but this is important. I'm not sure how recent this is but please still read and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in India this week.
This is a request for prayer for YWAM (Youth With A Mission) missionaries and their churches in Orissa , India . The request came from Mable Hurst, an associate of HCJB Global. Please read and make this a matter of urgent prayer.
Dear beloved sponsors and friends of Good News India . We have never seen anything like this. We knew that Orissa was the most resistant and hostile state in India as far as the Gospel is concerned. And we brushed off the continuous threats and harassment we faced as we went about His work. But none of our staff imagined that they would see this kind of carnage. And it seems to be totally under the radar of the Western Media . Let me explain...
A militant Hindu priest and 4 of his attendants, who were zealously going around the villages of Orissa and 'reconverting' people back to Hinduism, were gunned down by unknown assailants in Central Orissa last weekend. Immediately the Christians were blamed. The cry rose up... 'Kill the Christians!' And the horror began... In the past 4 days, we have first hand witness to hundreds of churches being blown up or burned and many, many dozens of Christian tribals have been slaughtered. For no other reason than they bear the name of Christ. Night and day I have been in touch with our Good News India Directors spread across 14 Dream Centers in Orissa... they are right in the middle of all this chaos.
In Tihidi, just after the police came to offer protection, a group of 70 bloodthirsty militants came to kill our staff and destroy the home. They were not allowed to get in, but they did a lot of damage to our Dream Center by throwing rocks and bricks and smashing our gate, etc. They have promised to come back and 'finish the job.' Our kids and staff are locked inside and have stayed that way with doors and windows shut for the past 3 days. It has been a time of desperately calling on the Lord in prayer. More police have come to offer protection. In Kalahandi, the police and some local sympathizers got to our dream center and gave our staff and kids about 3 minutes notice to vacate. No one had time to even grab a change of clothes or any personal belonging. As they fled, the bloodthirsty mob came to kill everyone in the building. We would have had a mass funeral there, but for His grace.
In Phulbani, the mob came looking for Christian homes and missions. The local Hindu people, our neighbors turned them away by saying that there were no Christians in this area. So they left. We had favor. The same thing happened in Balasore. All our dream centers are under lockdown with the kids and staff huddled inside and police outside. The fanatics are circling outside waiting for a chance to kill. Others were not so fortunate. In a nearby Catholic orphanage, the mob allowed the kids to leave and locked up a Priest and a computer teacher in house and burned them to death. Many believers have been killed and hacked into pieces and left on the road... even women and children. At another orphanage run by another organization, when this began, the director and his wife jumped on their motorbike and simply fled, leaving all the children and staff behind. Every one of our GNI directors that I have spoken to said: 'We stay with our kids... we live together or die together, but we will never abandon what God has called us to do.' More than 5000 Christian families have had their homes burned or destroyed. They have fled into the jungles and are living in great fear waiting for the authorities to bring about peace. But so far, no peace is foreseen. This will continue for another 10 days... supposedly the 14 day mourning period for the slain Hindu priest. Many more Christians will die and their houses destroyed. Many more churches will be smashed down. The Federal government is trying to restore order and perhaps things will calm down. We ask for your prayers. Only the Hand of God can calm this storm.
None of us know the meaning of persecution. But now our kids and staff know what that means. So many of our kids coming from Hindu backgrounds are confused and totally bewildered at what is happening around them. So many of their guardians have fled into the jungles and are unable to come and get them during these trying times. Through all this, I am more determined than ever to continue with our goal: the transformation of a community by transforming its children. Orissa will be saved...that is our heart's cry. If we can take these thousands of throw-away children and help them to become disciples of Jesus, they will transform an entire region. It is a long term goal, but it is strategic thinking in terms of the Great Commission.
What can you do? First, please uphold all this in fervent prayer. Second, pass this email on to as many friends as you can. We must get the word out and increase our prayer base for this is spiritual warfare at its most basic meaning. We are literally fighting the devil in order to live for His Kingdom. The next 10 days are crucial. We pray for peace and calm to pervade across Orissa. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please pass it on and help us to get as many people to partner with us on this cutting edge effort to fulfill His mandate: Go and make disciples of all nations.
Blessings, Chip & Sandy Wanner
Col 2:2 MBI (Team Facilitators to YWAM front lines)
This is a request for prayer for YWAM (Youth With A Mission) missionaries and their churches in Orissa , India . The request came from Mable Hurst, an associate of HCJB Global. Please read and make this a matter of urgent prayer.
Dear beloved sponsors and friends of Good News India . We have never seen anything like this. We knew that Orissa was the most resistant and hostile state in India as far as the Gospel is concerned. And we brushed off the continuous threats and harassment we faced as we went about His work. But none of our staff imagined that they would see this kind of carnage. And it seems to be totally under the radar of the Western Media . Let me explain...
A militant Hindu priest and 4 of his attendants, who were zealously going around the villages of Orissa and 'reconverting' people back to Hinduism, were gunned down by unknown assailants in Central Orissa last weekend. Immediately the Christians were blamed. The cry rose up... 'Kill the Christians!' And the horror began... In the past 4 days, we have first hand witness to hundreds of churches being blown up or burned and many, many dozens of Christian tribals have been slaughtered. For no other reason than they bear the name of Christ. Night and day I have been in touch with our Good News India Directors spread across 14 Dream Centers in Orissa... they are right in the middle of all this chaos.
In Tihidi, just after the police came to offer protection, a group of 70 bloodthirsty militants came to kill our staff and destroy the home. They were not allowed to get in, but they did a lot of damage to our Dream Center by throwing rocks and bricks and smashing our gate, etc. They have promised to come back and 'finish the job.' Our kids and staff are locked inside and have stayed that way with doors and windows shut for the past 3 days. It has been a time of desperately calling on the Lord in prayer. More police have come to offer protection. In Kalahandi, the police and some local sympathizers got to our dream center and gave our staff and kids about 3 minutes notice to vacate. No one had time to even grab a change of clothes or any personal belonging. As they fled, the bloodthirsty mob came to kill everyone in the building. We would have had a mass funeral there, but for His grace.
In Phulbani, the mob came looking for Christian homes and missions. The local Hindu people, our neighbors turned them away by saying that there were no Christians in this area. So they left. We had favor. The same thing happened in Balasore. All our dream centers are under lockdown with the kids and staff huddled inside and police outside. The fanatics are circling outside waiting for a chance to kill. Others were not so fortunate. In a nearby Catholic orphanage, the mob allowed the kids to leave and locked up a Priest and a computer teacher in house and burned them to death. Many believers have been killed and hacked into pieces and left on the road... even women and children. At another orphanage run by another organization, when this began, the director and his wife jumped on their motorbike and simply fled, leaving all the children and staff behind. Every one of our GNI directors that I have spoken to said: 'We stay with our kids... we live together or die together, but we will never abandon what God has called us to do.' More than 5000 Christian families have had their homes burned or destroyed. They have fled into the jungles and are living in great fear waiting for the authorities to bring about peace. But so far, no peace is foreseen. This will continue for another 10 days... supposedly the 14 day mourning period for the slain Hindu priest. Many more Christians will die and their houses destroyed. Many more churches will be smashed down. The Federal government is trying to restore order and perhaps things will calm down. We ask for your prayers. Only the Hand of God can calm this storm.
None of us know the meaning of persecution. But now our kids and staff know what that means. So many of our kids coming from Hindu backgrounds are confused and totally bewildered at what is happening around them. So many of their guardians have fled into the jungles and are unable to come and get them during these trying times. Through all this, I am more determined than ever to continue with our goal: the transformation of a community by transforming its children. Orissa will be saved...that is our heart's cry. If we can take these thousands of throw-away children and help them to become disciples of Jesus, they will transform an entire region. It is a long term goal, but it is strategic thinking in terms of the Great Commission.
What can you do? First, please uphold all this in fervent prayer. Second, pass this email on to as many friends as you can. We must get the word out and increase our prayer base for this is spiritual warfare at its most basic meaning. We are literally fighting the devil in order to live for His Kingdom. The next 10 days are crucial. We pray for peace and calm to pervade across Orissa. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please pass it on and help us to get as many people to partner with us on this cutting edge effort to fulfill His mandate: Go and make disciples of all nations.
Blessings, Chip & Sandy Wanner
Col 2:2 MBI (Team Facilitators to YWAM front lines)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
These are pictures of the All Saints Camp and 2 of the renovating teams that came this fall to help out.
This home was being taken apart due to termite damage.
The women on their last day in Nassau.
Yes, that is a tree growing on the roof!
Termite home on the outside of one cabin.
Bathroom.
Live wires! Don't believe me, ask the person who step on it and found out :)
This home was being taken apart due to termite damage.
The women on their last day in Nassau.
Yes, that is a tree growing on the roof!
Termite home on the outside of one cabin.
Bathroom.
Live wires! Don't believe me, ask the person who step on it and found out :)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
For those who haven't heard, I will not be teaching the kids this next school year because been given the privilege of being the director of the Adventure Learning Camp, our over night retreat facility.
There have been a couple of groups since I've started: two foreign mission trips and a local group of women. I guess this fall has been slower due to the bad weather (hurricane Ike) so its a chance to learn all about what I'm doing and get ready for next year.
The Camp is special to me because it was there that the Lord got a hold of my heart for missions over 6 years ago. And I do believe that He will use it again and again to impact others to follow where He would have them go. I’m just as excited as I am nervous about it all.
Please pray for me!
There have been a couple of groups since I've started: two foreign mission trips and a local group of women. I guess this fall has been slower due to the bad weather (hurricane Ike) so its a chance to learn all about what I'm doing and get ready for next year.
The Camp is special to me because it was there that the Lord got a hold of my heart for missions over 6 years ago. And I do believe that He will use it again and again to impact others to follow where He would have them go. I’m just as excited as I am nervous about it all.
Please pray for me!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
For those who don't know, one of our islands was hit hard from hurricane Ike. Roves were built by our staff for those who wouldn't be able to afford the repairs. Ten roves were repaired on their 10 day trip to the island of Inagua.
This is the final update on our mission trip to Inagua to help with the hurricane damaged homes. I've heard so many testimonies from our staff about how shocked the islanders were to receive help from people not from their island. It really spoke volumes as to the love of Christ towards them through our staff who helped out.
Thank you for your prayers!
This is Meredith's email:
The last night in Inagua left us speechless...sincerely.
We had gone to simply work hard...that was our focus. We climbed on top of many elderly, widowed and disabled peoples roofs to rip up shingles or rotted wood and replace them, so that their homes would no longer leak or be vulnerable to rain damage. We accomplished our goal, but didn't realize the greater goal God was accomplishing through us...until the very last night.
The representative head of social services in Inagua along with other community leaders, reverends and locals stopped by our last night to say, "thank you." Although that in and of itself was unexpected and would have been greatly appreciated, they went "over the top." Bringing homemade gifts, their own Boys Brigade band as well as delicious baked goods and sandwiches, we were in awe of their hearts to bless us before we packed up to head home. Several of the leaders gave speeches that shared how they experienced the Lord through our unity, sacrificial love and hard work. We were welcomed back as family at any time and enjoyed the sweet time of fellowship together with all the Inaguans...young and old.
We're back home safe and sound, filled up to overflowing in our hearts with the memories of God's grace, faithfulness and protection during our time away. For those who held us up in prayer, God did above and beyond all for which we could have asked and hoped. From the inception of the trip to it's fulfillment, I believe we've realized more how we serve a "miracle God" who loves the world passionately and wants us to be His tools of love for the lost and hurting around the globe... The rewards FAR outweigh the "sacrifice" of being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit of God.
Rejoicing in Him,
Meredith Cravens
Patmos: Reality Discipleship
Adventure Learning Centre
For nothing is impossible with God! --Luke 1:37
This is the final update on our mission trip to Inagua to help with the hurricane damaged homes. I've heard so many testimonies from our staff about how shocked the islanders were to receive help from people not from their island. It really spoke volumes as to the love of Christ towards them through our staff who helped out.
Thank you for your prayers!
This is Meredith's email:
The last night in Inagua left us speechless...sincerely.
We had gone to simply work hard...that was our focus. We climbed on top of many elderly, widowed and disabled peoples roofs to rip up shingles or rotted wood and replace them, so that their homes would no longer leak or be vulnerable to rain damage. We accomplished our goal, but didn't realize the greater goal God was accomplishing through us...until the very last night.
The representative head of social services in Inagua along with other community leaders, reverends and locals stopped by our last night to say, "thank you." Although that in and of itself was unexpected and would have been greatly appreciated, they went "over the top." Bringing homemade gifts, their own Boys Brigade band as well as delicious baked goods and sandwiches, we were in awe of their hearts to bless us before we packed up to head home. Several of the leaders gave speeches that shared how they experienced the Lord through our unity, sacrificial love and hard work. We were welcomed back as family at any time and enjoyed the sweet time of fellowship together with all the Inaguans...young and old.
We're back home safe and sound, filled up to overflowing in our hearts with the memories of God's grace, faithfulness and protection during our time away. For those who held us up in prayer, God did above and beyond all for which we could have asked and hoped. From the inception of the trip to it's fulfillment, I believe we've realized more how we serve a "miracle God" who loves the world passionately and wants us to be His tools of love for the lost and hurting around the globe... The rewards FAR outweigh the "sacrifice" of being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit of God.
Rejoicing in Him,
Meredith Cravens
Patmos: Reality Discipleship
Adventure Learning Centre
For nothing is impossible with God! --Luke 1:37
Monday, September 29, 2008
The hurricane made a threat of attacking our island but the Lord spared us! Other islands were not spared, the island of Inagua wasn't. So last week, the ALC sent a bunch of the staff and Patmos students down there to help repair roofs. I was part of the skeleton crew that stayed behind at the ALC.
This is an email from Meredith, one of our staff on the trip, and its an email worth sharing.
Good morning from Inagua!
What an incredible weekend!!!!!!!!!!
Looking back on the trip, it is amazing to me that we have almost completed 6 roofs. This is indeed a miracle, as none of us are roofers by trade. We also had the opportunity to do a neighborhood sweep/clean up. That also opened doors to share the gospel with people who were curious about the Americans picking up trash on their streets. God's favor has been upon us despite the heat and our inexperience. One of the families went all out to bless us as we worked on their home. From cakes to curry chicken to pleasant conversation, we have been lovingly "adopted in" to different families on the island.
Yesterday certainly was a day of needed rest and re-fueling... In the morning, we split up to attend two churches. I visited Zion Baptist, which is the church that is allowing us to sleep in their large fellowship hall. Reverend Bain exhorted the congregation to continue to celebrate, despite their situation because God is worthy of our praise all the time and has indeed spared the people from a lot over the past couple of weeks. Another group headed to the Methodist church, where many of the locals we have met attend. In the afternoon we were invited to a BBQ with John Nixon's family (he's here assisting with the government's disaster relief organization, called NEMA). He's from Inagua and his whole family came out to serve us with food and FUN. I believe some of the guys speared fish, while others played volley ball with the children or just enjoyed great company and the aqua waters of the Caribbean.
This morning, the door opened for us to go back into the schools to present a high school assembly on sexual abstinence. The message of purity and God's heart for relationship through the book of Song of Solomon was very well received by the students and teachers alike. We are also back on the roofs beginning the 7th and 8th homes, and we are eager, Lord willing, to accomplish the goal of 10 before Friday. Please continue to pray for protection, favor, and a move of God's spirit among the people here. Some are still in "shell shock" and others are just trying to make it a day at a time, rebuilding their lives. Thank you for co-laboring with us!
Rejoicing in Him,
Meredith Cravens
Patmos: Reality Discipleship
Adventure Learning Centre
For nothing is impossible with God! --Luke 1:37
PS - I've since heard two stories from those working of their shoes melting from the heat!
This is an email from Meredith, one of our staff on the trip, and its an email worth sharing.
Good morning from Inagua!
What an incredible weekend!!!!!!!!!!
Looking back on the trip, it is amazing to me that we have almost completed 6 roofs. This is indeed a miracle, as none of us are roofers by trade. We also had the opportunity to do a neighborhood sweep/clean up. That also opened doors to share the gospel with people who were curious about the Americans picking up trash on their streets. God's favor has been upon us despite the heat and our inexperience. One of the families went all out to bless us as we worked on their home. From cakes to curry chicken to pleasant conversation, we have been lovingly "adopted in" to different families on the island.
Yesterday certainly was a day of needed rest and re-fueling... In the morning, we split up to attend two churches. I visited Zion Baptist, which is the church that is allowing us to sleep in their large fellowship hall. Reverend Bain exhorted the congregation to continue to celebrate, despite their situation because God is worthy of our praise all the time and has indeed spared the people from a lot over the past couple of weeks. Another group headed to the Methodist church, where many of the locals we have met attend. In the afternoon we were invited to a BBQ with John Nixon's family (he's here assisting with the government's disaster relief organization, called NEMA). He's from Inagua and his whole family came out to serve us with food and FUN. I believe some of the guys speared fish, while others played volley ball with the children or just enjoyed great company and the aqua waters of the Caribbean.
This morning, the door opened for us to go back into the schools to present a high school assembly on sexual abstinence. The message of purity and God's heart for relationship through the book of Song of Solomon was very well received by the students and teachers alike. We are also back on the roofs beginning the 7th and 8th homes, and we are eager, Lord willing, to accomplish the goal of 10 before Friday. Please continue to pray for protection, favor, and a move of God's spirit among the people here. Some are still in "shell shock" and others are just trying to make it a day at a time, rebuilding their lives. Thank you for co-laboring with us!
Rejoicing in Him,
Meredith Cravens
Patmos: Reality Discipleship
Adventure Learning Centre
For nothing is impossible with God! --Luke 1:37
PS - I've since heard two stories from those working of their shoes melting from the heat!
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