UPDATE ON APPLE COUNTRY

I know it has been awhile since I posted. I will try to do better, but honestly, I don't know who is reading this. Anyway...
Apple Country is where the Victorious English School is located. It was started by Bill and Rae (my names for them) five years ago. Many volunteers have helped this school over the years. Bill and Rae poured their lives into this school. They showed the love of Christ to the children and the families. The school was quite different than the other schools because of the involvement of their American educational consultant, and many volunteers -all sharing the love of Christ, and praying for the people of the valley. Well, the other schools didn't like their success. The Hindu fundamentalists said that the god of their temple told them to close down the school. The parents did not want to pull their children, but the community members threatened them. The parents met with Bill and Rae and asked them to come talk to their god. Bill explained that he could not possibly do that -he could not acknowledge another god. Despite one more year on their lease, the landlord was also threatening Bill and Rae. He sent his sons to abuse Bill. 
The parents did not send their kids. The land lord is not threatening them anymore, since there is no school. He had been threatened that if he didn't run off Bill and Rae, they wouldn't do business with him. 
 Bill and Rae are in another town where Rae's brother and family live. They had already bought property there. He says he will return to Apple Country to continue to share there, but I don't know about the school. I think it may be finished -at least for now. 
Please pray for Bill, Rae, and the families who were touched by Victorious English School. Pray for the kids who have to go to new schools. 
When Bill told me about the people wanted him to talk to the gods at the temple, I was reminded of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. I couldn't help put pray that some act of God destroys that temple (but not the people) so that they would know God is the One True God!
 

UPDATE ON APPLE COUNTRY

I am back in India! I was not able to leave until June 2, arriving in India in the wee hours of June 4. The sweltering heat just zaps my energy, but still, it is good to be back. Within hours, Marley came home! Home is where your dog is! Thanks for all your prayers. 
The awesome volunteer team from Kentucky returned to Apple Country last week. I only wish I could have been there as well. I hope I can post some photos though. The team repainted the walls and decorations on the outer walls, put up plastic ceiling, added four computers to their computer lab, hooked up a sound system, added new tables and chairs, and new teaching materials. Chuck, Hannah, and Miss Julie returned with three others. Justin used to live in HP and is now in Kentucky! He's staying around for awhile. 
This kind of support advances what Bill and Rae can do for His kingdom. The van they purchased last time has made such a difference in their ministry in the mountains. What a blessing! 
This team also blessed Pastor Ajay as well, with ministry materials.
In other big news for Apple Country...
Stacy arrived just on the heels of the Kentucky team! When Bill and Rae dropped off Chuck and his team, they picked up Stacy, a college student from Florida State. Stacy will be helping at the school through the summer. Can you believe this brave girl? This is her first trip by air ever! What a long trip for your first time! She and I flew back to India together and she did great! The same day she arrived by plane, she also traveled by taxi, subway, auto rickshaw, and bicycle rickshaw! We couldn't find a boat. Please remember Stacy as she is in Apple Country this summer. So far, she loves it! 
I miss the mountains, especially with this heat, but I am determined to bloom where I am planted. Guess I better go water myself.

Return to Apple Country

I've just returned from a trip higher in the mountains to visit Victorious English school, and help start the new term. I always love going there. I stayed a week, teaching each day from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, and training the teachers some days in the afternoon. The new school year is just beginning. Bill hired a new teacher this term, Sangeeta. I really like her. She is teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Thanks to a donation from Aunty Glenda, I was able to purchase some needed supplies, and some equipment for the school. Here are some photos from my latest trip. I hope these will help you pray for this rural school.

 The kids loved the tee ball set!

While I taught, the teachers and Pallu were gathered around a warm fire!

 Duck, duck, goose!

 Making name cards.

Principal Bill and his new desk.

 I taught the kids how to use tools to play with the Playdough.

 I love returning to the village across the river to visit these little sisters and brother.

 his is the goat I wanted.

This is the ewe I bought. Her wool and lambs will help Bill's ministry.

 The road home.

The roads were good -no trouble. The avalanches were cleared away, and the weather was great.

Apple Country Update

Bill and Rae are beyond thrilled by the generosity of the KY team! The new school van is keeping them from going in the hole each month for transportation. The van is also increasing ministry opportunities. Bill can drive it now, but still does not drive it to my city. On those roads, who can blame him? Rae is learning to drive! When there are two drivers, they say they will make the trip, otherwise they still take the bus.
They were here recently during the major festival of Diwali, or Festival of Lights. We celebrate the One True Light in Jesus Christ! I did a training on the Biblical basis for research, and collected Bill's numbers from the last year. He could see the value in reporting after we looked at examples of census taking in the Bible. He also saw the need for accuracy in reporting -not over-reporting, so that needed resources didn't get to his area because others thought he already had them. He saw the reason for not under-reporting, so that resources he didn't really need were diverted to his area from an area which really needed them. The numbers revealed where there needs to be more emphasis. They also revealed the toll that concentrating on the school took on his ministry, and the need for helpers. A monetary gift by the KY team will help in several areas -Bill needs to replace himself as teacher so he can just be the director, and be free to do more of his passion. They were also behind in their rent, which is a bad witness. We spent time praying together over the needs, and wise uses for the money.
Bill called and told me Rae's grandfather is very ill, and has been sent home to Rae's father's home to die. Bill shared the Good News and he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior! His wife did as well! I had the blessing of watching them be baptized the very next evening -by Skype!!