Just a timeline update...

After Josh returned from his last trip to India, we knew we would have a clearer timeline of our departure and move.  Because of some political unrest and changes in government leadership, our move date has been moved.  The location of our home and the seminary has been rezoned as an industrial zone, so we are moving it down the road a little way.  Construction on our house has already begun.  We are very excited and trust that all these changes are in God's plan.  So...Josh will be taking some long planning and foundational trips over the next several months where he will set up the seminary and begin teaching.  He will also make sure that everything is ready for our family to move and be able to settle right in when we get there.  We plan, with God's direction, to move the entire family in May or June 2011.  Please continue to pray that we are following God's guidance and pray that our financial support will be raised in this "extra" time that God has given us.  We love you and appreciate your care for us!

7 More Days and Counting

On Wednesday, January 27, Josh left for a 16 day trip to India.  I have been able to hear from him almost every day since he's been gone.  He has brought good reports of safety, no sickness, and most of all, the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One way they are able to share the gospel is through health clinics in the villages.  This year Josh is working with an eye clinic for the first time (previously he worked in dental and health clinics).  As each native waits to be seen by the doctor, someone shares about who Jesus is and what he has done one on one with them.  All this is done through an interpreter, of course.  (I guess that would make it two on one, then. : )  Anyway, they have seen hundreds and hundreds each day and have had to turn people away for an eye exam on one day because they simply ran out of time.

Josh has also preached on the streets of the village as the group walks through.  The Indian leader will just say "OK, here is a good spot," and Josh will just start preaching through a megaphone.  A crowd will then begin to gather as I'm sure they wonder who this tall, white guy is who is yelling another language at them.  Their curiosity is instantly peeked, and the Holy Spirit has drawn many to believe in Christ through this.  Josh has been starting the message all the way back at creation because the Hindu Indians need to know about which God he is speaking, the ONE and only God.  Then he basically gives a brief synopsis of Christ's story through the Old and New Testament.  I am so thankful that God has given him the knowledge and understanding to be able to clearly exposit this to them.  The Christo-centrality of the Bible is probably clearer to some of the American Christians in the group after they hear Josh preach.  (I know I have sure learned a great deal!)

The kids and I have been managing just fine, although we miss him greatly.  We talk about him and pray for him all throughout each day.  I am so thankful for all of you who have watched the kids for me, cooked for us, had us over to your home, and most of all prayed for us.  Sixteen days is a long time to us,  but it is not as hard as it could be if we did not have our family in Christ.

Please pray that the rest of Josh's time there will be productive and Christ honoring.  Pray for the hearts of those who hear the message and may even still be chewing on it in the months to come.  Pray for the Indian believers who will harvest the seeds.

"The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1: 15

I pray that you will believe, also.

Sponsorship

I am posting this information for those of you who have asked.

To support this work financially we are asking for both one-time and monthly gifts.

You may send donations directly to:

Tom Cox World Ministries

c/o Josh and Allison Powell

P.O. Box 2

Mountainburg, AR  72946

(please write "Josh & Allison Powell" in the memo section)

You can send a voided check for automatic, monthly withdrawals from you bank account.

TCWM
Phone:(479) 369-4260
Fax: (479) 369-4039
Email:office@tcwm.org
Web Address:www.tcwm.org 

Please contact us or the TCWM office above for questions.  May God bless your generosity!  God has already been so faithful to call out some of those who will financially support us.  Like Josh said, we will NEVER beg you for money.  We will leave that conviction to the Holy Spirit through your prayers for guidance on this issue.  We will however, beg you for your PRAYERS!  Please pray for us as often as you remember us.  We have prayer cards with our picture on it for you to put up somewhere in your house or car to help you to remember to pray.  Please let me know if you would like for me to mail you one/some.

Thanks so much!

Invision:India Dinner

Just a reminder, the Invision:India Dinner is tonight, November 21, at 6pm.  It will be held at First Baptist Church Gilbert Worship Center, 441 Lewie Street, Gilbert, SC, 29054.  We are having good ole southern barbeque!  Thanks to all those who have been up for a LONG time cooking the pig! 

We are so excited to share God's plans for us with you.  It will be a great time of worship through Scripture, testimonies, pictures, videos, and song.

If you could not make it to this dinner, but are interested in receiving more information on our ministry, please email us at thepowellsinindia.blogspot.com.  We can send you the information.  Also, In January we are beginning to travel and speak in churches about our ministry.  If you would like for us to come to your church, we would be grateful to share about the spiritual needs of Bobbili.  Please email us at the above address.

(This is a ticketed fund raising event.  All tickets have already been sold.)

Here is a map of India.  We will be in Andhra Pradesh on the southeast coast.  Bobbili is about 2 hours inland.

No birthday presents for me, please!

Thirteen year old young lady.  Birthday.  Cake.  Party.  Presents...not for Addie!  Instead of telling her friends and family she wanted gifts for her birthday, she told them to GIVE a gift...to the India mission that we are doing.  So, she had a party and collected the donations which totaled over $570.  What a sacrificial idea!  I know God will bless the money that Addie raised and many people in India will hear the gospel and grow in their faith.  I think we can all learn a little from Addie ...I know I sure did!

All Dressed Up Photography

Recently our family had a photo shoot with Brantley at All Dressed Up Photography.  She was so gracious to donate her time and talents to help us have pictures for our "media stuff."  It was a great reminder to me to use whatever desires and talents God has given me for His glory.  

Please check out their website at www.alldressedupphotography.com.  They will do a great job for you!  Thanks Brantley!