India 2012
New Delhi, India
The Team is back from India…check out this report in pictures
India 2011
New Delhi, India – February 21 – March 4, 2011
On February 21, 2011, we embarked on our third PennDel Women of Purpose Missions trip to New Delhi, India with an enthusiastic team consisting of 19 members. The nine-day schedule was filled with ministry opportunities. Our first day in India provided time for introductions, team bonding, orientation by the Indian pastors and final team preparations and practices.
On our second day, we visited with our sponsored children and met their parents. We also planned a special pizza lunch and game time with the 31 children at the Grace Karuna Children’s Home. Every child was so appreciative of their gifts, the love of their sponsor and a time of prayer and encouragement.
The next days were packed full with four children’s conferences and Sunday ministry for 2,374 children, two women’s conferences for 1,000 women including 40 – 50 Muslim women and many who had never experienced a Christian service. In each event, we had an overwhelming response for Salvation. On Sunday, we had small teams minister in 8 church locations with a total attendance of 1,450 adults receiving the Word. The response at the altar time broke through many cultural barriers due to a hunger to simply receive a touch from God.
We held a pastors and wives conference for 220 pastors and 74 wives with the morning sessions together and the afternoon ministry dividing the men and women for more individualized sharing and prayer. There were tremendous breakthroughs in both groups with personal healing and spiritual strengthening taking place.
Our team visited the Rag Pickers slum which houses 70,000 people where outreach ministries have begun. We also dedicated the brand new Computer Lab containing 16 computers and desks we had provided through our 2010 project offering.
We also held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Redemption Home, which will be built in the next 6 – 8 months with monies we are raising through our 2011 project offering. This home will house 20 – 25 girls ages 3 – 12 to rescue them from being sold into slavery, begging or sex trafficking. We believe God is going to help raise the entire building cost of $148,000.00 US dollars.
Our team gave of themselves through singing, teaching, preaching, and much prayer, but each one received so much more in return.
Team telling their story:
Every day was a God ordained day, on our 2011 W.O.P. trip to India. To pick out one hi-lite is hard, but our breaking ground for the Redemption Home for girls in the slums of India was so inspiring and moving for all. God is moving in our District and our Sections to raise the monies for those dear little girls in India and we were all part of God’s plan for India. Can’t wait to see His plan unfold and for our next Mission Trip to India! Keep our Penn/Del women on prayer. – Debbie Deaven
I think everyone should experience a mission trip. The people of India were very welcoming and seemed to enjoy our being there, especially the children. The people of India don’t have a lot but they do the best with what they have. While there, we were able to be a part of the Redemption Home project being built for girls to live so that they are not sold into slavery. What an AWESOME event and to know that we are able to be part of saving little girls lives is amazing. Sponsoring children in India is worth every penny. Knowing that it keeps them off the streets and in a school where they are taught and safe is beyond words. I was truly blessed by our trip and would love to go back. – Terri Borgard
Looking back on my short stay in India, I feel so blessed to have been called by God to serve. I was certainly stretched beyond anything that I could have imagined. I was rewarded spiritually but may never know the seeds that were sown on this trip. Upon our return home, I realize how very blessed we are in so many, many ways. All of the many things that most of us never think about: clean air, clean water, all the food we ever want, clothing, a roof over our heads, heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer are simply unheard of in the slum communities; every day is a struggle for these families for the bare necessities. We enjoy and simply take for granted the many privileges that we have as Americans, especially the freedom to worship God. I would encourage others to give of their time and money to participate on a mission trip. It really is a life-changing event! -Mari Joy
People always ask me: “So, how was the trip to India?” I always struggle for the words to explain it. The culture is so totally different, the people so open and and the landscape so alien. I’ve never seen so much need concentrated in such a small area. I consider it a privilege to partner with this work in Delhi, a work to PREVENT immense suffering before it happens. Seeing that so much good can be done with just a building, willing hands and the hearts of the pastors in Delhi, I’m encouraged that there really IS a Redemption happening in a city of need. -Travis Lee Moser
In India, there are beautiful children, stunning women, huge statues of gods, immense temples and mosques, hundreds of thousands of people hungry for hope, ‘to be seen’, for love, for JESUS. And HE is so faithful to them. Meeting my two Mission of Mercy girls and their families was so amazing! This was a trip of a lifetime! – Karen Rowe
This was my first trip to India and I thought I was prepared since I had been on three mission trips to Africa. I was wrong. I was overwhelmed by the poverty in the slums and thought what can I do to make a difference. I am just going to be a clown. As my experiences happened, I saw God use every single one of the team, including me, to touch the lives of the children, workers, Pastor Koshy and Sister Joicy. The people of India were welcoming and hungry to hear the word and see the love of Jesus. I have not stopped thinking about the children and others I have met in India and I am looking forward to going again to show the again the love that Jesus has for them and see their lives change. – Wanda Myers
Being in India was life changing . . . the people, the land and the ministry being done there is incredible. I felt privileged to have the opportunity to connect with what God is doing in that land. – Liz DeFrain
This was my third trip to India and I have to say it was the best. I feel as though I have real friends there – so much so that it is hard to leave without tears. God has worked a love in my heart for India and her people in a way that only He can – especially since I fought for a year not to go in the first place! Sponsoring two girls through Mission of Mercy and being a part of the Redemption Home project is just awesome. To think that I can make an eternal difference in the lives of girls on the other side of the world is a blessing that knows no bounds! - Kris Hill
Once you look into these children’s eye and see their situation, you’re never the same. I am praying for God’s protection and provision for the children of India. -Melissa Tucker
This trip attached real faces and families to my burden for souls. I cannot ever be the same again, as God has multiplied the burden, specified the goal, and intensified the urgency. -Yvette Sproull
The 2011 Women of Purpose Team ministered in Sangham Vihar Slum, in the midst of poverty, living conditions that we wouldn’t allow our animals to dwell in, water not fit to wash our feet, and lack of food that we cannot even imagine. Yet in all this, rises a four story building topped with a red cross, the Hope Center, which was completed in part by PennDel Women of Purpose, where children of the slums receive an education, a meal, training for an occupation and the Gospel. We have been a part of this ministry for three trips and give thanks to God for this opportunity.
- Darleen Newman
Recent Trips – New Delhi, India & Rwanda
New Delhi, India – February 2010
We took a team of 23 to New Delhi, India on February 8 – 18, 2010 for a trip of a lifetime. This time our goal was to provide two days of Children’s Conferences (morning and afternoon groups), a one day Women’s Conference, and a one day Pastors and wives conference. We also held a luncheon and games for the children from a children’s home that we have supported, as well as, our team met with sponsored children from three schools to bring gifts and share with them. On Sunday, our team divided into four groups to minister at several churches in the adult service, at the children’s church program or teaching Sunday School to various age groups.
Team telling their story:
“…although, these trips are to minister to those in a foreign land, God knows where we are, what we need and how to meet it.”
“It is almost a week since I’ve been home, and I am just now feeling a little disconnected from India. They say that India gets under your skin like no other country, and at first, I couldn’t put words to why that is true. I’ve been on many missions trips now, since I was 12 years old, and I can truly say that India is different. Some things you expect–lack of sanitary toilets, stares at the large out-of-place white people, weird not-so-appetizing food, and water that give you diarrhea if you accidentally put it on your toothbrush at night–but India surprises you in ways unexpected. In New Delhi especially, trash littered in the streets like you’ve never seen in America. I mean, you couldn’t go ONE step without stepping on something discarded…it was on roofs, it was in shops, roaming cows were eating it in the streets, it was flowing down the streets in toxic waste while children nearby were playing in bare feet and rags. Yet, in all of this trash and ugliness, a beauty existed unparalleled with anything else I’ve seen across the globe. Bright colors jump out at you, fabrics and fruits, and the most beautiful, bright eyes you’ve ever seen. The streets in some of the slum areas had tiny one-room houses packed with plants and leafy, green trees growing out of the sides of buildings. Everywhere we went the church people and the Mission of Mercy workers gave us gorgeous flowers as a token of their gratitude and honor, along with bright smiles and embraces. It could be this surprising beauty, amidst the unpleasantness, that allows India to charm it’s way into your heart.
My heart still feels connected to India, and my brain can’t stop processing the memories. Up until today, even my body still felt connected to India…I’ve learned that a 10.5 hour time difference will do that to you! I experienced a version of culture shock coming back, because what we tend to forget is the unique way in which God can change us somewhere along the way of a missions trip. God gave me many things during this trip, both for me personally, and for my ministry. We got to minister to over 2,000 children, and pray with them ALL! They had such eager, open hearts, some of them so hungry for God, and some…so hurting. Some children couldn’t even smile, but had a far-away look in their eyes. My heart broke for the pain beneath the surface. I was extremely impressed by the sponsored children, however, and their EAGERNESS to thank and love their sponsors! Those children KNOW the value of their sponsorship and when some of them found out that their sponsor wasn’t there, they nearly burst into tears! It took a while to win some of them back over! They dearly love their sponsors and take it all very seriously. Their prayer requests nearly always included their studies or the continuance of their education. I seriously urge all of you to consider sponsoring a child through Mission of Mercy . I’ve seen the difference it makes.
I was also deeply impacted by my team and leaders in India. Ruth Puleo is an inspiring woman of God, and a strong leader! Jan Workman can teach me so much about Children’s Ministry, and Sharon Poole is goofy, and fun, but she takes charge and gets the job done!!! I expected those things to some degree, but the countless other leaders on this trip just astounded me! It seemed like EVERYone on this trip, had a specialty in ministry, a job to do—and they knew it, owned it, and worked it! They were amazing! It’s really inspiring to see how God’s family can come together, even when most of us were complete strangers, and unite under one cause and one Father.
Though poverty and fear-stricken, India is beautiful. Please continue to pray for them, they still need a whole lot of Jesus.”
Rwanda, Africa – August 2009
A team of 4 women ventured to Rwanda last summer for a massive “preaching” tour holding 8 women’s one day conferences in churches all over the capital city of Kigali. Some of our team share their experiences on this trip that truly touched the lives of many women.
Team telling their story:
Rwanda… “The land of a thousand hills”, known since 1994 for genocide, devas-tation, poverty, orphans and widows. It is a country that I have personally grown to love over the last nine years. Each time I visit, I see how God is help-ing that nation to rebuild from the ashes of ruin into awesome beauty.
I am so grateful that Ruth asked me to accompany her, Karen Maher and Pa-tricie Habimana to hold Women’s Conferences and Sunday services throughout the city of Kigali. This trip was very exciting to me because, even though this was my fifth time to visit Rwanda, the Lord was opening a brand new venue of ministry for me. Our mission became clearer each day as we witnessed the deep level pain and sadness in the eyes of the women as they gathered for the conferences. There was definitely an enormous need of healing in their lives. We learned later that about 60% of those attending were widows and many were orphaned, a result of the genocide and Aides. Our hearts were humbled as we saw the Holy Spirit minister hope into their seemingly hopeless situations. Sev-eral were saved, many came forward for prayer as they sought to reframe the events of their past and gain strength to press toward their future. Thank God that the Pastors and their wives were also encouraged. I know that countless seeds were planted that will one day bring a bountiful harvest. I believe we will hear of a mighty revival sweeping Rwanda.
“To God be the glory, for the things He has done!” – Patti Carver, Leechburg, PA
“I’ve heard it said, “Once your shoes have touched African soil you will never be the same”. I’ve just returned from my second mission’s trip to the continent of Africa and I can truly say my heart loves the people of this nation. During youth camp at the age of 12, I heard the Lord say to me, “I want you to go to Africa”. I was terrified with the concept of how this would be fulfilled! Yet after convers-ing with the Lord, I understood His love for me and this nation. I determined to place my confidence in Him. Years later, I see the call carried out as I was elated yet humbled to participate in a recent trip to Rwanda. For 8 days, I was part of a team of four women traveling to this nation to share the gospel of Je-sus Christ. We had the privilege of ministering to 8 churches in the region of the capital city of Kigali, holding women’s conferences and preaching to both men and children. It was difficult to conceive the pain; visible in the blank emo-tionless faces as they sat quietly listening to us speak. Still visible 15 years later, are the hideous emotional scars the genocide left, scars that we saw while ministering the love of Jesus. We were powerless in ourselves to reach these people. Our only hope of reaching them was by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. We are so thankful to the Lord for saving many souls and breathing hope into the hearts of those listening. The Lord revealed to these women that they are precious daughters of the King. It is now time to step forth by faith tak-ing their harps off the willow trees and once again begin to sing the songs of Zion as they thank the Lord for flowers blooming in their desert place.” – Karen Maher, Altoona, PA
