Where Did the Time Go?

This is a commonly asked question that really doesn’t have an answer.  We all know that the clock ticks at the same pace day after day – and yet there are times when it ‘seems’ as if the days go by at double speed.

That’s how Gary and I feel about our three months in the United States.  Our sturdy Chevy Equinox logged 5,125 miles as we drove north from Las Vegas to Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, then further north into Alberta, Canada and back down to Las Vegas.  Reconnecting with family and friends, ministering at partner churches, marveling at the beauty of God’s creation.  Our hearts are filled with gratitude for everyone who hosted us, fed us an allowed us to stay in their homes. Truly the Family of God in action.

When you travel a lot, there is no routine.   It takes a conscious effort to stay focused and aware of the Lord’s purpose and presence in our lives.

When everything in our lives is changing – the Lord is our Rock.  His Word, His presence anchors us to His heart.

I love this passage in The Passion Translation: 

So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change!

And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope! 

We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.  Hebrews 6: 18 – 20 TPT

Breathtaking Reminder of God's Faithfulness

Tim Hortons Coffee - a Canadian Tradition

Gary and I could never have imagined this life.  We find ourselves continually in awe, wondering how God got us to this point.  We are living out our dream, our calling.  It is the most rewarding life because we are following His heart, His voice:  saying Yes Lord.

NOW: Take your seat, buckle up and prepare to go with us around the world in this five-minute video. 

•  In this brief summary of what God is doing around the world you will see photos from Ghana West Africa, Thailand with the Akha people group, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and of course India – where we are based. 
  
  
• These faithful men and women are serving God in their home nations where we often cannot go.  We are blessed to support them in prayer, encouragement and financial support.  They are seeing a harvest of souls and transformed lives right where God has placed them.

God is moving through ordinary people like you and I.  Each of us has a mission field: it is right where our feet our today, touching those within our circle, within our reach. Say Yes to God.   Don’t give up! Don’t forget His promises to you personally. Follow after His heart and see what He will do.  

 The Journey Continues with our Faithful God  ~ Pat

 Follow this link to make a donation online

Who Will Go?

Throughout the world, God continues to stir the hearts of men and women to share his Good News.  Those who hear His question, “Whom shall I send? And Who will go for us?"  And answer with a resounding, “Here I am. Send me!”  Isaiah 6:8

Joseph and Abumisheu (Abu) are one such couple: passionate to share Jesus with their people group and train them as disciples in the Word. Not just believers - but disciples, followers of Jesus. March found us travelling from India to Northern Thailand to reconnect and spend a week in fellowship and ministry.  It was our first trip back since 2019, due to travel restrictions and extra costs during and post-Covid.

We were the first missionaries of any nationality to visit Joseph's home village.  What a joy to worship with believers from the Akha people group. 

The Akha people live in China, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma). One of the six tribes recognized by the Thai government as a hill tribe or mountain people group, they originated in Yunnan province of Southwest China several centuries ago.

The differences between us are impossible to ignore. Our ethnicity, language, physical appearance, dress, and food are completely different. Yet even when everything is different - the Spirit of God joins our hearts. 

There is one body and one Spirit ... one Lord, one faith ... one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV

Just across the border in Myanmar is a Children’s Home where up to 20 village children live so they can attend the state school. The pastor and his wife who run this home take care of all the children’s needs, and teach them about Jesus and the Bible. During school breaks they return to their villages to spend time with their families.  

A few of the children came across the border to
 share lunch at KFC – a huge treat for them. 
Never underestimate the thrill of choosing your own soda flavor.

Did I mention the coffee?

The village of  Doi Chang is nestled in the hills of  Chiang Rai district, perfect coffee growing country. Many Akha families have coffee farms, where the parents grow and harvest the beans, while the younger generation open coffee shops onsite or in towns and cities throughout Thailand.  Eco Lodges built on the coffee farms are popular with tourists during high season.  

Abu introduced us to many of her friends and their delicious brews - yes, it was a highly caffeinated week!  

We spent a few days on the gulf of Thailand enjoying the ocean and returned to India ready for the next season of ministry.

May you embrace all that God has for you during this season of life whatever it looks like, lean into Him, commit your ways to him, trust His plan.  

The Journey Continues ~ Gary and Pat

Akha food is fresh and delicious with a lot of
homegrown organic vegetables in richly flavored broths.

Overwhelming Gratitude

October is not normally thought of as a month of new beginnings – but for Gary and I, it’s the start of another adventure as we are back in our India home for the next eight months.  Our flights from Las Vegas were smooth and uneventful.  Four flights over 30+ hours, 12 time zones and the international date line – all make for a long journey.  We left hot, dry weather and landed in hot, humid, rainy weather.  

The monsoon season (also called rainy or wet season) is usually June through September but is lingering this year.  It’s hard to understand how continual rains impact daily life until you see standing water in all low-lying areas,  and realize the water simply has no place to go.  We’re grateful the rains have been coming at night and the days are relatively bright. 

 

Empty lot next-door - monsoon (rainy season)

Same lot - dry season

Hindus are celebrating one of their most important annual festivals called Durga Puja. Schools are closed, shop hours are varied, and many people take time off work to participate in this 10-day celebration.  A local school yard has been converted into a temporary temple, loudspeakers on the street blast prayers and worship chants as worshippers in their holiday finery arrive for the festival.  It's a reminder that less than five percent of this vast nation are followers of Jesus. 

There is a sense of overwhelming gratitude in our hearts.  Living overseas has been a long-standing desire and to finally see the reality is amazing.  

There is also an increased awareness of the power of prayer, and the value of the prayers of God’s people.

In September, after dinner at a friend’s house, she prayed for our trip, specifically for safety as we travelled.  I had a deep revelation of the power of the prayers of God’s people.  I will never take for granted the countless people who say ‘I or we are praying for you.” 

It struck me that it was the prayers of God’s people, and the faithfulness of Almighty God that literally stopped the destructive plans of the enemy and spared Gary and I from serious harm this past summer.  

At the end of an enjoyable day in Kalispell, Montana, we were heading back to the car when I tripped on a raised piece of sidewalk. One moment I was walking full speed ahead - then I wasn't.

Gary saw it happen in slow motion - but couldn't catch me. He breathed a prayer, 'Don't let her break anything'.  He saw my sunglasses fly backwards, my head turn to the side, and I landed with my arm across my chest - not on my palms.  Wow! 

I just remember sort of 'coming to' and feeling a wave of pain. I was bruised, sore, and had a sprained toe - which still aches if I walk too much. But WOW it could have been really serious. 

That same day we were crossing two lanes of traffic, and as we crossed the first lane, a van in the second lane blew through the crosswalk without stopping or even slowing down. If Gary hadn't stopped walking at the edge of the first lane, he would have been hit!

So yes - we believe in miracles and God's protection and are incredibly grateful for the covering prayers of God’s people.  Every prayer, every expression of love, every gift of support is cherished.  Our awareness of the eternal, spiritual is heightened.

May you personally experience the power of God in your life, your family, wherever you need a miracle.

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Follow this link to make a donation online

Welcome Home - back in America

Upon arrival into the United States, all persons regardless of their citizenship, are required to go through US Immigration, collect their baggage, then go through US Customs.

When we returned to the United States last week – we simply presented our passports, which the Immigration official scanned, stamped and handed back to us with a poignant greeting “Welcome Home”.

Our customs form read ‘Nothing to Declare’. We handed it the officer and walked out to the warm embrace of friends at the arrival gate in Las Vegas. 

God is a lot like that US Immigration Official.   It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been away, where you’ve travelled, how tired and dirty you are – when you return, He simply stamps you with His love, puts His arms around you and says, “Welcome Home Child”.

Then we have the opportunity to declare and surrender all those things that we shouldn’t be carrying around – fear, hurt, discouragement, worry, habits, indifference.

Surrender them to Jesus – He’s like the Customs Officer for heart matters. He’ll take them and dispose of them properly. Imagine how much less baggage you’ll have to carry around.  How much lighter your heart will feel. 

We’re officially back in Las Vegas for the next two months.  Although it’s been our home for many years, somehow it no longer feels like ‘home’ – our hearts have been transplanted and taken root in India.

What's ahead for us?  August will find us enjoying Montana's big-skies and cool summer days, reconnecting with friends and families and sharing at our partner churches.  We'll share that schedule soon. 

Plans are to return to India by early October.  Our cozy flat is waiting for us.

We're often asked, 'What does it feel like to be back home in the United States?'    It's good to be back and we definitely feel loved and warmly welcomed by all our friends and supporters.  

Morning walks in our Las Vegas neighborhood feel  'sanitized' without the dust, garbage, cows, cowpies or stray dogs. 

Thank you for sharing our journey as we continue with God.   ~ Pat

Be prepared to be challenged and blessed as you listen to Gary's recent teaching. "How Do I Smell?"

Have you read our book?  Click the image for more info or to order from Amazon.com. 

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

 

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!    

It's Not Glamorous

Counting down: It’s less than three weeks until we head to India for an extended stay. 

It looks like a bomb went off in the house. 

• Piles of items set aside for the neighborhood yard sale clutter the downstairs and garage. We’ve cleaned out dark corners of our closets, borrowed tables, and slapped bright yellow price tags on everything. 
  
  
• The spare room overflows with piles that need to fit into our four allotted suitcases.
• An entire suitcase will contain eyeglasses for village eye clinics.
• Another one will hold children’s church materials, gifts for our Indian family and friends, a few household items for our apartment (called a flat) plus specific vitamin supplements and personal care items that are a challenge to find in India.
• We’ll fit our clothes around everything else to cushion anything breakable.

Pre-trip planning also involves preparing our hearts.  

• Staying open to what God has for this trip. Although we have been to India many times, every trip is different.  
• Times of prayer and fasting where we invite Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts, expand our vision and capacity to walk out His will and purpose. 

A song called “New Wine” speaks to our hearts.  We need to know what God is doing now, at this time, for this trip and the people we will minister to.  'New wine' speaks of a fresh anointing from Holy Spirit.  We are very aware that we need Holy Spirit to lead, guide and protect us as we go. This is why your prayers are so important to us. We feel ‘bubble-wrapped’, at peace and safe because of your prayers for us.

Make me Your vessel

Make me an offering

Make me whatever You want me to be

I came here with nothing

But all You have given me

Jesus bring new wine out of me

So I yield to You, into Your careful hand

When I trust You I don't need to understand

Listen to the song

Lyrics to the song

Siliguri Sunrise Awaits (Photo by Samuel Kahling)

(Photo by Brenda Williams)

Thank you for following our journey.

Thank you for praying.

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

"Now Lord, .... enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 

Acts 4:29-39 NIV

The World is Calling

In the book of Acts chapter 16 we read the account of Paul's Macedonian call:

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.  Acts 16:9-10

Gary and I have heard a similar call from the hearts of our ministry partners in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other nations.  There is a great peace as we answer the call and prepare to travel back to India on October 22, 2023.  Plans are to base in India for seven months, travelling to other countries from there. 

Wow right? There is a deep sense of awe and amazement that we are finally living out what we have longed for our entire lives.  It has always been our desire to spend more time on the mission field than in America.  We thought we were ready for this decades ago.  God had other plans and the perfect timetable.  Now - we believe it's His time.  

Faithful God
You hold my life secure
and all my days are yours

Powerful lyrics from one of our  all-time favorite worship songs 'Faithful God' by Gateway Worship. We serve a  God whose faithfulness endures.  Because He is the same yesterday, today and forever, we can trust that He knows what is ahead and how to lead us through it in victory.

Thank you for your ongoing love, prayers and financial support.  We truly do feel the strength of your prayers.

As we embark on this seven month adventure, please pray for wisdom, guidance, protection and the direction of the Holy Spirit.  

You are part of our journey.  Stay strong in your walk with the Lord. Remember that He is working all things out for your good. Stay in peace as you wait. 

  The journey continues ~ Pat

You will be encouraged by Gary's message "It's Another Touch"
shared at The Place Church in Hamilton, Montana 

The Nagaland Adventure

On a recent Tuesday morning, Gary and our friend Pastor Mike embarked on a twelve-hour train ride from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station in Siliguri to Dimapur (DMV), Nagaland.  Booked on the Rajdhani Express, first-class air-conditioned compartment, they expected a relaxing trip.  However- this is India.

The first glitch; They were booked in different compartments and had to negotiate a trade with another passenger so they could travel together. The second disappointment was the overall lack of cleanliness; the train was just ‘dirty’, especially the toilets. Airline-style meals were reasonably good, and they had brought their own bedsheets. After enduring the journey, they met with the rest of their ministry team and jumped right into a very full week of teaching and ministry.

Nagaland is a state in north-eastern India with a unique people group, culture and history.  Each of it’s 17 major tribes and multiple sub-tribes have distinctive languages, customs and dress.  Nagaland’s official language is English, and most of the people in these meetings wore Western style clothes.

Nagaland is often referred to as the Christian State as more than 80 per cent of its population identify as Christians.  When sharing the love of Jesus, it is important to hear the individual’s personal experience with Jesus – since many are ‘born Christian’ and have not been truly ‘born again' and personally received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Nagas love Americans, especially missionaries, because it was American Baptist  missionary Edward Winter Clark who brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Nagaland  in 1872. Nagaland has experienced several revivals, most recently from 1976 – 1982. 

With a strong Christian background, and thousands of existing churches, why go to Nagaland?  Christians are hungry for a deeper move of God in their lives.  This three-day Prophetic Conference was designed to train, equip, and activate those who wanted God to use them in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Hundreds of people were prayed for, received personal words of prophecy and encouragement, and are stepping out more fully equipped to share the love and truth of Jesus.  Nagas have a heart to go out to other states and the nations around them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ; fulfilling the Great Commission.

Mike and Gary's first mission trip together in 2000.
Look where they are now.

Mike and Gary have returned, safe, tired and fulfilled. The churches have asked them to return and conduct additional conferences later this year.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support.  Because Gary is a foreigner on a tourist visa, there can be problems if government officials decided to check out the church meetings, which they often do.

While Gary and Mike were away, I stayed with Megha, and was blessed to share the Word on Sunday morning and teach a three-part series at Wednesday night Bible study on the Armor of God.

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Gary was privileged to give the young boy,
on the right with his Mother, his Biblical name. 
'Andrew'.  One who will bring many to Jesus.  

Village Church Worship and the Word

MEANWHILE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Neighborhood walks include interacting with friendly residents.  
They question me in a string of animated Hindi - which I do not understand - but
assume to be the typical Indian greeting, "Where are you going?"
I reply by windmilling my arms to mime running, and announce 'Exercise!'.
This earns a smile, sideways head nod, and a satisfied 'Tika tika' (okay, okay)

What's the Mission?

India is our second home. It's been three years since our last trip, but Gary and I truly feel comfortable and ‘at home’. Sure it's vastly different than life in America, but we have become accustomed to:

• Starting our day with a hot cup of chai (tea) instead of coffee
• Walking to various neighborhood markets for groceries which we pay for in Indian rupees
• Using gestures to indicate what we want from the vegetable vendor (accompanied by lots of smiles and nods)
• Dodging cows, goats (and their droppings) as we walk to and from church
• Singing Nepali worship songs by phonetically reading the words on the screen

Our primary mission this trip is to come alongside local churches to strengthen and encourage the Pastors, leaders and believers. We are enjoying rich times of fellowship as we worship, study God's Word and pray together. 

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.  Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11- 12 NLT

 

India is ranked #11 on the Open Doors World Watch List: an annual ranking of countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Even though the area we are in is more accepting of Christians and religions other than Hinduism, it is safer for the people we work with if we stay behind the scenes encouraging them as they share the good news of Jesus’ love.

While the weather can be a challenge (right now it’s hot and dusty, yet still feels humid to me); India is a beautiful country.  Tropical plants and flowers overtake any untended space; and the food is delicious.

For more about daily life in India, check out this blog post from 2019 – Vignettes from the Rooftop.

Wherever we go, whatever we do, we have the awesome opportunity and privilege to represent our Lord Jesus.  Our prayer is that you will find joy in your journey, as you represent Jesus in your mission field.

The Journey Continues – Pat 

Many Cultures. One Church

 

Out of respect for the culture and convictions of the church congregation we were worshipping with, I grasped my chunni (shawl) and lightly covered my head. My heart and mind were transported to my childhood. I could almost feel the presence of my grandmothers who prayed with heads covered as their tradition and custom dictated. (I am of Ukrainian-Canadian descent.) 

I began pondering traditions, customs, habits; why we worship the way we do; why we gather when and where we do; does our dress and external appearance warrant the significance we place on it.

Here in India, we gather with believers from many different ethnic groups.  All are citizens of India, yet within one church congregation there are members that are Nepali, Hindi, Bengali and South Indian. Some are dressed in traditional salwar suits, one lady wears a beautiful silk sari, others are in casual western style clothing. 

The common denominator drawing them to this place on a rainy Sunday morning is their love for Jesus.  Hearts are lifted in songs of praise in English, Nepali and Hindi. I know that God is pleased. The message is translated from English into Hindi, India’s national language. 

This must be what heaven is like.  People of all nations and tongues – praising the Lord with one voice that He somehow understands and delights in.  “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb….” Revelation 7:9a

We encourage you today to look past appearances, see the heart, and worship the Lord with His children.  

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Shifting

What does it mean 'to shift'?

In India it means to move. To change your location. When you plan to move to a different house, you will mention that you are ‘shifting’ in a month.

Our new home. Dentist office on lower left.

In our case, we just shifted to a flat. Which means we moved into an apartment in the same building as Master’s Touch Church here in India.  The church rents the third floor of a 4-story building.  This includes a large room or hall used for church meetings, the adjacent flat and access to the shared rooftop terrace. The flat includes a bedroom, office, bathroom, large kitchen and open area which we share with the church on meeting days.

When you rent a house or apartment, what you get are the concrete walls, roof and plumbing!  Unlike America, there are no kitchen cabinets or appliances, there are no closets, water heater, fans or air conditioning units. Central heat is unheard of! 

Simple, Efficient work area.
Sink is to the left.

Shifting is a little more involved than simply packing up your personal belongings and moving.  Arrangements had to be made for a gas cylinder, which comes with a 2-burner cooktop; a hot water tank called a ‘geezer’ was purchased and installed. Bedroom furniture was ordered – including a wardrobe and clothes rack in lieu of a closet. 

Thankfully the church had furnished the kitchen and shared space.  Gary and I don’t know the local languages (Hindi and Nepali) and relied heavily on our good friend Megha who ‘knows people' and is a skilled negotiator. Thank you Megha!

Cupboard and desk for storage.
Microwave - because we can't live without one.

It would have been easier to stay where we were; comfortably taken care of at Mike and Megha’s home.  Shifting involves decisions, it involves change, learning new things and meeting new people.  

This physical move has caused a spiritual shift in my heart.  Spiritual ‘shifting’ is necessary to avoid complacency.   It changes what we are accustomed to, breaks us out of the ‘status quo’ and propels us further into God’s purpose for our lives.

My personal challenge is to choose wisely. As we develop new routines, new schedules, new habits, I am forced to reevaluate how I spend my days and recommit to trust the Lord fully, every day.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Prov 3:5-6 NKJV

May the Lord direct your paths today as you trust Him in every situation. Be open to ‘shift’. To change your mindsets and habits and embrace His mind and habits.

 The Journey Continues ~ Pat and Gary

Stay tuned for the next installment as we share “What’s in Your Neighborhood”
and take you on a walk through our neighborhood.

Welcome Home to India

After 30 hours of airline flights and airport layovers, a hot shower and real bed await us in the capital city of Delhi, India. 

The sound track of India's capital city filters into our airport hotel room: the hum of nonstop traffic with constantly honking horns in a range of tones from high pitched taxis to the low throated blast of lorries (trucks); loudly animated conversations in Hindi, Bollywood ringtones, and the never ending sound of construction workers expanding the sprawl, all say - welcome to India. We are home.

We are literally half-way around the world, after flying from Phoenix to London, London to Delhi, India. One last flight will take us from Delhi to Bagdogra, West Bengal.

India is our second home and we enjoy delicious food from its many cultures.

Stay tuned for more updates on our Journey With God! With Grateful Hearts ~ Gary and Pat

God is Doing A New Thing!

Happy New Year Everyone!

'Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? 
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV

I believe this is a word for all of us.  Jesus is going to do something new in 2023.  It's new - not refurbished, remodeled or recycled. He doesn't want you dwelling in the past, reveling in the good old days; nor does He want you to dwell on your mistakes and failures.

It is easy to get lost in a wilderness.  During the past few years, if you have lost your passion for the Lord, lost your desire for the things of God, or even lost your sense of purpose; know that Jesus is preparing a way out for you, even as He did for the Israelites at the Red Sea! 

Living in Las Vegas, Pat and I know firsthand what it is to have a lack of water.  It can be unbearably dry and unfruitful.  If you have experienced lack; spiritually, financially, emotionally or physically, the Lord is going to cause rivers to come into those dry areas of your life so that you can be fruitful and have more than enough.

Have a spirit of expectancy this year.  God is doing a new thing.

God's 'new thing' is already starting for us.  We will be travelling to India this month - leaving on January 23rd and returning on May 23rd.  We are expecting great things.

Please pray for wisdom, guidance, and direction of Holy Spirit as we go.  We'd love for you to stay in touch with us.  Hearing from home is a great joy and encouragement as we travel.

Through your love and support, the journey continues.  With grateful hearts - Gary & Pat

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT

No Problem - the book we wrote about our adventures with God and His amazing love - is now expanded and available in paperback on Amazon.  Click the cover photo to follow the link and buy your copy today.

Note: The Kindle version will be updated soon.

Remember to shop Smile.Amazon.com and select Greater Works Unlimited as your charity. Amazon donates a portion of your purchase at no additional cost.

Faithful God

One of my favorite songs is "Goodness of  God".  The words of the chorus resonate with my heart and bring me to tears: 

All my life You have been faithful

All my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

I will sing of the goodness of God.

In October, I celebrated a milestone birthday.  Looking back over 60 years of this amazing life God has blessed me with, I am overwhelmed with His great faithfulness. 

There have been challenges, heartache, disappointments and loss of loved ones. There have been victories, joys, precious relationships, and great adventures with God.  Each of you reading this is part of my great adventure.  However our lives have connected, whenever and wherever our paths crossed, thank you for being part of my life.

INDIA 2023

The journey continues as we prepare for our first overseas mission trip in three years - India 2023!  Gary and I will be travelling to India on January 23, 2023 for four months of ministry.  Airplane tickets have been purchased - which makes it official.

It's a blessing to stay in contact with our ministry partners and see the fruit of their labors for the Lord during our three years in the states.

God's Word is being preached, people are giving their hearts to Jesus and being baptized in water, children are being tutored in school work, and taught about Jesus; the love of Jesus is shown through food distributions, eye clinics, and in towns and villages. 

During this season of Thanksgiving and throughout the year, Gary and I want you to know how grateful we are for you. Your love, prayers, support, every encouraging word - are precious to us. 

May you experience the faithfulness of God in every area of your life. The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Here are just a few photos from our partners in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand,  Myanmar and  India. 

Are you shopping online this year? You can support Greater Works at no extra cost to you - by shopping at Smile.Amazon.com and choosing Greater Works Unlimited as your charity.  Amazon donates a portion of their profits!  

The easiest way to get started is: a) log into your Amazon account as usual. b) click this link and follow it through to support Greater Works Unlimited.  This setting will be part of your account until you change it.