[Insert Witty Blog Title Here]

Hello Dear Readers,

Greetings, Prayer Warriors and Jesus family members,

(told you I'd double up on the salutations last night).

I apologize for the lack of a decent title for tonight's blog. We'll all collectively come up with something amazing for tomorrow - it will be epic! We had a great day today. This morning, following our Devos (that's Christian hipster slang for "Devotions"), David gave us an overview of the ministry that God has allowed him to lead since 1997. To see how God has used this man is completely amazing. He's helped plant (though, in his completely humble self will tell you he had nothing to do with it - but he was God's appointed instrument) 35 chuches in the last 14 years and, to God's glory, they're seeing 200+ baptisms a year and 500+ conversions a year. I speak for all of the team when I say that we feel entirely humbled that God would allow us the opportunity to see first hand the work He's doing and bless us with the chance to play a very small role in this work. We can't wait to share with all of you what God is doing here and we can't wait to bring you with us next time!

After our morning stuff, we had the opportunity to do some touring around Chennai. Our first stop, for those who were interested, was to pop into the American Embassy and see what's going on there. Report on what's going on: Nothing. It was actually pretty funny though. The process for getting into the embassy is rigid and slow. It might have something to do with not having an appointment, but I'm thinking it had more to do with the fact that when the Embassy guards asked us why we were there, our answer: "We're American tourists and just wanted to see our Embassy". Apparently, this is a new one for them. It's the equivalent of touring the DMV...just without all of the people. And fun. Once we finally got in, we met a nice Embassy employee named David - who, while excited to see some Americans, also couldn't understand why we were "touring" the embassy. All he did was hold the door open for us and then he became our accidental tour guide because we wouldn't stop asking him questions. Then, for the big finale, he took us up to the 2nd floor to see the "Library", which is exactly what it sounds like. It's a library of books on American history and culture. Good to know that even halfway across the world, Americans are nerds.

We followed that up with a visit to St. George's church (which was really cool) - the church where Shirani (David's daughter) and her husband Immanuel got married. THAT was a cool experience to see that place. Beautiful church, beautiful landscaping...very lovely. Then, some of the group went shopping, the others went to see the oldest church in Asia. I was in the former group as I owe my wife jewelry (It's coming, my love).

Our afternoon/evening took us about an hour/hour and a half out into one of the villages for a church dedication. These things are beautiful experiences. The church facilities themselves are very humble (four walls and a doorway) - but I couldn't help but compare to our church. We always talk about, "When we get the next worship center..." and have all of these grand plans (which are fine), but when you saw these people and their excitement over having a 15'x40' building to call their own...it was really moving. And you become so excited for them. Family, we are so completely blessed beyond our needs and we better start realizing this. Though, I am encouraged...if we could find a way to worship as passionately as these Indian believers do in proportion to God's provision and our blessings, we would blow the roof off our church and the Mid-Atlantic region could not contain the Holy Spirit that would be pouring out of us. Let's work on this.

After the church was dedicated, we moved outside for a 30-45 minute program (singing/skits and a message from their pastor). Oh...and get this...Tim did a NEW illusion today! He did both! It was great and he would love for you to ask him to both of them every time you see him upon our return. One of the most beautiful events of the past week or so was that following the message, the Church came forward and asked our team to pray one-on-one with them. It was a beautiful time of worship that transcended the language and cultural barriers. Our Team was the "Church" tonight. Amazing experience. We're still getting over that one.

Tomorrow is a free day/prep day. This weekend, we're ending big. 2-3 more Church dedications and events all day on Sunday. We're going to take in a few sights in the morning, pick up the last few souvenirs and then come back together to pull together some new skits and be ready for a massive weekend of ministry. Please be praying for this.

Along with your prayers, we need to ask you to up your prayers for Christi Maude. She was pretty ill last night and sat out the events of this morning, hoping it would get her rested so that she could participate tonight. Unfortunately, she needed to see a doctor and ended up being admitted into the hospital for a few hours. She was suffering from dehydration. They got her fixed up and she is back with us now resting, but she needs your prayers for healing. We don't want her to have to miss out on this weekend after all the work she's put into this. Thank you in advance.

Our prayer requests tonight:
1. Healing for Christi
2. Strength and energy for the upcoming weekend
3. Creativity in pulling together some new ministry activities
4. Mental/Spiritual energy to end strong

You guys are awesome. Thanks for coming alongside us.

-Jeff