Greetings!
In September, I participated in a medical outreach in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It was a wonderful time of ministry with people from the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and our missionaries in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh
We held three clinics during our time there. On our first day, we traveled for a few hours to an area where they are planning to build a worship hall. I love these opportunities for the community to experience Jesus’ compassion and concern in practical ways. As usual, the most popular table was for reading glasses, which makes you think the ones doing it are some celebrities. We had to laugh because the task required crowd control.
The clinic was busy with five stations and patients waiting.
A patient testing out his new glasses.
The pharmacy table with faithful pill counters.
The following two days were spent at Holiness Academy on the outskirts of Dhaka. This is such a beautiful facility that has grown through the years and has easily changed the landscape of the area. Missionaries Vijay and Apa Balla’s vision is ever-expanding. It’s not just a boarding school for pastors' children from remote areas, but also meets the educational needs of Muslim families in the area. People to People (PTP) continues to provide sponsorships for students there. Whenever we visit, the children always treat us to special presentations. Even if it’s a small audience, they pour their hearts and souls into their presentations. As the program was concluding, Vijay shared that the kids had been trained to do evangelism when they accompanied them to visit churches, etc. Many of the areas they visit are counted among unreached people groups, and when the children are on vacation, they actively engage with their communities, sharing Jesus.
Children's presentation at the Dhaka Holiness Academy.
Sri Lanka
Arriving in Colombo, we were pleasantly surprised as we drove to Hatton for our stop. Suddenly, on each side of the van, were rolling hills of tea plantations. Intermittent rain added to the spectacular view, and a few tea leaf pickers carried colorful bags of their harvest.
The medical team posed for a group picture in Sri Lanka.
Our clinics were hosted by House of Praise, which had recently joined IPHC Sri Lanka. It was a joy to be a part of their pastor and the assistant pastor’s credentialing ceremony. The clinics ministered to a variety of people. I am anticipating what God has planned for the growth of His church there.
Sunday service at House of Praise.
Debra being blessed by a congregant at House of Praise.
Nation Changers
I frequently say that the PTP Child Sponsorship Program is raising a generation that is impacting their nations. During our time at the Holiness Academy, Vijay pointed out one young man who has graduated and remains at the school as he looks for work. He was a part of the presentation, and you can see his influence on the others. I greatly anticipate the future God has for him.
The first sentence of IPHC’s 7th Core Value states: “We celebrate all generations and acknowledge that each is essential in the body of Christ.” People to People has never lost sight of the fact that the children among the nations are valued and essential. We do know the foundations laid in their lives will impact the countries where they reside. Visit iphc.org/ptp/ or call 405-792-7128 to find out how you can get involved.
Beyond Partnership
This recent trip amplified how God weaves so many intricate threads together to accomplish His purposes. I watched the multiple steps freshly picked tea leaves go through to bring us a satisfying cup of tea, and all the unseen labor it takes. One Bible commentary I’ve read recently states that fellowship is first the sharing of a common life with each other through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Much like those tea leaves go through a process and come together to make a beautiful cup of tea, we were individuals with little in common until the Father’s calling allowed our lives to intertwine to fulfill God’s will and glorify Him. I am so grateful!
DEBRA CROOK
