An update from Rajahmundry

As I write this, I just got chased off the balcony by 2 monkeys — yes I’m serious (video to be posted later!)– how funny is that? This is my life now – oh Lord how you have a sense of humor! I wasn’t planning to blog on that – I actually just finished a blog with some pictures on my laptop about how God romanced my heart through the children here on Valentines Day. I planned to post it, but can’t find the flash drive – so until I can I’ll just update you all a little…

We’re working right now with a church campus (Rock Church of India) that has a church, school, hospital, and orphanage. There are between 300 and 400 school children and around 80 orphans. As if that wasn’t enough to keep me occupied, they are holding a mass revival called the Jesus Festival, where around 10,000 are attending!

We spent yesterday morning teaching the children songs, and two nights ago we were introduced to the congregation (at that time around 4,000). Lynette (who hates crowds and is terrified of speaking in front of people) did a GREAT job introducing herself and greeting the people. I was so proud of her!!! Meanwhile, my heart was soaring – here God has brought me into my element, sharing with the crowds! Something in me comes alive when I get to speak and sing to an audience – it is how God wired me, and how He continues to use the passions I once had as a “pageant girl” to do His work. So now I am preparing to share my testimony and sing tonight in front of thousands – I praise Him for this INCREDIBLE opportunity! Thank you Jesus! God be glorified through me tonight!

Please pray for God to move in amazing ways tonight – pray that He will make me an empty vessel – that it would not be ME onstage, but Him speaking and singing through me. Pray that He will use me to speak His love and hope into hurting people. Pray that MANY will come to know Him tonight!

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and a little more info…

We’ve been EXHAUSTED – so Lynette and I stayed in today to rest, but she is still not feeling well. Please pray complete healing for her – this sickness has been going on for over a week now!

Also, pray healing for me – I’m feeling much better, but I managed to fall down the stairs (yes, go ahead and laugh) and I have a HUGE bruise on my backside now and a couple more on my leg. It’s going to make carrying my 30+ lb backpack really painful, and flying 24 + hours isn’t going to be very comfortable either if it doesn’t heal really quickly! So please pray healing!

Please continue to pray God will work through me in amazing ways – I only have one more full day here before I start traveling home. Thank you again for your prayers thus far, and for your encouraging comments! They keep us going when we’re so far away from home!

I love you all and can’t wait to see you soon!
Blessings!
In HIS hands ~ Ericka

ps – if you’re still looking for things to pray for, these requests have been heavy on my heart lately:
http://www.sethbarnes.com/index.asp?filename=the-kingdom-of-god-suffers-violence