Author: David Grisanti

Today, aside from the teachings, 2 of the Americans told everyone what led up to their becoming Christians.
The first was a young man named Ryan, who serves as a pastor to junior high students at a church in California. He had a pretty dramatic conversion, leaving a life of drugs and alcohol and rebellion. Ryan is a gifted young man with a passionate faith.
The other man was a retired nurse from Texas named Kim, a real gentleman. He said two things that really inspired me. Firstly, he clearly remembers attending a Vacation Bible School at the age of 3, and remembers feeling the presence of God in a profound way. As he grew up, that experience became an anchor for his faith. He said that we should never underestimate how God might make Himself real to children at VBS! Secondly, he is the one who mails out the 250 HMU newsletters each month. But he also prays for each person on the address label! In fact, he mentioned that though we just met yesterday, he has prayed for me many times. Who knew?
I have included some pics of them and of those of us who were the speakers, and a group photo.

I am looking forward to the final conference day tomorrow. Loving being here!

Keep praying!

David

Yesterday, Wednesday, was the first day at the conference. I had a great time and was glad to be able to teach.
One thing, however, stood out to me. A young pastor, 50% blind, was led up to the stage where he shared a testimony. He told of the time he decided to follow Christ. He said that he knew that his only hope of surviving was to be a beggar at the rail station. But he decided that he wanted to do something to serve Jesus. So, he began reaching out and talking to people on the streets. Through his many experiences he has started 8 churches that are now under his care and leadership. He spoke of seeing healings from cancer and other diseases, of fasting for 21 days and other times 40 days in order to prepare himself for the work before him. He is a joyful young man and passionate about following Jesus Christ. I was pretty much speechless after listening to him!

Now, on to today, Thursday.

It is Wednesday morning in Delhi, and I will be picked up in 45 minutes and transported to the conference site.

Yesterday I rode to the Mumbai airport with Pastor Selvan, who had us all over for dinner the night before. He was also flying to Delhi, so offered to give me a lift. We had a great conversation during the hour-long ride. He is not only a pastor but is also the Director of Operations of Justice and Care, an international organization that seeks to not only stop human trafficking, but to also see that the criminals involved are brought to justice. As many of us know, the problem of human trafficking is disturbingly widespread, and the challenge is huge. But his organization, and many others, are doing all they can to end this horror. It was heartening to hear about all they are doing.
He also told me that what MTI is doing is critically needed in India, that pastors and Christian leaders need to be trained to understand and teach the Bible in a clear and systematic manner. He hopes that I can come to Mumbai again, and that I might even be able to establish some sort of center here for that purpose. The day before that, Jose, my contact here in Mumbai, told me the same thing. Hmmm . . . .

I’m doing very well, feeling great, and looking forward to the day.

Love to you all.