Life Changing Words Ministry

Missionary Journal

January 28, 2007

Monday by noon, Pastor Kilang had returned to his father’s house to spend the day resting and sharing the good reports of the Lord’s goodness in touching people. It is always a faith-building time.

I spent some of my time repacking our bags to fit the love gifts we received from the churches. Then I took a short nap. Asungla wanted me to see her wedding video. We got through most of it before the power went off.

Later we the power returned, we watched the church ladies fashion show of Naga ladies creations made from woven cloth. Some of the fashions stayed with the traditional tribal colors; others incorporated tribal designs with other fashion designs. Many were quite attractive. I will have to save up my money for one of these beautiful garments.

Our last meal in Changtongya was dedicated to the house of Meren, whose daughter had been cooking for us most of the day. Everything was quite tasty and we fellowshipped reminiscing of our last visit with them. Alumla was not there. She was still at a ladies prayer meeting at church. There were also preparations for a wedding for the next day. I took a picture of the family who were present. [Still, I think that Meren looks like what I remember my Uncle Gene looking like.]

Bright and early the next morning... [Remember, here in Nagaland breakfast is at dawn so lunch is at 10am.] we were packed and ready to head back to Dimapur. The children were already asking opa (daddy) when opoo and ootseh were coming back. We ate ‘brunch’ and left the Jamir house at 8:30 am.

When we got back to the flat land the road was closed for bridge repair. Kilang was a bit disturbed because on the other side of the bridge about 100 yards farther was the highway we needed. We were directed in the detour, which took us an hour to go around.

Once back on the highway, sitting in the backseat, it felt like the tire on my side was rapidly going flat. I told Pastor he needed to check it just in case it wasn’t the bumps in the roadway. I was right and the Lord knew this would happen. He provided for there to be a tire repair business out in the middle of the rice patty fields. I have a picture of Pastor Kilang changing the tire. I think the Lord was testing his faith in the area of patience. We encouraged him. [The price of the repair was Rs 20 (50 cents).] We got home safely.

I began a series on prophetic intercession for the Teens Up Faith church Wednesday evening Bible study. We had the evening meal with the Longkumer family.

The fellas went to town to pick up the boys from school and to purchase two new tires for the vehicle. The Zen takes wheels that look like large roller skate wheels to me. The two wheels cost about Rs 2500, which is about $58.

Amenla and I spent time together doing various things. During the day we were outside enjoying the sunlight. The power is on and off alternately every hour almost. We involved the children in making peanut butter. We had fun together like a mom and daughter would do.

Friday was Republic Day so the shops and schools were closed. We rested and played with the children. In the times when I was by myself, I felt a heaviness and desire to cry. So I prayed in the Spirit and prayed for the new babies that would be here anytime.

The well went dry and for three days Amenla and Arenla carried buckets of water from the different places in the neighborhood. The well in front of the kitchen had already run dry months before we arrived. I walked around the well seven times declaring a breakthrough of water for the people. Kilang and I prayed over the well in the back. It is low, but with the pump pipe repaired it comes slowly and must go through the crude filtering system before coming into the house. We all prayed for the rain to come and fill the wells. It began to rain the next day. It will take many days of rain to fill the wells in Nagaland, or anywhere else in India.

In the evenings we would sit around the kitchen fireplace and visit sharing vision of the Lord’s work He had given to each of us. Pastor Kilang had received several phone calls regarding some properties for the future location for Youth Harvest Addiction Recovery Training Center and for the future location for a home for his family. (The house they are currently renting is old and the cross-piece on the fireplace fell down on the cat.) We spent time praying for the Lord to reveal His will for these things.

Amenla and I went to the market for vegetables. In the evening we walked to Achila’s house to see how she is doing and to have tea with her. I took a small gift for her to show her we are still remembering and loving her since Lima passed away. She gave me a "mura" shaped basket handcrafted in Nagaland. Later she sent some fresh fish to the house for Amenla to cook for us.

On Sunday morning, we all piled into the small car for church. Bill and I were split up to minister in Bethel church and Teens Up Faith church. Pastor translated for Bill in the Nagamese service on the ground floor while I continued in the series I started on Wednesday night. We ate lunch with the Longkumers and went home for a rest. They would pick me up for the 4pm youth service.