INDIA DAY 1
Hello Everyone,

We're at the little cyber cafe across the street from our motel. Cars, motorbikes, cabs -- horns all blaring outside! The plane arrived 2 hours late in india. Airport workers are on strike, so it took another hour to stand in line to get through immigration. Then another hour to get our luggage and get through customs. Finally ready to leave for our hotel at 5:30 AM, instead of the 1:30 AM we expected. Then to get settled, unpack enough to find our way into bed, etc. We finally got to sleep at 7 AM for a couple hours. Jacob met us at noon, we walked the 1 block to the YMCA and met the superintendent/director, bought our first scarves and souvenirs at a craft show going on in the YMCA. There's lots more we would like to have purchased from the crafts people, but too tired to make intelligent decisions -- the craft market is there 4 more days, so we'll get to go again.

We went to the oldest and most popular chinese restaurant for lunch. It was very good. Jacob said we'll be eating lots of Indian food and he wants to break us in slowly so we don't get sick of it. From there we walked 2 blocks through the heart of Hyderbad's business district to a wonderful fabric store where they have cloth/fabric in sets of 3 for making the pants, tunic top, and scarf for the traditional punjabi dress. It was so beautiful and so difficult to decide. I've never seen anything like it. Beryl and i both got the fabric for 2 outfits. Then we walked another block to the tailor who took our measurements and where we selected our neck designs -- he will sew the outfits and we will pick up on Tuesday so we will have them to wear to the formal 50th birthday party for jacobs wife.

Tonight we will try to adjust our body clocks by going to bed at 9 PM and getting up at 6 AM. Jacob will pick us up for 8 AM church. We will attend the Assembly of God church and Jacob expects me to preach or teach or share testimony. probably will only talk 5 minutes or so. Then we'll go to two more church services before the day is over.

We are tired, excited and filled with much anticipation about what God will do. We had a 9 year old girl in 4th grade come into the YMCA office today when we were there visiting the superintendent. She wants to be a writer and really wants to come to the workshop. There is a possibility we will put on a special children's workshop one afternoon if she gets 10 people who want to come. She was so bright and serous about her writing -- her parents were with her and very encouraging. I showed her the photos of my grandchildren and she will write my 4th grade granddaughter hannah.

It is very easy and very good phone connection to US. the best time to phone us is at 6-7 PM Washington/CA time, that is 7-8 AM India time. We can take the phone call in our room. Just dial the hotel phone number: 04039122222 and ask for room 202. This is the URVASI RESIDENCY. The front desk clerks already know us. I'll describe our hotel room and other features in another email.

It was so much fun to find a dozen or so e-mails from you all when i checked at the Amsterdam airport and now again tonight. What a blessing to have so many praying faithful friends. Jacob is speechless to receive the money and the many gifts we brought. Hhe had much fun going through the pile of loot to decide who should receive the books, pens, stickers, calendars, candy and other assorted things we brought.

He is a very good host and i am so glad we have him as an interpreter -- I haven't known half of the things he has been telling people to give directions, pay, etc.

Well, enough for today. It is now 6:30 PM in Hyderabad, India -- and if you are on the west coast we are 13 hours ahead of you -- and it is 5:30 AM there... that's why i am not phoning you Bob and mom.

much love,
elaine

SUNDAY IN INDIA DAY 2
elaine wright colvin
writers information network
sunday night, february 5

It is 8:00 PM and I am on emotional overload. An amazing day. We started with church at an Assembly of God -- 2000 plus people... all singing IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL as we walked in. The 2-hour service was amazing. details will come later. Then we went to a slum church. More than 55 sitting on mats in the dirt under a tent on the side of a hill surrounded by old tents made of cardboard and cloth, which are the homes of these slum people. We fell in love with so many. Will go back on tuesday to visit the slum school.

From there we went to the children's A.I.D.s house -- 11 children and the most amazing 28 year-old single man I have ever met who runs the whole place as director, mother, father, cook, nurse, funeral director and everything else you can imagine. From their we went to our motel for 1 hour (4 t0 5 PM) to clean up, eat a snack, and prepare to leave again to attend another slum church. This one we had to walk to. The people came out of their cement hovels to shake our hands. More than 100 children sang to us -- it was amazing! This pastor has been building this church with his hands since 1985 in a slum of 12,000 people. Many homes have 6 to 8 people living in one room. No children wear shoes. But oh can they sing and love Jesus. From there we went to another small church -- and now at 8 PM we are through with our day that started at 9 AM. We attended 5 churches, talked, sang, and prayed with and for the children at each. We gave food, gifts, and money at each! Gave a thousand hugs and kisses on each cheek, shook 10 million hands as the children said "Goodbye auntie, thank you auntie." At each service we are given a garland (a huge lei bigger and more beautiful than any in Hawaii) by one of the children with kisses on both cheeks. We have shared the road with motorcycles, bicycles, cabs, cars, busses, trucks, goats, cows, bull carts, and so much more. But this is just the beginning and we have so much more to come. God truly told me that we were sent here to love the people -- and the response to the Jesus love is overwhelming! Thanks so much for your prayers. It is more wonderful being here than i could have imagined.

love, elaine wright colvin

INDIA DAY 3
Hi again from the little cyber cafe in Hyderabad.

Today was interesting -- a 2 hour interview with the Director of the Publishing Division of OM Books. K. C. Joseph is a young brilliant man with both a heart for missions, for good books in all the languages of India, and for finding and establishing new writers. When we realized there are no books for children written in the native Telugu language, it broke my heart. We must get some books published for them. Why go to school to learn to read when they have nothing to read. We made an agreement that if I can find good children's books which the author will agree to let them publish (no royalties), I will try to find $1,000 US which will publish 2000 books that they can give to the slum schools and children. In some cases when there is enough money in a family, they will sell the book for 1/2 cent. Will you help me?

We made several other discoveries and agreements about finding books and authors that they can publish, and i will be writing about that at a later date in WIN.

The OM bookstore is the largest in Hyderabad. We were able to purchase 100 Bibles to give to those who have never had one -- in the schools and leprosy colony; We purchased 100 children's books in English which we will give them when we visit the school tomorrow; We purchased 5 special books to give the Evangelists; and we purchased the big children's picture Bible to give to the schools and Aids Children's home. Thanks so much for all the money you sent -- this is what enabled us make these purchases. We have also agreed to pay for 1 years schooling for 10 more children at one of the schools, and we are doing research as to how many others need it in the other slum school.

The need is so great. The slum areas are everywhere -- children living in dirt in small tent villages at the sides of the road. We stopped to take pictures of a bull cart in the middle of the road and then of one of the slums and we were immediately surrounded by 20 children holding out their hands and crying "money, money!" we gave them and threw (as in a parade) chocolate candy that they would have to chase, so we could drive the car away safely without hitting any of them.

This afternoon we did some planning for the workshop and grabbed a short nap. Jacob and i will go to the airport at 4:30 AM to meet Steven James. Tomorrow we are booked with meetings and signatures from 10 AM to 7 PM. Our 10 AM meeting is with the Director of Joyce Meyers Ministries in India.

Today it was fun to meet Mr. Job Reddy, program manager for World Vision India -- since our son-in-law works for World VIsion.
The persecutions, the suicides by young people, the brides being burned and killed by husband's and their families because they did not come with enough dowry, the children dying because they fell into the outdoor cooking fire -- all were the morning headlines of the newspaper. There is much to pray about and much to be thankful for the blessings we have in America. It was hard for Beryl and I not to be embarrassed by our riches in the church services yesterday, when we saw those that have so little.

There is a restaurant connected to our hotel and the 5 waiters are loving practicing their English with us. The most confusing thing is that when they shake their head "no" -- it really means "yes" in India. I am confused all the time because I think they are saying no.
Our body clocks have not adjusted to the time and Beryl and I are only getting 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night -- but we're ok and loving being here and feel surrounded by your prayers. What a blessing to have 27 e-mails from you tonight reminding me that you are standing with us. Thank you so much. We couldn't do it without you.

I have wiped off the dusty computer screen 9 times already so i can try and read what i'm typing... at the end of the day my hands (especially knuckles) are black just because of all the pollution in the air. It is amazing!
hugs,elaine
[writers information network]
Please forgive typos etc. This cafe-computer has a timer and is a very old slow PC.... I appreciate your grace!

INDIA Day 4
Hello again from Hyderabad:

What a day. Up at 3:15 AM, left hotel at 4 AM to pick up Steven James at airport at 5 AM.

We started our business day at 9 AM and we just finished dinner at 9 PM. Our meeting with the head of Joyce Meyers ministry was an interesting journey into the rich and powerful, dot com, and tech center area of Hyderabad. We learned a lot about different big ministries in India, including Focus on the Family and Samaritans Purse.

Then to Harvest Ministries. Caleb, the head of many ministries, has a real servant heart and I immediately respected him. He has planted 90 churches in the villages of India, and discipled and trained 18 evangelists. He enlightened us with a long list of needs which we will be telling you about in the days to come. We paid for lunch for all the evangelists and staff that came; also donated $120 for the medical camp that we will be going to next week -- mostly to help pull teeth as they need lots of dental work.
 
Such a huge need. And today i laid on hands and prayed for a boy with a withered leg due to polio. He hops with a crutch. He is such a good looking talented 11 year old. I hope we can find a Dr. to perform the surgery and give him a prosthesis. We spoke to 18 village pastor/evangelists.

Back to the school with 129 present today. I held hands with the pastor and prayed for him as i told him how he had shown me Jesus as he worshiped and praised at the very small church service on sunday night. This man has suffered and endured many many beatings and persecutions for preaching about jesus. he has a heart of gold. i gave him 2000 rupees to replace school uniforms for 4 children whose got torn and ruined so have none to wear to school -- and there would be enough left to treat his beautiful family (two teenagers) to a nice dinner. the children sang to us, steve told stories, we hugged, kissed, and shook hands and took many pictures. we gave them many gifts. it is definitely hard to leave them -- they need so much in their classrooms.

Then to the baptist pastors slum house up narrow narrow stairs to the rooftop where 30 + children and a few parents gathered to greet us. they garlanded us and asked for hugs and kisses. they told us their names, schools, ages, and more. this were incredible kids. we are paying for 3 months special tutoring for them to make sure they all pass their school exams so they can promote to the next grade level. we walked in about 6 blocks of narrow hovels to get through the slums to this house.
then we came back to the restaurant hotel to meet with hephzibah, the wife of the murdered pastor daniel. she is so petite and shy, she didn't want to come, but jacob insisted that she did. finally we convinced her of our love and concern and saw her smiling. she is only 25. the ice was broke and she clung to me when it was time to say goodbye. i told her she could be my sister or my daughter. she needs lots of prayers as she grieves her lost husband.

Tomorrow is our first day of workshop. we have 1-1 1/2 hour shorter class time than expected. not sure how the planned lessons will all work out. i am exhausted. not getting much sleep and no time for any decent meals so far. i have only had cold shower/spitz baths and would love to wash my hair. such is life in india. but then arrived with a broken hair dryer, so...

Hugs and prayers until tomorrow, [we need your prayers]

elaine in india and loving every minute of it!!!

ps. every time you meet a new group you receive a garland ( a BIG flower lei) -- it is incredible. each time it is presented by the smallest child present.

Sorry if there are typos, etc. i don't know how to spell check on web mail and if i don't push send before my rented hour of computer use is up, i may lose the whole thing, like i did last night on my first try.

INDIA Day 5
Hello again from Hyderabad :

What a day. up at 3:15 am , left hotel at 4 am to pick up steven james at airport at 5 am.

We started our business day at 9 am and we just finished dinner at 9 pm. our meeting with the head of joyce Meyers ministry was an interesting journey into the rich and powerful, dot com, and tech center area of hyderabad . we learned a lot about different big ministries in india , including focus on the family and samaritans purse.

Tthen to Harvest Ministries. caleb, the head of many ministries has a real servant heart and i immediately respected him. he has planted 90 churches in the villages of india , and discipled and trained 18 evangelists. he enlightened us with a long list of needs which we will be telling you about in the days to come. We paid for lunch for all the evangelists and staff that came; also donated $120 for the medical camp that we will be going to next week -- mostly to help pull teeth as they need lots of dental work.
such a huge need. and today i laid on hands and prayed for a boy with a withered leg due to polio. he hops with a crutch. he is such a good looking talented 11 year old. i hope we can find a dr. to perform the surgery and give him a prosthesis. we spoke to 18 village pastor/evangelists.

Back to the school with 129 present today. i held hands with the pastor and prayed for him as i told him how he had shown me jesus as he worshiped and praised at the very small church service on sunday night. this man has suffered and endured many many beatings and persecutions for preaching about Jesus. He has a heart of gold. I gave him 2000 rupees to replace school uniforms for 4 children whose got torn and ruined so they have none to wear to school -- and there would be enough $$ left to treat his beautiful family (two teenagers) to a nice dinner. The school children sang to us, Steve told stories, we hugged, kissed, and shook hands and took many pictures. We gave them many gifts. It is definitely hard to leave them -- they need so much in their classrooms.

Then we went to the Baptist pastor's slum house -- up narrow narrow stairs to the rooftop where 30+ children and a few parents gathered to greet us. They garlanded us and asked for hugs and kisses. They told us their names, schools, ages, and more. These were incredible kids. We are paying for 3 months special tutoring for them to make sure they all pass their school exams so they can promote to the next grade level. We walked in about 6 blocks through narrow hovels to get through the slum district to this house.

Then we came back to the restaurant hotel to meet with Hephzibah, the wife of the murdered Pastor Daniel. She is so petite and shy, she didn't want to come, but Jacob insisted that she did. Finally we were able to convince her of our love and concern for her, and saw her smiling. She is only 25. The ice was broke and she clung to me when it was time to say goodbye. I told her she could be my sister or my daughter. She needs lots of prayers as she grieves the death of her husband.

Tomorrow is our first day of the Writers Workshop. We have 1-1 1/2 hour shorter class time than expected. not sure how the planned lessons will all work out. I am exhausted. Not getting much sleep and no time for any decent meals so far. I have only had cold shower/spitz baths and would love to wash my hair. Such is life in India . But then I arrived here with a broken hair dryer, so...
hugs and prayers until tomorrow, [we need your prayers]

elaine in india and loving every minute of it!!!
ps. Every time you meet a new group you receive a garland ( a BIG flower lei) -- it is incredible. Each time it is presented by the smallest child present.

INDIA Day 6
Hello again from Hyderabad :

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES -- WENT AMAZINGLY WELL. 48 SHOWED UP!

There is lots of pomp and circumstance for official inauguration/opening such a prestigious event. Greetings from the mayor, Chief of police, 8 dignitaries and lighting of the flame by 5 of us to signify the passing on of knowledge. It took an hour -- so we adjusted our whole schedule..

They were quiet and reserved but enthusiastic and interested. Unfortunately, they can understand us much better than we can understand them. We do not have to lecture with an interpreter in the writers workshop (although we have at the churches and schools where we have been asked to speak). But I asked Jacob and his son, William, to be available to interpret TO us what the Indians are saying in response to our questions. Sometimes unless we have them spell out the words, i just can't understand them, their accents or dialect.

We have a 10 year old girl who was so anxious for writing training she asked if she could come to workshop. Jacob told her on saturday that if she got 9 children to come with her we would put on a special children's class. Well today she arrived with names of 10 children who will come with her from 2-4 tomorrow for a special writers class conducted by Steven James. She is such a beautiful, talented go-getter, I believe we will see much of her in the future. Pray for RACHEL and all of her friends that come tomorrow.

So far i have managed to avoid any bad food or water and any squat toilets. There is european style water closet in our hotel room and a shower where you make the whole bathroom into the bathtub and let the water run down a little drain in the corner. Our motel is simple, but clean and nice and the help is having fun with us. Tonight about 3 of the desk clerks and 2 waiters were waiting with cameras for us to step out of the teeny tiny elevator into the lobby, so they could take our pictures in our beautiful new punjabis.

We got to attend the very fashionable and wonderful 50th birthday party of Jacob's wife. It was held at the boat club. The most important was that all of the ministry leaders that we have been meeting were there with their wives and we got to hear more of their dreams and visions. It was also our first big buffet of authentic top of the line Indian cuisine. and some liked it HOT!   I am dying to have an ice cube in my coke. They are very good at keeping us in bottled water, but no one gets it chilled enough for my tastes. Two of the children we had met at church on Sunday were at the party tonight -- very anxious to talk to us.

Two young men (18 and 24) who are village evangelists drove for 4 hours to come meet Steven and i at the Writers Workshop today. They travel on their bikes 25 miles a day to preach in their villages. They have begged us to come back and go to their villages. The dedication of these young native evangelists who are literally giving their lives to try and save their people is very humbling. Steven and i were blown away.

One of jacobs cousins is a social worker with a street ministry. Tonight he told us that there are 7,000 prostitutes on the streets of Hhyderabad . Today's newspaper had more than a dozen suicides reported. It seems to be a huge problem. I am totally shocked by the simple things that are driving people over the edge -- they are so young and believe there is no hope.

Well it is 11:07 PM and tomorrow is another big day. Oh, how very much i appreciate your prayers and e-mails. God is at work and answering in ways we can't imagine. Sorry, no time to proofread. Beryl is exhausted and begging me to quit so we can walk back to the hotel together. We won't let each other out of our sight. We are being very safe.

much love, elaine

INDIA Day 7
Hello again from Hyderabad :

I'm writing earlier because we are being picked up for dinner at 7 PM. Indian dinner is normally served at 8 PM . Then we are going for a drive to be shown the lights of the city. So...it's been an awesome day. Tonight we have dinner with the head of the medical/dental mission and with another successful church planter.

How much of today can i capture? God answered your prayers: we had hot water, found a hair dryer that works. Best of all, finally had a night with 7 hours sound sleep. But up early with plenty of time for coffee, devotions, and to read the paper.

Then I started weeping. The headlines that caught my eye: Dogs eat baby. Parents had thrown their baby out at the side of the road. When next the flesh was spotted and the dogs shooed away, the baby was dead. It was too shocking. And then the police chief who was to have taken us to dinner tonight was called away because someone who works for him murdered his wife in front of their two children. So much sadness.

Our class was wonderful. everyone anxious to learn, to participate, to speak up and share. No one fell asleep, and yes we kept up the tradition of Elaine throwing candy kisses in the middle of the afternoon. The children were so excited to have their 2 hour class with Stephen that they are coming back for an extra hour tomorrow. They have all promised to write me stories.

Three people came with their poetry and writing to class. One very charming young man showed me his poetry and asked me to please let me know if i like it and if he should keep writing. The poem is very good. I showed it to our two directors and they were also emotionally moved. I purchased it on the spot to publish in the next WIN. I will pay him and give him his first break. He was in a terrible motorcycle accident and suffered a brain hemmorage, but does not appear damaged in any way. He has the greatest smile and personality. He asked to be our tour guide or help in any way he can. He lives with his mother and sister, so he knows all the best places to shop for bargains and offered to take us.

This afternoon the husband of one of our students came to meet me. He is a film producer for India 's Hollywood. He works for CNN. He is also producing a film about Peter's Denial for Joyce Meyers. They are filming next week here in Hyderabad with a cast of 80 professionals from Delhi . He has invited us to be on the set for the filming. The fun thing that made us instant friends is that he knows the first YWAM student I ever met in Hawaii : Kenny Jackson. Kenny was my special host, way back when and now works at CNN in Virginia Beach . Kenny was here not long ago. Anyway,. small world.  I am sure we will become great friends. I will network him with some of the Christian scriptwriters, producers, etc. that i know through Act One and other sources.

We made a big hit wearing our punjabis last night, although our scarves kept falling off our shoulders because we were not smart enough to pin them. Now we know.

Thank you so much for the prayers and emails. I can get my juno e-mails through my web mail and it is so awesome knowing that you all are partnering with us. God is doing more than we can ask or think. Even my bookstore buying in Seattle and finding the children's books was so that we could give them to the students today. We have had just the right gift for every occasion. I could not even have guessed what those occasions would be when i was at home. But God knew.

much love and thankfulness,
elaine wright colvin

INDIA Day 9
Hello again from Hyderabad :
my dear praying friends,

You are so awesome!  The e-mails never cease to encourage and empower us to go on doing the Lord's work.

Sorry i wasn't able to write Thursday night or Friday night. Thursday night the cyber cafe was closed tight. rats.
Friday i finally hit the wall. The last hour of class from 3-4 PM, I was teaching when I suddenly felt very faint and had to sit down. Dr. Jacob covered the rest of the class for me. Then we had big group photo in front of the YMCA.

I barely made it home when severe diaahrea started. 4 doses of Immodium-AD and living on 7-up today have taken care of the problem, but left me pretty weak. My friend Evelyn's e-mail was pretty prophetic, about saying no to some invitations and getting a little more rest.

This morning I had to say no to shopping and to going to visit the folks who minister to prostitutes. My teaching-partner, Beryl, said that I would probably not have been able to handle it emotionally anyway. We have decided to purchase sewing machines and tutoring to give those ladies wanting to be saved from that life of slavery another way to live.

Saying no to that event gave me an unexpected opportunity to talk for 1.5 hours with the most Godly man i've ever met. Dhanroj was supposed to go with Dr. Jacob and the others, but it turned out he spent the time with me. I learned all about his hopes and dreams for the 15 evangelists whom he is training, about the 2 new churches he is building, and about his 2 schools. you will be reading all about it in WIN.

The 2nd friday of every night they have an all-night prayer meeting from 9 PM to 5 AM. 50 people were there last night! I was privileged to pray with this humble man of God. I learned he had to take his car to the repair shop, so we gave him rupees for the repair bill; and he rode his motorcycle to town without a helmet. they just started the helmet law this week. so we gave him $$ to go buy a helmet.

This afternoon I was feeling strong enough to go with the group to the orphanage. 91 children sang and danced and put on a half hour program for us. I fell in love with those children. Steve did a puppet show, we all talked, gave them candy, then gave hugs and kisses to each and every one. Some of the boys kept jumping back in line for more hugs and throwing flowers in my hair.

Each of these children have a very tragic story -- normally the father has killed their mother and then disappeared. One young boy desperately needs eye urgery. Another needs a leg -- his leg withered due to polio.

The capacity of the orphanage is supposed to be 60, but the need is too great. It costs about $17,000 a year to run the whole orphanage. They also desperately need playground equipment. I was totally dissolved to tears when they did the most beautiful dance to a song about being angels, dancing around the throne of God. "Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ -- all the angels sit in His presence, Most Loving God. I worship you only Lord, Jesus, Most Holy. Holy angels dancing around the seraphim." ... something like that. The love and worship of all the children was something I've never experienced before.

Tonight we had dinner at the home of the YMCA director. What wonderful people. He is praying (as are all the children) that Dr. Jacob can make the Writers Workshop an annual event. The people are so starved for affirmation and help. The young man I purchased the poem from said this was the first time anyone in his life told him he was worth something. His father had always told him he was no good, worthless, could not do anything. This is an incredibly handsome, polite, and talented 24-year old man. I reassured him he was very valuable to me and to God -- and he could not hold back the tears as i hugged him.

Tomorrow we visit the leprosy ministry -- we leave at 9 AM . HELP me LORD!
2 miracles -- yesterday we had to walk across the big wild street to the YMCA. It is scary. So i prayed: God, you parted the red sea, part the waters now; part the waters, part the waters. And all traffic stopped for a minute and we were able to walk calmly across without dodging the cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc. that happened twice -- both coming and going! PTL!

Today when i was feeling so sick and wondering what i would be able to do today, my dear friend, traveling companion and prayer partner Dee Kamp phoned me at 7 AM. It was perfect and God allowed her to pray for me over the phone. It was so perfect a gift from God, and i started feeling better immediately.

I wish I could answer each email personally. I will when I get home. Just be assured that because of your love, prayers, and giving, God is doing more than we could have possibly asked or imagined.

with great thankfulness,
elaine wright colvin

INDIA Day 10
Hello again from Hyderabad: my dear praying friends,

This morning was our day at the leprosy church. First a two hour drive through crowded roads -- where we saw temples, mosques, sheep, bulls, cows, monkeys, camels, shepherds, rice paddy workers, roadside markets, two terrible accidents and more. Very much a sensory-overload here.

The people were waiting for us in the Catholic Church building because the Christian protestant pastor and congregation do not have their own building. The people live in 175 cinder-block/cement homes built by the government. 2 rooms, they sleep in one room & cook in the other. Each home has an outside shower and an outhouse (toilet). But they must beg to have the money to pay for electricity -- the equivalent of $2.00 a month. i told them we would plant seed-faith that people in America will want to help provide for that cost. And we will pay the next 2 months for all of their homes.

Our driver today is a television producer. He told the pastor he would help build their protestant church building and plans to give them $7,000 for that.

Some of the children greeted us at the courtyard gate and threw flower petals into the air to land on our hair and all over us. The men were seated on the left on mats on the floor, the woman on the right. We always wear shawls to cover our heads in church in India.
The singing and praising God was awesome. These people really love and worship Jesus. We have so much to learn in the U.S.A. regarding real worship. There were about 100 adults and 30-50 children in the service. Yes, we saw some of the most grotesque things anyone could ever see in a lifetime. But we also felt God's love like we have never known before.

Steven preached a great sermon with Jacob interpreting. I brought greetings from my praying friends -- you brothers and sisters in America -- and said that many of you have given money to purchase them Bibles. Even though most can't read, their Bible is very precious to them. They were so happy. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough -- so will go buy 50 more Bibles and 30 New Testaments at OM bookstore this week. On saturday, they will pick them up and the money we will give for electricity.

We had bought rice and chicken, so they could all have a better meal than usual. They wanted us to serve them by scooping ladles full of the chicken in broth mixture onto their rice. Of course, they all eat with their hands.

The women brought their babies for us to pray for them and bless them. The couples came together to have their pictures taken -- and were very excited when Beryl and Steven could show them their photo immediately on digital cameras.

My God moment --- a middle-aged woman came and kneeled at my feet. i kneeled down beside her and she began praying and praying and weeping. Then I prayed for her. we hugged and later through Jacob translating she said, "you must come back again, please."

One of their members was hit by a bus this week as he sat on the highway begging. His funeral was yesterday. Very sad.

The secretary, elders, and pastors had written up a petition because they knew the americans were coming -- it is a list of their urgent needs and the costs. i will be presenting all of these to you when i come home -- to see what God lays on your hearts and what he wants us to do.

The thing with all the needs. So many pastors have told me that they take lots of pictures and have letters to write, but they know no one to send them to -- they do not know anyone in America or Europe . So, these very godly men feel pretty hopeless at getting outside help.
Our driver, the TV producer, and Dr. Jacob [our host for this trip] are praying that God will allow them to come to CBA-denver again, so you may be able to meet them there.

Two2 more days of Writers Workshop classes. Should be quite exciting. they all had a long homework assignment to complete this weekend. And there is a special closing ceremony on Tuesday night to which families and members of the educated community are invited.

The days and the needs are running together. We've been here just over a week but it seems like months. We have seen and done so much and met so many of God's servants who are working in such difficult circumstances, but with a vision to show Jesus' love and thus to change lives and conditions here in India. They desperately need our prayers and support as God allows us to do so.

Thanks for your prayers for me, i am feeling much better.
elaine wright colvin
writers information network

INDIA Day 11
Hello again from Hyderabad: my dear praying friends,

No ability to write a long report tonight. Sorry. The cyber cafe owner needs to go RIGHT NOW to the hospital because he has a flu virus bug that seems bad. So he is asking us to leave.

Several of our team have sore throats, headaches, chills and fevers, aches and pains. Please pray for strength, rest and healing for them. Yesterday it hit my niece, Nicole, who arrived here this week. Beryl, my teaching partner, came down with symptoms today. And now we hear of others also afflicted.

I have a very mild sore throat but taking lots of medicine, so feel great.

Tomorrow, tuesday, will be emotional as everyone brings valentines to say goodbye and asks us to come again.

This morning my pastor, Grant Brewster, from our Island Church phoned at 6:45 AM [our time].

I was so surprised and delighted. My mom and Beryl's mom also got through on the phone today.
God has blessed us so much!

Hopefully, i will have a newsy letter tomorrow night after our last teaching workshop.
elaine wright colvin

INDIA Day 12
Hello again from Hyderabad: my dear praying friends,

Sorry i am unable to do a long report tonight. Steven left at noon and i had to teach all day as well as speak at the ceremony tonight.
The closing 2-hour ceremony for 150 people was unbelievable. So much love and so many farewell gifts. We had a surprisingly emotional experience saying goodbye to everyone.

I have to be up at 5 AM to leave at 6 AM for the village to see the medical/dental missions work. it is a 4- hour drive each way. it will be a long day!

Several of us are fighting the flu bug, aches, cold, cough, fever, etc.

Thanks for your continued prayers for our health and safety Happy Valentines Day with much love and thankfulness,

elaine writers information network
ps. my daughter and grandchildren got through this morning on the phone -- YEA!

INDIA Day 13
Hello again from Hyderabad: my dear praying friends,

We left at 5:45 AM and returned at 9:30 PM. the 4 hour drive became a 5 1/2 hour drive each way to the farthest village (small tribal town) our friends serve. Imagine riding in an all- terrain vehicle with a Nascar type driver, up and down around and around dodging monkeys, bull carts, bicycles, trucks, cabbies, cows, chickens, thousands of goats, ox drawn sugar cane carts and so much more. It was an adventure and I was wearing my motion sickness wrist bands.

We prayed guardian angels around the car and arrived safely -- although there was one heart-stopping close call!

We were with the 3-musketeers: Jacob, Caleb, and Dhanraj, three of the most powerful men of God. They all started in ministry together (only different ministries and callings) more than 20 years ago. They totally support each others work and give each other a hand in every way possible. It is amazing to watch. Today Dhanraj was along as preacher. He is an amazing evangelist!

Our mission was the medical camp in this little village town of 13,000 people. Many were waiting for us because we were very late. First we toured the hospital -- pretty decent except for the ever present dirt, and met the doctors (village evangelists trained in dentistry, and a resident doctor from London). Back outside under the bright awning, 300-400 people had gathered. There was the welcoming ceremony announcing all of us by name and having us take our seats in front facing the audience. Then remarks by everyone -- including me. Then a gospel message by Dhanraj.

Then the mayor surprised us all by presenting each of the dignitaries with a 100% pure authentic shawl. (we were wrapped in the shawl and then photo taken.) Mine is bright turquoise with gold trim shawl. I think there were about a dozen presented. The press were there (2 reporters and a camera man) to cover the event of the Americans coming to their town and the medical camp. This is one of Caleb's (Harvest Ministry) main ministries -- that Dr. Jacob helps support. Dr. Jacob paid for all of the medicines that were distributed today.
Caleb was amazed that the town took such ownership and support of the medical camp. This is a big answer to prayer. And it is the first time there has been the shawl presentation or so much attention.

This was the 4th or 5th interview and newspaper column that will have been done on us and the writers workshop and other ministries since we've been here. Of course I have only been able to read one of them in English. The rest have been done in Hindi, Telugu, or other languages.

The results of today were 200 patients registered; 50 teeth extracted, 30 fillings done. Each is sent home with a small packet of pills -- enough for 3 days of antibiotic and pain killer. We walked through the crowds and shook hands with the men, hugs and kisses on both cheeks with the women and children.

It is totally humbling to have the women collapse in our arms sobbing and shaking. It is as if they have never been shown any love at all before. The older women and some children bow down and touch our feet.

Many of the older women are nearly blind and so desperately want glasses or other eye help. The 6 nurses asked us to come see their pharmacy. Then when we thanked them for their work, they asked us to pray for them -- we formed a prayer circle, holding hands, and asked God's special protection and blessing over them.

We were served lunch on the second floor of the mayors house -- a banquet of Indian food. Caleb said it was one of the best he has ever been to. While the 6 or 7 of us ate, we were watched by more than a dozen men standing around staring at us, but not invited to sit at the table with us. We met the mayor's wife and 2 beautiful young daughters. (i watched the maid washing clothes on the stones in the back courtyard, while chickens wandered around.) There were many servants to carry and serve the food.

After the mayor's house lunch, we were driven a few blocks away to the pastor's house (tribal evangelist) one of the many evangelists in the tribes trained by Calebs ministry. Inside the small one room house were his wife, daughter, and all of us. They wanted a prayer of blessing for their home and ministry. It was my privilege to pray for them, Caleb served as interpreter.

From there we went to the Christian school -- 300 children taught by 8 teachers. The children were waiting for us and beside themselves with excitement. They will not forget our handshakes, high-fives and hugs. We went into the library/principles office and there it was Beryl's turn to pray for the school. Then we walked by the doors of the classrooms -- 30-40 children in each room sitting on the floor, which is really just the dirt ground. Can you imagine your children's classroom with no tables or chairs, no pictures, and they sit on the ground in the dirt all day. Even though I have seen it now several times, I still cannot get my head around the fact that this is happening in so many places throughout India.

On the long 5+ hour drive back (scary because it was dark and there were hundreds of oncoming lights that seemed to be playing chicken with us), we talked about the needs of the 3 ministry brothers, how we could help, what it would mean to bring 10-20 people back to India next October or November 2007 and do many things: writers workshop, children's writers workshop, children's summer camp, medical camp (orthopedic doctors and ENT doctors especially needed), pastor/evangelist training, sunday school teacher training, and more.
WIN INDIA will be working on the possibilities and praying a lot to see what God will allow us to do.

The medical team really needs a mobile field hospital/ambulance. They traveled all night by old public transit bus last night to reach the village today. Tonight they are traveling once again to another village to have 1 more day of medical camp and meet the needs of more people. Pray with us about this necessary vehicle.

There's much more to tell -- but I am in desperate need of sleep. So until tomorrow ...

blessings and thanks!
elaine wright colvin

INDIA Day 14
Hello again from Hyderabad: my dear praying friends,

WOW, my first day to rest and sleep since arriving in India. Yea! This was a great day.

I chose not to go sightseeing or shopping with my teaching partner Beryl and my niece Nicole and a friend. I stayed in my room to have more time with God, more time to process my recent experiences, and to get organized to shift gears to get ready to go tomorrow to GOA, a coastal resort city about a 1-hour airplane flight from here.

God also gave me some Scripture, insight and a devotional reading about a possible direction for future India outreach. The name may be WIN COMMUNICATIONS INTERNATIONAL. Dr. Jacob can register the name with the proper government papers. This can encompass many varied communications ministries that we have in mind... Previously I mentioned Dhanraj, the pastor of 3 churches, principal of 2 schools, and trainer of 17 village evangelists. The more I am with this man of God, the more I realize how little I know about real faith and living a life sold out to God. The interesting part about this is that the Scripture, Colossians 1:27,28, put on my heart today, is the same that Dhanraj was given by God as a guiding principle exactly 1.5 years ago on August 16, 2004.

Dhanraj has 2 children and a lovely wife. His 14 year-old daughter's birthday is next month. So i asked what she might enjoy. As is usual with the 3 musketeer men of God I have been telling your about -- they are always long-range thinkers. We Americans usually think of immediate answers and gratification. Anyway, the family is very musical. Most of their services are held in outdoor tents. But they have no musical instruments. Their wish was to somehow be able to obtain musical instruments. So, since music is a major love for both Beryl and I, we thought "why not?"  It was a joy to shop for a good guitar (they already have a professional guitar friend that has promised to give the daughter lessons), bongo drums for the son, a good tambourine for Dhanraj, and the case, straps, and music books. He was, of course, overwhelmed since he has never had anyone to support his ministry and he knew no one in the US. But he has incredible giant faith... Three months ago when he found a guitar pick in the street, he picked it up and put it in his wallet as seed faith that somehow God would provide for his daughter's wish to have a guitar. The store owner gave us a discount because of all we bought and because we had come with a local pastor. Isn't the Holy Spirit just marvelous!

The sounds, smells, and sights of beggars and lame people lying in the streets and great looking food we don't dare eat on the street corners are also becoming part of our memories. We will try to find a computer cafe in GOA to continue our reports. We will be doing a debriefing of the Writers Workshop and everything seen so far, do some strategic planning for the future, to ask where God may lead us next. Stay tuned.

Certainly there is much we can do to allow God to use us [from America] to help give the gospel story to these many spiritually-hungry lost souls in India. But i do not feel it will be by huge evangelistic campaigns such as those by J. Meyers or B. Hinn. It will be by men of God from India reaching their own people, building relationships and discipling believers in their new Christian faith.
Please continue to pray. We are only here because of your continued prayers to uphold us before our loving heavenly Father

Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
elaine

INDIA Day 15
Hello again, but from GOA: my dear praying friends,

The taxi picked us up at 10:30 AM to take us to the airport. We arrived in Goa around 3 PM, but then it was another 45-inute drive to the center of Goa to our hotel.

This is definitely a resort area compared to Hyderabad. Little quaint streets with lots of shops in the nooks and crannies like in europe. The ocean front and palm trees, greens and flowers, screened porch houses and more remind me a lot of Hawaii on the Big Island. They remind Nicole, my niece, very much of Morocco, where she lived for 2 years. It is very hot (31C) here and very humid and muggy! But
still cows meander in the middle of the roads, and drivers act crazy here, too.

After getting settled in our motel, Nicole and Beryl [my companion this whole trip] and I went for a long walk along the waterfront (a large sidewalk much like Alki point in Seattle), and found ourselves at a beautiful park where all the plants and trees were decorated to form an art sculptor, with a card reading the meaning of the decorations. Some were quite clever. One was a tree draped in elegant fabric from all of the branches. We even got our feet wet in the Indian ocean.

This is a very old city with Catholic influence by the founding fathers who came here in the 1800s from Portugal. On our way back to the hotel we paused on a footbridge and I heard the distinct strains of OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART LORD coming from the distance. Well, of course we had to investigate and found that a Catholic school is sponsoring a 5 popular bands concert, but that everyone will be surprised because they are all Christians and tonight they are playing Christian music only! Last night they filled the football field size arena (chairs set up on the lawn) and they expect to do so again tonight for the 3 hour concert.

Tomorrow we will meet with the ministry people here and deliver all the goods that Nicole brought for them, including a laptop computer. I'm not sure what all else is on our agenda.

Please pray for Dr. Jacob's wife, Vinolia, and for Beryl who both have terrible head-colds and coughs. They are quite miserable. Nicole is just getting over her bugs, and i sure cant afford the time to get sick.

Last night was another crazy sleepless night. I had been awake for hours and was asking God if someone wouldn't phone me -- and my dear friend Wendy did from Texas! PTL!!! She is such an encourager and prayer warrior and God knew I needed her this morning.

Today's e-mails brought 2 from students at the Writers Workshop, both have bosses that want to meet with me when we are back in Hyderabad next week for our final 4 days. Don't know if time will allow that, but it is good to know that God is multiplying our efforts and that we stirred up lots of interest.

If anyone needs to get a hold of me, we are friday, saturday, and sunday nights at:
HOTEL PARK PLAZA: TEL: (0832) 2422601 (room 504) WEBSITE: www.goaparkplaza.com

We will be back in room 202 at our Hyderabad hotel about 3:00 PM Monday     [= 1:30AM Seattle time]. [Here is the phone # to call Elaine when she returns to Hyderabad. Call around 5-6 PM your time which is 6-7.30 AM her time --] 011 91 40 391 22222 [five 2's]. Ask for room 202. Do not dial any other numbers before the 0. [She would cherish any words of encouragement and knowing how her prayer partners are doing too [Bob C.].

you are a mighty team of prayer warriors and i am so thankful for each of you,
elaine

INDIA Day 17
my dear praying friends,

Sorry about no e-mail yesterday. It was a very full day and at 10-11 PM last night when Beryl and i tried to find a cyber cafe, we got lost!!!

The stores here all close at about 10 PM and the buildings all have metal fronts and gates that are locked, security guards are at many corners and building -- so it was a pretty scary feeling. We decided we were not smart or safe being in the dark by ourselves with lots of men walking around.

I spotted a newer motel on a nearby corner and asked the concierge to call us a taxi to take us back to our motel. It was probably only 10-minute walk, but this was the safer decision.

Coffee call was at 7:30 AM so we could go to church at the chapel on the governor's compound. It turned out to be a Catholic Church but with wonderful choir, music, and homily. It is high on a bluff with the ocean on three sides, lots of gardens, and very beautiful. Probably 150 in attendance. Very enjoyable until the last song: OPEN MY EYES LORD, I WANT TO SEE JESUS. I collapsed in tears. This was the song sung in my Bible Study care group on Bainbridge the last 2 weeks I was there and is very meaningful to me. I may be getting just a little homesick.

We then went to the nearby Marriott hotel overlooking a beach for a big breakfast buffet. It was exceptional, similar to tropical hotels on the big island in Hawaii. The first really safe food I haven't worried about since arriving in India. The morning paper said there is a huge outbreak of avian bird flu here -- so we will be having no more chicken during our last week.

Yesterday was a surprisingly fun and challenging day. We met Tino and Mara. He is from India, she is from Brazil. They both have connections to YWAM and met here on a YWAM outreach. They own a Christian bookstore and literature ministry. But it is done in a quiet manner because there is still much persecution here for those trying to promote or convert to Christianity. They have a Bible School in a 100 year-old home that we also got to visit -- i will write more about that later. They need workers to come for several weeks, to months to help sort, shelve, catalog, etc. all of the books, tracts, and other materials that they have received to distribute. I am afraid they are mildewing in the moldy boxes they are being stored in. It is quite a ministry.

After our visit at their bookstore and home, we took them to lunch. I AM AMAZED! These are very humble, quiet people to whom God has given great dreams and visions and they are seeing them come to pass. Their faith is incredible. But even more -- it is such a small world. They know so many of my friends that have served in YWAM, friends from the World Center for Missions in Fullerton, friends from YWAM, Mercy Ships, Agape Force, the Logos ship, and (Pam T.) -- Tino is even a very good friend of Winkey Pratney. Talk about small world.

Many of Nicole's friends in Colorado Springs sent a laptop, CDs, Videos, Books, and other literature to them to give out in their lending library. One of their visions a year ago was to have a Writers Workshop and teacher training with puppets and magic tricks done here in GOA. If God allows us to return, they definitely want to be a part. It is incredible to me how God has already told so many people about possible ways we can help them in their ministries. I don't think i had enough faith to believe in how much God had prepared the way before us.

Saturday night is big market night here -- so we got to practice our bargaining or hassling as they call it. I ended up with 3 pieces of fabric my mom will love. Also bought scarves and bracelets from the young girl peddlers on the beach.

The beach -- there is nothing like it. Supposed to be one of the 3 longest in the world with row after row of cabanas serving food . Vinolia and Nicole could hardly wait to get into the water. They spent 2 1/2 hours jumping the waves, tumbling and rolling. The sunset was awesome as the palm trees swayed. I entertained 4 beach peddlers and 3 bouncers from the nearby restaurant.

People love to talk to the white grandma with the blonde hair. I've given out nearly 200 business cards and that always gives me a chance to tell why we came to India and that we are Christians.

We did the India dinner thing at a waterfront restaurant 1 block from our motel -- many lighted party and dinner boats going by in front of us. A wedding reception with live music in the outdoor screened off room next to us. We got to see all of the wedding party and enjoy their fireworks also. And then they played the old 60s song: LOVE LETTERS IN THE SAND.

Tomorrow afternoon we return to Hyderabad. We have received too many invitations to dinner. We will have to say no to most, but still expect 3 full days of ministry before our journey here in India ends and we head west again. It is
very hot and muggy in Goa. Cooler weather will feel good.

Your prayers are needed as Dr. Jacob and i do serious talk to explore what the possibilities are for a return to India with more teachers and workers. If you are at all interested, throw you hat in the ring soon.

His servant,
elaine

INDIA Day 18
Hello again from Hyderabad: my dear praying friends,

We will be leaving in 1 hour. Jacob and i are checking e-mails. Nicole and Beryl are doing last minute shopping for cashews (very popular here) and souvenirs.

We took a boat to see the Grand Island of dolphins Sunday afternoon, but by the time we were out in the boat, the afternoon winds had kicked up and the water was too rough and choppy. I would not go that way. I asked the skipper to take us along the shore in quieter water so we could look at the houses, beaches, resorts, and still have our boat ride. After a 1/2 hour or more boat ride, we came to one of Goa's most beautiful beaches. Nicole and Veniola immediately dove off the boat into the water and swam for the next 1 1/2 hours. Dr. Jacob, Beryl, and our driver went wading in the water and beach, looking for beautiful shells and rocks.

I chose to stay in the boat because i had gotten a pretty nasty cut on my leg 2 days earlier and did not want the sand and saltwater to get it infected. The captain of the boat really took a liking to me and wanted to talk. That was good. He said i was so happy and he liked my smile and that i seemed to love so many people -- that was the perfect opportunity to tell him that Jesus makes the difference in a person's life and He is the reason I am happy. The boat captain spoke good English and appeared genuinely interested, so I witnessed to him for a long time. (Thank goodness mary told me to bring alcohol swabs, and I have a well-stocked first aid kit -- I am becoming my own best Dr. and the dispenser of cold, flu, and other medicines for our team.)

We came back to the hotel to clean up and go to dinner. Just as we were leaving, Nicole's YWAM friends came to pick up the stuff we brought. So we invited them to a light dinner -- again on the quarterdeck overlooking the water, party boats, barges, people transport ferry, fishing boats -- a continual parade -- and a most gorgeous sunset!

They brought their prayer letter and family photo card. Tino wrote me a nice letter saying that they had been praying for me to come for a long time and that God would keep away anyone that would not be good for their ministry. They seem to think that I am the right person to help them with a Writers Workshop and more. We have made no promises to anyone, but said we would go home to pray and have a huge prayer team praying with us for India.

Dr. Jacob, Beryl, and I spent about an hour in my room brainstorming future possibilities; going over the budget of what we have spent and allocated on this trip; what we have promised to try to raise support for in the future, etc. My church care group will know what i mean when i say God has twice confirmed to me in Oswald Chamber's MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST on October 18. stay tuned to what God wants to do in India and what he is doing in my heart.

Dr. Jacob has been getting lots of phone calls for people that still want to see us in Hyderabad. We will visit 2 slum ministries and churches. He said there are some big surprises waiting for us. So i am sure the next 3 nights and 2 days will go very quickly before we leave India on Thursday afternoon. Ii will try to write, but at this stage of the trip, I may not be able to write daily.
I am on emotional overload and just about ready to come home. There are so many wonderful people in India that i will miss very much!

Thanks for your prayers. In His love,
elaine wright colvin

INDIA Day 20
Hello again from Hyderabad: my dear praying friends,

Sorry for no email yesterday, but it was a jam-packed day and we were not returned to our hotel until 11 PM. The cyber cafe had already closed for the evening. The cap on yesterday was a meeting with MISSION INDIA -- the India director, communications director, and the publications director.

Three of their staff had attended the Writers Workshop and took glowing reports back to the office of how much we had helped them.

They have tried to have writers workshops [prior to us] for their staff (250 people), but with little success. So impressed were they with our results, the boss has asked for a set of our handouts and asked us to return ASAP and conduct an additional 3-day writers training just for their office.

They produce materials that reach 4 million children annually. I'll write more about this when i get home. They are looking for people willing to write for children (at all grade levels) and help edit and proofread all of their books and products before they go to press. Mr. C., the head of the India ministry, has a price on his head... and is the #3 most-wanted man on the hit list because of his winning former Hindus to Jesus. He has been persecuted and threatened. please pray for him.

A few of their employees attended the David C. Cook sponsored editor/publisher training the same week as ours... but ours apparently gained the more enthusiastic response about meeting their current needs. PTL! I can't wait to summarize for you the far reaching ripples that are spreading from our dropping rocks into a little pond.

Oh, but how I wish each one of you could have been with us tonight. We went to the most tragic slum of 120-150 families. All of the children wore dirty tattered clothes, no shoes, but the biggest smiles. Only 1 of the 120 school age children attends school. But yet they all want to be able to go to school. These are a village people that get everything from trash cans or by stealing. They do not speak Hindu nor Telugu, so their tribal language does not yet have printed materials.

We met 2 wonderful educated English-speaking girls who have dedicated their lives to teaching the children and helping produce materials in a language they will be able to speak and understand. The girls are just 14 and 18 (Mary and Swarna) but they love Jesus and are beautiful inside and out. They asked for prayer that they would be able to continue to help such poverty-stricken children.

From there, we went to a huge Dalit village -- it was already dark, but nearly 500 or more people were waiting for us. It was a mob scene. All of the children want to touch the white ladies. We spoke with an interpreter, shook hands, and gave hugs and kisses. We always got a howl of applause and laughter when i would pick up the smallest children and hug them. The crush of children was so heavy I thought we would be pushed down. Several times I had to pull up my broomstick skirt because too many hands were pulling it down.

At both places, we received three huge garlands of flowers. We are committed to seeing that they get Bibles. There were 2 children carrying Bibles, even though they could not read. Dr. Jacob made a commitment to provide 2 teachers, and the slates, books, and other necessities to start giving the children at the first tribal village schooling. He will pay for it all. Please pray for Dr. Jacob and help us give him support money. His heart is as big as gold for these children whose only hope is in God and in receiving an education.

From there we went to Manoj's house in a different slum. Manoj is the evangelist in these three slum areas. A single man born into the high Brahma caste, but totally dedicated to reaching the slum children for Jesus. Honking as we drove in, Manoj yelled at the children and asked us to come into his house because no American had ever been there before.

We thought we were just to pray a blessing, meet his parents and brothers, and then leave. Wrong! Within 5 minutes, 45 children, young men and women had gathered shoulder to shoulder, wall to wall standing in the tiny 10x10 living room. They were totally attentive as we talked to them about our love for them because of Jesus' love. There are only a very few SECRET Christians here because it is strictly a Hindu village so conversion is forbidden. But we were able to sing THIS IS THE DAY and a couple of other songs. We gave a salvation message and tried to show them love they may have never known before.

Manoj told Dr. Jacob that many American missionaries and others have come to the villages before and looked around and left, BUT NO ONE had ever given real hugs and kisses to everyone, had ever shown any such sign of love. He could not believe that we were kissing all those dirty little faces. He was really surprised. Many women collapsed in my arms to be hugged. The children filed out in a dignified line, each to give us a hug and greeting. They followed the car with shouts and waves for the 2 blocks out to the city street.

This was definitely God showing us that we must be His eyes and ears to take the need of the hundreds of lost, poor India people back to praying concerned Christians in America. We are overwhelmed with the needs and certainly have a lot of soul searching to do as we present the needs to you all and to your friends and churches.

Well, tomorrow we finish packing, have meetings at noon, check out of the hotel at 3 PM and head for the airport. We expect a crowd will be there to see us off. I'm sure it will be a very tearful goodbye. Then 2 long days of flights home. We are ready to go home -- but just as sad and ready to come back again as soon as God allows. And next time we hope some of YOU can come to teach and minister with us.

I am sure there is much more to tell, but I am brain dead. Expect more e-mails in the days to come as we recall for you our adventures in India. Thanks so much for your love, prayer support, and financial giving that allowed us to come and to learn about so many small unique ministries working among the poorest of the poor in India. Truly we have seen and felt God's heart for the people of India.

In His love,
elaine wright colvin

INDIA Day 21
dear praying friends,

It is 7:45 AM in Amsterdam and we are half way home. It seems to be taking forever! 12 new friends came to see us off at the airport and a half dozen others phoned or came to our motel room before we left Hyderabad. Of course, there were the traditional garlands (3) and many hugs and kisses and much sadness. Our time clocks are so messed up -- we still have a 4 hour lay-over and a 10 hour flight before arriving back in Seattle.

On our final night in Hyderabad -- I forgot to tell you that the first worst of the worst slums we visited was a communist slum. There were 4 communist flags hanging from the tarp draped poles (which make up a house) on the 4 tents surrounding the courtyard where we had our religious service and greeting. AMAZING!

The Religious News Service just released the followingn e-mail report. It is a good reminder of why we are called to serve, pray for, and support WIN INDIA NOW (WIN COMMUNICATIONS). This will not be Elaine's organization, although we will try to incorporate a nonprofit in the US and Jacob has a board that will incorporate in India to be able to receive and distribute funds to the various ministries that we have identified as most needing our support.

Gospel for Asia founder K.P. Yohannan writes: " In my homeland of India, we are facing more persecution now than at any other time in our history. Our leaders on the mission field tell me that it has become such a regular, daily event that they now report only the worst cases... My purpose in this public communication has been to encourage God's people to pray about this situation.

Today, a battle for economic power and control rages in India - all under the guise of religion. Hindutva, literally "Hindu-ness," is a growing Hindu supremacist ideology that has a purely Hindu nation as its goal. To be Indian is to be Hindu, this dogma declares. Those who hold to this philosophy are part of a small but powerful group of extremists attempting to control the Dalit ("Untouchable") and majority for their own gain. When we look at the history of the human race, we see this is not an uncommon occurrence.

The Crusaders who attempted to control the Holy Land by means of violence did not represent the teachings of Christ. During World War II, a relatively small group of fascist leaders following Hitler - not the vast majority of the German population - were responsible for the murder of 6 million Jews. In countries ruled by Communist governments, it is not the masses but the minority that holds to a totalitarian ideology.

You see, without Christ, the human heart never changes - it is always hungry for power. Why do they persecute Christians? Because, just like in England and America in centuries past, believers in Jesus are the ones today working and praying toward the liberation of millions of "slaves" on the Indian subcontinent. These slaves - the Dalits and other lower castes - make up the vast majority of the Indian population. "

More will be coming from Seattle e-mails after a few hours zzzzz's and recovery from jet lag. Thanks so much for your prayers for guardian angels. For a miraculous reason the NW/KLM ground attendants had our names and were looking for us at the Mumbai airport.

They helped us retrieve our luggage, told us where to queue up for the bus to take us to the international airport (which was a 1-1/2 hour wait in the very hot, humid outdoors), and were quite helpful all the way. PTL. We had a little sleep during the first 10 hour flight.

Thanks for your prayers. In His love,
elaine wright colvin