Meridian Training

Last January the guys on our team started investing in 5 men from around our state who wanted to be a part of CP work. Throughout the year our team taught these men doctrine and cp principles. These men were expected to find 5 guys to invest in and teach what they were learning and those 5 guys were expected to find 5 guys as well. Multiplication....the only way a state of 70+ million people will ever hear about JC.

This past week, 1 year later, we had exams for 49 people, 34 passed and 10 had started at least one new fellowship this past year! Pretty amazing huh! We had men from some of the largest tribal groups in South Asia! I had not really been apart of this program until this past week. Most of our team came here to BP to listen to all these guys reteach us what they learned. While it made for a couple of long days and A LOT of Hindi practice, it was such a humbling thing to be a part of. I heard exams from men of all different ages, most of whom are not educated and live in 'poverty' we can't imagine. One little guy didn't even have shoes that were still in one piece. But despite what they "don't have" these men challenged me so much! They knew all this material by heart, could quote the word amazingly, and you could see they were changed because of the g0spel.

We started off this year with 45-50 new men from all around our state. Please ask the Father to multiply these men so we can see the book of Acts happen here! Please especially lift up the 3 'cousin' men as the work to reach cousins throughout our state.

G-Town Village Trip

About a week and half ago I returned to G-Town and visited 3 different nearby villages with my friend and her husband. The trip started off a little slow...a 3 hour train delay actually! but I finally made it. The only other bumps along the way were the ones on the road, if you want to call it that:).

This was my first time traveling and doing a training on my own and staying with a national family for this length of time. I was a little anxious about how it was all going to work out but of course the Father was SO FAITHFUL! I was overwhelmed by his graciousness to me throughout the weekend. I had a great time with my friend and her family and they took such great care of me.

We had the opportunity to share with at least 100 village ladies! At least one lady from each village had been to a ladies training before and each had invited us to visit their homes. They each invited more ladies over and we were able to share a few stories and the most important story at each village. Some of the ladies had NEVER heard...NEVER! I don't think I will ever get over seeing the face of a woman as she hears about her s@vior for the first time! It truly is the most humbling and amazing thing. I am in awe that the Father allowed me, ME, to come to this place and tell these precious women He has made a way for them to be his daughters.

At least the extra long train ride includes some beautiful views

The balcony and room where I stayed...such a blessing!

So refreshing to look around and only see green fields and blue skies!

                                      

No village trip would be complete without loooong stops at the railroad crossings

Those long stops never disappoint with a few cultural sitings though:)

These are the ladies from the second village. I may just have the best job ever! It doesn't get much better than sitting on a rooftop in South Asia telling these precious ladies about the One that loves them so much He sent his son for them!

Thank goodness this isn't the train I rode. I had a seat...inside:)

Several of these ladies said they had never, ever heard a story about JC or any story from the Word. They just couldn't get enough! We had to leave after telling stories for 2 hours but I think we could have all stayed all day!

What better way to finish off a few days visiting villages than a trip to the South Asian state fair! You know it's kind of like the NC State Fair or Appalachian Fair...same, same similar:)

Please continue to lift up the ladies in these villages. Ask the Father to open the hearts of those who have not yet believed and to give boldness to our believing sisters. Ask for wisdom for me as I seek the Father as to how best pour into the leaders and equip them to lead the women in their villages. 

Back in the Saddle

After 3 weeks in the US driving my Uncle's really nice SUV on clean, orderly roads I wasn't sure how I would readjust to the scooter and the craziness of South Asian driving.
But have no fear...I hopped right back on and am doing great!

All ninja-ed up and ready to go!

Home for Christmas!

I am so so blessed that I was able to go home for 3 weeks this Christmas! I have to say it was probably one of the best Christmases ever. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter time.  I had such sweet sweet time with my mom, sister and nieces as well as my extended family. For the first time in maybe 15 years  all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins were at my 90 year old grandmothers to celebrate. What a special time!

Granny - 90 years young- hope I inherit her genes!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with Uncle Rick and after 18 months of no red meat the prime rib was delicious! My favorite Great Aunt was able to come and it was a sweet time visiting with her.

Aunt Mac and her girls!

On Christmas night we had our traditional game night with a few extra guests! 15 people crammed in my mom's tiny living room, but no one seemed to mind. Christmas charades and minute to win it games were a big hit!

Cousin Kelsey and niece Malana getting ready for Christmas games
 

After some great time with family I was able to spend some time with my dear friend Becca and meet my namesake, Cora Beth! We had such a sweet time just catching up, drinking coffee together, and playing with CB.

Loved getting to read books with this sweet girl!

Sharing cookies together!

I just couldn't get enough of this sweet girl!  

Becca and I made a quick stop by our Alma Mater one day...is this really the only picture we got together?!?!

I was hoping to see some snow while I was home but the best I got was seeing some on the mountains. Love my sweet little hometown. There really is no place like home:)

My mom sister and nieces brought the new year in with a little party at home, including a mini dance party - to my nieces horror:)

Malana did a great job getting the snacks ready!

Love my sweet Kin!

Loved sharing laughs with them!

 Despite the attempts of the flu to stop us, I was also able to spend a few days with another sweet friend of mine, Sarah. What a blessing to have friendships that are seamless and pick up as if no time has passes. I am so thankful to have so many sweet friends. Sarah and I had a great time just talking, sipping chai and coffee, and enjoying her sweet boys. (How did we manage to NOT get a picture together friend!)

Loved hanging out and playing cars with this sweet little guy!

Two precious boys! Miss them already!

 The last weekend I was home some sweet friends offered us a cabin by the river for the night. It was a great way to end my time at home and a fun time with my family. Not to mention it was 70 degrees and we were able to enjoy being outside!

I really don't think I could have asked for a better time at home - other than enough time to make it to Raleigh to see friends there. I had some great time with my church family as well - but no pictures to share. Thankful for all the ways the Lrd loved on me through so many people. The Father has been so gracious as I transitioned back to South Asia and I haven't been too homesick. In fact my welcome home was a beautiful sunrise as I flew into my city.

Advent in a Fresh Light

In preparation for Christmas 2012 I used two different Advent guides to meditate on the birth of our Lrd. While both of these resources were amazing nothing helped me truly reflect on Advent and all it means like sharing the Christmas story with my friend Polly.

I have mentioned her before, but in case you forgot, Polly is a friend who helps with language learning. She is Jain but open to hearing about JC. Early in the fall I gave her a copy of the Word and she has been reading it ever since. We often read stories together during language time and started reading the Christmas story in Luke early in December. Polly had never heard this story before! I know it's hard to believe but she hadn't. As I read it to her I was overwhelmed with emotion thinking about the magnitude of the Lrd coming to dwell with us...G0d took on flesh and became a baby to live and dwell among us that we might have redemption, forgiveness for our sins. And yet this dear friend had no idea, NO IDEA, this had taken place or why.

I thought of Isaiah 9.2 "The people who were walking in darkness have seen a great light." I simultaneously rejoiced and inwardly wept. - rejoiced that I am counted among those who have walked from darkness into light and wept because I was sitting right next to someone who still lived in deep darkness and had no idea the light has come.

I would love to tell you that Polly has believed. She hasn't. I continue to share with her and ask the Father to change her heart. Please lift up Polly and ask the Father to reveal himself to her through his word.

Sights of South Asia - Around the City

In early December a friend of our team came to BP to help out with some language learning. I don't know what any of us would do without her! While she was here we tried to see all we could of my city. She is a great photographer and got some great shots of the sights here....Hope you enjoy