What an amazing experience to spend Sunday with local Indian believers. We divided into two groups and headed off to church. Virendra took Neville, Dianne and Errol with him and went to join Jeykaren, the pastor of a fellowship of mostly young people called the Powerhouse which meets in a local mall. Virendra spoke and Dianne and Neville gave their testimonies. The rest of us risked our lives in traffic that has to be seen to be believed as we traveled across the city to John and Carol Christian’s fellowship that meets at the Unwind Center. They use this property for rock concerts that draw young people in Chennai. I had been invited to preach and I shared stories illustrating how we could model Jesus as we walked the platform of our business. I told how Equip clients had re-purposed their businesses and the miracles God had done. We had a time of ministry afterwards and God seemed to be encouraging many there. Lunch was served to the entire congregation and we ate and fellowshipped together. I am still fascinated to watch how they eat with their right hand, but was grateful to be offered a spoon!

In the evening we hosted our second Equip informational evening. Each member of the team played a key role as we shared the vision of equip through testimonies, a skit, and discussion with those who attended. We were all deeply impacted by the caliber of people who attended ranging from bright, educated young women recently converted from Hindu faiths who have to attend Christian meetings secretly to high profile business men who are totally committed to radical walks of faith in their workplaces. We are standing amazed as we are watching God bring forth the “prepared people” for whom the time is ripe to be involved with equip. Many are sharing with us about the beginning of an economic boom that is taking place and my sense is that God wants His people to ride the front of the wave as far as impact is concerned and not stand on the beach and watch what is happening.

A few final impressions:

There is constant noise here day and night with air conditioners humming noisily and of course the incredible volume of traffic. (Everyone consistently honks as they drive. I think they are like bats, using the sound to help them avoid bumping into other cars!)

The Indian people are so beautiful with their broad white smiles and colorful saris. I can’t stop admiring the exquisite fabrics and designs of the clothing and have noted that even poor people on the streets have clean and vibrant saris, a surprising feat in this dry and very dusty place.

Our team is working so well together, having many laughs and I believe uniquely selected for their pioneering role in this hot, dusty, vibrant place. What a privilege to be serving God here.

— Lyn Johnson

Prayer Requests

• Discernment about potential partnering with local leaders
• People for key positions in equip locally

Praises

• Safety/Health
• The ways John Christian has bridged us into the local community
• The excitement about equip from the people who have heard the message
• People feel the time is perfect for equip to be here
• God is moving here!