Overseas Missionary

I received a letter from a wonderful lady who asked for a prayer for her friends, their beautiful young angel called Bridie had left them and returned back in to the arms of God, the pain was and is so raw for them, the disbelief that she came only for a short while. Because of this, I wanted to look at the life of Bridie, another name given to Saint Brigid. She was leant to us, she left her legend behind.

Brigid was born in the year 453 at Faughart, County Louth, Ireland, born to a Scottish King of Leinster his name was Dubtach, a pagan and to Brocca who was a Christian Pictish slave who had been baptised by Saint Patrick.

Before Brigid's birth however, her Mother was sold to a druid landowner, Brigid stayed with her Mother until she was of age to go and serve her legal owner Dubtach, who was her Father.

As Brigid grew, she became a high spirited child, she loved to hear Saint Patrick preach, she had a love of life and people, to the poor she would give everything she had away, she gave away items that belonged to her Father. On hearing him protest Brigid would reply Christ dwelt in every creature. This did not satisfy Dubtach however and he tried to sell her on to the then, new King of Leinster who happened to be a Christian. While negotiations were taking place, Brigid gave away a sword of her Father's, a much treasured possession, she had given this to a leper.

Dubtach was furious and tried to strike Brigid who explained that she had given the sword to God, through the leper. The then King of Leinster prevented Dubtach from striking Brigid, he stated "her merit before God is greater than ours" Dubtach relented and gave Brigid her freedom.

By then, Brigid's Mother was aged, she was in charge of her master's dairy, Brigid took over the charge and often gave away a lot ofthe produce yet the dairy thrived under her control, so much so that the druid freed Brigid's Mother Brigid then returned to her F ather, he had arranged a marriage for her with a young bard but Brigid refused this, she had no wish to marry, wanted to keep virginal, so she went to her Bishop Saint Mel of Ardagh and took her first vows. She prayed that all her beauty would be taken from her so than none would want to marry her, God granted her this and she regained her beauty after taking her vows.
Brigid opened a convent, her first in the year of 468 with 7 other nuns, with the assistance of Bishops, she opened convents all over Ireland. She invented the double monastery, the monastery of Kildara which means Church of the Oak, this being on the Liffey river, housing both Monks and Nuns. Saint Conleth became the first Bishop there.

On the 1st February 523 Brigid died of natural causes, she had completed her work and returned home, returned to Reaven from where she originated.

When one looks at the age of Brigid, it is not considered old these days, one would exclaim "she died so young" yes, today, she would have been too young. In that era, she was considered old, look at all she had to encounter though, how this must have aged her.

Now when relating her life story, I mentioned her legal owner, but in reality, her legal owner if we are to put it this way is God, on earth however, even from that era to this, all of us at some point in our lives believed or still believe that we own people, but we do not.
Every person on this earth, every life, is leant to us, leant to others for a purpose. You might ask what purpose has this person or that person got etc especially when you see that their behaviour is not the expected behaviour of today. The answer is, the test in us. Will we walk by and dismiss this person should they be different? Will we abuse them because of their behaviour? Or will we Love them? Guide them? Teach them?

Re-awaken ourselves to others that are in desperate need also, needs that this person is displaying to us?

Brigid, she was sold, she was owned, so she was told, her life was hard yet, looked at those whose life was harder and took a stand at the risk of wrath from her Father. Brigid then took her vows to be at one, at completeness, with God, opening convents, again, spreading a message, re-awakening people, leaving a message behind, something for others to cling to.

At the beginning, I mentioned an angel called Bridie, why did she only stay such a short while? Why did God take her from us? but He didn't! I honestly believe that Bridie came as Brigid came, to awaken us all, even those who did not know her, to her parents she gave love, promoted love, showed them the way to promote awareness for her illness, an illness that stems from earth, NOT from God, Bridie was leant to everyone as Jesus was leant to His Mother, then left her to go to the masses with His messages of love before returning home, Jesus was leant to ALL mankind as Bridie's purpose was5 for her messages of awareness to reach all mankind. I would ask that both Brigid's and Bridie's lives will not be in vain, that we will open our eyes to those in pain, sickness, poverty, look around us and appreciate what we have, compared to what other's have not. When we love, love fully I Give all your heart, not just a little, for what you give to another, is a gift through them to God. We are all tools, we should be used wisely, for every movement we make is a movement offered to God.

When a person has money, whether rich or poor, but money of their own for their basic needs and enough to put perhaps £1 in a charity box now and again, people will speak to them readily. Yet, the person that is struggling financially, does not ask anything yet in conversation makes it known that they are struggling, many will avoid having any contact with that person.

When a person has a friend that they really trust, will confide in, share a laugh or two, believes that the person will be their friend for life, the world is rosy. No matter what struggles ort turmoil's they face, they know they have a friend. What a shock it is to the very core, that some friends, having gained the person's trust, confidence, knows virtually all there is to know about the person will then suddenly walk away!

They will listen to those who choose to do harm to the person, to bring their very being into distribute. They will leave the person floundering, sad and alone, mistrustful of everyone else, their whole concept on friendship is ruined.

A Christian, going to Church every Sunday and every Christian festival there is, will make it known to all that will listen that their whole being is of a Christian nature. encouraging others to do exactly the same, will be the first in the queue to speak to the Priest after the service, smiling and shaking their hand.

How sad it is then to find that SOME Christian's will only pick out certain aspects of the Ten Commandments to follow and ignore the rest. Will go home after the service and treat members of their family with disrespect, will lie, cheat, drink alcohol to excess and much more.

Members of the authorities, taking the tax payers money to pay their wages, those responsible for the care of the of the elderly publishing material as to how proper care is put in place, as to what is NOT acceptable behaviour.

A shock then to find that some members of the authorities have been found to be beating the the elderly people, stealing from them, forcing them to give up their homes to pay for any care they receive and the wages of the carer's put in place.

Social Workers, telling the entire nation as to how children should be brought up, telling all that will listen, that they are to keep families together, to assist families in difficult times. Publishing material as to what IS and what is NOT acceptable behaviour towards children.

Sickening to find then, the Social Workers that are desperate to line their pockets with the tax payers money so much so they will make false allegations against familiers in an effort to remove the children from their homes, claim vast sums more tax payers to keep them in their own care homes

Many of the children starved, beaten, burnt with cigarettes, raped and sadly, some murdered. Those who try to escape are brought back with force and punished for their escape.

Scams, there are many people that offer so loudly to assist those who need to earn more money, are on the very edge of bankruptcy and have to make money fast, those who would love to live a fantastic lifestyle, holidays, cars big houses and much more.

The scammers, they prey on this, "are you looking for outwork" they say "earn right from this moment" but then the punch line, "pay a fee of £10, £20 etc., then we will send a list of employers who MIGHT be looking for someone"

People given a gift, there are those who have been given a gift from God, they are able to predict one's future, able to read the mind of another, able to hypnotise, there those who have studied to become White Witches they say, for the good of others of course.

Now ask for help. "can you help me, I have no money, have had a bad and sad life, need peace and financial security to pay bills, feed the family, seek justice, wish for good health for my family, myself etc." they immediately reply back, "I will do an initial assistance for free, if you like what I do for you, everything you want will be yours".

Pen friends, we seek someone to write to from another country, exciting to get to know Brothers and Sisters we have not yet had the chance to speak to and meet. We send an e-mail, put pen to paper and eagerly write all about ourselves and ask all about the life of another. We want to give friendship, love, send a little gift now and again.

Reply, there are many genuine people out there that would love a pen friend, would love to receive a gift now and again, however, there are many whose e-mail or letters back reads ... "I love you, you are my number 1, so blessed to have met you, God must have sent you, can you send me £150 I am in desperate need!!"

Sadly there are so many observations like this, to many to list, one has to think then as to how or why the world has and is changing to this degree.

When Jesus was born, a Shepherd brought a Lamb, he did not have any money, had nothing really to give except himself and an innocent Lamb. To Jesus, this was the best gift that he could have received, the ultimate gift! When older, Jesus walked among the masses, rich and poor, all! were equal, He turned away from no one and still does not. In this day and age, can we imagine for one moment, someone approaching Jesus and saying "dear sweet Lord I have no money but I have a lamb for You" and Jesus saying "yes, well, better go people to see, things to do" and then rushed off? The answer is NO, God is consistent in ALL things, the poor, pure and meek are welcomed tenfold.

Jesus gathered His Disciples together, they were friends, people that Jesus trusted, confided in. Yes, there was one, Judas, yes he let Jesus down, he took his own life for he was wracked with guilt and pain. But let us turn to the others for now. In today's day and age, would they have turned away from God saying "I have to believe what others are saying, not everyone can be lying you know, those Roman soldiers, well they do outweigh what you are saying so, sorry God, You are not on Your own"? All those who stood by Jesus Christ were ready and some did! Sacrifice their lives for Truth! They believed in Jesus Christ, nothing would and did stop their faith in Him. Thousands of Saints and Martyrs that we read about, they can't all be wrong can they? The answer is quite short and simple, NO!

These friends that chose to throw friendship away so easily as if throwing away a tissue, denying the friendship they had, does conscious play any part as it did with Judas?

There are millions of True Christians right here, right now, as we have read in the paragraph above, Saints and Martyrs, True! Christians. Let us go back to when the Ten Commandments came about and put it in today's day and age. The crowds are gathered and they listen to the Commandments being read. I am sure there will; be those sadly who will say "excuse me, can we change that a little, do we have to follow that one, does it not really fit in with my lifestyle and/or the way I feel about Mrs So and So. What on earth do you think that Moses would have said to that! or indeed God? Do we think that God would have taken a pencil and paper and asked, "now then, suggestions please?" Exodus 20 vv 2 - 17 verse 6 reads, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep My Commandments. In brief, what does this mean, that we only love the thousandth person? No, the meaning is that we love everyone the same, that we treat everyone as equal, that we do NOT just pick out those Commandments that suit us and ignore those do not.

We have seen possibly, heard and read about the abuses that have gone on and STILL go on towards the elderly by people who are put in a position of trust, people paid! to take care of elderly people, Mother's, Father's, Sister's, Aunts, Uncles, people we have loved, still love but find it hard to care for physically.

Acts 20 v 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, "it is more Blessed to give that to receive". 1 Timothy 5 v 1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as Brothers. You may be thinking, ok, we are only speaking about men here, but we have to interpret this as to men and women. Do you know that the early Christian Church acted as a social service agency for believers? No mention of any beating and taking their possessions!

So, we bring the care of the elderly from then to this day and age, God states that we should value, behold the elderly citizens, thrive from their knowledge, this is put to the carer's that sadly would abuse, their answer being "take care of them? Yes well, we need to sell your home dearie, no good keeping it now is it, you will be all right here, we will look after your money for you, don't worry about a thing" quietly they say "silly old fool" now what are you rambling about? "Yeah yeah" turning to other staff stating "better get the quack in again, rambling on about the past, trying to tell ME What to do?" The older generation are our lives, it is what and who we are, without them we would not have life, would not have the chance to make up our own minds in later life as to take their advice or make our own mistakes. The older generation, many of whom fought, were injured, lost many good friends members of their own family in the war while trying to secure Human Rights for ALL, sadly, those who abuse choose to forget.

Over 2,000 years ago, Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem which is approximately 70 miles which possibly does not sound a great deal but it is if you are poor and only have a donkey for the lady to ride on and the man walking all the way. Mary was expecting a baby, they were travelling because they had to register their names on the census under the emperor's orders, in this day and age, the Government wish all people to register for tax of course but it is made a lot easier by offices in every town.

Now, in that era, there were no Social services which possibly would have been a good thing in many ways, for let us look at the scenario today.

Mary, she is visited by an Angel, she then informs Joseph who she is NOT married to at the time that she is expectant with child and she is carrying Jesus Christ because an Angel said so. Ok, so Joseph is convinced, yet they have to make a journey, he has no car, no money for public transport so they use a Donkey. If the police would let them get that far on a Donkey in the first place, they then arrive at a town to find there is nowhere to stay, so they are given shelter in a stable. Someone you can be sure will report this to the Social Services who with ultimate glee will come rushing to the scene of birth with a temporary Care Order in their hands.

They will say "You are trying to tell us that you are a virgin, visited by an Angel, carrying Jesus Christ?" "This is an order to take this baby at birth you will have no access to him until the court hearing by which time we hope you will comply with the ruling to have treatment at Cassells Hospital to assess your needs and that of your child" A Psychiatrist then makes his report to hand to the Social Services, we have a Mother who believes she was visited by an Angel when unmarried, who gave her a baby that she had to call Jesus Christ, a Saviour of the World. Of course, in this day and age the end result would be the mother never seeing the child again, the baby being adopted out and the Mother being labelled as Munchausen, Personality Disorder, Delusions of Grandeur and a Religious Fanatic who was a danger to herself. As far as poor Joseph is concerned, he has no rights to the child anyway as they were unmarried at the time. Yet one has to ask why? Jesus told us that He would come again, He did not say when or how but He is coming Yet who will believe Him when He does come? Some members of the authorities who see fit to abuse children in care, would Jesus be a victim too in this day and age? Possibly He would! Would the authorities try to keep this family together? Definitely NOT! And let us suppose now that Jesus escaped care to go out to the masses to preach, to go to the Temple, the Social Services would be hot on His trail, forcing Him to go back to the Care Home and possibly locking Him away in solitary for a cooling off period or until He could be trusted not to run off, in order to be free in fact, of the oppressive authorities who deem themselves to be above all others, to be the voice of authority in all matters and decide the future of families nation-wide no matter how much misery and suffering it brings, for they can never be found guilty of anything, at least, not while here on earth!

God says "suffer little children that come unto me" no He does not mean that children will suffer, God is stating that we are all His children and we should all bring our sufferings to Him, for there will be justice, not in this life, we know that, but we can be sure of it on judgement day that that is something we should be all working towards in our Christian lives.

What does God say about the poor? Put in basic terms He says "what are you doing by crushing my people and grinding down the poor when they look to you. The rich who oppress the poor are like a devastating rain that leave no food. Better to be poor and walk in integrity than crooked in your ways and rich" Oh why then can't these scammers read this and weep? Jesus we learn, fed the five thousand, they had come to listen to Him, they were poor, hungry, needed something, hope for the future, something to change their lives, don't we want that too now today? So, once again, let us bring it to a then and now situation. All these people gathered, no money, poor, hungry, the scammers offering hope or are they? They say to the masses "ok, we can have you eating right this minute and paying off all your bills, travel money too back to your homes, just fill in this form produce a credit card and we can then give you directions as to where you may be able to get food" The only people that get rich with these get rich quick schemes are the people running it. Many of us have a mail from someone stating that they have a secret to share and want to share it with you, mind you, it will cost you possibly £100 plus. Jesus gave His wisdom, His secrets if you like, willingly! He gave His love, He encouraged people to work hard for what they wanted and guided them as to how, yet funnily enough He did not ask for a penny! Why? Because He recognised their need. He recognised how much needed to be done in the world, the assistance to all those who were family, no matter what colour, creed or nation, He loved them all as He loves us today. Have we learnt nothing from the teachings of Christ? We know that we are all from the same stock, we all started our passage of life from Adam and Eve, they being our ancestors. The scammers I am sure will only be too happy to state they are of Christian mind and heart, um, well yes they are, for a price.

God bless certain people with gifts, they are able to predict the future, God gives them an insight in to it, they are hypnotists that have been given the ability to study, be intelligent, to practise what they have learnt. The White Witches who practise spells for the good of people, to give people what they most need or think they need ion life. Do you know what? All these wonderful gifts and God asks for nothing in return, or at least, not monetary, all He asks is that they are used for the benefit of others, who in turn when on their feet again can then benefit others also, basically, a "Pay it Forward! Situation". So now then, we ask these people for help, but let us not, not yet. Jesus walks among the masses, He cured the sick and the dying. Many coming to just touch Him, to touch His robes for they have so much belief and hope deep inside their hearts. In today's day and age, what Jesus should be doing is walking around with a computer, asking all those in need to send an e-mail, fill in a form and He would get back to them. After receiving a mail, He would then send out a computer originated mail that says "after looking at your situation I know I can help you but you have to trust Me. I will do you a quick healing now but you will need further work done. So, just tell Me what you need, fill in the form and have your credit card at the ready, together we will bring you so much luck, health and your destiny looks bright" Or should that be light? Lighter in the pocket perhaps? there are many genuine people out there that have a gift and use this to benefit others as they should and it is all praise to them.

However, there are those unscrupulous people that prey on those vulnerable people that are desperate, nowhere to turn, need someone to listen, someone to act, wave a magic wand perhaps and put their problems right, they turn to the computer and ask for help. They don't have money, they have hope, desperation, they send mail. The reply is normally quite quick, "of course I can help you, I can see right now how much desperation you are facing but believe me, not for long!!" "Just give me £79 and I will help you, make a spell, read your mind, tell you your future" sadly, they spell your name wrong! They tell you that money is coming to you, so you eagerly look out for the post, they read your mind and tell you that you have much sadness, well yes, you told them that in the first place, they will make a spell yet you do not ask you how it went, a computer generated e-mail comes back and asks "what is wrong, why did you not take up my offer of my DVD for £29.99? A true bargain" Well, it might be if you had the money you were supposed to have had in the first place! Now let us look at how things would be today should Jesus were of the same calibre, people in desperation calling Jesus via the computer of course! "Jesus please help me, you know my heart is full of sadness and desperation, debts, family sick. I am sick, no work, no one loves me" An e-mail comes back "My child I can see you have so much sadness and woe, no money, you are sick, no where to turn, but you have, you have Me! I will carry you, I do carry you, can predict the future for you, keep on loving and trusting in Me I will not let you down" But.. "if you would like to learn more about Me and all I can do for you fill in the form and obtain your online Bible, a snip at just £29.99 hurry, the offer won't be around for long!"

Thankfully as stated, there are many genuine people out there that have been a gift which they give freely and willingly for the benefit of others. God gives Himself to us all, He asks NOTHING! in return other than devotion, faithfulness, honesty, truthfulness and love, love for Him and all mankind, surprisingly, all this in total costs.. Nothing!

Many of us dream of countries we have never visited, we use our imagination as to what they are like, hot, dusky, colourful, magical, mysterious, the people singing, chanting so friendly, desperate to want to know you too and longing to share cultures, beliefs, hobbies, news. I have some wonderful pen friends do you? Always room for more, for I love to learn all the countries in the world if I can, see how the other half lives, works etc.

So, we send mail as stated, we tell all about everything and wait longingly for a reply, a picture of them, yet sadly there are many who would send a bill! We all know there are many poor countries out there and we long to be able to lift them up and help them all, but reality is, we can't! No one has that much money that they can assist every single person in every country that needs help for if they could they would be doing it and no one would be asking. We are very fortunate in the fact that we have a roof, food, education, clothes and much more. It is a hopeless, sad situation when Brothers and Sisters from across the world have nothing and you are powerless to do anything other than listen and pray for them. But you know, there is so much power in prayer, the greatest and strongest thing is prayer. So why isn't God helping? He is! He is helping us to understand what life on the other side is like, giving us the chance to prove to Him and to ourselves that we can and will assist our Brothers and Sisters, no matter how small our gift is, we will have done something, we go back to the giving of the Lamb on this one. We can possibly afford nothing yet give ourselves which is a far greater gift than any money. The poor of this world will receive riches in the next life, they too are being tested as to whether they will retain their belief, millions in the Third World countries do despite that they have nothing.

But just like any other countries, there are unscrupulous that base friendship purely on a money basis. Let us look how being a follower, friend of Jesus would be today in their terms. "dear Jesus I do so much want to speak to you, to get to know you, do tell me about your life" He then answers "I am so happy that you want to know me, just send £150 to help with poverty and I will tell you anything you want to hear" Let us suppose that we actually do send this money. the letters or mails will flow back and forth but then... "terrible news, had an accident and can not pay the hospital bills, I don't like to ask for money I am a proud man, hang my head in shame that I can not provide, but... could you? Just £300 will do nicely"

As I stated, I do have wonderful friends from other countries, they do not ask for anything other than friendship, I am sure you have wonderful friends too, sadly the unscrupulous pout many people off from seeking new friends because of all the begging that goes on. When we turn to Jesus and ask, "may we be a friend, can we learn all about You, follow You" He does ask for something, sincerity, that's all, nothing else.

Many of you may be wondering if I have been mocking God in all of this, certainly NOT, I hope to bring you a view of what God sees right here, right now and so much more besides. This is not what God wants to see, He puts us all on this earth as equals, gifts were given to share, love to be used wisely, education to again benefit others but everything we have been given should be used in a way to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus has said He will return, I pray deep down that He does in my lifetime yet I am worried and afraid at times as to how He will be perceived, will anyone believe Him if He announces who He is? Will we dismiss Him, try to cheat Him, bully Him or abuse Him? I hope and pray that this is not so, that everyone that states that they are a Christian, take another look at themselves, recognise their faults, beg for forgiveness, put right the wrongs you have created, extend your hands to your Brothers and Sisters, respect the elder's and the younger members of earth for they are our past, present and future. Let us feed the poor when we are able, assist those in great turmoil and more importantly, learn how to love... For FREE!!!

Our Overseas Missionary has recently returned from a visit to India. We have published here on this page some photographs of the visit including an extensive Report

LOGOS MINISTRIES IN INDIA

Unfortunately on my return to the UK in May 2007, I was quite ill but Praise be to God, I am recovering very well now. This particular trip was quite different, I had the honour of being involved with LOGOS Ministries throughout my stay.

President Ravi Kumar and his wonderful team of Pastors arranged meetings virtually every night in different locations. We visited many different villages. The warmth in their welcome and their pure devotion and sincerity just renewed constantly, my own faith in God.

One could be so frustrated at the seemingly helplessness of it all, when visiting some villages, the poverty can be very overwhelming yet the residents of the villages greet you with warm smiles and wanting you to share what little food or tea they have with you, the feeling of love is immense.

I wanted to include this photograph to show the pure devotion from people who struggle with poverty every single day. They do not know what their tomorrow's will bring, they do not know if there will be a tomorrow. Unlike ourselves, they are not able to arise in the morning, take a nice warm bath or shower, have breakfast, put on clean clothes and go to work, everything that we take for granted.

Their lives are constantly filled with hope and struggles. They arise, give thanks that they are alive. If they have food, they will share out what little they have between many members of the family and friends.

They draw water from either a pump or a river. Washing the clothes is 1st on the list, all of this is by hand, not in washing machines that so many of us take for granted.

During the day, they work to keep their homes clean and themselves while searching for food, coping with heat, flies and sometimes discrimination from those who have more than they and are not willing to share, when these poor but wonderful hard working people dare to ask for a little.

This photograph shows I felt constantly honoured in being invited to preach alongside the President of LOGOS Ministry. This man is dedicated, devoted, his life revolves around the well being of others, his life is God. Ravi himself has to work many hours in his own job as a Bank Manager. Many criticize him for working, they say that he can not have possibly devoted his life to God and to the people when he is working and earning money while others are going without.

It is through Ravi's work as a Bank Manager, that he and his dedicated team, have been able to create LOGOS. Ravi and his wife, who is a Teacher, of course pay for their basic needs, I do stress the word basic, for the majority of any wages they have goes straight to LOGOS. Sadly, our world revolves around money, not a lot can be undertaken without it. We are told that money is the root of all evil, this is very true, I have witnessed the discrimination shown to people that have none and those people who will do anything to get it, feelings are not included. But LOGOS have shown that money need not be all evil, that it can buy good wholesome food, blankets, Sari's for the ladies, trousers and shirts for the man, all this, LOGOS has done.

This photograph shows a day meeting, a meeting where I felt extremely honoured and yet humble. I was invited to a baby naming ceremony of the little boy that you see before you. The husband and his wife, asked me to chose the name for their beautiful son, they wanted a Christian name.

I thought hard about this and turned to the book of Numbers. As I read down, I stopped at vv 8 & 9. I can only assume that God was guiding me and explaining to me as to why. I chose the name Zuar, his son Nethanel, he was chosen by Moses to be in attendance to him.

Zuar, a Father, like all the other Fathers, loving his son, gave up his son without complaint to Moses, their sons went off to war.

Zuar, like all the other Fathers, they were not to know whether they were to ever see their sons again, but they made this sacrifice to God, they put their trust in Him and gave This husband and wife, they have a beautiful little boy, they do not know me, yet they gave me the honour to name their precious child.

This photograph shows some of the dedicated Pastors involved with LOGOS. These hard working devoted men, after a days work, could so easily have gone home, ate and slept. Yet they did not. After a days work, their only thought, was to travel out to the many different villages to give messages to the people, to show love to the people, to let the people know that they were not alone. On many occasions the meetings would not finish until 10.30 - 1 pm. These devoted Pastors then had to travel back to their homes and rise again early for the full days work that they had ahead of them, their life as is Ravi Kumar's is God and God alone.

In my last report I told you of my wonderful bodyguard who was also responsible for taking the photographs, video's and doing all the driving to the many locations where we held meetings.

Basha, he too had completed a full days work as an Auto driver starting quite early in the morning, to support his wife Farida and his Mother and Father. Yet he too, instead of rushing home to rest, came willingly to the evening meetings, as a driver, photographer, bodyguard and a friend. Basha is a Muslim with a pure Christian heart.

I mentioned earlier that we take certain things for granted we take Fridges, Washing Machines, Showers etc. as part of our daily lives. Basha's wife Farida is suffering from Thyroid problems, she has been told that she must take cool drinks, keep her food refrigerated. Sadly this is impossible, for they have no fridge. Farida also, sadly has no work but she would like to.

I would like to ask all of you reading this to consider as to whether you may be able to help with this. Basha and Farida badly need a fridge, the cost of this in our money is £120. Farida also would benefit from having a washing machine, the cost of this would be £100. I have mentioned the washing machine, because this would allow her to work. She would be able to take in washing for others, the washing would be done in half the time than the normal hand washing. This couple are a very deserving couple, for they, like others I have mentioned, devote their lives to assisting others.

If there are 10 people reading this that could spare £20 then Basha and his wife would benefit greatly from what we take for granted. If you feel that you could do this, please could you send your donations to Cardinal Edwards who will be able to forward this on. I ask all of you if we can make a difference in people's lives. When we think about money, what is it? It is paper, where does the paper come from?

The answer is a tree, for paper is made from wood. Where does the tree come from? The answer is simple, God. So let us take God's gift and make good use of it and give some of it to the poor, yet the devoted. I would also like to ask those, who feel that they really can not spare œ20, if you have any spectacles that you no longer use. LOGOS Ministry have an Optician that gladly tests the eyes of the poor for free, he would love to be able to give glasses to them so that they will benefit greatly, they will be able to secure work for themselves, or indeed, gain employment which they may not have been able to do because of their eyesight. If you can, please, could you send to:-

Ravi Kumar

President LOGOS Ministries

Luka Street

Opp H. P. Gas

Bapatla 522101

Guntur Dt

A. P

South India

I thank you all for reading, I know that any donations that you send will be gratefully received and that you all will have gained even more love from your Brothers and Sisters in India and that we all, when taking things for granted can be happy and assured that our Brothers and Sisters, when opening their fridge, putting washing in the machine, wearing the glasses, will be doing this with gladness and thankfulness and love towards us all. A lovely thought isn't it?

God Bless

The Rev Dr. Nasharina Tear BA, MA, PhD, ThD, SOGS

The Revd Dr. Nasharina Tear BA, MA, PhD, ThD, SOGS

Overseas Missionary For Yeshua International

Overseas Missionary Oh to say these words, they are a ringing, an angels song, one that I thought I would never hear. But, I have been blessed, by the love and trust of Yeshua International, so that my call be fulfilled, the song being sung. I was not always a devoted Christian, maybe I did Christian acts, but to be devoted, well, I considered that, no, I had not got the time and besides, God does not listen to me anyway.

My husband and I had been through much tragedy, all our family taken away from us, all that is left is children's clothes hanging in the closet, their toys on the bedroom floor as shrine.

I blamed God, oh yes, I was totally convinced that there was no God and if there was, well He was not going to help the likes of me.

        My husband had never really been religious minded at all, he used to say that he believed in what he could See, but...... Some weeks after the tragedy, my husband came to me and said "there is a God you know, we should put our trust in Him" I was stunned, my husband saying THIS ??????????

        I let him carry on, it was a passing fancy he was going through, out least, I thought so. I was asked by 2 friends to visit them in Germany, they had a crisis also, the husband was sadly out of work, the poor wife was working all hours, but it was not enough, they had not eaten for a few days, yet they still wanted me to go there to relax and have peace. They were devoted Christians and still are.

        Off I went to Germany, not once did they mention religion, for they knew I was hurting so bad, blaming everything and everyone, mainly God. That night, I could not sleep, I went on to the balcony, this feeling I had was heavy yet drawing and a comfortable, a voice spoke and without realizing it, I spoke back as if it were the most natural thing to do, speak to someone that one could not see.

        I came in from the balcony, my friends were stirring, asking me if I was ok I simply said, "yes and I wish to be Ordained" I guess they thought I was under pressure or strain, they kept asking me why, all I could say was that I had to, I wanted to, I was going to follow the call of God. They just smiled and wished me peace.

        Back home in England, I repeated to my Husband that I wished to be Ordained. He seemed to understand but asked me to tell him again in about a month. This month was so hard I can tell you, the gnawing feeling I had, I needed to be unleashed to go forth and do what I had been asked to do.

        But, I went to my Husband one month later and told him again, he just said "then go, you must follow the call, did I not tell you that we should put our trust in God" But now, the hardest part of all, Churches, Priests, all would turn away from me, scorn me, "you are a woman, you are not trained etc. etc." The more they scorned, the more burning inside I felt. Yes I was disillusioned, desperate but determined.

        My answer came from the Internet, I simply typed in I want to be Ordained, I was angry, hurt, sore, at having another bad day at the hands of Churches here.

        St. Luke's immediately popped up on my screen, it was unbelievable. After a couple of times looking on that site, I had my chance to become Ordained, this I deadbeat... Something was still missing.   I should not have had the gnawing feeling now should I ? Oh yes I did though.

        My final answer came from a wonderful Bishop I met on the net, he seemed to know the reason for my gnawing sensation and put me in touch with Cardinal Edwards.

        I spoke to him, really spoke to him, I felt life flooding through me, there was light and a feeling inside telling me yes!! This is the right way now.

        Before my husband and my tragedy happened, we were supporting an orphanage in India, we regularly sent payments to them, supplied all the clothes, toys books etc. This was not enough however, I felt there was so much more to do. When the tragedy struck, I had convinced myself that I did not care, yet after my talk with Cardinal Edwards, I wanted to shout out loud, "I do care and there is so much out there to do" Cardinal Edwards Ordained me in to Yeshua international, he said to me "now, you will really be tempted by Satan" he was right , I was, the build up had been wonderful but I felt deflated after he had gone, why?

        My husband came and said to me "time to work now do you not think so? Now you are a Priest, go and follow the call" I tried again to be accepted by the Churches here, but still no, they would not accept me. Right I said, I will go and help other countries, l had chosen Africa again to go to, but did not get the chance.

        Tsunami!!!!!!!!!! What a terrible disaster that was. I knew what I had to do, so my Husband and I left~ for India, we did not know what we were going to do, only that we had to be there. There were not as many lives lost as the other countries, I thank God for this, but the long term effects would mean that many would lose their lives as a result of losing their livelihoods, their fishing boats dragged under the sand, nets the same. Homes washed away, no money to buy any straw or reeds to build another.

        My husband and I were and are not rich people, but we gave as much as we could, knowing that what we gave would not last long, what was needed was a long term project being started, that would mean a consistent plan from people willing to take this on.

        I am honoured now that Cardinal Edwards has considered me as an Overseas Missionary Priest, I vow not to let him down, but to enable me to keep that promise, I desperately need support from my Brothers and Sisters out there that will make India their second home. I mean this in as far as, when out shopping, put in a little luxury item that you could send out, something that will either benefit the people in use, or something they can sell. Or, if thinking of buying that little extra as a treat, could you not treat the people of India to an extra bowl of rice instead.

        My Husband and I have a wonderful Godson in India, we have supported him since the age of 4 years, he is 18 years now. He has been and is a very good boy, always trying to help others, even when he has very little himself. We decided it would be good to bring him on holiday when we returned back to the UK, but yet the British High Commission out there have refused him on the grounds that he is too poor and "what right does he think he has in go going on holiday" their words. Vijay would have not only been able to experience his first holiday, totally supported by us, but he would have been able to have given a very detailed account as to what is really needed within his country. So, another project that we are wanting to start, is that all our Brothers and Sisters write to the President and the Prime Minister of India plus the High Commission too, to stop this discrimination against him, after all, when God scattered the people of the earth, Vijay was one of their relations, so that makes him ours.

        Last but no means least, Vijay's sister now has a Church, sadly their Grandmother died, she was a wonderful preacher, who is very much missed but very much in all our prayers. However, Regini, the sister, wishes to re-open the Church but to revamp it. It is a wonderful Church, small, but so much full of love, worship and praise. I ask, if anyone can donate items to this Church, this would be wonderful. Prayer mats, crucifix, communion sets, incense holders, kneeling pads, alter cloths, in fact anything you can spare, to give this lovely little Church a lift once more.

        Very soon, I shall be returning to India, to fight, not only for the right of our dearest Vijay, hut to fight to obtain food, medicines, in fact anything, for the wonderful people of India who ask for nothing but would like a little of what we all take for granted, roof, food, beds, clean environment and health.

        I put my trust in you all my Brothers and Sisters that you will assist me in helping our own Brothers and Sisters. I would like to finish here by mentioning special thanks to special people that have helped me in my spiritual life and are still there for me. Revd David Ford who gave me confidence and the start, the will to keep from giving up. Bishop Klughart who believed in me and knew why I was feeling the way I was at the beginning. For introducing me to another very special man in my life that has now recognized my need to travel, to seek out my Brothers and Sisters and lead them back from poverty and on the road to God. That man is YOU Cardinal Edwards.

        Thanks are not enough for all the special people in my life on earth, but I hope that my thanks and praise of our wonderful Lord will suffice until I am able to meet Him and embrace Him properly for re-opening my eyes, I gave up on him, but he did not give up on me, what a wonderful honour he bestowed on me, what trust he had in me. Amen.
God Bless

Yeshua International & The Old Roman Catholic Church in England