In February 2011 I spent time in India visiting schools in Nagaland and Assam as I continued the assessment of the schools being operated under church and association auspices in North East India. This involved a personal visit to many schools in Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya and Karbi Anlong. I met with teachers and principals so committed to share Christ with students through education.  Many of them work with large classes in very simple circumstances.  Have you ever thought about evangelism through education?  I listened again and again as teachers and leaders shared how important education is for sharing the Gospel with students and their families.  It was a joy to have Angela Sudermann, Coordinator of Volunteers with International Ministries (IM) travel in India with me.  It was a delight to share ‘my’ India with her and see India through her eyes.

 

Several times while traveling in India I met former Woodstock School students and others with Woodstock School connections. It was a blessing to hear about what is happening in the lives of former students and where the Lord is leading them to serve.

 

I began teaching at Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India in 1972 under direct employment by the school. In 1983 the Board of International Ministries appointed me to continue that ministry as a commissioned American Baptist missionary.  People from First Baptist Church in Racine sent me off in 1972; some of you were at Green Lake for the commissioning service in 1983 during the World Mission Conference.  I met many of you during times of deputation when I visited in your area or at your church or at gatherings at Green Lake.  Some of you were my classmates at Sioux Falls College.  You have faithfully prayed for me.

 

Today, the end of March 2011, I will officially complete my active missionary service.  I have enjoyed being part of the ministry of the ‘home’ staff over the past year while continuing my missionary service. I will stay on at IM as part of the ‘home staff’ and continue to serve as Recording Secretary for the IM Board and Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director.

 

Ministry in India continues.  Taku and Katie Longkumer have been endorsed by International Ministries for service with the Council of Baptist Churches of North East India in Assam.  They will leave for India as soon as they have a strong financial support base.  Please consider transferring your support to them as they seek to answer God’s call to serve in India. You can view their profile and read their journals by clicking here.

 

Thank you for your tremendous support during the last 28 years.  You have prayed for me, for Woodstock School and for India, sent cards and letters of encouragement and helped with financial support.  If you ever need to call International Ministries I would be happy to help you. 

 

Thank you for walking with me on this incredible ministry journey that God has taken us on to India and around the world.