I arrived in India in the middle of September with the intent on leaving after the graduation of our two bible colleges around the middle of January. We dedicated The Way Apostolic School of Ministry building September 17th even though we did not have the doors on our building. I began teaching Systematic Theology and traveled between the two campuses. We had an attendance of 45 students in our Gandipalli location and 25 students at our location in Kesavaram.
Oct 10th we went to the tribal village of Big Sanka La Pudi to Pastor Isaac’s church and held a night meeting. There were 170 in attendance (we are working in the tribal areas), 25 of which came forward to begin their journey to salvation. Later, 23 were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. We prayed for the sick and many headaches, back problems, arthritis, and other diseases were healed by hand of the Lord Jesus.
October 15th we went to Yellamelle where we baptized 14 in Jesus name. We prayed for many sick people and one dumb woman spoke for the first time in her life. We give all glory and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ and say that He has done all things well.
After 2 ½ months I lost 25 pounds and my health began to deteriorate. Due to unforeseen and uncontrollable financial difficulties it was necessary for me to return to the U.S. earlier than I had planned. I arrived home December 5th. Thankfully, we were able to graduate our students at the Kesavaram location, however we were unable to finish the term at Gandipalli.
It is my intent to return to India to finish the term and start a new one in 2010.
This website has generated a lot of interest from ministers all around the world asking us to help them establish and teach Apostolic Doctrine. Most of the requests are for financial assistance, prayer and instruction. I have come to understand that many who would prefer to have this Apostolic Truth have succumb to other religions because of the amount of funding they can provide. My hope is to establish the truth in these areas which will require more than our current financial position. Many ministers I have talked to have told me they have never heard such beautiful teaching as this God in Christ Message. We have 340 Apostolic Ministers and could have many more added if we could give them the tools they need to win souls to Jesus. They are willing to walk, ride bicycles, or motorcycles to reach the 98% of the population who are in the Hindu religion. Some have asked me why I go all the way to India to win souls. I tell them that the fishing is good there.
My wife Shelley was finally able to visit India this year. She came and brought many toys, clothes, and toiletries to the orphans. It is hard to explain the deep satisfaction of giving to the needs of children whose appreciation is expressed with smiling faces and grateful hugs. Pastor Gary and Sis. Shelley Schafer
