Get an inside look as we interview one of the many men who have answered God’s calling, “…The harvest is great but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37 We thank you for your support and faithfulness in prayer. God is equipping and sending out new workers daily to share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ!

Location: Guruvindapalli
Church Plant Date: September 14, 2006
Pastor: Yasu Padam which means the “the feet of Jesus”
Favorite Scripture: Job 1:21 “…Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”

January 14, 2010

We travel for hours on unpaved roads of rock and dirt until we come to a small village called Guruvindapali. There we are greeted by Pastor Yasu Padam; a man I have come to recognize in the few weeks I’ve been in India for his high spirit, warm welcoming nature and faded orange and white collar shirt which he has worn all three times I’ve been in his presence. It is not his favorite, but rather his only shirt that is in a condition suitable for wearing while out in ministry. We are greeted in the Indian tradition with beautiful floral leis and hand tied bouquets as the people congregate, both believers and non-believers, to get their first look at white westerners in their village. They ask our photographer if they may take a picture with us and we oblige. It’s as if by taking the picture the memory will be captured eternally although the likelihood of them ever seeing the picture again is improbable. It’s humbling, to say the least, that in this poverty stricken town where the people can barely provide for their earthly bodies that we are welcomed in such grandeur. Inside the church sits one woman and in the background there is one speaker, one small piece of audio equipment and a Christian CD that plays worship songs in the native tongue which radiate throughout the village via a megaphone that sits atop the church. The structure itself brings a whole new meaning to the word “church.” The foundation is a solid dirt floor that is covered in tarps. Six concrete pillars are the sole permanent materials used to support the structure. It’s walls and ceiling are comprised of sticks, straw and other raw materials found in this indigenous landscape. The more we learn of the construction the more we come to appreciate this House of the Lord. Pastor Yasu has built this church with his hands alone a total of three times. The first was just prior to the church plant in 2006 and then twice more after being completely demolished and brought to the ground by Hindu militants. Through God’s provision the most recent version of the building has been standing since the rebuild which took place after the last devastating demolish on May 9, 2008. With a smile on his face Pastor Yasu tells of God’s faithfulness in allowing him to rebuild the church stronger and better after each militant attack. We walk through the village until we come upon a small, humble, rather empty home where we meet the rest of the Padam family. Pastor Yasu and his wife Miriam, have been blessed with two children. Sindhu their 7 year old daughter, and Manohar their 5 year old son. Yasu’s mother Esther joins us as we sit down to get the untold story of how Yasu was first called to the Lord’s service and the journey he and the Padam family have faithfully embarked upon to further the Kingdom of God.

GURUVINDIPALLI CHURCH LEVELED TO THE GROUND AFTER HINDU MILITANT ATTACK IN MAY 2008

THE PADAM FAMILY IN THEIR SINGLE ROOM HOME IN GURUVINDIPALLI

Pastor Yasu describes his youth as a time of chaos and disobedience as he caused many problems for his family and became involved in heavy drug and alcohol abuse. His parents, which at the time were of strong Hindu faith, prayed to the gods that they would deliver their child from his afflictions and restore peace to the Padam family. But to their disappointment Yasu remained resistant to change. He did eventually continue on the path set by his parents and married Mariam, a young woman who at the time was also young in her Christian faith. In viewing his wife’s faithfulness Yasu’s heart was softened to the voice of the Lord and it was in a dream that Yasu came to know the calling God had for his life on earth. He immediately repented of his sins and began faithfully carrying out the plans God had revealed. A connection with Harvest India was established later that same year and he and his wife began to attend Harvest India’s Bible College. Yasu was again called to his knees as he cried out to the Lord to provide in his pursuit of biblical knowledge. Because of Yasu’s rebellion in his youth he had not retained the skills of proficient writing or reading. Miraculously, God provided and Yasu began to excel in his studies at the college. Because of the Lords provision through financial support, Harvest India was able to provide resources to sustain this young family as Yasu and Miriam faithfully leaned to the Lord for all their need. While still attending the Bible college Yasu was called by God to start a ministry in his home town of Guruvindipalli. He sought the wise counsel of Bishop Suresh Kumar, Director of Harvest India, and shared his calling. It was in his counsel that he was asked to pray continuously and that God would provide an opportunity when the time was right. Yasu’s prayers were answered on September 14, 2006 when Harvest India partnered with it’s supporters to open a church in Guruvindipalli. It was there, while still attending bible college that Yasu began his ministry. Upon the completion of his studies, Yasu graduated on February 17, 2007 and became the pastor of the church plant in his home town. Harvest India provides opportunities to support pastor’s who have completed the studies conducted at their bible colleges. For between 50 and 100 US dollars a month your contribution can support one of the many Harvesters like Yasu and his family, in India.

Since Yasu’s ministry began in 2006 he’s been burdened to start two additional churches in the surrounding Hindu villages of Davarpalli, and Pedisenagal. Through his determination to spread the good news and gospel message of Jesus Christ Yasu has been faithful to taking his needs before the Lord in prayer and he is hopeful that you will join him in his ministry. Yasu is trusting God will provide the financial support for he and his family‘s well-being, financial support to build churches in the surrounding villages of Davarpalli, and Pedisenagal, and to provide abundant opportunities to make great the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The congregations of those in the villages are growing and a permanent place of hope and salvation is key to nurturing the needs of these new Christ followers. The cost of building a permanent church home in the village would be 15,000 US dollars and would provide both a 300 person church and living accommodations for the pastor and his family, which would free the family from renting their current housing. If you feel called to join in the work God is doing through his children at Harvest India we encourage you to join us in supporting the Padam‘s and countless others that God is equipping through the ministries at Harvest India. It is through men and women like these that we will take the name of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Please visit Harvest India online at www.HarvestIndia.org for further information.

Though Yasu has faced many oppositions, he remains strong in spirit as he lives out the scriptures. The people in the villages where Yasu is administering the gospel are primarily of strong Hindu faith yet just last night as we broke bread with the Padam family and shared the gospel with those that attended the service nearly 30 men, women and children gave their lives to the Lord. And for this reason alone we will not slow our pace. We will proclaim the good news! Jesus Christ has died for the salvation of the lost, and until all of India has heard the truth and been given an opportunity to repent of their sins and find eternal life in Christ’s sacrifice we walk faithfully forward.

Over the past few months, as we’ve experienced the worst flooding I’ve seen in my entire life, I’m reminded that the Lord says, “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight. I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.” [Isaiah 45:2]

There are times in life when we feel like the “crooked places” will never be straightened out. There are seasons in our work when it seems like there are gates and bars holding us back from seeing the vision come to fruition.

But, here’s what we know…WE SERVE A BIG GOD!

God knows what we’re going through, and His eye is upon us. He knows our needs, and He always delivers on time. As I like to say, “He’s an on-time God.”

We are so thankful to God for your love, prayers and support to this ministry always. Without your prayers and generosity, we can do nothing in India. Your financial support is enabling us to touch many lives and share the love of Christ in hundreds of unreached villages. Your partnership is a great blessing to this dark land.  We are praying that the Lord may meet all your needs for His glory and honor in this Christmas season.

$10 Goes A Long Way in India
Will you consider making a year-end, tax-deductible donation this Christmas?
To donate, visit www.HowWillYouRespond.com.

May His peace and blessings be with you.

Suresh Kumar
President of Harvest India

As the flood waters recede in southern India, Harvest India is working hard to provide food, shelter, and clothing to those in need. At least 170 villages have been under water, and over 200,000 people have been displaced. Reports are showing that Harvest India has lost over 200 churches in the process.

A team from Global Sticky Network arrived on the scene early this week to help in the effort and document Harvest India’s work. Thanks to ROCKharbor Church, Global Sticky Network, and all those who are investing financially in this great work.

How Will You Respond to the Flood Victims Today?
For just $10, a person can have their immediate needs met by receiving a blanket, a water pouch, rice, lentils, and a clean sari where possible. Please ask God how He would like you to respond. To support the work of Harvest India, donate online at www.HowWillYouRespond.com.

Last week, Steve and Tracey Ansell (supporters from England) passed along an update on Harvest India’s continued effort to help those who are being impacted by the devastating floods.

“Just yesterday we were thinking that the recovery operation was starting to get underway, but now we hear that due to heavy rain, another flood will come through the state of Andhra Pradesh.   Following a 600% increase in normal rainfall for this time of year they need to operate the flood gates to move the massive amounts of water that has collected.  For 3 months there was no rain and concern was building over the drought that was happening, and then in just 5 days, nearly 2 years worth of rain fell and has so far ruined over 200,000 hectares of crops, causing $25 billion damage to the agriculture industry.

Many of us still have visions of the devastating affect that Hurricane Katrina had on the US; the floods and devastation that are affecting the whole state of Andhra Pradesh is 10 times more catastrophic!

For cultural reasons, India does not like to report the total amount of deaths, but hopefully the above statement, will help to convey the situation here.  It is no surprise that the India government and the state government are reporting this as the biggest relief program that India has put into operation.

750,000 children and their families in the state of Andhra Pradesh need emergency help with the basic provisions of clean drinking water, food and medical help.  With nearly 20% of them malnourished before the floods, you can imagine how quickly diarrhea and water born diseases will spread and inflict yet more pain.

With the news that yet more floods are coming to the same areas, state ministers are encouraging people to stay in the evacuation centres and not to return to their villages.  The floods at the beginning of last week saw villages in over 4 metres of water, and the same is likely to happen again this week.  This is starting to cause confusion and panic.  Where some people have returned, they have faced complete ruin, their homes now just a few sticks in the ground with their few possession half buried in the mud.  The smell and stench is making them ill and the pain, despair and disbelief is written over their faces and engulfs you as try to absorb some of their pain.

We have been so fortunate to be staying with Harvest India and to help with the massive relief work that they have put into operation, we have been able to offer comfort and prayers, hold them and stand beside them as sisters and brothers in their time of need.  We have helped distribute food and water to over 30,000 people at the emergency camps, and have offered them hope through the distribution of blankets, sarees and utensils.  My husband, Steve has been out in the boats rescuing people, and Harvest India have now handed over their boats to the military as the current in the water is so strong and electricity cables are protruding from the water.

Whilst our prayers are still very much needed, this is a time for action, this is a time for us to unite across the globe and put our emotional response into some practical use.  Harvest India have stepped out in faith, using their resources they have immediately, without hesitation to meet the needs of the flood victims, to offer them hope, to stand beside them and to show them that they are not forgotten and that people do care.

I urge you to do what you can, dig deep into your pockets and support Harvest India, by donating online or through contacts that you know that can get the resources to Harvest India.  Every penny that you donate will go to the relief work, no administration or government charges, a donation of $10 will go to providing life saving basics such as medical help, clean water and food for one family.

Harvest India has lost over 200 churches, Pastors will have to begin again, and $100 will provide them with a drum, a light and a bicycle to get them up and running again, and providing a contact for Harvest India in the villages once people are able to return and begin the painful task of rebuilding their lives. God bless you in all that you do and blessings on all your relief work.”

How Will You Respond to the Flood Victims Today?
For just $10, a person can have their immediate needs met by receiving a blanket, a water pouch, rice, lentils, and a clean sari where possible. Please ask God how He would like you to respond. To support the work of Harvest India, donate online at www.HowWillYouRespond.com.

Recent floods have caused much devastation across the state of Andhra Pradesh. At least 170 villages have been under water and many are fighting for survival as corpses of both people and animals have been seen floating in the waters. Early reports are showing that Harvest India has lost over 150 churches, but there have been no reports of death among Harvest India pastors or staff members.

Over 200,000 people have left the area in search of dry ground as reservoirs are full and being diverted to other waterways to protect as many villages as possible. Unfortunately, many people are not heeding the evacuation warnings until it is too late ­— resulting in the need to be rescued from trees and rooftops. As they are being rescued, they often watch their clothing, utensils, and other household goods being washed away. In addition, many farmers have completely lost their crops in the process.

Harvest India Gives Over 50,000 Packets of Support
Emergency relief camps have been put into place, and the local government is doing what it can to help. With limited resources and a lack of contacts to help them respond quickly, the government has reached out to Harvest India for emergency food and blankets. To date, Harvest India has distributed 30,000 water packets and 20,000 food packets. One water packet and food packet will keep one person sustained for 3 days. The focus is on helping people survive and find a place of safety. While this is already draining Harvest India resources, the next stage of sustaining people at the camps with shelter and food will put a greater strain on the resources of India and and Harvest India both. The government is currently estimating that $2,000,000 in support is needed to fund the relief operation.

How Will You Respond to the Flood Victims Today?
For just $10, a person can have their immediate needs met by receiving a blanket, a water pouch, rice, lentils, and a clean sari where possible. Please ask God how He would like you to respond. To support the work of Harvest India, donate online at www.HowWillYouRespond.com.

Each year, Suresh Kumar (President of Harvest India) visits the United States for a “vision trip” to share his passion for India and invite individuals, churches, and businesses to invest in the ministry of Harvest India.

Upcoming Visit
Suresh will be in the United States in the month of September…

Purpose

Sharing the Vision at Gatherings
Here are several possible gatherings where you might be interested in hosting Suresh and Christina…

Your Next Step
If you’re interested in hosting a “gathering” such as any listed above, please Suresh directly at suresh@harvestindia.org.

My name is Manohari, 35 years old. From two years onwards I had heart pain and head-ache, I went to the Hospital Doctors and they said I need to go to surgery that cost lot of money, but we don’t have that much money. One day somebody took to me to Harvest India Crusade, I went with lot of pain and faith to the Crusade and they prayed for my pain, after the Crusade my pains has gone. Thanks to Jesus. Glory to God.