Ministry Update

ROCKHARBOR TEAM VISIT IN JANUARY 2010

PRAYING FOR THE LIVES OF THOSE THAT WILL COME TO BE WITH THE LORD THROUGH THIS AMAZING PROJECT

An HIV/AIDS Hospice emerges bringing hope, comfort and dignity to a discounted and abandoned growing population in Andhra Pradesh. There is still a long road ahead before the Hospice doors can be opened to receive patients. Harvest India is trusting God to provide all the medical supplies, workers, salaries, beds, food, and financial costs involved in completing and running the project. The costs have not been accounted for due to the God ordained acquisition of the property. An unaffiliated group, was building the project for HIV/AIDS purposes, but, after financial integrity was questioned, structure between the partners deteriorated. Facing opposition, they were forced to release the property and stop progress on their plans for India. God had other plans for the buildings purposes, for after researching the work at Harvest India the affiliates in possession of the building sought out Suresh Kumar to donate the building to God’s Kingdom work here in India. Although construction was not complete and the building still needed much preparation before it could be inhabited, Suresh saw vision and potential in this divine appointment. Trusting that God’s plans are perfect and that the Lord makes no mistakes, Suresh has continuously, passionately and intentionally stayed aware and available to all opportunities in his ministry. As time would prove, financial resources have come in on time and as needed for the construction thus far. While many resources and materials have yet to be provided we would be remiss to not press on with the plans God has revealed. According to plan, those affected by HIV/AIDS will be welcomed to Leugen de Lacroix’s Hope Center as early as this March. A RockHarbor Team and Senior Pastor, Todd Proctor, will be officiating the dedication of this center, giving dignity and hope for an un-reached growing number of people here in India. The dedication will serve in what Harvest India hopes to be a revelation and turning point that benefits the millions of people here in India that have contracted this debilitating disease. It will provide comfort for their ailing bodies, refuge, miraculous healing and restoration, and most importantly salvation and hope to those that the world has abandoned to a miserable death. We pray that the building would stand as a visible testimony to the hope and freedom found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please contact Suresh@harvestindia.org to find out how you can get involved in the Kingdom work of Harvest India and support this Hope Center

HARVEST INDIA’S LEUGEN DE LACROIX HOPE CENTER TO OPEN MARCH 2010

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.

Be sure to check your mailbox for the newest Harvest India newsletter for the last quarter of 2008. If you just can’t wait, download a pdf version by clicking here. In this issue…

• A letter from Suresh Kumar.
• Highlight of the new “Facebook Friends” well.
• A life story from a child whose life was transformed by surgery.
• A goal to give a Christmas gift to every child in a Harvest India children’s home - 1,228 children!

Give a Christmas Gift!
Currently, there are 1,228 children living in 10 different Harvest India children’s homes. This Christmas, we would love to provide each child with a brand new outfit as a special gift. Will you help us reach this goal?

• 1,228 children x $10 each = $12,280

Invite your friends to help make an impact in the life of a small child on the other side of the globe! After we reach the goal, we’ll post photos of the kid in their new outfits, and you’ll be so glad you participated.

Give a gift through the Harvest India Facebook Cause today!

In the month of September, Harvest India set a goal of raising $1,000 through the “Harvest India Facebook Cause.” 286 members joined (so far) and 12 of us participated in making the goal…yeah! Suresh uploaded a photo of him dedicating the water well yesterday and included this note on the “causes” page…

“Thanks for your great help to the poor people in India. This water well was purchased with the $1000 donated by 12 individuals who are part of the “Harvest India Facebook Cause.” The well is now blessing over 500 families with safe drinking water. We deeply appreciate your support to this ministry. Here is the picture of the well that we just dedicated yesterday. May the Lord bless all that you are doing and meet all your needs in Jesus’ name.

Yours in Him,
Suresh Kumar”

How amazing is that?

After spending a month in the US, Suresh and Christina Kumar returned home on September 17th. They were excited to see their children and extended family. Suresh specifically commented that it was great to get back to the “smells” of India!

On a fun note, the Kumar household just had high-speed wireless Internet installed. Skype is in the works so that Harvest India can communicate with leaders and churches around the globe in an easy, low-cost way.

After returning, Suresh joined his team in an effort to visit pastors and churches who are experiencing heavy flooding due to a 7-8 foot rise in waters from the Krishna River. Hundreds of villagers flee to the village cyclone shelter during these times, and Harvest India seeks to help as much as possible. Please pray for the safety of the Harvest India staff as they travel in remote areas.

Each week, we’ll post an update about what’s going on in the ministry of Harvest India based on a phone interview with Suresh Kumar. Here are a few things for this week…

Kumars Are In Baltimore
Suresh and Christina are visiting Lifehouse Church Bethel near Baltimore, Maryland, and they’re excited to share the vision of Harvest India. This church has been financially supporting the ministry for the past 4 years, and they’ve visited India once. Suresh will be sharing with a new church plant on Wednesday night about Harvest India, and he’s excited to develop more and more ministry contacts on the east coast. Christina and Suresh will be leaving the US on September 21st, and they are excited to see their children after traveling for a month.

Raj and Usha Had a Girl
Suresh’s personal assistant, Raj and his wife Usha, are the proud parents of a brand new baby girl. After the customary 6 month waiting period, they will host a special party where they will dedicate their child to God and give her a name.

Persecution in Neighboring Orissa
In the last 2 weeks, Communists killed a top Hindu leader and 4 of his disciples. Hindu militants believe that Christians hired Communists to perform this act of violence, and this is why they have initiated widespread persecution in the state of Orissa.

According to Suresh, over 600 churches have been burned and 2 pastors were killed in the last 2 weeks in Orissa. In addition, 20,000 Christian homes have been burned. Over 50,000 people were directly affected by these actions, and over 30,000 have fled into the forests to protect themselves. The churches in Andrah Pradesh are protesting and seeking help from the government to stop the violence.

Let us pray for peace in the nation of India!