Hello from India! We are becoming better adjusted here and things seem to get a little easier all the time. It is FINALLY getting cool here. It was unbelievably and unusually hot here, according to locals, in October! The boys, Maya, and I went and bought blankets today.

The boys are learning fast with the help of their tutor. Since the school year was already halfway finished, and because they are so far behind in school for their age due to living in a remote village, we are trying to get them caught up. We are using the books that are used locally, and we are going through them at their own pace, and then plan to get them into school when the new year begins. We are very thankful that they catch on fast. As Kumar said, “We don’t want to have white hair while we are still in high school!”

Maya will be 18 months old next week! She says over 30 words now and is starting to put words together. She loves to figure out how things work and put things together. She absolutely loves having the boys around and loves when Kumar plays frog and horse with her. He is like her personal playmate at her beck and call. She has quite a strong personality! Maya continues to love people and it is such a blessing that everywhere we go, she opens the doors for us to talk to people with her smile and “helloo.” She says it like the locals do with a little bit of a British influence.

We continue to learn more and more about ourselves and each other as we simply live here. The Lord is so good and patient with us to teach us all that we need to know in His perfect timing. It continues to amaze me how He knows exactly what we need and the kind of mate that we need. And even though “men are from Mars and women are from Venus” the Lord gives us the strength and knowledge to speak the same language through Him!

Speaking of language, I (Lisa) have begun Nepali language tutoring this week. There is a Nepali college student just next door who agreed to teach me. I have my first “test” on Thursday on household words. I am so looking forward to learning the language. I know that it will help us in the ministry; I will be able to understand and communicate with many more people, and it will be wonderful to know my husband’s mother language.

After attempting to see three different doctors here locally, we have decided that it is necessary to have Nanda’s medical care done in Bangkok, Thailand. The first doctor didn’t show up (twice). Second, when his blood was drawn, not only did they prick his finger with a knife, yes a knife, but when the blood splattered on him and the technician, the guy took his handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the blood. Thirdly, the local Nephrologist didn’t understand Nanda’s medicines and pushed on his kidneys so hard until it hurt. He said that he was trying to “feel the kidneys.” All that being said, Nanda arrived in Bangkok this evening. He will be seeing “one of the best Nephrologists [kidney doctor] in Asia.” We are praying for a full healing so that we don’t have to spend the time and money to travel that far for medical care. But in the mean time, thank the Lord that this doctor is available. Also, we found Nanda’s medicines here, which is an answer to prayer!

We are excited about a team coming from CCL in January to launch a first round of teaching a particular curriculum to Nepali pastors. This training will focus on uneducated pastors who have a heart to serve and teach. This first training will be in Illam, where Mike, Vernon, Nanda, Isaac and others have ministered in the past. We look forward to seeing what God will do!

Prayer requests:
1. For the boys and Maya, for their health and growth, for wisdom for Nanda and I to be Christ-like examples to them. Also, that the boys will continue to become closer to us and feel a sense of belonging to our family. And overall, for a family that pleases and brings glory to God.

2. Lisa’s language learning- a little scary, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13

3. Nanda’s trip to Bangkok, for safety, healing, wisdom for the doctor, and for wisdom for Nanda to know if he should become established with this doctor and continue his treatment there. He would have to go every 3 months for a check-up for his kidneys.

4. The work being done on the curriculum and for the 15-20 pastors who will participate in this first year long training, for the team coming in January, for Isaac and Nanda’s work here in choosing the pastors, locations, and doing most of the teaching.

5. For all the people that we meet and talk with every day, that we are salt and light to, from the taxi drivers to the gate keepers. Many people who are “untouchables” share their hearts with Nanda as he, “a Brahman” or priest class, shows them love and compassion. We are building relationships in which Nanda has opportunities to share the Gospel quickly and accurately because He knows their language and culture. Please pray for their understanding and that the Lord will reveal His truth to them.

Thank you all for your love and prayers and for your financial support. We need you in order to do what we are doing! Let us know how we can pray for you also. We are always encouraged by any and all communication from our friends and family!

We love you and praise God for you!
Love,
Lisa
For pictures: go to gospeltoasia.blogspot.com

We celebrated Isaac and Nanda’s birthdays this week with a good meal and a wonderful cake made by Eva. Isaac’s was the 10th and Nanda’s is today, the 14th.

Things are going well here. We are continuing to adjust, to learn where to get things and how to do things better. Today I took Maya to a clinic for a vaccine, a very interesting experience. Language barriers effect so many things! I thought I understood the lady at the desk, and we ended waiting an hour and a half only to find out that we should have gotten a number! But no one knows which number the other people have, so you just go first come first served. So it all turned out fine and Maya got her shot and we came home safely. But it made me realize on an even deeper level how difficult it can be to get one thing done when the system is the opposite of what you are used to.

On a different note, I have been spending time with Jesus and Elizabeth Elliott. She is a Christian author, the missionary to Ecuador who later returned to a village to teach people about Jesus, after they had murdered her husband and four other missionaries! I believe it was in the 60’s. So I figure if anyone can do that, I want to learn from her. I would encourage you ladies to read anything by Elizabeth Elliott. I have been so encouraged by her words. I have just finished Safe in the Everlasting Arms and am now starting Discipline: The Glad Surrender.

One thing that stood out to me was this. She pointed out how much faith Joseph and Mary had to have- to be told to go to a far away place when Mary was about to give birth, to be told that there was nowhere for them to stay, etc. But they knew who the child was! And they trusted. So whenever I worry for Maya being here, or Nanda worries for her, I try to remind us that we are called here, and look how God looked out for His son; when things looked bleak to Joseph and Mary, God was nothing but in control! Praise the Lord that He is in control when we put our faith and trust in Him!

Have a wonderful day!

Lisa

 

 

Praise the Lord for Ps. Troy and Gene being with us this week. Gene should be home by now and Ps. Troy just got on the plane today. It  has been a great week.

The Lord has used Ps. Troy and Gene to help us focus on the vision for the ministry here, to get things started in the right way, in God’s timing and God’s way. We are experiencing how the Lord builds things up from the bottom so that it can have an unshakable foundation.

Help us, Lord! I have found myself saying this more in the last few weeks than ever in my life. It is a difficult and uncomfortable place to be, but I know that it is also where we need to be sometimes in order for the Holy Spirit to remove what doesn’t need to be there, and in turn pour in His power, Spirit, love, and every good thing that He has for each of us. How we miss out on so many spiritual blessings when we don’t allow the Spirit to dwell in us.

I pray that each of you will have the desire and humility to abide in Him alone.

We praise God for you,

Lisa

 

Hi, all!

We are so thankful to have Ps. Troy and Gene here with us this week. The whole gang left this morning for a teaching journey up in the mountains. Ps. Troy, Gene, Nanda, Isaac and their friend, Josiah, will be in three different locations over the next 3 days sharing wisdom from God’s Word. We are told that some pastors have traveled for 3 days to be a part of this.

They will also be sharing about their plans for selecting pastors to be a part of the specific training that is currently being put together back in Lynchburg.

Please pray for their safety, the Holy Spirit’s leading in the teaching and translation, and that the Lord will show them specific people who are earnestly seeking Him and will be serious about taking part in the training program.

Everyone is well, but we can definitely see Satan at work. Please pray for God to do a mighty work not only through us, but in each of us as well. As Ps. Troy put it to us, we are on “Satan’s playground.” Thank the Lord that He is in control and that the enemy is already defeated!

love in Jesus,

Lisa

Hello, friends and family!

We are all safely moved to Siliguri, India and are doing well. It is very hot and humid here, so we are adjusting. We are so thankful to finally be here. We’re excited about what the Lord is going to do. He is already bonding us closer to our nephews more and more each day. We have waited a long time to meet and raise them, and finally here we are. Prakesh is now 13 and Kumar will be 11 on Oct. 13. They are so helpful and obedient and show so much love and kindness to Maya.

We are very thankful to CCL Open Hands Home, to Carl and Gina, and Isaac and Eva and all the others who came on short trips and were a part of discipling and caring for Prakesh and Kumar until we could get here. We feel very honored to finally be able to raise and love them.

We (the Giris) and the Van Epps are all moved into our apartments now. We live about 15 minutes apart. We all seem to enjoy our new homes.

We are planning to start a Bible Study in our home this Wednesday and then a church fellowship on Oct. 18. Please pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit for Nanda as he teaches and for guidance to all of us as we reach out and get to know local people.

We are very excited to have Ps. Troy and Gene Jackson coming soon. We look forward to spending time with them and to plan for the next step in the ministry here.

God bless you all,

Lisa

Dear All,

I know that there have been quite a many of you personally praying for the healing of Bibi Maya.  Today she had her final appointment with the doctors after having taken meds for the last 18 months.  After examining the results of the many tests they performed today they decided that she has been completely healed of TB.  She will have to come back for a check up every six months from here on out, but this is a small matter in Bibi’s eyes.  Tonight we had a time of prayer and praise!  She completely recognizes that Jesus healed her of this disease and is so happy!

On a side note the doctor, having never seen this senario play out this way, wants to take pictures of Bibi’s x-rays so that he can use it while teaching his students!  Isaac was sure to tell him who we credit this miracle to, but all he would say is that is what you think.  The facts speak for themselves though.  The Lord will bring glory to Himself through healings and we have already seen this at work in the lives of other Nepali people who have come in contact with Bibi. She gives Him all the glory and praise and the Lord is letting his light shine bright!

Love in Jesus,

Eva

Hello All!

I have been praying lately for the Lord to help me write on here.  It seems that as life has become increasingly normal for me here there has been less and less that seems interesting enough to put up on here.  I appologize for this.  On normalcy, I would say that after a year of living here we have adjusted well to the culture and to life being a foreigner and all.  As I prayed this prayer it seemed that an abundance of things came my way that were “worthy” in my mind to share with you all! 

First off, the kids have finished another round of testing as first term has ended and the results are in!  All of the children made it into first division (the only exception being Suni) which is an improvement for some.  Raj Kumar and Bibi both made first in their respective classes, this means that they both scored the highest on the majority or all of the different tests.  Raju improved his science and math scores by leaps and bounds!  Prakash G. and Prakash Man both did an outstanding job.  We are so proud of them all! 

Also this week we witnessed what is said to be the century’s longest Solar Eclipse on Wednesday morning!  Although covered by clouds the eclipse was still visible.  The kids were very excited, though I have to wonder if it was more for the fact that they got the day off of school because of it.  Hmm?  Anyways, the day turned out the be quite progressful because everyone got their hands dirty and fixed up the yard. 

Now that the outside of our home has gotten a little touch up, we are continually rearranging things on the inside to prepare for a 1 year old to be living with us!  We are so excited that Nanda and Lisa will be here with us a week from tomorrow!  Please keep them in your prayers as these last few days can be quite stressful.  Also keep praying for their nephews here.  Kumar and Prakesh talk about their arrival everyday and have been counting down the days.  While they understand that their uncle and auntie love them very much, they are still a little nervous.  I assured them that they don’t need to change, but just to be themselves and to pray.  Everyone in the home is excited to meet them and Maya!

Finally, I had a bit of an experience today as I was out in the city with a family we are friends with.  Travel can be quite difficult here at times and when there is a bandh it seems very near to impossible!  As we tried to get to our destination we were forced to get out of our taxis twice and walk.  On the second occaision we were stampeded by a huge crowd of crazy micro drivers… followed by Police men waiving their batons.  We all quickly hugged the wall as everyone passed us.  Talk about being in the wrong spot at the wrong time.  I am so thankful to say that there were no injuries and that even though we were all shaken up a bit, we were all fine.  Praise the Lord that we were protected today!  This was a first experience for me that I don’t think I am willing to have again, but I know that no matter what happens here the Lord is always with me!  I think maybe this is the last time I pray for the Lord to help me find something to write about

I love you all and thank you for praying for us!

Eva

Hey Everyone,

As you all know Nanda and Lisa are making their final stops on their way over here!  We are so excited and blessed that they will be here with us for a time in Kathmandu.  I just wanted to ask you all to keep them in your prayers as they make this life change.  July is looking like a very busy month not only for Nanda and Lisa, but for us as well.  I wanted to ask for your prayers for this home as we continue to seek the Lord’s direction.  All of the kids are doing well.  They have just finished their first term exams and are enjoying a much needed break from school.  Today has been a rather laid back day as they all relax from the two week long period of testing.  

I also wanted to say happy 4th!  I know that this is a little late, but I hope that you all had a blessed holiday.  It was nice that it fell on a Saturday this year because we got to have a day of fun with the kids.  Monsoon has begun again and it is raining pretty much every day here now.  Other than this there isn’t too much new news from Nepal.  

I just wanted to thank you all again for your faithful prayers even though I haven’t been so faithful with the blog the last two months.  Thank you.  We are so blessed to have such prayer support for this ministry that we do.  We love you all so very much.

In Him, 

Eva

I also just wanted to share a slideshow with you that was put together by Jamie, Mike, and Joe.  The pictures are from the team that came over in May.

Hey Everyone,

Yesterday marked one full year since we have been in Nepal.  I can confidently say that Isaac and I have changed quite a bit over the last year of our lives.  Stepping out in faith felt so good, and the Lord has taken care of us every step of the way.  Looking back now I can see the many ways that God has worked in and through us.  To be completely honest, when we came here we were no where near prepared for what the year would bring, but the Lord was SO faithful to us and he did a mighty work.  We didn’t know what it would be like to be parents to these six Nepali blessings.  I am amazed as I look back and see the amount of grace that He poured out on us so that we could do His work here in the lives of these children and the community that we live in.  In the beginning it was difficult to see exactly where the Lord was working… life was very difficult.  Half of the kids didn’t speak any English and had only been in the home about two months before we came.  I can remember getting down on my knees and crying out to God for help…. and He did.   He bestowed a love in Isaac’s and my heart for these children that we couldn’t have on our own.  We saw them as He did… blessings.  

Over the last year we have been with them through the joys and the sickness, the hurts and the praises.  We have watched some of them come to full blossom.  Raju has grown by leaps and bounds in his walk with the Lord.  He has a strong devotion to the Lord and it is amazing to witness what He is putting on his heart.  Bibi has progressed from using a walker to running and jumping!  She looks like any other girl her age and is becoming such a lovely lady.  Her peaceful presence around the house presents such an example to the others.  Prakash Giri has grown FIVE inches since we got here last year.  He is always singing praises to the Lord and is hungry to learn more worship songs.  Prakash Man has really opened up.  In the beginning he wouldn’t talk very much, but now he is so talkative and loving.  He is very smart as well and even skipped a grade this year.  Raj Kumar is the servant of all… always willing to help someone when they haven’t even asked yet.  He exercises patience with Suni and was key to her development in the home.  Sometimes I would see him quietly take her by the hand and help her with whatever she needed.  Suni not only learned Nepali this year but she can speak a lot of English and understands everything that I say to her.  In the beginning I seriously thought she hated me and now she is like my shadow.  She is learning something new everyday and has become such a good little girl.  

I wanted to say all of these things to you so that you would know how your prayers have been answered.  I am praising God for all that He has done this year!  Your prayers have made all the difference to us in this home.  Please continue to pray for these children and for the direction of this home.  May the Lord’s will be done in the year to come.

Love to you all, 

Eva

Hey Everyone,

I am so glad to report that all are healthy at our home! Last week Isaac, Suni and Prakash Man all came down with a fever. Isaac’s went away first, Suni’s involved other symptoms, but was finished in 5 days, and Prakash Man ended up with the shortest stick as we found out that he had an infection in his lungs. No worries though! The doctor has prescribed antibiotics and he is recouping rather quickly. All this sickness made for a tiring week!

Another praise that I have is that the rain is back!! This means more electricity! Also our cistern is full… which means we don’t have to conserve like we did before. A difficult task with 8 people! Another benefit of the rain is that it washes away all of the pollution in the air! This means that I can see the mountains!

The city looks much better as well because all of the dust has been washed off of the houses, plants and streets. It was such a beautiful and relaxing day today!

Please keep this home in your prayers daily! We NEED you!

Love,

Eva