I'm safely back from a busy and productive two months in India. I am happy to report that my health was stable during my time there, and that I had a high level of energy-which was needed as I traveled to eight different locations, and worked with five different organizations. Thanks so much for your prayers, and for the financial gifts that made the trip possible. In addition, because of your help, I was able to take workshop manuals, books, and other resources to the groups that I served.

Some General Facts About India

India has the second largest population of any country in the world (after China), with approximately one billion, forty-five million persons on a land space one-third the size of the United States. It is predicted to have a larger population than China by 2020, since India does not have the 'one child per family' policy that China enforces. This leads to various problems in some areas, such as inadequate education, lack of jobs, and not enough food.

There are 27 states in India, all with different languages (many with several languages). Seventy-nine percent of the population is of the Hindu religion; other religions are Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Bahai, and various animist and ethnic groups. Christians are 2.7 percent, close to thirty million. Until about six years ago, India was known for its acceptance of, and tolerance of, all faiths-then an extreme Hindu faction began stirring up hatred of other faiths. This has led to persecution in many areas (particularly in the north).

The map shows the various locations where I traveled and worked, and a brief description of each is given below. (see map on web site).

The Indian Institute for Cross-Cultural Communication (IICCC)

I left the U.S. on January 1, and after a stop in Frankfurt, Germany landed in Mumbai (formerly Bombay, and the largest city in India), on the west coast. I proceeded to Nagpur, which is in the center of the country. I worked with the IICCC when I traveled to India in 2002, and as they did then, the organization made arrangements for our seminars and workshops to be held at the Pallotine Retreat Center near Nagpur. IICCC is currently the Bible translation and literacy training wing of the India Missions Association (IMA). They train individuals from many indigenous Indian mission agencies (and those not yet affiliated with a mission) who work cross-culturally. Their training includes courses in translation, literacy, survey, cross-cultural communication, ethnomusicology, etc. IICCC partners with Wycliffe and SIL, as well as with many Indian mission groups.

I worked with their faculty for three weeks, doing a variety of topics (Person to Person, Jesus the Master Teacher, Teaching/Training Adults and Training Across Cultures, Life Passages and the Missionary Experience, New Testament Images of Adult Growth and Change, and several days of Reflection and Prayer).

The IICC C is currently exploring independence from the IMA, at perhaps a new location. They are in need of a number of ministry/training items such as an LCD projector, voice recorder, DVD/VCR recorder, and miscellaneous items such as child care equipment, a timer, etc. If you are interested in helping with any of these needs, please contact me and I will tell you the cost (in India), and how we can forward your check.

A Wonderful Three-Day Break

After my time in Nagpur, Vasanthi Christopher (the wife of the IICCC director) and I went to Delhi (the capital) and then on to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. It was truly an experience. The Taj is one of the most beautiful buildings of the world, made of white marble, in loving memory of the then Empress of India, Mumtaz Mahal, and providing a beautiful and incomparable monument over her grave.

The Friends Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB)

After the trip to Agra, I flew from Delhi to Chennai (formerly Madras) on the east coast and worked with the Friends Missionary Prayer Band, one of the largest Indian Christian organizations. They have 1,500 missionaries located in various places around the country, and have two training centers where new recruits are prepared for service. They brought their teachers to Chennai, and I worked with them for a week, assisting them with their courses. I taught Enhancing Instruction and Implementing Strategies, and also did an afternoon of Reflection and Prayer (Our Time of Need).

Faith Theological Seminary (FTS)

The southern town of Adoor in Kerala was my next stop. Faith Theological Seminary was established in 1970, and its 1,185 graduates work in various types of ministries including evangelism, church planting, pastoring, teaching, Bible translation, and social work. In addition to their main campus, they now have five Bible training centers, publish three magazines, and do radio outreach and correspondence study. I worked with their faculty for a week, doing teambuilding sessions and helping them with their course preparation. Our reflection topic was Jesus, the Servant Leader.

India Evangelical Mission (IEM)

My last stop was in Bangalore, where I spent two weeks with the India Evangelical Mission. Their goal is to plant churches among un-reached people groups, and to challenge Indian Christians to be involved in world evangelization in partnership with others. They were a founder member of the India Missions Association (IMA) in 1965, and now have 520 missionaries and staff working in 27 districts in India and seven countries abroad, among 50 different people groups. They also have hostels for children, health centers, and do development projects in their mission fields. My topics with them were Person To Person, Working Together to Build an Effective Team, Enhancing Instruction, Implementing Strategies, and several days of Reflection and Prayer.

New Life Computer Institute (NLCI)

While in Bangalore, I spent two days with the New Life Computer Institute, doing 'A Grain of Wheat' and 'Finding A Rhythm of Rest' devotional and reflection topics. The NLCI works with many mission organizations, helping them with computer and software needs.

Family Visit

I left India early in the morning (2 a.m.!) on March 1, and spent several days with my daughter Carolyn and her family in Wheaton, IL before arriving back in Charlotte on March 5. It was a welcome time of rest and enjoying two of my grandchildren.

The Web Site

Do check out the pictures on our Web Site: http://communities.msn.com/DrEvelynDavis/shoebox.msnw.

In Joy I Serve Him,

Are You Electronic?
If so, please send your email address to Susan Creech and we'll add them to our list to receive the newsletter that way. They will also be on the list to receive the electronic Prayer and Praise Updates that come out a bit more frequently.

Click here for photos from the newsletter