Missions to India

Earlier this week, we recieved an unexpected call from a long ago friend. Ernesto Alaniz and his wife Angie have been traveling around the country (by car) from MI, to visit churches and friends before their trip to India early next year. Ernesto went to Jr High and High School with Ken and they became friends. Ernesto went to our church off and on during those years and even celebrated with us at our wedding. Ernesto has been very vocal since arriving that Ken was an influential person in his life and was one of the first to show him what "Jesus" looked like. He tells of stories that he used to be so mean to Ken during school... He picked on him and threw food at him and really was a bully. Yet, Ken turned the other cheek and always had a kind word to say to him. They became friends and went to church with each other through late jr. high and early high school, and always went to the same school. And now, Ernesto has just resigned as the Jr. High Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Waterford, MI and is now embarking on a new journey of missions into many villages of India.

They arrived at our home late on Wednesday evening and we've been enjoying they're company ever since. On Monday morning they left Nebraska and will travel down to LA after leaving here. Since we haven't seen Ernesto in years, and we'd never met Angie, it has been nice to visit and get re-acquainted with them. They've shared with us their story of being called into the ministry of India's untouchables. Since they've been with us, I've learned so much about the Indian culture and the caste system. It is amazing how God is already working through them and preparing them to go and minister to these people as well as train their pastors. You can read about them here... www.claycups.net

After driving for days, Ernesto and Angie have been able to relax some. Last night they went to Bible Study with us and got to share their story with our group. Today, we're being tourists and visiting the Pike Place Market in downtown. Tomorrow is church and one last day to hang out befor our friends are on the move again... To LA, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Atlanta, St. Louis, and Muskegon, MI all before Thanksgiving!!

I'll post some photos soon of our visit.