Bethlehem Lutheran Church

On Saturday afternoon the second seminar ended. What a fine group of pastors, serving city churches, town and village churches, and from pastors just starting out to a few older than I - something increasingly difficult to find! We engaged in spirited conversation about one of the most important things we do, namely preach.

Sunday morning I was picked up at 6:00 am for the ride to Holy Trinity Church, an English speaking congregation in old Tuticorin. The church was founded by the Dutch in 1750! The service was at 7:00 am, similar in attendance to our 8:00 am. I preached (shared greetings from you), and helped with communion. We lost power before the last hymn, and the organist simply moved to an old pump organ! We shall have to get one for Maria!

After breakfast, my host asked if I wanted to see the Good Shepherd School for the Deaf, a Lutheran school that LPGM has worked with. Turned out it was quite close, so I made a quick stop, met the headmaster, his wife and several of the wonderful children, who loved seeing their pictures after I took them. Then off to the airport!

The rest of the day was travel - two flights and a three hour layover in Chennai - an airport I know all too well. Arrived in Hyderabad - stunning new airport - and my friends Prince and Isaac were waiting for me.

The last seminar of the trip begins this morning at the Andhra Lutheran (!) Seminary. I'll keep you all posted! You are in my prayers!