06/06/2010

Here it is! The final pre-trip update!
We board our plane to Delhi via Brussels at 6:10 and then after a 12 hour stopover will continue on to Kolkata!

Some huge praise items to share with all of you.

1 - EVERYONE HAS THEIR VISAS! This is incredibly exciting as it means that we have already sorted through the most significant red tape that we'll face and we can get on our plane knowing that.

2 - I have received all my financial support! Thank you so much to all of you who were able to contribute, and to all of you who were keeping this matter in your prayers.

So here we go, I'm getting on a plane in less than 6 hours. I'll try to update you from India at least once a week depending on Internet access. Thank you so much for supporting me through this time.

Prayer requests:
Culture Shock - Jet Lag - Heat Exhaustion: These are three things that I would love to avoid, as well as malaria, travelers diarrhea and a number of other things that will make me less able to experience India and engage with the people and the culture as we try to bring Christ's message.

2 Timothy 1:7 - Continually pray that we will recognize that God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline.

The Shaws - Pray that we can truly be a blessing to the missionary family we are going to partner with. It is our desire as a team that we can leave having refreshed, encouraged, and truly helped this family in their ongoing work in India.

India - The country has a lot of needs as it continues to face political, social, and religious turmoil.

Once again, thank you all so much.

Joel