Saturday, April 17, 2010

Dear Friends

I am writing this Blog to ask for your help with our latest project.

One of the churches we give leadership to is in a town North of Chennai called Avadi (some of you have visited this church). We were meeting in a large church building provided by a family member. It was a solid structure and quite adequate to hold the church of about 200 members.

In 2007 we were told to leave their church building. The congregation was given only one month to find a suitable building to meet in. Out of desperation the whole congregation went to the land lord’s house and begged him to reconsider. He would not and told them to leave immediately.

This left the church with no meeting place and Pastor David (our associate pastor)
and his family with no home. They had been living in a small apartment above the church.

We began looking for a piece of land to build a temporary building for them to meet in. The land prices in the area were very high and nothing seemed to be available. Just when we didn’t know where to turn God came through. A Muslim man offered us a piece of land for half price. It was right beside the old church building and in a good area. Right away we put the money together and bought the land. As we left for Canada in 2007 they were able to build a small hut where the people could meet for church.



At Christmas time they extended the building to hold the crowds of people. Still every Sunday people sit out side in the hot sun to hear the sermon.


As you can see the church is very small. The walls are made of coconut leaves covered on the inside with cloth. The roof is also made of coconut leaves that leak in the rainy season. Despite their church building Avadi is a healthy growing church. They are praying for a new church building one that is big enough for
the entire congregation.

On our visit to Canada in 2009 we began to raise funds for this project. So far we have raised $5000 of the $20,000 needed to complete the project. By faith we have started constructing the building. In March Prasad laid the first bricks to begin the project,



Here is where we need your help. First we are asking for everyone to pray for the church in Avadi. Pray for Pastor David his wife Gitsey and their two children. Pray for Pastor David and his family that they will continue to see the church grow as they reach their community for Christ.


Second we ask you to join us as we raise funds for a new church building. As I mentioned we have raised $5000 of the $20,000 needed to complete the project. Without help we will have to stop the construction. Please pray that God will provide the funds needed to finish the church.

If you would like to help with this project you can make check payable to the PAOC. Memo the Samson's Avadi Church Planting Project.

Thank you for your support. You are making a difference in India.

Blessings,

Prasad and Dawn