MISSION JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 2007

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007

After we filed all the claims for our lost bags and left the airport , we made our way through the predawn streets of Hyderabad to the Manna Ministries guest houses. It was nearing daybreak and we were exhausted. But because of our luggage situation it was obvious that we needed to do some quick shopping. So after a couple of hours shut eye (it felt more like a nap) We gathered our stuff and headed off into Hyderabad. I am always amazed at what we see... from cows to cadillacs, from Armani suits to traditional saris, from 5 star dining to vegetables sold from an ox cart.

India is a country of contrasts... Rich vs. Poor, Educated vs. Illiterate, Old vs. New. The "haves" have a lot. The "have nots" have nothing. Those with education can rise above their circumstances, those without are stuck in poverty. And when you look at a modern city like Hyderabad where old traditions and obsolete technology are beginning to give way to western influence, you have to wonder if a modern way of living can really be considered progress. Stores stocked with the latest brand name clothing and electronics seem almost surreal against the background of old word dress and decaying infrastructure. And yet they coexist at least for today. But as the western influence grows, the cultural values seem to be waning and a lust for excess and zeal for the things of the world is driving the society to a life of watered down values and confusion... India needs Jesus... and that's why we are here.

After a whirlwind shopping tour, we stopped into the beautiful Sheraton Hotel and availed ourselves of their buffet. Choices ranged from classic Indian dishes (spicy!) to oriental, western and even pizza. This was really the first time that some of us have had the chance to visit with our new team members. What wonderful ties are made when you serve the Lord together, and the common bond of being brothers and sisters in Christ allows those relationships to flourish quickly. After a filling lunch, it was back on the bus for a nearly 4 hour journey to Warangal, the site of our first crusade or redemption festival as they call it here. In spite of how tired we all were, we were excited to get moving toward our reason for being here... SOULS.

While we traveled to Warangal, I had a chance to sit with Dr. Pete and talk to him about why he does what he does...

Question) Why India?

Dr. Pete) My great-grandparents were missionaries to an area of India called Nagaland. Basically it was a remote area ruled by 17 tribes of head hunters. They helped win the land for Christ. My great-grandfather translated the bible into Naga and today this area is currently the only predominantly Christian region in India. When God called me to preach, he told me that what my great-grandparents had sown in tears, we would reap in joy, and he promised that we would see, in person, 100,000,000 souls come to Christ.

Question) Why 2 cities?

Dr. Pete) Initially, we felt that it would be a good way to cover more ground. My wife Stephanie was pregnant with our fourth child and I wanted some extended time with my family after the baby came. Tragically, we lost the baby in the 4th month, but the Lord was faithful and saw us through. Since the crusade dates were already set, we figured why not? We had not done it before and we felt like the Lord was opening the doors for it. Our goal is to work with Manna Ministries to strategically hit all the major cities in the state of Andhra Pradesh, win souls, plant churches and send the new believers out to win the surrounding communities and villages. The more we sow here the more it will affect the rest of the country.

Question) Why you

Dr. Pete) Because of his grace. He knew that I would be obedient and use the gifts he gave me. I just want to use them for Him, and we have seen many give their heart to God. I am very grateful. I don’t have a seminary degree, I just believe God’s word… if he says the deaf hear they will, if he says the blind see, they do, if he says the lame will walk, get out of their way. I believe he is who the bible says he is and that he can do the things he says he can. This was not part of my plan. I was just a shy kid who thought I might be a basketball coach like my father and grandfather. If you would have told me this was coming I would have laughed at you... in fact I specifically told God I wasn't going to be a preacher or a missionary. But the reality is that we don't choose Him, He chooses us. We don't have to be smart enough, we just have to be willing. And the great thing is that he wants to use us all, not because we are special, but because He is.

Question) Why has the response to your ministry been so overwhelming?

Dr. Pete) We preach a simple message… God created perfect world , sin destroyed it , Jesus fixed it and you can receiver it… The Lord showed that if I preach it and believe it then the people will receive it and believe it. Jesus is alive and actually touches people and change their lives… every yoke is broken, burdens are lifted, diseases are healed, the oppressed are set free, the lost are found… you see the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Pete Sulack is nothing but a willing vessel who loves the Lord. It is not my name, but the name of Jesus that brings the response and it is all happening so quickly because He is coming quickly.

Question) What do you want people to know about India?

Dr. Pete) That it's the greatest harvest field in the world. India is approaching being most populated country in the world and it is one of the most impoverished. Yet it has one of the fastest growing economies. We are about to see a blood washed india and we must do it before westernization complete. Unfortunately, it seems that with westernization comes a lack of need for God. We are seeing tens of thousand running to alter to accept Christ. The harvest fields are ripe, no one can dispute it.

Question) What do you love about the people of India?

Dr. Pete) Everything! Their friendly smiles, their servant's hearts, their desire to learn… they are a people with eyes wide open. They are like sponges. But mostly, I feel like they are my family. Every time I get on the plane to India it is like coming home and every time I leave, I leave part of me behind. The good news is that I know we are making an impact for Christ.

Question) If someone reading this wants to make an impact for Christ, how do they start?

Dr. Pete) Be obedient in the small things and be a blessing to others. Be a giver. Givers attract people, and when they are attracted to you, and they want what you have, you can give them Jesus. You need to expand you vision. If you are thinking in a box you works will be in a box. Think outside the box... think mighty thoughts… don't be afraid to let God take your imagination to the places he wants you to be. So basically, to answer your question, Be a giver and think Bigger.

And with that, we arrived in Warangal. Even at night, the streets were flooded with people. This is the biggest city we have ministered in. The potential here for Christ is amazing. We found out when we arrived, that the grounds where the festival will be held has never held a Christian Festival before. They have never allowed it. After we leave, they will turn the property into apartments, so this is the only one that will ever be there. As the preparations began on the field, 500 believers gathered to pray over the land and for those who would come. We would also like to add a prayer for that those who would eventually live in the apartments there to be set free and that this land become the epicenter for revival in the city.

Tomorrow morning we start with the pastors' conference. Tony, Jeff, and Dave will all teach on aspects of church growth and pastoral development. Over 500 Christian pastors of all denominations have registered so far, as well as 200 widows. It will be amazing.

Please keep everyone in prayer. We hope to get our luggage tomorrow. But in spite of this inconvenience, God's grace keeps our spirits high even if we don't smell like daisies.