Churchasia - July 2008

Our congregation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, celebrated their 7th anniversary last month to a packed house in their new building. We have been so encouraged to watch the growth of this emerging, significant church. A young lady from Baton Rouge, Tova Hutson, spent February and March with Bev and I in Nepal and from there traveled to Colombo, where she spent six weeks ministering alongside our Sri Lankan leaders. She did an excellent job and I asked her to give an update on her experience. Her report follows.

Building People - Building Churches

While in Sri Lanka, I saw Pastor Dishan and his wife Stefanie pour their lives into their leaders and church. They became family to me and I feel as if I know the heart of their ministry. During my month and a half visit, I could see they are dedicated to influencing people, their nation, and the world.

I attended the seventh anniversary service and saw their church's influence in the community. The leading Buddhist monk was invited to the service and Pastor Dishan asked him to speak a few minutes. He began to preach about Jesus being alive and real, unlike the gods he followed! This amazed the congregation since this priest had been persecuting the church. After the service was over, the monk told Pastor Dishan, I don' t know what came over me as I stepped onto the stage.

Pastor Dishan is committed to strengthening the local body of Christ through his preaching, teaching, and encouragement. Not only did he serve his church, but other churches throughout Sri Lanka. Quite often, he was asked to speak at churches around Sri Lanka on how to move to the next level. In a heavily persecuted area where a church was burned and believers stoned, Pastor Dishan was asked to teach the leaders of this church how to grow through a more subtle way, developing cell groups. Many times I saw acts of humility and service displayed in Pastor Dishan.

This congregation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is fruitful and influential. As I visited the work, I was challenged and encouraged in my walk with the Lord. My experiences while in Sri Lanka have moved me closer to my purpose and calling and I thank God for the opportunity to serve along side such wonderful people.

Tova

For a full report visit: www.tovahutson.blogspot.com

changing the world...one congregation at a time