Our Chennai Team    Dave learning martial arts! 

  Michelle enjoying local custom.     

 Sydney enjoying local custom.                                

  Local Shopping Directory                Mr. Paul our doorman!                     Local Government warning.          

  Igy’s son anticipating pizza, courteousy of Albert!
                                                     

It was only 106 degrees yesterday!                    
The funny thing is that this not a one way street.

As we drove down the highway, cars, trucks, rickshaws, motorcycles, and cattle all whizzed by at a dizzying rate, with total disregard for lanes, road direction, or traffic “laws.” Most of us have learned by now that it is best to generally avoid looking out the front window of any car we are riding in, as it usually induces screams, tense muscles, and general angst. For 7 hours Suman and I (Dave) traveled to my client’s (Sundar) home village in such traffic – and were truly rewarded with a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand the things that Sundar cares about. We met over a dozen families that he ministers to, walked on his ancestor’s agricultural land, slept under the stars, and even bathed in the local pond! It was an amazing time and well worth the drive. There is such a great potential for God to work in this environment, and it was exciting to see it and gain perspective on how we can best assist him in shaping his business to serve God’s purposes here.

Today we finished the last day of our formal consultation presentations. The topics presented today were on the importance of Place in the business, as well as the idea of Process. As we completed this task, we are all amazed at the great changes that have taken place in the perspectives of our clients. The extended meetings that our clients have had with the Rep leadership, which we call Visioning Sessions, have had a great impact in totally renewing the way that the clients view what it means to run their business for the glory of God. On this last formal day, it is evident that the local  consultants, traveling consultants, and clients have all become united in this vision for work, and have also developed close bonds of friendship.                                              
Cooking a great dinner.

As a reminder that we are approaching homestretch of this venture, Kim, Seelok, and Ophelia all headed to the airport this evening to catch their flights home. We will miss their presence here, and we greatly appreciate all their work and talents that were used during this time.   

We have all appreciated the hospitality we have received from those on the local India team as well as the clients, and we will continue to do so as we go out for pizza at one of the client’s restaurant this  evening.                                                     Walking the land at sunrise.

                                                                                                                 -Dave

We were all very relieved to have an unstructured day after completing 3 P’s on Monday. Monday evening Gerrit went through the list of deliverables and suddenly all consultants went into panic mode; a little overwhelmed by all the work ahead of them. Fortunately it didn’t last long, we all realised that we have 2 unstructured days available to finish the work.

Prem had the privilege of receiving the ugly shirt to wear during the weekend the only problem is; he didn’t. His (unacceptable of course!!) excuse was that he had to see clients. Prem handed it over to Maiyappen as a punishment for not investing his talents wisely (one mina) that he was given in the skit about the 10 minas. Sydney did an excellent job of directing the play on the parable of the 10 minas thoroughly enjoyed by all.    

As noted earlier, Suman was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and was treated by a neurologist on Monday night. He is now receiving physio every day and we are trusting God for a speedy recovery.

Most of our Tuesday was used for visioning and God blessed our clients during these sessions.  They came away encouraged and refreshed. Score carding and office visits kept the rest of the team busy.

We also had a high tea for guests, clients and consultants on Tuesday night. A presentation was given on Rep as well as the follow up Power Team model. Ignatius (client), Naren (previous client) Vijay and Sudahkar (local consultants) and Bernard gave testimonies and we were all blessed by what God has done in their lives and businesses.  According to the response it seems to have generated much interest from the guests and we pray that most of them will sign up as future clients or consultants.     
Gerrit in his African dress.

All in all we had a good day and we are grateful to God Who takes our efforts and transforms it to something he can use to expand His Kingdom.

——-Estelle

By the way, you know the expression “mad dogs and English men!”…..well, now I have another

Mad dogs and South Africans!to add, “mad dogs and South African English men!!!”  Alan decided to take a walk just before noon, in 106 degree heat, to take pictures!!!!      

And so, some of just did some local shopping and were pursued through the mall by teenage boys!  Sydney had to fend them off, and decided in the end, it was just easier to take the bloomn’ photo!             

————-Michelle

Profit, Planning and Partnering

After refreshing and activity filled Sunday it was little bit hard for the teams to get really going on the Day 4. Seelok prayed for the entire team and especially led everyone to lay their hands on the Team leader Gerrit and pray. Marie was leading us in worship and songs. She also referred the story of Mary and Martha and how Mary has chosen the one thing that is needed (JESUS) which cannot be taken away.
Bernard did excellently well in taking us through the principles of Profit with his usual smooth sale talk and referring to many verses from bible.
Michelle did a wonderful brain storming session by involving many of the clients and consultants.
It was a great to see the teams totally absorbed on the scorecards which is going to make a lasting impression on the client’s business.
The 2nd P of the day was Planning. Gerrit did a marvellous job of introducing the Planning principles to the teams and everyone was enriched by his varied experience.
Gerrit also explained about the Faith and how the comfort zone gets enlarged by faith.
In the afternoon session the 3rd P of the day i.e., Partnering was introduced with Sydney explaining the video clip on Team Hoyt. She made everyone to realise how God had partnered with everyone of us even though none was worthy of it.
Gerrit did a great job of presenting the Partnership P to the teams with his testimonies and Seelok explained the various Levels of Partnership and how they affect the Business and Ministries.  We need to continue to pray for Suman one of the visiting consultants, who has contracted Bells Palsy. The day ended with a special prayer for him to get healed quickly.

- Simon Sudhakar
 
 I also wanted to add a tidbit to explain the photos below: Sydney led the parable of the talents (check it out in Matthew 25:14-30) by doing a skit.  See Queen Orphelia and the servants below!  Also, an interesting “courteousy” that local do when speaking on a mobile phone….they cover their mouth (as if that is really going to help!!!)  I noticed it on the first day, but it wasn’t until I saw several people speaking on their phones during a meeting, that I realized it is a local custom!

 Igy and Simon on cell phones       Sydney              Parable Skit

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Day of Rest

Today was an excellent day of rest & rejuvenation.  The traveling team has grown to eleven with the addition of Seelok and Ophelia from Kuala Lampur on Friday night.  Then, Saturday morning, we said goodbye to Dave & Suman for the weekend as they traveled to Dave’s client Sundar’s village for a visit. 

As for the rest of us, we met-up at 9am for what was supposed to be a trip to the beach.  But, the alternator in the van went out, so we decided to spend time in prayer & worship while waiting in the hotel.  We were joined by Alex & his family, Prem & Bernard.  Michelle led an excellent devotion on the fly based on Matthew 20:29–34. 
   “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
   “Lord,” they answered, “we want to receive our sight.”
   Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed him. 

The question she asked is, “How would you answer this question if Jesus had asked you instead?”  I am still not sure, but am challenged by thinking about it!  Afterward we prayed, took communion together and Seelok prepared us for the week ahead. 

By then, our van was ready and we headed to the beach.  We made a brief stop to switch vans half way and then the rest of the day was smooth sailing.  We spent the day at a beautiful beach resort called MGM (not owned by the movie house).  It’s a beautiful resort by the beach with flowing palms all over, gorgeous landscaping and fabulous air conditioning.  We had a chance to walk along the beach in a relatively cool breeze, play in the water, and just generally relax in the grass and shade.  Marie & Alicia even had a chance to ride a horse on the beach!  Not to be forgotten, we had another great lunch (this time with an ocean view!) hosted by Bernard and some tea just before leaving. 

Now, we’re all just enjoying a quiet night in the hotel before diving into week two!               

—-Kim