Our unique calling is to serve...

Grassroots Missions Founded in the Spring 2004, Global Network of Independent Missions, Inc. ("Global NIM") seeks to serve the needs of worldwide missions whose directors have heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and have responded in obedience to God's call on their lives by doing His work." WITH National / Indigenous Directors One of the keys to rapid and effective ministry in any country is directorship by local leaders (foreign nationals). It is well-known in mission work that an “outsider” may need up to 6 years to establish an effective ministry, whereas a local person may have great impact in as little as 6 months; thus, Global NIM strives to support such efforts. LEADING Independent Missions Defined as organizations which are NOT affiliated with (and subsequently regularly funded by) a Christian denomination, these “independent” missions truly operate by faith, not knowing how or where the Lord will provide cash flow for their operations. Frequently, limited resources and communications impede the directors’ abilities to promote their cause. BY Matching Needs With Resources First and foremost Global NIM aims to build spiritual support for these missions through consistent prayer for their needs. Secondly, through people like you who are willing to share ideas or resources, Global NIM can work in conjunction with our creative God to fulfill those needs. In some cases, needs can be met through effective networking rather than by direct cash donations. "In Their Own Words" Rather than us telling you about them, , we have established blogsites for our Mission Directors to post the joys and challenges of their outreaches and ministries "in their own words." Please refer to the direct links to the right. We welcome any questions or comments pertaining to the calling God has given us - www.globalnim.org.

Safe Return

We wanted to let everyone know that we are all back home safely and thank you so much for all your prayers! Our flights home were fine for the most part. Even though the Tulsa contingent got held up in Chicago for a bit on Saturday (1/10), we finally arrived home around midnight.

Over the course of the two weeks spent in the Puttur area, seven medical camps were held with 1,905 patients receiving free medical care and treatments as well as 457 children immunized. Our Lord showered us with many blessings, for which we are all so very thankful. Although we often feel that what we do is so insignificant, Brother Henry assures us that it was "more than enough." Ultimately, we rest in knowing that when we are obedient to God's call, He will surely take care of the rest.

Double-Duty Wednesday

The team split into two groups; six went to the AIDS/HIV Centre to assist with more work and the rest of the team stayed to host what turned out to be the largest immunization clinic of the trip – 183! In the afternoon, we all went back out to the Centre to write scripture verses in each of the rooms. Even though the writing will ultimately be covered with tile or paint, we wanted to bathe the center in prayer and praise.



On Thursday morning, we hosted our final medical camp. The unique feature was the rain! Brother Henry assured us that it is a very rare occurrence to have rain in the month of January, but rain it did. Also a first, Andrew was asked to autograph three cricket bats, even after assuring the local children that he was neither a cricket player nor a good baseball player

In several of our photos, as with these taken on Thursday during our final shopping excursion, you have undoubtedly noticed that the colors are remarkable and are in such contrast to the otherwise dusty and dirty living conditions.

We are within 24 hours of our departure from Chennai airport. Today, Friday, will be spent preparing to leave. We stretched out each day just about as long as possible without getting totally wiped out, but now the reality of departure is sinking in. Without a doubt, there will be some tears of sadness as we leave such dear friends and servants of the Lord here to carry on the Good Work in. Yet rest assured, we will be very glad to be home with you, our families and wonderful prayer support team.

Kolladam Worship, Medical Camp and Boat Ride

In the evening, Mollie spoke briefly addressing Jesus’ admonition to let the children come to Him, the need to be childlike in coming to the Father. Andrew shared his response when ever he was asked why he was going to India, “I am going to visit my family.”

The morning consisted of a medical camp with a small number of children vaccinated. After lunch we headed out to Pulicat Lake, a waterfowl reserve, at the shore line of the Bay of Bengal. Climbing the very steep stairs to the lookout platform, we could see the bay in the distance.

Prassad announced a boat ride and we meandered over to the wooden boats. After a few moments of wondering how to get in, and where to sit, we pushed off from shore. We traveled roughly 20 feet before heading back to shore. Well okay….

And then understanding, the water is shallow, the boat with so many well-fed Americans in it was hitting bottom. We divided into two groups and with young men in the water pushing our boats went out in the lake. What a lovely end to the afternoon.

On our return trip to Kolladam to pick-up our overnight bags, we passed a very large hindu temple; built at a cost of over $100 million dollars. It was a reminder of why we are here; to share Jesus, the Light of the World, to a dark and thirsty land

Trip to Kolladam: Monday-Tuesday

For the members of the team who have been to India previously, our trip to Kolladam was a little like going home. We were greeted with rose petals tossed by the children. After being served a feast for lunch, we sang and played games with the children.

Sunday Dedication of Boy's Hostel

On Sunday evening, we were invited to assist with the dedication of GSM’s new boy’s orphanage. What a joy it was to have one of the principal contributors, Sister Marnee, along to help with the dedication service. After ribbon cutting and prayers of dedication, cake and sweets were served to all present and then the mission team plus a few others stayed to sing several praise songs. The acoustics were perfect for a capella singing so it was hard to stop, but eventually fatigue won out and we headed back to Brother Henry’s house for a good night’s rest before our journey to Kolladam.

Two Days in Kolladam

Monday and Tuesday will be spent in Kolladam - a village about 1.5 hour drive from Puttur. Henry's brother Prasad manages the boys hostel and small medical clinic for the village and surrounding rural communities. Andrew sent a note that updates would follow tomorrow - Kolladam is very rural and sending photos is not possible. However, Andrew said they were getting ready for the evening service and "having a blast" and would send reports when they return to Puttur.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith...Galations 3:26 (TNIV)

Sunday Celebrations

The team spent Sunday attending church at Henry's father's church in Nindra and resting at the mission. Team leader Andrew Nimick sent the following report:

The morning started off with Mary coming over to help the 5 ladies into their custom made Saris. Getting ready for church is a whole new experience when Saris are involved!
Henry’s father was the pastor of the Nindra church in the mid 1960s. It is a very special tradition to accompany Henry and his staff for Sunday morning worship where he spent his teen years. Going to church is a whole new experience when Henry’s boyhood church is involved! We disembarked at the entrance street off the main road and were greeted with more rose lais as two ox drawn carts pulled out, turned around, parked and awaited us. The oxen were moved off the yoke so the ladies could access the cart a little more easily, (relative term, as nothing is easily accomplished in a Sari!) then the guys took their turn loading up onto the second cart. I’m not too sure these Indian Brahma cattle were excited about having American passengers. One of the first cart’s oxen was, well, a little spirited and misguided and with the open sewer canal running just inches from the wheel, we were hoping for it to calm down quickly! After several passes under low hanging branches, the parade -including a small band- moved the 100 yards or so down the narrow, people lined path to the Nindrha church.

The ceiling of the small church was arrayed with a burst of color patterned tissue paper array that almost appeared alive with breath as it undulated in the morning breeze from the open windows. Each window had several people peering in, smiling and waving as we were seated in a bunch on the platform. Girls from youngest to oldest sat on the left, and boys- in the same order- sat on the right side forming a natural center aisle. Music ministers would love Indian church! There is a lot of singing at every service and it is spectacular to hear tunes we are familiar with sung in Telegu. Later in the service Henry, Andrew and Marnee all shared in sort of a “cluster sermon” before we concluded.

We had a true Sunday day of rest. Several members were recuperating from intestinal issues and played Hearts for a big chunk of the afternoon with sporadic shouts from downstairs of “Hello Kory! What is your name?” being interjected into the card game. Some went out to visit with the children and staff. Karl and Andrew played volleyball and Stephen played Kabbadi (a game hard to describe in English but involves a lot of spinning) outside the girl’s dorm.

In the evening we walked a short distance to the new Boy’s Hostel for a dedication, complete with the ceremonial removal of the cloth over the memorial plaque (done by Daleen) and cutting of the ribbon (done by Marnee). Andrew spoke a blessing over the boys who would live there, and anointed the doors with oil.

The Many Footsteps of India

The dirt outside the mission tells the tale of all the traffic that passes by each day - bicycles, animals, humans all travel past the mission many times over. This photo depicts the imprints of those who walk by - and the mission is a sign of Christ to all who pass.

...in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6 (TNIV)

Saturday Evening Worship - Kakavedu

Flat Stanley and the team went to Kakavedu last night for a special evening worship service during which DD spoke taking on the yoke of Christ. She asked how many in the audience (well over 100) had ever seen an ox struggling to pull a cart that was too heavy. After translation by Bro. Praveen (Henry’s son), the hands shot up. From that moment on, DD had captivated their attention. She said the message was from God and we all praised the Lord at how He had provided such a suitable and meaningful topic.

More Saturday Cultural Events

In the afternoon, we took a short trip to the weaver’s village behind the mission compound to understand better what makes the nearly ceaseless noise that can be heard from the porch where we take our meals. You can see that Cheryl is using suitable PPE, personal protective equipment, as she stares mesmerized by the shuttle being passed back and forth through the threads on this vintage loom. We were told that this fabric is for export to other countries.

On the way back from working at the AIDS/HIV Centre, Andrew and Karl get out of the van to help push a bicycle cart up a very slight hill. The cart was being peddled by a woman who’s husband was pushing while their three boys rode in the back. The man is the Centre’s watchman and he and his family live in the storage building at the Centre.

Saturday Work Day - HIV/AIDS Center

The day’s activities were focused on sifting sand in preparation for making more mortar and the removal of two-thirds of the neem poles supports plus removal of a portion of the concrete forms on the ceiling. Just before leaving, several of the workers and we assembled for this photo.

While working at the AIDS/HIV Centre yesterday, DD noticed a number of women working in a field of groundnut or peanut plants. They were tilling the soil. DD asked by hand motion if she could try and one gladly accepted the offer (but was probably disappointed when she stopped shortly after this photo was taken).