Very Old Painting by Luke, The Apostle

History by itself is interesting and valuable. History through art takes on added dimension. This painting was done by the Apostle Luke in 50AD.

As the team readies themselves for the first of four concert, dance and drama performances we read this passage of scripture together. It's pretty clear that Jesus wants us to love each other. One element of that is to be humbling willing to serve each other. Our prayer is that our loving each other will a louder message than our music, drama and dance !

John 13:1-17

3 Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God.4 So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron.5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron.6 When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, "Master, you wash my feet?"

1 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end.2 It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.

7 Jesus answered, "You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later."

8 Peter persisted, "You're not going to wash my feet-ever!" Jesus said, "If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing."

9 "Master!" said Peter. "Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!"

10 Jesus said, "If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you."11 (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, "Not every one of you.")

12 After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.13 You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am.14 So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet.15 I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do.16 I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer.17 If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it-and live a blessed life.

Posted by Gene Ort

St. Thomas Mount

We spent part of our day visiting St. Thomas mount, the place where "doubting" Thomas was martyred. Amazing to think that we are part of the legacy that St. Thomas began here. Gene shared some scripture having us consider the way that we love each. This is how we demonstrate Christ's love to others, by loving each other well. Tomorrow, Church and then our first concert in Velavedu (outside of Chennai). Can't wait!

Beautiful Flight

It was a great flight all the way. Great weather.. nice and smooth. A beautiful view. Everybody is doing great. Sleepy.. but great !

Gene Ort

Prayer for The Team and Those Left Behind

We need your help. The arts team is sending a group of musicians, actors and dancers to India to help share the love of Christ by performing four different concerts in the area we have been working with church planters. This all starts next Monday, though we travel tomorrow.

We need prayer cover as we pierce the darkness of thousands of years of Hindu control over this region with the love and light of Christ. Pray for protection. For effectiveness. For fruit. For lasting eternal impact. That the Holy Spirit would come in power and overwhelm us and the people, revealing that He alone is the One True God amidst countless false gods. That captives are set free from bondage. That Raj, our staff member there, would have great wisdom in his words as he gives messages.

As we perform a lot, there is the concern of stamina. May our voices be strong, our bodies be healthy and our minds be focused. For continued team unity, that the people we contact would know that Jesus came, through our interactions with each other. Some prayers that I am praying over the team are Paul's from Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. These might help guide you as well. Thank you so much!

Dan Vukmirovich

Added by Gene Ort:

Please pray also for family members and loved ones left behind with all the chores of life.

Practice Practice Practice

The " Everything " drama. Very powerful !

Caught in motion: Dancing for Jesus

We have entered the final stages of rehearsals.. Lots of work to polish a lot of music.

India Arts Team 2011

The India Arts Team 2011 is entering the last two weeks of preparation before heading to Tamil Nadu, Southern India. We will be posting as often as time and internet allow. Here is a look at this years team. Musicians, Singers, Dancers and Drama. We hope to lift up the name of Jesus and draw attention and support to the ongoing ministry of Life Mission International ( a GCC Ministry ) in Tamil Nadu. You are invited to follow along on this years adventure through this blog. Your prayers for our team are vital.

Gene Ort

Forever in front of my eyes

This morning was mixed with happy emotions so great it made my cheeks ache from smiling so much and the worst feeling of sadness I've ever experienced. I didn't know I had that many tears in my body. I literally am sick to my stomach when i think about leaving this place. After taking out all the days of travel and rest we only spent a little more than 4 days in the village. However, this is where I found that time literally slowed down to a crawling speed and gave us so much more than the short time we had. Spending time with and getting to know the people of Kalavai, India has been one of the greatest and most rewarding time of my life. I will never forget the faces of those people. As Latha stated "they will forever by in front of my eyes".

Allison Zandarski