Global NIM - Puttur, A.P., India

Giving Back

2010-06-15T15:20:00.002-05:00

Ten ceiling fans were purchased and installed in various buildings on Good Shepherd Mission's (Mission) compound the last few weeks. We are very grateful for two donors who specifically contributed to this cause.

What's really cool is that one of Global NIM's sponsored young men, Dhanajayeulu, who is attending electrical technical college, installed the ceiling fans - so here is one of the Mission's own GIVING BACK. There is alot of this at the Mission - from nurses, to hostel (orphanage) parents to staff members to evangelists.

What a joy it is to partner with the outstanding organization run by Brother Henry Bhasker.

If you would like to sponsor a child, please contact us via our website, http://www.globalnim.org/.

45c equals 113 f

2010-05-17T18:47:00.000-05:00

We are still having the temperature of 45 c. it is increasing day by day. We have sufficient water at the hospital (living water) and other places. You have asked about the portable fans. We need ceiling fans. Each (Orient company fan, high speed) costs Rs. 1500/- [$40 USD]. If anybody likes to provide they are welcome. We are very cautious about old people and children. Many people are dying because of high temperature. In some places more than 45c. Please pray for us. It is not possible to come out after 10 am in the morning time. In some places we had rain. It is a very surprise to have that at one place too much heat and at one place too much rain. Thank you for asking about fans. Convey my greetings to everyone.

Thanking you

Yours in Christ

Bro. Henry

The First Guests of the HIV Centre

2010-04-13T11:26:00.009-05:00

Brother Henry Bhasker wrote, "At present there are 7 patients residing in our HIV/AIDS Centre; five are HIV patients and two are T.B. patients."

The mom and the child pictured above are Sony (age 27) and Sridhar (age 3). Sony contract HIV from her infected husband five years ago; her husband died right after the birth of Sridhar. Now being a widow AND being infected, she was totally cast out from society. Sony and Sridhar came to Good Shepherd Mission looking for help with their ailments; that's when Sony found out she was HIV-positive. Both live in their own cottage funded by a Global NIM donor, and receive HIV therapy.

Two tuberculosis patients reside in one of the cottage units and receive therapies for their condition.

A married couple, Ramesh (29) and Jyothi (23) have been HIV-positive for four years now. Their two children have died. Ramesh has had very low red blood cell counts and has received transfusions; he is under close supervision by a doctor. Please pray for this couple.

This photo was taken inside of their cottage. They share a bathroom with Sony and Sridhar.

Good Shepherd provides each of these individuals clean living quarters with daily food, medical treatments and companionship. They learn that Jesus loves them by the care shown by Good Shepherd's staff. The alternative to these living arrangements is squalor, hunger and hopelessness.

Easter Greetings and Update from GSM

2010-04-02T13:09:00.002-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters…………
Loving Easter greetings to you in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

HOME FOR CHILD AND ELDERLY: All the children are happy and healthy. Annual exams for all the children have been started. 11thand 12th class students have written their exams. 10th class children are now writing their annual exams. The other class children are getting ready to write their exams. As the temperature is very high, the schools are working only in mornings.

CARE AND SUPPORT CENTRE FOR HIV/AIDS AND T.B. Project is working well. As there has been no electricity in the centre, God is providing electricity there. All the patients are healthy. Mr. Ramesh, who needed blood, has provided two bags blood by our hospital staff. He is Okay now.

May God Bless you all. The power of God will be with for ever and ever...Amen!!!

REV.HENRY BHASKER,

2010-02-07T17:39:00.000-06:00

Praise God !!! Today the electrical work started.We purchased poles and brought to the centre.Hope the department will start working on it from monday onwards.Please pray for quick completion of the work.Everything is fine.we pray for you.

yours in christ,

Bro.Henry

About second and third phases...

2010-01-28T16:30:00.000-06:00

Brother Henry wrote us about the second (administrative building) and third phase (4 other cottages) of the HIV/AIDS Centre:

The second phase (ADMIN building) and the first cottage in third phase is about to complete. Plastering work has been done and flooring has to be fixed. The work is going on. For the second phase we need 2 lakhs rupees [$4,400] to complete the entire phase. The right side of the ground was in very low level when compare to the left side. We have risen nearly five feet high to make it equal. In the middle of building we have filled with 250 trucks of dust to make the whole ground in level. Now the level of building is above the road level. Now the water does not stagnate.

About electricity:

Special electrical connection is needed for the building. It has to come for a long distance. It has to be done by the electrical department of Andhra Pradesh. We have applied for that, it is under process they have estimated nearly 7 poles to bring the line to the centre. They also wanted to put a transformer .The cost of the electrical line and the other fees come around one lakh rupees [$2,200] or more, and we have to lay the Prayer Garden in front of all phases. The recent [Pennsylvanian] team laid path way with special bricks only in front of first phase. The second and third phase path way has to be laid with this special bricks and we want to put Jesus statue in the middle. Many things have to be done (gate, compound wall prayer garden etc.) .

As I said, last Sunday, Jan 10th, Praveen [Henry’s son] purchased some food grains and started cooking the food at HIV/AIDS building. We started cooking at the centre in a humble beginning. We need to equip the cottages with beds and cots, kichen, and other necessary things. We are praying for them. As the first phase has been finished (photo, right), we started providing food there. Hope Lord will provide sponsors for the patients who are going to stay there [$40/month].

May god bless you all. Please pray for our state [separatist movement within Andhra causing much unrest].

Yours in Christ,

Bro.Henry

Mission update

2009-12-04T12:22:00.001-06:00

Brother Henry wrote on 12/3:
"The HIV/AIDS project construction is under progress. The electrical wiring work is going on. After finishing this work, plastering work will start. We want to dedicate [two] cottages and also the administrative building in January."

A team of volunteers and donors will visit the Mission in December and January to conduct medical camps, create a Prayer Garden at the HIV/AIDS Centre and other things.

Henry concludes: "Please pray [for these activities]. We are all fine. Everything is going on well. Convey my greetings to all brothers and sisters.

Yours in Christ
Bro. Henry

The Roof is On!

2009-10-29T15:46:00.010-05:00

The roof on the Administrative wing of the HIV/AIDS Centre was laid in mid-October. This wing (of a "U" shaped building) will house the clinic, lab, counseling center, pharmacy, kitchen and storage.

Completion of the Centre depends on the funding for two more cottages ($8,500 each). These cottages will house 2-4 people with a shared bath. Preference is given to housing infected families in one unit. Global NIM has had several parties donate funds in memory of a loved one. There is also a need for patient "sponsorships," to assist with monthly living and medical expenses ($30 to $40/month). We welcome your inquiry; please contact us via http://www.globalnim.org/.

For a complete story on the vision behind the Centre, please visit the 7/26/2008 blog posting labelled "Humiliation Needs No Translation."

Mission Needs List

2009-10-29T15:26:00.013-05:00

Brother Henry communicated several GSM needs during their Tulsa visit. Topping the list are:

American doctors to spend time at GSM performing surgeries and free clinics
Sponsorships for living expenses for 12 evangelists and their families ($25/month per evangelist)

RE: the HIV/AIDS Centre:

Sponsorships for HIV/AIDS patients’ living expenses and care ($30-$40/month)
2 more donors for HIV/AIDS Centre cottages ($8,500 ea.)
Retroviral drugs—connections with suppliers for reduced cost
Priority items to outfit cottages and administrative wing ($5,200)

If you wish more information on these needs, please write to Global NIM via its website, http://www.globalnim.org/. Thank you!

Tulsa was blessed!

2009-10-29T15:18:00.005-05:00

We were blessed recently to host Brother Henry Bhasker and his son, Praveen, of Good Shepherd Mission, Puttur, India. They were warmly received at lunches, meetings, and gatherings held to introduce them to as many people as possible during their brief stay with us.

Prior to their arrival in the U.S., Praveen spent much time in prayer and fasting for all of those who support Good Shepherd Mission, and specifically prayed the promises noted in Psalm 41:1-3:

”Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.”

2009-08-22T16:20:00.001-05:00

Brother Henry wrote an update on 8/21/09:

We will have an Indian doctor from USA visiting our mission and will be doing about 40 hysterectomies for the poor patients at free fee basis. So we are quite busy with arranging things for him. We are sending the picture of phase 2 & 3 of AIDS clinic. We lay the roof soon. Please pray for it.

Construction at HIV/AIDS Centre

2009-05-28T16:03:00.011-05:00

May 23rd photos of Phase II, construction of the Administrative wing at the HIV/AIDS Centre. The Centre will be "U" shaped; thus, you are viewing the bottom part of the "U" under construction.

Below: Views of the first cottage of Phase III (the right hand side of the "U").

2009-05-17T21:03:00.013-05:00

Greetings to you in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ! We are very much thankful and most grateful for your loving offerings, gifts, donations which you are graciously providing to Good Shepherd Mission. The Almighty God bestowed His Grace upon Good Shepherd Mission to operate this mission successfully. Your encouragement and your prayers and contributions which enable to bring the Divine touch of the Almighty God to many poor through our orphanages, hospitals, gospel work, old age care etc.

CHURCH MINISTRY: The Lord gave us very blessed time during Passion Week. Before the Passion week we had "24 HOURS FASTING PRAYER" – prayed for people who have been involved in the mission, financial crisis that the World is facing, prayed for Indian Elections – prayed for our spiritual growth. All the evangelists of GSM, others joined, hundreds of people have joined and blessed.

On Good Friday, the meditations were on the 7 Last of Words of Jesus Christ on the Cross. On Easter Sunday the early morning service was held at GSM ASHRAM, in that service Lord’s Supper has been served for all the staff of GSM. All the evangelists are working hard .Through this village ministry, many souls are being blessed and touched by god’s power – Praise God! Holy Spirit is moving!!!

HOSPITAL MINISTRY: GSM hospitals at Puttur have treated nearly 2,825 patients at Puttur and at Kolladam 1,605 for the past three months. 21 Hysterectomy surgeries were performed- regular eye surgeries on every Tuesday is conducted- 82 cataract surgeries have performed. Praise God for His provision. He has provided Gynaecologist – Dr.Sunitha to work in OGB Department, Dentist - Dr. Lavanya Kumar Reddy in the place of Bhasha. All our regular doctors Dr. Kishan Kumar, Dr. Sunitha, Dr. Narayana Murthy, Dr. Lavanya Kumar Reddy, Dr. Sagar, Dr. Rajendran who is Doctor, at Kolladam project and other two guest surgeons Dr. Naga Munaiah, Dr. Subramanyam are working in helping more poor people. " WE TREAT – JESUS HEALS

"During may 2009 from 16 may to 8th june 2009 a team of physical therapy students and professor Dr.Mareen from Western University of St. Joseph, MO are coming to GSM hospital to help the poor and needy of our area.This team is lead by sister Jeanette Mausolf, St. Joseph, MO.

Mr.Vidhya Sagar: Who suffered cerebral stroke 2nd time on his right side was not able to use his right hand & move around, as his job is to sign the documents and cheques. He lost the hope of recovery and depressed and on verge of resigning the job. He was brought to our physical therapy department after four months of the attack. So it was challenging to get back him on his feet & by God's grace he recovered in 2 months time and resumed his job. Praise the Lord!!!

CHILD CARE: All the children have written their annual exams, some wrote school final, some have completed their Nursing Course, Industrial Training Institute Training courses. The schools have been closed for summer vacations from April 23rd to June 12th. Some children have gone to their parents and some are staying. The VBS is planned in May- All children will join in that programme. New children will join in June’09. The children who have completed their Professional, Technical courses will join in jobs. All the old people are happy and healthy.

HIV/AIDS CENTRE: You will be happy to know that, in response to our appeal for donors to provide funds for construction of cottages for GSM care and support centre for HIV/AIDS and T.B patients, we have had good response for which we are thankful to God. We have completed the construction of Phase I, Phase II is under progress and phase III also started. We still need 3 more cottages to complete the III Phase ($8,500 US per cottage). I request you to kindly speak to all your friends and relatives and encourage them, if the Lord leads you and invite them to support this project. We greatly value your support every month in bringing God’s blessings on many poor people through the services of GSM, Puttur, India. There are 3 patients under this institution care. Balakrishna, Renuka, Sonia, are the patients who are connected to this project [at this time].

Photo below: foundation completed on Phase II
Photo at right: beginning Phase III

REV.M.HENRY BHASKER,
GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION, PO.BOX NO .18, MISSION COMPOUND, PUTTUR, CHITTOOR (DIST) A.P, INDIA

E.MAIL:goodgsm79@rediffmail.com - Call: 0091 9849356773.

2009-04-20T19:11:00.002-05:00

Progress at HIV/AIDS Centre

2009-04-10T16:44:00.004-05:00

April 3 update: "Every thing is fine. Children are writing 10th class examinations. Pray for the things that are going on here. Pray for elections. We are having 24 hours prayer on 5th april 09 in our ashram for electing suitable people for India."

April 7 update:
"Work is progressing in fast pace (on Phase II of the HIV/AIDS Centre's construction). Today we are installing the iron pillars."

Here are photos of the beginning stages of Phase II, the Administrative wing...

Phase I Work to Complete Soon

2009-03-18T18:37:00.009-05:00

Dear Brother and Sister,

Greetings to you in the name of Lord Jesus Christ!

I am sending today pictures of HIV/AIDS project. This is the picture of Flooring Completed and fixing of the wall tiles, and it will be completed in four days.

Front elevation work is going on well. The work will complete soon.

Thanking you.

Yours in Christ, Bro.Henry.

HIV/AIDS Centre Update

2009-02-04T17:35:00.018-06:00

The latest from Brother Henry excerpted from his GSM "NEWS 2009" letter dated January 29, 2009:

"Due to heavy rain we were unable to complete the construction of care & support centre for HIV/AIDS, which was scheduled, but one cottage has been dedicated, which was donated by Sis. Marnee and family in loving memory of her mother, Liane Hall.

It was not in full structure, the work is under progress. I am thankful for the recently visited team members (Global NIM), who have done physical labor at the site. At present there are 2 patients under our care. After completion of this building we will shift those 2 patients to the institution.

I thank each one of you, who are involved in the ongoing functioning of the mission & being a vital part in this Nobel cause. May God Bless you."

These photos depict some of the work accomplished by the Global NIM team members during their visit in late December, early January 2009. This included laying the foundation stones for the next phase of the administrative building and writing Scripture promises on the walls of the completed structure as a form of blessing on all who will reside and serve in the Centre.

November Newsletter from GSM

2008-11-30T20:12:00.008-06:00

Dearly beloved in Christ,

“Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 1:3)
“The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3)
“O give thanks to the God of Heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:26)
“Enter His gates with thanks giving and his courts with Praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good.” (Psalm 100:4-5)

The Lord gave us the grace to serve the poor people of our area through Good Shepherd Mission, Puttur. It gives me great Joy to share the certain things during the past weeks in the mission.

The Lord wonderfully blessed us during a one-day prayer meeting held at our Ashram on 22-November-2008. All the evangelists of GSM and their family members experienced the mighty power of the Lord and were blessed abundantly. The Lord poured out the special anointing on all of them. The Lord used Bro. Henry mightly in this conference and people were greatly blessed. Praise God with all your heart for us. Please pray fervently for the grace of God to be with us and help us to fulfill his plans in evangelistic programmes.

Our Loving Lord enabled our hospital staff to conduct two eye camps through the Dr. Charles Memorial Eye Foundation on 11-Nov and 17-Nov at two places called Vengalathur and Nindra. Due to these camps, 21 poor people got light by [GSM] giving cataract surgeries to them and many people get treatment and Free Medicine .

There are Number of successful stories happened in this ministry for the past 29 years. I want share two of the stories that the Lord recently did.

One family in our mission by the name of Abraham and Sarah (Christian names) who lost hope in their life and came to the mission 12 years back with their 4 little girls. They had previously lost two of their kids because of starvation. Our hearts melted when they shared about their sufferings. But our loving Lord by his immense grace enabled us to pray for them and keep them in our mission. Two daughters are now married and the others have become Nurses. One is Gowri and other Bhuvana. Recently, Gowri got a job in the country of Malasia. Praise the Lord!!! She started work on 14-Nov. The other got a job in Hyderabad.

One more miracle of the Lord is “Bandi Saroja” who got a nursing degree and who was working in G.S.M. Hospital, Puttur has recently gotten a government job! Praise the Lord!!!

TUMER REMOVED:
On 22-Nov, a patient who came to our Hospital from Erode, 200 Km away from Puttur, had a rare surgery in our hospital. Our guest surgeon Dr. Nagamunaiah performed this surgery along with our doctor in GSM Hospital Dr. Sunitha M.S. O.B.G. Dr. Subramanyam Andesthist and our staff. They found 7.2 Kgs. Of TUMER in her woumb. Priase the Lord! It has been removed. It is the biggest surgery we have ever had.

Previously, Mrs. Nagamani from Erode went to several different hospitals for surgery. Those hospitals required a lot of money for the surgery, but the family could not afford it. At last they came to GSM Hospital in Puttur where we did it with the help of God. Praise God! She is still under ICU at GSM, Puttur. Please pray for her. Thank God for all his mercies shown towards us!

VEDAVATHI HEALED:

One woman from a village called, Narayanavanam came to GSM with horrible arthritis. She had gone to many hospitals for treatment and spent a lot of money, but there was no healing. When all the family members were weeping because of her disease, one gentleman told them “There is an institution in puttur called GSM. If you take this woman to that place, she will be healed!” So they brought her on a Friday, and with fasting prayer we prayed for her. GOD healed her. They came again last Friday and told their witness. Praise GOD!!

PRAYER:

Heavenly father on this thanks giving day we bow our hearts to you and pray. We give you thanks for all you have done especially for the gift of Jesus. Bless us. Amen

Happy Thanks giving day!! With much love,

Brother Henry

Medical Outreach by Global NIM

2008-10-30T18:59:00.006-05:00

In late December 2008, a group of 10 volunteers, primarily from Tulsa, OK, will conduct free medical and immunization clinics organized by Good Shepherd Mission. American nurses will partner with Indian doctors to conduct free clinics in several areas where medical facilities are unsuitable or nonexistent and are too costly for those in need.

The clinics will include free Hepatitis B immunizations for village children. The cost of the three rounds of this vaccine is only $10 per child. Please consider a donation to this project. The team hopes to raise $10,000 for these medical camps.

In the midst of great squalor, poverty, disease and hopelessness, Good Shepherd Mission not only offers hope for the poor and outcast, but expresses it in very real and practical ways.

Click here to view the trip's fundraising flyer, or go to http://www.globalnim.org/ to donate by check or credit card.

Work is Underway

2008-10-30T17:19:00.004-05:00

“The HIV/AIDS PROJECT Construction is under progress. On Oct. 2, the iron poles were set with concrete. The pillars will come up soon...We just had some showers of rain, not too much, which is better for setting the concrete. Pray for every thing that is going on here.”

HIV/AIDS Work to Begin Soon

2008-08-31T16:53:00.002-05:00

Dear Brother,

In regards to the Aids/HIV project, we are planning to start the work soon so that we can build a row of cottages (4 cottages) so when you are here we can dedicate them. The children are studying well. A few students are ready to join the lab technician course. Everything in the mission is fine. We are happy with your dates [for visiting GSM].

Your Brother in Christ, Bro. Henry

Humiliation Needs No Translation

2008-07-26T14:46:00.006-05:00

“I met Renuka when I was here (in 2007). She is a perfect example of the sorts of people Henry hopes to help with his new Care and Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and TB patients. Renuka contracted HIV after her husband got it from a prostitute. Now a widow, she came to the mission with the intention of turning over her two children and committing suicide, but Henry promised her food and medicine (and care for her children) and she is doing much better now.

There's a pretty sizable stigma in India about HIV/AIDS patients - either they don't understand it or it's a conscious ostracism - but either way, they are treated very poorly. Most people will not touch them or come near them, so the people at GSM go to extra lengths to hug Renuka and hold her.“

(Excerpted from a conversation with Erin, a university student serving at GSM this summer)

Henry envisions a full care center on a plot of land on the outskirts of his city where AIDS patients similar to Renuka would receive quality care physically, socially and spiritually for their remaining days on earth. The half acre land was purchased using Global NIM donations, and just this week, a bore well was successfully drilled with incredible results. Praise the Lord!

The GSM Care & Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and TB will consist of an administration block at the center of the complex, housing a clinic, lab, counseling center, a pharmacy, kitchen and storage. Then eight cottages comprised of bedding, a bathroom and electricity will be the “wings” of the complex and will accommodate a couple if both were infected.

Each cottage will be constructed as donors provide the costs (approximately $8,500 each). The entire project is estimated at $212,000.

One of the most interesting aspects to Henry’s vision is his desire to utilize nurses and lab technicians who have tested positive for HIV to work alongside of an HIV-free doctor in the facility. This would allow people who would be otherwise unemployable in their field to remain employed while giving them an extremely unique perspective of the patient’s plight. Brilliant!
Never one to waste an opportunity, Henry plans to make use of his long and respected career in Andhra Pradesh’s large public school system to set up screening and introduce prevention through education.

Global NIM is one organization who, along with several US churches and individuals, is deeply interested in seeing this God-given vision come to life. Construction will begin this month on two cottages with more anticipated in the next few months.

If you are interested in contributing to this cause or sponsoring a child living at a GSM orphanage, go to our website at www.globalnim.org for ways to donate.

News from Erin

2008-06-30T20:14:00.005-05:00

My name is Erin Raffensperger, and I’m an American in India. I’m working with the Good Shepherd Mission until August, and I’ve been charged with most correspondence work. Henry asked me to write this month’s newsletter, but I’m having a difficult time finding the words. As usual, it’s difficult for me to articulate the way India makes me feel, as if there is something happening here that is not expressible in the English language, or at least not with my vocabulary. But I suppose I already knew that.

I wanted to spend this summer at the Good Shepherd Mission for a number of reasons, most of which I’m still learning. I wanted to watch the people here go about their daily chores, I wanted to know the names of the nurses in the hospital, I wanted to sit on the front porch with Henry and sip hot, thick tea. Every day the Good Shepherd Mission happens around me and I am privileged to watch.

The children are around, returning from their summer holiday and filling the orphanages in Puttur and the village of Kolladam. Every day I meet more children and I watch them shouldering their backpacks and boasting of new notebooks as they leave for school. Most of them have very sad stories, but they study hard and laugh loudly. I met one boy with a bright smile and large eyes – eyes that must see for two. His aunt is blind and childless and he is wide-eyed and an orphan. They walk around the compound together, hand in hand. When I first met them, Henry said, “You see, they need each other.”

Every day families come with children they cannot feed and beg for a seat in the orphanage, for a meal, for a ten-rupee bill. Henry provides. God provides.

Every day families come with children they cannot feed and beg for a seat in the orphanage, for a meal, for a ten-rupee bill. Henry provides. God provides.

One village came to Henry and his evangelist friends with fear in their hearts. They believed their village was cursed – under some sorcery or witchcraft. They wanted the people of the Good Shepherd Mission to come pray with them. We sang songs and read scripture and Praveen spoke words in a language that is strange to me, but about a God with whom I grow increasingly more familiar every day that I’m here.

I spend some mornings in the hospital and watch the doctors and nurses at work. If I get to the hospital early, before the heat of the day sets in, there is always a waiting area full of people who cannot afford good medical care, but receive it anyway. The workers are proud of what they do. The Good Shepherd Mission Hospital is set to open a new PT clinic in July, and has begun gathering the necessary equipment. Their excitement is infectious.

It is clear that Henry cares very much about the orphanages and the hospital, but his eyes light up when he talks about his new project: building a Care and Support Centre for HIV/AIDS and TB patients. Through private donations, we were recently able to acquire the land for the Centre, but must continue to seek funds to pay for the construction of the buildings. Henry’s dreams are big, but his budget is small, so on faith alone do we proceed. Every day there are more people in desperate circumstances and they are not turned away. Some days I see the concern on Henry’s face and I know that money is tight. Good Shepherd plans to start a Relief Fund—for Henry’s relief, I think—which can provide money for unforeseen circumstances – the unforeseen circumstances that plead on Henry’s porch every morning. My first day here, I met a woman seeking work after she lost her husband to Hepatitis B and was left to care for her two boys alone. Henry gave them a room in the Girls’ Hostel and pays for their food and clothing. A few days ago there was a widow who suffers from renal failure. She comes every month for money to pay for her blood transfusions. Today a Christian man came in desperate need of new glasses, saying he couldn’t even see the words in his Bible, and his wife sat next to him and told Henry that she required a hysterectomy – they fear it might be cancer. Their bills are paid out of Henry’s pocket. These are the stories of people whose circumstances demand a Relief Fund. This is the need of Puttur right now, but the money must come from outside.

Being at the Good Shepherd Mission is simultaneously a different way of life than I’ve ever experienced and also a lot like coming home, like I never left, like I was meant to be here.

Thanks for all you do.

In Christ, Erin

1/4 + 1/4 = 100% Vision Fulfilled

2008-05-03T16:14:00.006-05:00

The first ¼ acre for the HIV/AIDS Centre land was dedicated to God’s purposes April 23. A Bishop and a Doctor from Chennai were invited for this occasion; they prayed and laid the foundation stone.

And better yet, the other ¼ acre has been registered by GSM with a contract to purchase once fully surveyed. Yeah, God!

Reaching the Influential

2008-05-03T16:04:00.003-05:00

I am herewith sending the picture of our state minister, sri CHENGA REDDY, HONORABLE MINISTER FOR LAW, TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION OF A.P. HYDERABAD. This minister is minister for the State of Andhra Pradesh.

He dedicated one of the medical camps at our mission when the Pennsylvania India team 2008 was here. Our visiting team prayed for him and for his family.

GSM is reaching influential people with the Gospel and praying for the (governmental) ministers. Praise God for this!

Yours in Christ,
BRO. Henry

"Everything is Fine in the Mission" (4/18/08 report)

2008-04-18T15:58:00.006-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in His vine yard,

Greetings to you in the precious name of Lord Jesus Christ. I am happy to circulate this news letter among Brothers, Sisters, Churches & other Organisations. These are the events happened in GSM in past 3 months.

Every thing is fine in the mission & everyone in the mission conveyed their greetings to you all.

In Feb. 08, a 16 member group had visited GSM from Pennsylvania. They are from Camp hill, Harrisburg & Mohnton, PA. They enjoyed the mission. Many a thing has been arranged for them. Medical camps have been arranged in different places to treat the poor & needy of the locality; a number of Doctors joined & treated many patients. Patients were attended by doctors in all the camps & medicines were given at the free of cost. The medical camps were conducted to treat the patients with Orthopaedic, Gynecological, and Pediatric. Dental, eye aliments, who can not afford to have this specialised services in the private setups. The camps were conducted at PUTTUR, S.B.R PURAM, KOLLADAM and NAGIRI. In Nagiri camp, the state minister of Andhra Pradesh for law, technical education, higher education was invited; he conveyed his Appreciation for the work GSM doing.

ORPANAGE:
The kids are getting ready for their class final examination. 10 standard students done with their exams & 7th standard students are still writing their exams. All the children are happy & healthy. Recently all the children & elder people got quilts (blankets) from CASA (a Christian organisation). Recently all the children had great time with the guests from USA. They are all got lots of gifts, toys, clothes, sweets, & cakes.

4 Children of our orphanage successfully completed nursing course & 3 of them have joined in GSM Hospital, Puttur.

New dormitory is build for the children & dedicated by Rev.Jack, which has been donated by Global NIM.

EVANGELISM:
All the evangelists are working hard & gaining souls .Recently we have dedicated 2 new churches, one at Pellakur & other at Iynambakam.' Paul,who is the member of our mission, appointed as evangelist at Pellakur. These 2 churches were donated by Bro.Michael, USA. Kakavedu church has been repaired & the church at Govindapalem is under progress & this church has been sponsored by VBS children of St, Joseph, Missouri.

Many revival meetings has been conducted. Bro John Wesley has reported that 10 souls were added to his church by giving baptism. Bro. Wilson reported that 7 souls has been added to his congregation at Adavikotturu. Bro. Sunder Rao reported 15 souls were added to his congregation at Jayaranipuram.

Food distribution to the poor was done on the eve of Easter and Christmas in different villages. One more church is going to be constructed after Easter which is donated by congregant of St. Joseph church. At the moment we are having 3 sponsorships for our evangelists & we are in need of 9 more sponsorship (100 USD). Thank GOD for evangelical work in our mission.

GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICAL SERVICES:
GSM is doing medical services at 2 places, one as GSM hospital at Puttur & another at Kolladam as GSM Clinic. Through this medical services GSM offering medical aid to the poor & needy of the locality & surrounding villages & conducting medical camps in surrounding villages .

GSM Hospital equipped with specialised medical fraternity to meet the needs of patients. We have Dr.Kishan kumar (ophthalmologist) Dr.manikarnika (Gynaecologist) DR.Narayanamurthy (Orthopedician) Dr.Prudvi (Dentist), Prasad's son, Dr.vidhya sagar (Physical therapist) are working on regular basis. Dr.Subramanyam (Anaesthesia) & Dr.Nagamunayya (General surgeon) are visiting doctors. Dr.Chakraverthy (neurosurgeon) rejoining us from May 5th onwards & he was associated with us before.

STATISTICS OF SURGERIES PERFORMED (JAN-MARCH)
1. Eye surgeries 46
2. Hernia repair 2
3. C- sections 4
4. Piles removal 1
5. Hysterectomies 13
6. Normal deliveries 3
7. Patients seen in medical camps 2231
8. Regular op at GSM, Puttur 890
9. Regular op at Kolladam 270

We are thankful to each & every individual for their concern & burden towards GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRIES. We are all working together for HIS cause & we are carrying HIS yoke and we are all carrying HIS mission together, that is flocking HIS sheep. We are praying for each & every helping hand for GOD to bless the works of their hands & bless their families, bless their churches & congregations. Thanking you all once again, for being a part of GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRIES.

SPECIAL APPEAL
GSM is coming up with a new project, Care & supporting centre for HIV/AIDS patients, who are terminally ill.

The vision for this project is winning the souls of people who are suffering with HIV& Bringing them into the saving grace of our saviour Jesus Christ &creating awareness among the people about this disease. These are the special people need care & love, as they are abandoned by the family & society. Many people are not aware of the facts of disease .Even the family members are not ready to live with them.

We are planning to build few cottages for the patients to stay & administration building with CLINIC, LAB, PHARMACY, and CHAPEL/COUNSELLING CENTRE. After getting total estimation from engineer for the construction .we want to divide the total amount in to parts, so that one can sponsor for single cottage/administration building/total construction and the structure will be dedicated in their name/family name/church or organisation name.

For on going operation of the project, we need sponsors who can donate 30-40 USD for patient’s food & medicines till the patient’s death. The sponsors have to enrol their names with our mission; once the patient is available the sponsor will be allotted one. This is on the basis of sponsors position in the enrol list. So be the part of this noble cause & extend your helping hands. God bless you all.

REV.HENRY BHASKER

Easter Greetings

2008-04-02T11:02:00.003-05:00

Dear Brother in Christ,
Greetings to you in the name of Lord Jesus Christ & from our mission. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts with me from the word of God. Yesterday on the eve of GOOD FRIDAY, I spoke the 3rd word of Jesus on cross in one of the local church of our town & in our mission chapel I shared all the 7 words of Jesus .

I would like to share few thoughts of mine which God spoke me in my quiet time of prayer.

Psalm 22. This is the prophetic psalm about sufferings of our saviour, Jesus Christ on that rugged cross where the sins of human race are atoned. We are made right with GOD. We can see the similar incidents written in Isa: 53 & Ps 69:1 says “my god, my god why have you forsaken me”. This was the cry of Jesus on the cross, which was prophesised before it happened & it is fulfilled on the day of crucifixion. This is because God left him when he looked into the heart of Jesus, filled with the sins of entire mankind. The most holy GOD turned his face away from him. The divine connection between them was cut off for that moment, which grieved him more than his physical pain. Even we need cry out to the Lord before darkness reaches its peak & we become alone without god. He is ready to receive you whatever state you are in, however bad are your sins(Isa1:18). God is ready to receive you and cleanse you completely, with an eternal hope.

Psalm 23 depicts Jesus as GOOD SHEPHERD & we are his sheep (Jn 10:11). We were once like lost sheep in this world (Isa 53:6) living by our own ways without having a good shepherd to lead properly & we were subjected constantly to the attacks of the predators (Satan) & GOD sent his son to lead the lost sheep in his way. He obeyed his father, took us as his flock. He is faithful, tender, strong shepherd to lead his flock in the paths of safety. He is gently & persistently leading us to the place where our hungers & thirsts will be assured. Jesus is our true pasture, our pool of quite water, our true nourishment, our living water (Jn 4:10). He is ready to bring us back into his flock, when we lost in the throws of this world. He will bring us out & carry us on his shoulders. Keep us safely in his bosom. He never wants his single sheep lost. His grace extends to the least of flock. He is willing to go before us daily to prepare the way. In the dark phase of our life, his light will shine on us to lead us in his way & his word will give us the strength to move on. If we decided to be in his flock, you are on the path of eternal & abundant blessings.

Psalm 24 is about God's authority on the whole universe. With this authority he spoke the word & formed the earth, heaven, human, even healed the sick, raised the dead, demons left. He is our creator, gave his image to us, breathed his life in to us, even his son to redeem us eternally through his death on cross. As his creation we need to submit our life with the most obedience to his authority & to his saving grace. .Verse 7 says, “lift up your heads O gates & be lifted up…..”.God is asking us to turn our eyes to him & open the doors of heart for the Lord to enter in. Rev 3:20 - "Listen I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice & open the door, I will come in to you & eat with you & you with me.”

These are the thoughts I have shared in the mission.
1. The cross of Christ is my obedience to GOD.
2. The cross of Christ is my power from GOD.
3. The cross of Christ is my wisdom from GOD.
4. The cross of Christ is forgiveness.
5. Seven Words of Christ on cross.

Easter wishes to you all. Your Brother in Christ, Brother Henry Bhasker

2007-12-05T18:37:00.000-06:00

Dear Brothers/Sisters and all Mission partners,

Greetings to you in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. First of all, let me take this opportunity to thank you for all your support throughout this year. Your prayers and your finances helped us to reach the lost, heal the broken hearted and encouraged us to go ahead. “God Bless you” as you stand with us in prayer but also in practical needs of our ministry. “Thanks” to all the donars, sponsors, friends, organizations, churches who generously supported our mission.

At Christmas season, let us all thank our heavenly father for sending Jesus Christ to save the world Christmas is about God giving the most amazing and spectacular gift to unworthy men and women like us. Christmas is also to celebrate of love, generosity, benevolence and celebration of joy, peace. God gave Jesus who forgiven all our sins, who heals all our diseases, who redeems our lives from pit and crown us with love and compassion and who satisfies our desires with good things – what a privilege to have JESUS! Who knows us and can do anything for us.

God has blessed the Good Shepherd Mission tremendously during this year. He has provided what we need in the mission. Our children and elderly people at Puttur, Kolladam are happy and healthy as they continue with their education. All our staff are a blessing to us every day. The GSM Evangelical work is going ahead presenting the word of God in rural areas. The GSM hospital is providing excellent health care to the poor and needy. The Rural Medical clinic at Kolladam is also providing health care to the poor and needy of remote villagers where medical facility is not all available.

We are thankful for all His mercies shown towards us. I once again thank our Lord and thank you for all his provision through you May God Bless you during Christmas season. The Bible says “Happy are those who are concerned for poor and needy; the Lord will help them when they are in trouble. The Lord will protect them and preserve their lives. He will make them happy in the land, he will not abandon them to the power of their enemies” (Psalm 41:1-2) We once again thank you from the bottom of my heart and pray that the Lord will bless you for every contribution you have made. I appreciate you for faithfulness to the cause of the needy.

During this Christmas season, we want to share the good news with children, staff at GSM as well as the community and solicit your love and help in this endeavor. Happy Christmas and Happy New Year 2008!

With love, yours in Christ, REV. HENRY.

November news from GSM

2007-11-05T20:21:00.000-06:00

Loving greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The most important thing for us is to raise funds for the Care and Support centre for HIV/AIDS . The land for this project is under negociation. Just today the land owners agreed to give one acre of land. We have negotiated with them since I came back from USA. This land will cost us about Rs 800,000 (about $20,000). This is the land-only cost, not including registration charges.

As soon as possible, we need to get the land under contract, including a down payment of Rs 250,000. Then after 2 or 3 months we can register the land to our organisation. The hurry is because of the railroad which has begun the gate “under bridge” work. (This tunnel under the railroad will make access to this land much easier.) The cost of land in our area has been rising steadily. It was very different just a few months back, but because of this under bridge, the access of transportation coming from the town is going to be more and easy. Now we don’t need to go under stopped goods trains or to cross the railway track. Hence the cost raised to unexpected range. This is the same problem we faced when we bought orphanage building land.

[NOTE from Global NIM - contributions have been more than enough to cover the cost of the down payment or earnest money. Additional contributions are needed to cover the balance of the project.]

May god bless you. In Christ, Bro. Henry

October News from GSM

2007-10-20T07:51:00.000-05:00

Dear Partners

Loving greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. God in His mercy has enabled us to step into a new month. Only the grace of God has been sustaining us this far. Let us give all the Glory and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ! The Lord who has brought us to this point will also lead us in the days to come.

Isaiah, who had seen in a vision the Glory of God filling the heaven, had also foreseen the day when the same God will come Immanuel “God with us”! In Old Testament he was with people and was real to them. They had heard HIM speak at Sinai. He had provided their daily bread and meat. He fought their battle. The same god came to this world in the form of a man. He shared our happiness and sorrows and died for our sins “For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners in order to lead you to God (1 Peter 3:18) and rose again to be with us as “Immanuel”. He is with us, he wants to have a personal relationship with us. So we should accept Jesus Christ into our lives as our Lord and Savior. We should surrender our lives to Him. Then we shall receive Joy and peace. He will be “Immanuel to us”.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, by the immense grace of God, I have completed 34 years of service as Government Official and on September 30th, I retired. Praise the Lord! Now I have lots of time to spend on Good Shepherd Mission work and expand it. “NOW I AM A FULL TIME SERVANT OF GOD AND FULL TIME SOCIAL WORKER”.

On the 29th of September, all the school district teachers, the GSM staff and many others honored me in a public place in Puttur. It was one of the greatest honors I have ever had in my life. I give all the Glory and honor to our Lord Jesus for guiding me step by step during these past 34 years of my service as a Government Official.

News concerning Good Shepherd
The hospital service is progressing day by day. We have treated 1,845 patients. We are extending our service to rural areas by conducting medical camps. We had one medical camp in September on the premises of the Vengalathur High School. Many people received free treatment. We brought 10 people [back to the hospital] for eye surgery. During the last month, the following surgeries were performed: eye surgeries – 40, TAH – 9, deliveries – 4, caesarians – 3, appendectomies – 4.

Dr. Narayana Murthy’s report
Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension are among the most common ailments in Puttur. Both are amenable to control with proper treatment. He reports Diabetes is often associated with Hypertension.

The Austin Rural Medical Project at Kolladam is progressing. 870 patients were treated and given free medicine.

In Puttur, we are trying hard to buy land near our Hospital for the “Care and Support Centre for HIV/AIDS Patients.” Please uphold this issue in your prayers. The staff of the GSM Hospital in Puttur and the Austin Rural Medical Clinic in Kolladam are all doing tremendous work serving poor and needy.

GSM Hostels are maintained properly by their staff. All the children wrote their first quarter examination. Every one wrote their examinations well. The children are going to get playground equipment from Bro. Chad and Sis. Beth in Tulsa, Oklahoma. All the elderly are doing fine. Every one is happy and enjoying the home. The construction of the new orphanage building is just about complete. Concrete on the roof was poured and the remaining work starts soon.

Evangelism – All the evangelists are working very effectively. Bro. Vijaya and Sis. Grace reports he is organizing Sunday Services and Gospel work in a place called Thaduku. He has been working for more than 10 years. There are nearly 45 believers in that church. They join every Friday at GSM Central Church, Puttur. Sis. Grace conducts the Sunday School program and also organizes Gospel [training] for the women at that village. The couple thanks Bro. Ken and Sis. Janet for having raised their monthly support. By doing this they are blessed by God that one of their children got merit seat in medicine. Praise God.

Bro. T. John evangelist reports the church at Appalayagunta has been donated by Bro. Bob and Sis. Derla, U.S.A. Nearly 65 believers attend for Sunday Service. Once a month Bro. Praveen visits and delivers God’s word in Sunday Services. He reports that on the 15th of each month, there is an all night prayer fellowship. Every second Saturday he conducts the Hill Prayer, going up to the nearby hill to pray.

Bro. John Wesley reports he had 10 Baptisms in his church last month with 10 new believers added in his church.

Bro. Gurupadam reports that his church has 30 believers who attend Sunday service regularly at the church donated by Sis. Sandy. On Wednesdays, he does house & prayer visits.

Praise God for all the things provided.
Praise God that all children are healthy and happy.
Praise God that the orphanage building is going to be completed.
Praise God for the completion of the Kakavedu Church.
Praise God for the increase of believers in Rural Churches.
Pray for getting the proper land for the HIV/AIDS clinic.
Pray for the completion of Govindapalem Church.
Pray for all the evangelists to overcome in crucial situations.
Pray for the projects at Kolladam.
Pray for all the sick who come to our hospital.
Pray for all the doctors for treating the patients.
Pray for all the staff at Hospitals, Hostels and for the Evangelists.
Pray for wisdom and knowledge to Bro. Henry to organize all the projects.
Give thanks for all the donors, churches, organizations and schools who support GSM.

My God Bless you all.

Yours in Christ,
BRO. HENRY.

News from GSM

2007-09-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

While waiting, there are times when we lose our heart and feel that things are not taking the desired shape which we want them to take. Waiting is a difficult experience for anyone. It calls for patience and perseverance. God instructs us to wait on HIM and to be of good courage. We should not lose our courage or feel low because we have to wait. The best way to utilize our time while waiting is by reading the word of God and also by hiding God’s word in our heart. This is the best weapon to fight every kind of negative thought or feeling.

We praise the Lord for the way in which he has lead us during past month. The Lord helped us to have a wonderful time to start constructing two churches and an orphanage building. Praise the Lord! The replacement of the roof at Kakavedu Church is finished. The work of Govindapalem Church and orphanage construction are progressing. This week, the roof on the new orphanage building will be poured.

Hospital work: The hospital at Puttur and Rural Medical Centre at Kolladam are working well in reaching with medical help to the rural poor. The following are the results in the hospital.
Total patients (Puttur) = 1,018
Total surgeries:
Eye - 25
C-section – 5
VH – 1
TAH – 6
Hernia – 1
Total patients (Kolladam) = 900

Evangelical work: The Lord has given us a very fruitful time of ministry during the past month in our mission fields. The spiritual work is progressing well. All the evangelists are working hard to reach the unreached villages with the gospel. New mission fields are going to be added into the mission. Govindapalem and Pellakur are the new mission fields. We are praying to start one more mission field soon.

Brother Chiranjeevi reports that he has 30 souls in his church at Badur. He conducts Sunday service at Badur from 9-30 A.M to 12 Noon. Every Wednesday he pays family visitation. Recently 2 souls added he said. Brother Prakash reports he also did the same. He visits families on every Saturday. The Sunday school class has nearly 20 children attending. Four people were baptized.

Bro. John Wesley from Vadamalapet reports that four people were baptized on the 4th of August in a village called O.B.R. Kandriga. Among these four, one couple without children for long time received the blessing of a child after believing in Jesus Christ, so they got baptized!

Brother Daniel Raj from Kamarajnagar reports that he conducts regular Sunday Service from 10-00 A.M to 12-30 P.M. Wednesday family prayer evening – Fridays ladies meet, evening fasting prayer at G.S.M. Saturday family visitation, monthly once All night prayer being conducting.

Child Care: Almost all the children are adjusted in their new grades and classes, and some are in new schools. For example, some children are now studying out side of Puttur to become nurses or vocational workers while others are attending junior college. GSM will take care of their tuition, room and board as well as provide a clothing allowance. They return to Puttur once a month to report their progress. A supervisor from G.S.M takes care of their welfare and paying bills, etc.

We thank you very much for your letters and e-mails of encouragement and for standing with us in ministry. Please continue to pray for us. We greatly appreciate your prayers for the ministry.

With warm Christian greetings and prayers. yours in Christ,

BRO. HENRY.