Today was an early morning flight from Rajahmundry to Hyderabad ready to start a 2 day conference tomorrow. The airport was interesting as we were greeted by armed guards at the airport door and had to show proof of a flight before being allowed entry. That did mean though that the airport was less crowded than we might have expected.

Once in Hyderabad it was a delight to meet up again with Mark Aldridge and to be welcomed to the hotel by him. Since then we have been reporting back to him all that has been going on these last few days. Felt a bit like the disciples coming back and reporting to Jesus after he had sent out the 72.

Our health is gradually improving and Mark M and I are now pretty much well. Steve has still been suffering though so please do continue to keep us in your prayers.

After eating some bland! lunch we ventured out onto the streets of Hyderabad for a bit of retail therapy. Though it is a bit difficult as the Indian Government have taken back all high value notes in order to stop black money (money on which not income tax has been paid) Most people seem to see this as a good thing, but there are 8 hour queues outside the banks and atms run out of money almost as soon as they are stocked so most of them are empty most of the time. This means we have yet to acquire a single rupee!  Thankfully we have been able to use our sterling and cards to survive at the hotel. But that’s no good for the little market stalls with there very Indian clothes and souvenirs. Mark M reckons we will leave India without ever having owned a rupee.  I think he may well be right.

Mark M has decided to get some clerical shirts made over here. I think the tailors were a bit bemused by the strange collar but just four hours after the order was put in and the material chosen the prototype was brought for measuring. Mark

This evening as with the whole team gathered together we ate dinner and then had a time of worship and prayer. These times have been so precious for the three of us in Rajahmundry and it was wonderful to have Mark Aldridge join us.

Time now to head bed another full day tomorrow.