While we were visiting the Blessing Community in Andra Pradesh, one of the fishermen, that covenant communities in Norway and England had provided with a new boat and fishing nets, came to see us. He had to travel a full day to be able to meet us. His name is Subha Rao. He is fishing at the mouth of the Krishna river. He lost everything in the tsunami. The future for him and his family was dark as he was owing money and he had no way of paying it back because of lack of income.

Now he had come to meet us to say thanks. He was so happy, and he was so grateful. On our last visit we were able to hand over the new fishing boat to him. Now he returned to express his thankfulness. He had a wonderful story to tell. He lost everything in the tsunami. He was in debt. He could see no way out.

"Now I praise God. I am so happy. My entire life has been changed from darkness to light. I had no hope and no future until you came and provided me with a new fishing boat and three nets. My boat and my nets are really blessed by God. Thank you for your prayers. God has provided us with fish and crabs and prawns. One day I caught crabs worth 10.000 Rupies. Another day I had a catch worth 8.000 Rupies. Now I have been able to pay back my loan. I am debt-free. I have even been able to buy an engine to my boat and now I am more effective in bringing the fishes or crabs or prawns to the market. I can even help my fellow fishermen by towing their boats to mine, then they also become more effective! Thank you! Thank you! My family has a bright future because of your gift and prayers. Now, I have become a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, and I want to thank you for everything!"

I was moved to tears as I listened to his exuberant joy while he gave his testimony. I wish that all my faithful friends that contributed to this work should be able to meet Subha Rao and see the change that has taken place in his life. God has really blessed this project wonderfully.

Venkateswara Rao who leads Faith Action for Community Transformation, is saying that this project has been 100% successful. He is also giving the credit to the Lord and the prayers of the saints in Norway and England.

Praise God! He is good and his mercy endures forever!