Precious Servants

I have been in India for 18 days now. It has been a life changing experience. One of the things that has made it life changing is the ladies I have had the opportunity to serve alongside for the first 15 days.A team leader could not have asked for a better group of ladies to serve alongside of. The team had never met in person, except for our team meetings we did by video until we all met in Newark for our 15 hour

flight to Mumbai.

There was an instant bond between our team. You would have thought we were all lifelong friends. Actually several people asked if we had all come from the same place. Nope, we were perfect strangers. Our one bond was that weare sisters in Christ.

All but 2 of these ladies had never been on a mission trip overseas before. To see how they all became naturals at serving was such a blessing.

It was truly a privilege and honor to serve alongside these women who have a heart for service. They definitely stepped up to the plate when the schedule needed to be adjusted. They were flexible and always ready to hurry up and wait.

Every time we entered a place to serve the immediately connected with the people. The definitely have a desire and heart to show Christ to those around them.

Thank you ladies for making the first two weeks a life changing experience. Each of you have made a difference in my life. Love you all!

I am looking forward to seeing how God will work in the team that is coming on the 20th.

Two Weeks Into The Adventure

Trisha and Mel have had a good time serving in India alongside of the Bombay Teen Challenge ministry. We have got to experience a lot of new things.

We have been in the Red Light District to see the work they are doing among the women and children. We have been a part of their feeding program they do with the people who live on the street. This is the one hot meal they may get each week. We saw the reality of where they live and how some are just trying to provide for their families.

We were able to be a part of a baptism service where 40 believers dedicated their lives to God

in the

form of baptism. We were honored to be able to serve communion at the service that BTC holds in the Red Light District.

After seeing the work BTC does in Mumbai city we traveled 2 hours on a very bumpy road to

where the homes that BTC has. There are 3 different locations where the girls, boys, women, and men that have decided to take a stand and make a change in their life come to be restored and shown the love of God.

It was so good to see faces that I remembered from visiting two years ago. At the homes we have been able to teach conversational English with women who have been rescued from a life of prostitution. We were able to conduct some hygiene classes with both the men and women. We were able to have spa nights with ladies where we served them by washing their feet and giving them a facial, manicure, and pedicure. We were able to show Christ's love to 150 boys, girls,

men, and women by providing them a Chinese meal.

Needless to say, the time so far has been a blessing. It has also had its bumps in the road, but our God is faithful to do mighty works. There is so much more to say and share. Hopefully I will be able to post more as time allows.

Please continue to pray for our trip. The first team left for the US yesterday. I will be traveling to see other ministries for the next week and then return to Mumbai to greet the second team.

We still need around $3,000 for the full second team to join us. Please be praying that them money comes in. If you would like to partner with us by giving towards the trip you can do so by, following this link and Contribute Type is "Project." Then in project click "India:Mumbai/Chennai T031." Enter the Sum you would like to contribute. In the comments box put, Donation Towards Melvin and Trisha Anderson's Trip.

Thank you for your prayers and support. None of this would be possible without each of you.

Mel's First Few Days in India

Our team made into Mumbai all safe and sound. We had a good flight over and enjoyed the bustle of the city driving to the hotel. Everyone was very much ready to go to bed when we arrived.

After a goodnight's rest we began our adventure in Mumbai. We first were taken to the Red Light District were we visited the Medical and Dental clinic. It was incredible to see the work that they are doing among the ladies who are living a life of slavery. We also heard some testimonies from a few of the ministry staff that go out and reach the ladies in the district. It is incredible to see the work that God is doing in such a dark place.

Our next stop was quite exciting. We got to visit the feeding program that BTC does daily. They park their in a different location in Mumbai and feed the local street families and children. It was a humbling experience to meet a family that have no way to make a mends for their family of 5 and live on the street. Thankfully the family is making the necessary steps to be able to get out of the pit.

Our next stop was the children's home that is in the district. The children that live in this home have just come off the streets and are finding the hope God has for them. They have precious smiles and lots of laughter.

By the time we left the children's home the sun had set and our driver's took us for a ride through the Red Light District. Let me tell you what an experience that was. It was amazing how many people were out in the district and to see the women line the road waiting to work. I will never be the same after last night. It was such a dark and heavy experience.

It leaves one to ask, How can anyone do that to people?

Mel and Trisha Begin Adventure

Mel and Trisha have begun their journey to India. Stay tuned for more updates on the journey.

Mel Leaves for India in 5 Days!!!!

Mel is getting excited to leave for India. Mel is starting to think about packing for his first overseas trip. What do you think he should take?

Mel will be leaving with Trisha and her team on Tuesday, June 28th for Mumbai, India.

As posted earlier, Mel will be a part of a team that is going to minister alongside the staff at Bombay Teen Challenge. Read more about BTC in earlier posts.

Mel and Trisha are excited to be ministering alongside some really amazing people, who love the Lord.

Tri and Melvin will be joining Mel and Trisha in India on July 19th.

Please be praying for the team, for safe travels and that they would be a blessing to those they are serving.

Also, we need to still raise some funds to be able to minister to those at Bombay Teen Challenge. If you would like to be a part of this trip go to www.adnamis.org/contribute.Then in project click "India:Mumbai/Chennai T031." Enter the Sum you would like to contribute. In the comments box put, Donation Towards Melvin and Trisha Anderson's Trip.

We would love for you to be a part of the trip. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Dear Family and Friends,

Melvin and I would like to thank each of you for your encouragement, prayers, and support since we were married, seven months ago. We are so blessed to have amazing family and friends like you to come alongside us as we begin our life together.

Melvin and I wanted to let you know about an exciting opportunity we have this summer. Both of us will be headed to east India to serve one of the ministries we partner with at Advancing Native Missions called Bombay Teen Challenge.

Bombay Teen Challenge seeks to reach the broken outcasts of society in India, bringing hope, healing and restoration to lives that others deem worthless. BTC touches a variety of individuals, which includes victims of sexual trafficking, HIV-infected orphans, and substance abusers. Over the last 20 years BTC has worked diligently to rescue as well as rehabilitate the thousands of needy people living on the streets in Mumbai. These include young women trapped in sexual slavery in the red light district. Many of these victims are kidnapped from their families and villages and forced to work as prostitutes. BTC also serves these women’s children, who are highly vulnerable and at-risk of being caught in the same cycle of abuse and exploitation. Children and orphans who are HIV-infected, most of whom are abandoned to die with full-blown AIDS, are also rescued off the streets and cared for by BTC in their AIDS orphanage. If you would like to read more about Bombay Teen Challenge you can visit their website at www.bombayteenchallenge.org.

In 2008, I had the opportunity to travel with eight of the ladies that BTC has rescued from the red light district. And in 2009 I was a part of a team who visited BTC in Mumbai, India to see how we could help in the future. Being able to lead the trip this summer and implement some follow up from our trip in 2009 is very exciting. I will be traveling from June 28^th – August 2^nd. I have a total of 12 people who will be coming with me on the trip. There are two ladies who will be staying with me the whole five weeks, six ladies who will be staying June 28^th – July 13^th, and three ladies and Melvin will be joining us July 19^th – August 2^nd.

While there we will spend out first few days visiting the Red Light District to see the work BTC is doing and be able to spend time encouraging the staff that spends everyday reaching out to the ladies. The rest of our time will be at the compounds they have outside the city for those that have been rescued. While there we will be conducting English groups for the women, health groups for women and boys, and music classes.

Melvin and I are so excited to be able to take part in this opportunity together. I am so looking forward to sharing with Melvin the precious people who have new hope because of Bombay Teen Challenge and Melvin is really looking forward to spending time playing guitar with the boys.

Melvin and I would love for you to partner alongside us as we go and serve those at Bombay Teen Challenge. There are three main ways you can be a part of this trip.

· First, we need prayer support while we are gone. Please be praying for me, as I lead the team. Pray for the team’s safety, health, and that we will be able to be a blessing to the ministry.

· Second, We need financial support. For both Melvin and I to go we need to raise $7,000. If you would like to be a part of making this trip possible you can use the enclosed coupon. Or go to www.adnamis.org/contribute. Then in project click "India:Mumbai/Chennai T031." Enter the Sum you would like to contribute. In the comments box put, Donation Towards Melvin and Trisha Anderson's Trip.

· Third, we are taking items to give to the young kids, teenager (both girls and boys), and the women at the compounds. We need small items like stickers, matchbox cars, lip gloss, travel lotions, etc. If you have items you would like to donate contact us and we will figure out a way to get them from you.

Melvin and I would like to THANK YOU again for taking the time to read the letter and for praying. Please let us know if you have any questions. You can also follow our trip on my blog at www.trishaslifeontheroad.blogspot.com.

With Much Greatfulness,

Melvin and Trish Anderson

trisha.anderson.99@gmail.com

More on the Great Adventure

Mel and Tri are getting nervous and excited to embark on their longest journey yet. Mel leaves in less then 4 weeks and Tri leaves in less then 7 weeks. To prepare for their journey they have dug a little deeper to learn more about Bombay Teen Challenge. Below is a little bit of what they learned.

"Bombay Teen Challenge seeks to reach the broken outcasts of society in India, bringing hope, healing and restoration to lives that others deem worthless. BTC touches a variety of individuals which includes victims of sexual trafficking, HIV-infected orphans, and substance abusers.

Since 1990, Bombay Teen Challenge has worked diligently to rescue as well as rehabilitate the thousands of needy people living on the streets in Mumbai. These include young women trapped in sexual slavery in the red light district. Many of these victims are kidnapped from their families and villages and forced to work as prostitutes. BTC also serves these women’s children, who are highly vulnerable and at-risk of being caught in the same cycle of abuse and exploitation. Children and orphans who are HIV-infected, most of whom are abandoned to die with full-blown AIDS, are also rescued off the streets and cared for by BTC in their AIDS orphanage. Finally, BTC assists and rehabilitates the many young men and boys who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and living in poverty conditions on the streets of the city.

Bombay Teen Challenge is more than an organization – it becomes a family for these individuals, a safe place to grow and heal physically, emotionally and spiritually. Individuals who have been rejected by their own families are able to form relationships that are enduring and life-changing, giving them the emotional security they need, as well as teaching them important skills to help reintegrate them into society and escape the destructive cycle of their past. BTC makes a real difference in the broken lives of those it touches."

Mel and Tri are so excited to get involved in the work BTC is doing to help restore broken hearts and lives. With Mel and Tri's big hearts they hope to bring many smiles to faces they come across.

Thank you to those who have partnered with Mel and Tri to be a part of their trip to BTC. It means so much to them. Know that every person who gets involved is a part of the trip too. Mel and Tri need more people to partner with them as they go on this great adventure. If you want to be a part of affecting lives you can partner with Mel and Tri two ways.

1. Please pray for the team as they prepare to go to visit BTC. There are 3 people going for 5 weeks, 6 people going June 28 - July 13, and 4 people going July 19 - Aug. 2. Be in prayer for our safety, health, and that we will be vessels to be used by God.

2. You can get involved financially. Mel and Tri need to raise about $7,500 to be able to both go on the trip. If you would like to be involved financially follow this link and Contribute Type is "Project." Then in project click "India:Mumbai/Chennai T031." Enter the Sum you would like to contribute. In the comments box put, Donation Towards Melvin and Trisha Anderson's Trip.

Mel and Tri are so thankful for you taking the time to read their posts. Please let us know if you have questions about the trip. We would love for you to be involved.

Mel & Tri Prepare for a Great Adventure

Most of you are already aquainted with Mel and Tri. They have a very important role of telling the travel stories of Melvin and Trisha Anderson.

This July Mel and Tri are going on a huge adventure to Mumbai, India. What's in India, you ask? Mel and Tri are going to Mumbai to visit and serve alongside those at Bombay Teen Challenge.

Bombay Teen Challenge (BTC) is a ministry that has planted a church in the Red Light District of Mumbai. There goal is to "Stop Human Trafficking"! The ministry builds relationships with the ladies, men and children who are trapped in the district and then gives them a new future. They have homes and vocational programs to give the ladies a hope.

Mel and Tri will be going to take part in the work at BTC. Mel alongside of Trisha will be going June 28 - Aug. 2, 2011 and will be leading two teams. Tri and Melvin will be joining Mel and Trisha on July 19 - Aug. 2, 2011. The purpose of going to visit BTC will be able to allow others catch the vision of BTC and to help with some of their educational needs.

Mel and Tri will be posting more about their journey to India in coming days. You can be involved in helping Mel and Tri get to India.

1. Please pray for the team as they prepare to go to visit BTC. There are 3 people going for 5 weeks, 6 people going June 28 - July 13, and 4 people going July 19 - Aug. 2. Be in prayer for our safety, health, and that we will be vessels to be used by God.

2. You can get involved financially. Mel and Tri need to raise about $7,500 to be able to both go on the trip. If you would like to be involved financially follow this link and Contribute Type is "Project." Then in project click "India:Mumbai/Chennai T031." Enter the Sum you would like to contribute. In the comments box put, Donation Towards Melvin and Trisha Anderson's Trip.

Mel and Tri are so looking forward to what God is going to do. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. We hope that you will be praying for us.

Terrible

Yes, I know I have been terrible about posting on my blog. When life gets buys it seems to be the last thing on my mind. Since my last post I have gotten married and traveled a ton for work. I will be posting more often in the coming months, because I am leading a team to Bombay Teen Challenge in India this Summer. So stay tuned for more information on the trip to India.

Interesting Time At A College in Michigan

So over the last two weeks we have made our way through Iowa, Indiana, and now in Michigan. We have been visiting the local Christian colleges in the area to let them know about internship opportunities with ANM. The first two colleges were awesome and we have some good contacts. Our third college we visited was very small, but we didn't care. I think there were like 5 buildings on the campus. So we go in the main building and their is a receptionist at a desk as you enter. So I introduce myself and let her know I would like to talk to someone in Career Services or whomever is in charge of internships. She says, "Ok...hmmm...I am not sure who you would talk to. Maybe someone in student services." I say, "While you are checking on that, I would also like to speak with someone about your missions conference." She says, "I don't think we have a missions conference." So she proceeds to pul out a sheet of all 50 phone numbers on campus. She dials a few numbers and no one answers. She says, "I am not sure where anyone is. Maybe they are in a meeting. Yes, I think they are in a meeting behind me." To which she turns around and looks behind her into a board room that is all glass and one person setting lunches out. So she decides to try one more person. This person answers and tells her something. She begins to find empty her drawer of paper and grab some business cards. I wasn't sure if she had everyone's business cards in her desk or what. She hangs the phone up and says, "I am going to give you Mike's card. He works for Building and Grounds. He knows almost everything and should be able to help you." She continues, "I can't find him right now, but you can come back later to talk to him." I only hope my face did not show my confusion and I am thankful I held in my laugh. But I replied, "Can I just leave these internship opportunities with you and I will email him." She decided that was a good idea. Then Mindy and I exited the building and began cracking up. How is the building and grounds guy going to help me post internships for students or with their missions conference??? If anyone can figure it out please let me know.

The funnier part is I came back to the place where we are staying and checked their website. There is definitely a Career Development Director on campus.

Moral of the story...talk to the building and grounds guy for any problems. Maybe he will help with homework as well.

Kansas City

Well the last few days have been spent in Kansas City. We have spent some time with a super family that have been excellent hosts. They opened their arms to us and the curriculum. It has been cool to hear their story and how God has transformed their lives.

Yesterday I had a huge treat by going to visit some family friends from when we lived in CA. The last time I had seen them was driving from CO to VA about 10 years ago. It was such a huge blessing to spend time catching up on both of our families.

Last night we went to the Culture House to a dance company show. It was so fun to see the different dances.

It has been super fun to be in KSC for the weekend. In the morning we will pack the van and journey onto Iowa. Looking forward to the adventures ahead.

On the Road

I know it has been way to long since I have blogged. I am terrible at it. I would say I will try better but I continue to say that and it does not happen. So I am just going to say that I will blog as I can.

Anyways...I am on the road again. This time for 18 days. We will be visiting Kansas City, Ottumawa, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan (a few places), and Ohio. Mindy and I are traveling to different friends of ANM to show the VBS and that we produced. It shall be fun!

We left VA yesterday and made it to Clarksville, TN. We made a few stops along the way. We visited the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge and made a stop a Beef Jerky outlet. Any type of meat you can think of, they jerky it.

Today we will end up in Kansas City. We will see what adventurous stops we make today!!!

Little Time Off the Road

Well...for the next few weeks this girl will be staying close to home. It is a nice break to the busy season over the last few months. I have enjoyed all the travels that I have had the opportunity to make. So for a few more weeks I will be able to catch up with friends and get some work done.

I am currently planning the Silent Auction for ANM. If you have nothing to do Saturday, November 21st. You should come to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA. There will be over 300 items up for sale, as well as, photo booths to get fun pictures, and international foods. Let me know if you want more information.

Have a happy day!

The team made it home from Guatemala Saturday evening. As I said in previous posts I, Trisha, co-led a trip to Hope of Life ministry in Zacapa Guatemala. The group we went with was from Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, LA. What a great group of people! We went to Guatemala as strangers but left as family. They were some of the hardest working people that I have served with on the field. It was amazing to see the heart each of them have to serve the Lord. I think one of my most impactful things of the trip was to watch the group and see how the Lord moved in each of their lives individually.

During our eight days in Guatemala we were all stretched by the Lord to step out of our comfort zones that we have created. Whenwe went to the dump to conduct a medical clinic and feed them a hot meal, many of the group were moved to tears to see the site people live in. Others were pushed physically as they wanted to complete the construction projects to provide a source of food and income for families.

Personally, my growing moment came on Tuesday. During the trip I was able to choose which team I would serve with because one of my purposes for going was to see the ministry and different aspects so that I could lead a team to the ministry in the future. I had served with the medical and evangelism team the day before and I desired to continue. On Tuesday I woke up knowing I was supposed to go with the construction team.Humanly I had no desire to go with the construction team. I wanted to go out to the village with the other team and meet the people. But I knew without a shadow of doubt that God was telling me to go with construction. As I got ready for the day I struggled internally what choice would I make. I was justifying why I should got with the team to the village, but I kept hearing God's voice say go with construction. So before breakfast I made the choice to listen to God's voice. I got ready to serve with the construction team. When I informed a couple people I was going to go with construction they even said, "Why?, you can do that another day." I said, "No, I need to do this." I had no moment where I was like this is why I was supposed to be with construction today. And let me tell you it was HARD work and HOT, but I had the peace that I obeyed the Lord. I also was able to really get to know some of the people I was serving alongside of.

To close God really moved during the trip. I may post some more stories because they flow. If you would like to see more picturesclick here. Thank you for your prayers and support!

First days in Guatemala

We have been in Guatemala for 3 days now. So far it has been a great trip. I came on this trip with much excitement to go to a new country and to see what God is going to do. But I also came with fear. You see the last time I was in Central America I almost died. Since I have gotten here I have had a peace. It has been cool to see the work that God is doing through the ministry we are visiting. The leader is truly a visionary and has dreams to help the people of Guatemala. I have held babies who are malnourished and were left to die. I have held a baby whose mother buried him alive but someone heard his cries and saved him. I have talked with elderly who have no family and now are being cared for. I have seen 50 orphans with joy. I could go on but will end now. Thank you for your prayers and support. Continue to pray for our team as we are doing construction, medical and meeting with the people.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Joanne & I are getting ready to leave on our flight to begin travels to Guatemala. It is VERY early and have had little sleep. Looking forward to the adventures the day holds.
-- Tri

Next Stop...

Hey All! Well I am going to be on the road again, this time my travels take me to Guatemala. This will be my first time to Guatemala but not my first to Central America.

I am co-leading a trip of 24 people to ministry we serve in Llano Verde. The ministries name is Hope of Life. They truly are giving people hope for their lives. They serve in so many ways that it would take me forever to list all they do. The main functions are to serve the malnourished, run an orphanage, school, elderly facility, and warehouse ministry.

While we are there we will be conducting medical clinics, constructing a house and 4 greenhouses, and ministering to the people. I am so looking forward to the trip and all that God is going to do.

Please pray for us as we travel and that we all stay healthy. Our travel dates are Oct. 16-25. Also, pray that we will be used to bless those we come in contact with. I am not sure that I will have access to the Internet, but if I do I will try and blog.

I would also like to take some things to be able to hand out to the children we will be working with. I am collecting stickers, hard candy, crayons, bouncy balls, etc. If you want to send some items to bless the children let me know.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support!

Travels in Florida

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the first few days in Florida. One thing I LOVE about the south is the moss on the trees. It is so beautiful and I could look at it all day.

We were also able to ride around in a convertible for a day. It was so much fun to spend some time in the sun!

Florida is the land of gators. On this day I ate gator for the first time and thought it was pretty good. I was not sure I would like it but there is nothing to be afraid of.

This community is called the "Villages". It is an active adult community and they have little theme towns. But the hilarious thing is they all have golf cart they drive around. There are special golf cart roads. Such a Florida thing.

I have really enjoyed my time in Florida. There are most posts to come but I thought I would share a few highlights.:)

Sorry for Delay...

I was really going to try and post more often but the last few weeks have been quite packed and blogging did not happen.

I was able to go to Colorado and spend some time with my family. It was much needed. I miss them a lot. I look forward to Christmas to go and see them.

Also, last week I had an opportunity provided to me to be able to go to Guatemala in October. So I will be co-leading a trip to one of our ministries in Guatemala. We will be taking a group from a church in Lousianna.

The awesome thing is that God provided the funds. So, on Oct. 17th I will be headed to Central America. I am really excited.

Day 3: Mumbai and Church in the District

Today we were able to see some sights around Mumbai and do some shopping with Devki and Savita, who traveled with us last July. It was sooooo good to see them and be able to spend some quality time with them.

It was fun to be out on the streets with them and having a reverse role then last summer. When we went out on the streets we would bring lots of attention. When you see 4 white girls on the road in India everyone stares. So Devki and Savita spent a lot of time directing us. As you will see in the picture above w

e saw "STD's" all over the place. STD's in India are cheap calling places and not what we think of them. But it was weird to see STD on most signs.

We also saw some of the local fruit and vegetable stands. I so wanted to go purchase the fruit but knew that I did not want to be sick for the rest of the trip. Fruit was definitely my most missed food while on the trip.

Shopping was fun. We tried a few Indian dresses and the bartering that Devki and Savita did for us was appreciated. We did find a small treasure shop that had some one of a kind Indian clothes. Both Sonia and I purchased some unique dressy Indian dresses. Oli found an amazing sari but chose to not purchase it.

We also went by some American food places like KFC, which if you know me is not one of my favorite places. But thought it would be fun to take a picture with the delivery bikes. This

brought much attention but was fun.

As soon as we got back to the hotel from our shopping and city adventure our car was waiting to take us to the church service in the District. So we took our adventure across town to the District. BTC rents a church facility on Saturday evenings to have a service for women of the District. The service was very moving to see people worshipping God. I truly enjoying being services around the world and seeing how people worship God. We were able to talk to some women who work in the brothels but feel drawn to church. Continue to pray that these women will be drawn to Jesus and come out of this lifestyle. Also the children from the shelter were at the service. It was so fun to see them. Some of them even brought their balloons to church.

After the service we went to a "sizzler" restaurant with Deveraj, his family, and another family that is part of the BTC staff. Your food is literally brought out on sizzling plates. It was a fun experience and we all enjoyed the food. Then off to a natural ice cream shop where the others enjoyed some homemade ice cream. As you see from the sign to the left, "You cannot return or exchange your ice cream". So don't even try.

What a good day of seeing some of the Mumbai city, reconnecting with some of the girls Mindy and I traveled with, and worshipping with people who loved the Lord in a place that is oppressed.