Testimony from Sri Lanka

The following are reports sent from Sri Lanka regarding the motorcycles sent by STW in April, 2009:

• From Pastor Sanjeevan: Since he received STW motorcycles Pastor Sanjeevan has been able to start two more worship outposts in Wanarajah and Walioya. He was able to cover a total of 60 miles to visit these two new outposts and encourage new believers with whom he has been working for some time. Before obtaining this motorcycle, he could not visit every Sunday as there was no bus service available to reach these two places. He wishes to say THANK YOU to all who have contributed generously towards this motorcycle. He further says that he is looking forward to establishing one or two outpost worship places in the coming months.

• From Pastor S.Devasagayam: Pastor S. Devasagayam is now able to cover 5 centers where new believers meet for Bible Studies and he hopes to establish worship places in these 5 centers. He started this new work after obtaining a motorcycle through the generosity of STW. These five centers are Maskeliya ( 15miles one way); Castlereigh (4 miles); Dickoya South (6 miles); Nanu Oya (30 miles) and Norwood (12miles). It means he is able to cover a total of 62 miles one way on the Tea Plantation rugged roads. He is very thankful that since he received this motorcycle, he was able to expand the work among the tea plantation workers.

• From Pastor A.Patmanathan: He works in Balangoda area where he has satellite/branch congregations in 9 places. These 9 worships outposts are looked after by faithful Deacons. Since he received the motorcycle he is able to visit twice a month regularly to these outposts worship places. Once a month all these believers will meet in one church which is situated in Balangoda town. This is a strong Buddhist Area but he has developed a good relationship and rapport with the people in the area and is able to travel freely on his motorcycle and carry out his work.From Pastor V.Benadict: Pastor V. Benadict works in a most remote area known as Galaha in the Kandy District which is predominantly a Buddhist area. During the past two years he was conducting worship services in three outposts but since receiving a motorcycle through STW, he has been able to start two more outposts worship places. He says if not for this help by STW, would not have been able to establish two new centers or visit all his believers who are scattered in distant places. He says that on behalf of his believers and himself, he wants to say THANK YOU to STW for their love and concern for the hidden people in the remote villages in Gallaha.

• From Pastor E.J Isaiah: Pastor E.J. Isaiah is the Coordinator for the work of COG in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. He says that his work has been facilitated by being able to ride a motorcycle which has been provided by STW. In recent months, the guns have fallen silent and war has stopped in the NE provinces, so he is able to move from place to place without any hindrance. He says it is indeed a provision of God through STW and what he can do now is because of this wonderful gift.