Rahab's Rope Update
September 8, 2005

Hello Everyone,

I hope you and your family are doing well. We think of you and pray for you often. Please remember us and the ministry in prayer. We are continuously and constantly amazed watching God work in our personal lives and on behalf of Rahab's Rope.

Things are going well at Rahab's Rope. David and Shoba Dass are working very hard and doing an incredible job. We have new women visiting the center weekly, which is very exciting. Our field workers have reached a new group of women in a different area and they are very excited with the response of the women. The daily schedule at the center is running smoothly. A typical day begins with prayer and devotion or Bible study followed by reading and writing classes (remember most of these women have never been allowed to go to school). The afternoon is spent in vocational training and the day ends with prayer. In June, we had a new sewing machine donated by Lindsey Williams, who was visiting the center, to aid in the vocational training. Currently we have a former CSW, her name is Mallika, using the machine to teach tailoring. It is very exciting to see these women want to help each other to make their lives better. Mallika is an excellent tailor and Shoba said she has some sample bags ready for me to inspect to see if we can sell them here. We have a sweet, shy Muslim girl, Shaheen, that is teaching the women how to make a small dressy bag. Pray for Shaheen to receive Jesus, she has had a scary life and has tried to commit suicide a couple of times. I have visited with her in her home and you can feel the darkness there. Some of the women have expressed an interest in learning to speak English, Shoba is very good in this area. Many would like to learn candle-making, as candles are in high demand there. We have had some special classes on cooking, table setting and hospitality as it relates to the hotel industry. David Dass has been teaching a class on Biblical Ethics and Principles on Family and the Marketplace. Please pray for David and Shoba as they put Christ in every aspect of what they are doing with these women. Pray for the women to see Jesus in them and not just the physical help they are providing.

Some of you may know that the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has their main office for all of South Asia in Bangalore, they have been a great help to us at Rahab's Rope. Some of the missionary women help at the center spiritually and have also provided physical needs. There have been other U.S. visitors that have gone to the center to help. Soon there will be two women from the U.S. (through the IMB) going to the center to teach crocheting. We are very excited to have the support and involvement of the IMB.

One of our field workers, whose name is Umanath, is doing a great job. However, Umanath is not a Christian. Umanath has a Masters degree in Social Work and has been working with these women for the past nine years trying to educate them in health issues and money matters. David Dass met Umanath through the street work he has done with the women. Umanath believes in what we are doing and said he knows of no one that has ever tried to reach the whole person as we are doing. He wants to help us as much as he can. He believes the love and care we are giving the women is what will change their lives. Unfortunately, he has not seen that love as Jesus, YET. Recently, David Dass had an opportunity to share the gospel with Umanath and David asked him if he gave him a Bible as a gift would he read it and Umanath has agreed to read the Bible. Please pray that as Umanath reads the Bible he will see God reveal Himself. If Umanath receives Christ the difference in the work he does will be so incredible!

David Dass will be coming to the U.S. sometime in October and we are hopeful he will be in Gainesville. If David comes to Gainesville and is speaking anywhere I will let you know in case you would like to meet him. Please pray for him as he travels.

We are currently making plans for teams to travel to India in 2006. Our plans are not final but when they are I will let you know the dates and make-up of the teams. I know we will be taking a medical team, hopefully at the first of the year. If you are interested please contact me for details.

On a personal note, our son, Brannon is getting married October 1. We are very excited and have been busy with wedding arrangements. Please pray for him and his future wife, Tricia, as they begin their new life together.

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and financial support. We can't imagine the work being accomplished without you. Blessings to you all!

In His Glad Service,
Vicki  

770-287-5218
4610 Whipporwill Road
Gillsville, Ga. 30543