Our team returned to the
Glad to be home!
Rob and team
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
India team is back (Rob)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Little boy in Agra (Ben)
We have arrived safely in Agra and are waiting on a bus to go to hotel while porter-boys fetch our 29 suitcases. Outside our windows families huddle in the darkness on their haunches. Do they live here in the dust and exhaust fumes. A small boy reaches up to knock on the window and puts his hand out to beg. We are told to look away and that we can not give to such as these. Tough to take. We pray many times each day for people like these who will haunt and fill our minds forever. I know Jesus sees him and knows and loves him. I so hope that little boy can know and love Jesus, too. I find myself so grateful for those with beautiful feet who bring good news to places like Agra.
Peace, love, and Jesus,
Ben and team
Peace, love, and Jesus,
Ben and team
More India pics
Tow new pics of one of the congregations with whom our MCC team worshipped, along w/ photos from earlier in their trip are online at this link.
Bhopal Worship (Sunday: Rob)
When we arrived at the church in
When it came time for communion, the congregation moved forward to the altar in groups and knelt along the chancel rail. The elders moved across the front placing a communion wafer and cup of juice in each pair of hands. Then they instructed them to partake in unison. Finally, the elder prayed over each group. It was striking to hear the Hindu mantras blaring over the loudspeakers from the temple across the street while we celebrated the cross. In the Muslim and Hindu faiths, thousands of people work overtime trying to earn their way into God’s favor, and here were these truly counter-cultural believers simply kneeling at the altar acknowledging that they had no hope other than the grace provided through the cross. It was humbling, and one of the most moving moments that I can recall, to watch wave after wave of Indians approach the altar and kneel to share in the body and blood of Christ. As I held the bread and cup myself, I was overwhelmed with God’s grace for me as well.
Rob and
Subject: India today (Sunday: Ben + Stephanie)
They drowned Durga today. Finally. We have been here during this nine day Hindu festival and we have seen the fevered buildup in its entirety. We witnessed the "making" of Durga by the various villages we passed. Made of mud by human hands we have oft thought to Moses coming down from Sinai and Paul in Athens. In India idols are a real deal.
The making of Durga is a collective effort. After her dried mud shape of a woman with 8 arms she is painted brightly and set in her "box". Sometimes it is a just a concrete bunker others an elaborate shrine. Either way as the festival came to a cllimax, there were strands of lights and banners around each shrine and there was an air or expectancy-much like the buildup of Christmas at home.
Sometime this afternoon amidst our scurry to the train station thousands of Durgas all over India were put into the local body of water for her to return back to mud. All of her shrines now stand empty. And the one true living God is still on His throne! Jamisiki!
We are in Bhopal today, a huge city of about 2 million.
We worshipped this morning as a divided team. Half of us went to Christ Church (aka "the industrial church") where Ben preached. We were once again greeted in the traditional way-leis of yellow mums, .red .roses and orchids. Today was youth Sunday and we we're blessed to see a very good amount of young people and for them to lead the worship. There was an air of sadness as the senior pastor who is 75, lost his son and ministry partner 10 days ago to a heart attack. This leaves a void in ministry to a congregation of about 250. Ben's message today was a real comfort I think, as he encouraged us to remember the gifts we have in the Lord: contentment, joy and peace. Greg brought the greetings on behalf of the US churches.
The other half of our team went to what is called the City Church where Phil and Chris's friend and CICM evangelist, Harris Walter is the pastor. Phil spoke today on "I love the church" to about 300 folks. There were a lot of children and youth at this church as well. Chris brought the greetings from Countryside and Julie brought greetings from Mountain. Tom did the communion meditation.
After church we met at the hotel with five pastors who have been working to establish churches in Bhopal. Pradeep Luther just got out out the hospital after a bout with malaria, but was eager to share the work he's doing. 90 percent of his church are former Hindus who have seen the light of Jesus. His wife Lena was a member of a Brahman family -- the highest caste. Her influence is significant. Others are working among the very poor -- "rat pickers" and street people. One young man, Shailendra Ladge, has been working among street performers and the extremely downtrodden. We are grateful to God for these who being the hands and feet of Jesus. Mountain is excited to be partnering with CICM to plant churches in this area.
We are aboard a fast moving train -- about 6 hours to Agra where we will spend the night. Our mission work on this trip is largely completed -- except for the other opportunities the to be a witness the Lord opens in the final travel days.
As we prepare to head home after some sight seeing and shopping, we are all struggling to process all we have seen, seeking to understand how God is wanting to change us. Know that we are mindful of you, our friends and family, and eager to share with you in person very soon.
Ben and Stephanie for the team
The making of Durga is a collective effort. After her dried mud shape of a woman with 8 arms she is painted brightly and set in her "box". Sometimes it is a just a concrete bunker others an elaborate shrine. Either way as the festival came to a cllimax, there were strands of lights and banners around each shrine and there was an air or expectancy-much like the buildup of Christmas at home.
Sometime this afternoon amidst our scurry to the train station thousands of Durgas all over India were put into the local body of water for her to return back to mud. All of her shrines now stand empty. And the one true living God is still on His throne! Jamisiki!
We are in Bhopal today, a huge city of about 2 million.
We worshipped this morning as a divided team. Half of us went to Christ Church (aka "the industrial church") where Ben preached. We were once again greeted in the traditional way-leis of yellow mums, .red .roses and orchids. Today was youth Sunday and we we're blessed to see a very good amount of young people and for them to lead the worship. There was an air of sadness as the senior pastor who is 75, lost his son and ministry partner 10 days ago to a heart attack. This leaves a void in ministry to a congregation of about 250. Ben's message today was a real comfort I think, as he encouraged us to remember the gifts we have in the Lord: contentment, joy and peace. Greg brought the greetings on behalf of the US churches.
The other half of our team went to what is called the City Church where Phil and Chris's friend and CICM evangelist, Harris Walter is the pastor. Phil spoke today on "I love the church" to about 300 folks. There were a lot of children and youth at this church as well. Chris brought the greetings from Countryside and Julie brought greetings from Mountain. Tom did the communion meditation.
After church we met at the hotel with five pastors who have been working to establish churches in Bhopal. Pradeep Luther just got out out the hospital after a bout with malaria, but was eager to share the work he's doing. 90 percent of his church are former Hindus who have seen the light of Jesus. His wife Lena was a member of a Brahman family -- the highest caste. Her influence is significant. Others are working among the very poor -- "rat pickers" and street people. One young man, Shailendra Ladge, has been working among street performers and the extremely downtrodden. We are grateful to God for these who being the hands and feet of Jesus. Mountain is excited to be partnering with CICM to plant churches in this area.
We are aboard a fast moving train -- about 6 hours to Agra where we will spend the night. Our mission work on this trip is largely completed -- except for the other opportunities the to be a witness the Lord opens in the final travel days.
As we prepare to head home after some sight seeing and shopping, we are all struggling to process all we have seen, seeking to understand how God is wanting to change us. Know that we are mindful of you, our friends and family, and eager to share with you in person very soon.
Ben and Stephanie for the team
Greetings In Christ from Bhopal (Ben - Sunday)
“We have seen first hand the power of genuine fellowship -- relationships that really do matter, sometimes a matter of life and death. We are encouraged by the desire of our Indian Christian brothers and sisters to connect and be the truest friends to one another. We are "friending" the believers on Bhopal who are reaching out to this huge city with the good news of Jesus. Central India Chr Misn will help supply preachers and the churches will begin the studies and outreaches ... And we [Mountain] will partner to help provide some support for church leaders and other resources needed to get hopefully five more churches planted here. When we went to church this morning most of us had never met these brothers and sisters. Yet we embraced like family. We live 10 000 miles apart -- yet our hearts are knit into one fabric through Jesus. Please convey our love to the Mountain family, and bring greetings from Christ Church and Bhopal Christian Church where we are worshiping / preaching today.”
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Made it to Bhopal (India team - Ben)
After rides on an elephant and packing everything up we left our dear friends in damoh at the cicm compound -- leaving parts of our hearts with the children at the childrens home and with the incredible pastors and staff we came to respect and love.
With many staff for support and smooth guidance we were accompanied to the train station. A 5 hour train ride across amazing India took us from Damoh to Bhopal today. Seeing the rural villages and poverty helps fill out the picture of the need and opportunity for the gospel here. About 75 percent of India lives on less than one dollar a day -- and we saw some of these today. Millions of the 1.2 billion in this country live in large cities -- but 80 percent live in one of the 600,000 villages. The train took us thru some of these villages today. [edit] It was a 5 hour ride. Many sites and pics out the window.
In the midst of chaotic crowds at the train station, warm smiling faces of Christians from the churches greeted us. Givan, one of our Indian brothers says, "Do you notice the way Christians have the love of Jesus in them?". We certainly did. Once again we were greeted with flower garland necklaces and hugs.
Taxi ride with Muslim driver thru crazy roads and past dozens of Hindu shrines -- day 8 of 9 day festival about to climax -- and amidst Muslim calls to prayer. We arrived at Jehan Numa Palace -- an Arabic word meaning Heavenly Palace. It is a nice place. We reconnected with Phil and Chris who came earlier to spend time with the church friends they have supported in Bhopal.
We enjoyed a nice dinner buffet -- rice and multiple incarnations of chicken -- and a brief meeting and now off to bed.
We were all worried about Tom who was not feeling well at all but now is seeming to be recovering. A rough night for him and long day today. Now Fiona continues to feel bad and Chris has a bit of a sore throat. Fred is feeling better. Glynn is a bit feverish and weak -- but was able to eat several desserts tonight. Not sure who all else is feeling puny. We are grateful for God's provision of health to our team so far despite some illness
Tomorrow we will go to two separate churches here in Bhopal. I will preach at Christ Church -- an -Industrial church and Phil Smith will preach at Bhopal Chrn Church. Then are scheduled to meet with several ministers and church leaders for lunch and encouragement. Then check out and board a high speed train for 6 hour ride to Agra.
Outside our hotel window we can hear the loud, incessant music blaring from the shrines and temples, worshiping the goddess Durga, a goddess they turn to in hopes of gaining power. Her likeness is seen in shrines -- she is one [edit] with 6 arms, riding a tiger -- the shrines are like booths or sometimes large buildings lit up with spotlights and strings of lights -- all over the city. But tomorrow we will pass through the crowds and thousands of worshipers to join a strong group of devoted disciples who have found the joy and peace and hope of Jesus -- and who are living faithfully for His glory in this place where less than one percent profess His name. We are repeatedly told how our presence encourages them -- and we know that their lives encourage us! We pray you will also find encouragement through the fellowship of believers where you are this Lord's Day. We are living in His presence and pray for the Spirit to be with you as well.
Peace of Christ,
Ben and India team
With many staff for support and smooth guidance we were accompanied to the train station. A 5 hour train ride across amazing India took us from Damoh to Bhopal today. Seeing the rural villages and poverty helps fill out the picture of the need and opportunity for the gospel here. About 75 percent of India lives on less than one dollar a day -- and we saw some of these today. Millions of the 1.2 billion in this country live in large cities -- but 80 percent live in one of the 600,000 villages. The train took us thru some of these villages today. [edit] It was a 5 hour ride. Many sites and pics out the window.
In the midst of chaotic crowds at the train station, warm smiling faces of Christians from the churches greeted us. Givan, one of our Indian brothers says, "Do you notice the way Christians have the love of Jesus in them?". We certainly did. Once again we were greeted with flower garland necklaces and hugs.
Taxi ride with Muslim driver thru crazy roads and past dozens of Hindu shrines -- day 8 of 9 day festival about to climax -- and amidst Muslim calls to prayer. We arrived at Jehan Numa Palace -- an Arabic word meaning Heavenly Palace. It is a nice place. We reconnected with Phil and Chris who came earlier to spend time with the church friends they have supported in Bhopal.
We enjoyed a nice dinner buffet -- rice and multiple incarnations of chicken -- and a brief meeting and now off to bed.
We were all worried about Tom who was not feeling well at all but now is seeming to be recovering. A rough night for him and long day today. Now Fiona continues to feel bad and Chris has a bit of a sore throat. Fred is feeling better. Glynn is a bit feverish and weak -- but was able to eat several desserts tonight. Not sure who all else is feeling puny. We are grateful for God's provision of health to our team so far despite some illness
Tomorrow we will go to two separate churches here in Bhopal. I will preach at Christ Church -- an -Industrial church and Phil Smith will preach at Bhopal Chrn Church. Then are scheduled to meet with several ministers and church leaders for lunch and encouragement. Then check out and board a high speed train for 6 hour ride to Agra.
Outside our hotel window we can hear the loud, incessant music blaring from the shrines and temples, worshiping the goddess Durga, a goddess they turn to in hopes of gaining power. Her likeness is seen in shrines -- she is one [edit] with 6 arms, riding a tiger -- the shrines are like booths or sometimes large buildings lit up with spotlights and strings of lights -- all over the city. But tomorrow we will pass through the crowds and thousands of worshipers to join a strong group of devoted disciples who have found the joy and peace and hope of Jesus -- and who are living faithfully for His glory in this place where less than one percent profess His name. We are repeatedly told how our presence encourages them -- and we know that their lives encourage us! We pray you will also find encouragement through the fellowship of believers where you are this Lord's Day. We are living in His presence and pray for the Spirit to be with you as well.
Peace of Christ,
Ben and India team
Friday, September 25, 2009
from the (India) team (Stephanie H)
Jamisiki!
We have just finished our last full day in Damoh. We spent the part of the morning learning about the church planting efforts of CICM and hearing about the work going on at the
We were blessed to be hosted for lunch at the home of Ajai and Indu--what a treat to see where they come to rest and be refreshed.
The nursing college graduation ceremony was this evening--Glynn and Pat were the most honored guests and we all got a kick out of seeing them in robes on the stage giving and recieving honor! Stephanie gave the graduation address and Emilee gave the charge to the first year students in the lamp lighting ceremony. It was a very beautiful, meaningful evening at CICM.
We have a HUGE prayer request: several of our team members are showing signs of illness, mostly sore throats, congestion and upper respiratory stuff. We have already given most of our meds to the mission hospital, but Glynn has some in a personal stash and is treating accordingly. We have 4 more days left in
We have a full travel day tomorrow with late arrival in
Blessings to our sweet families and friends! Jamisiki!
Stephanie (Harkins) for the team
Visit at Mission Hospital (Kevin S)
We were definitely excited to be at the
Overall, this was truly another great and blessed experience that we had on our last clinic day for this mission trip. The people at the hospital and even at the other clinics were so appreciative and we were/are so blessed to be able to serve in this capacity. I thank God daily for providing me this opportunity of a lifetime . What a wonderful experience. Thank you Mountain Christian Church for allowing me to be apart of this team and to serve in different capacity that was not always comfortable.
In His Service,
Kevin Smallwood
Leader Seminar - day 2 (Paul H)
Today was the second day of the CICM Conference for the local pastors. The first session of the day was led by Ben. Ben talked about being content in our circumstances because Jesus is the source of contentment in our lives. We must rejoice in the Lord always because our joy comes from Christ. There is peace in our lives because Jesus provides us with that peace.
The second session was led by Paul on bi-vocational ministry. This session dealt with taking Christ to people through our vocation which allows us to enter areas that might not be reached through normal missionary efforts.
The third session was led by Rob. Rob led the group through the progression of Christianity as it is recorded in the book of Acts. Even though under persecution the gospel is forcefully advancing and is being added to everyday. The book of Acts is a story still being written today.
The fourth session of the day was led by Phil who touched on as leaders we must be examples to those we lead. Our lives represent Christ and we must therefore we must live our life as Christ did.
The fifth session was led by Chris who taught on being a servant leader. He illustrated this through and object lesson foot washing where he washed on of the Indian pastors feet.
Prior to the final session of the day Ajai had all of the senior pastors come to the stage and lay hands on all of us and pray for us. It was a powerful time to be so blessed by our Indian brothers.
The final and closing session of the Conference was led by Ben. Ben’s message rounded out the session with the charge to go out with a mighty force being filled up and recharged. The word for go in Hindi is “CELLO” (which is pronounced chello). CELLO - CELLO - CELLO take the good news of the gospel to the world!
The final day of the session was closed out with Ben, Rob, Tom, Phil, Chris, Greg, and Paul, walking though the seated 400 plus pastor’s laying hands on them and praying over them.
What a powerful conference this was to see over 400 pastors charged up and ready to go back out into India ready to fight the enemy that is so visible in this land.
Paul HarkinsThursday, September 24, 2009
Day 1 of Seminar, India Team (Ben)
While our medical and dental types were in Kansa conducting a medical clinic for nomadic people from the villages, the rest of our team had the high honor of leading a Church Leadership Seminar. It’s hard to create the right picture in your mind of the eager desire and awe-inspiring conviction of these pastors and church leaders as they pack into the chapel for 8 hours of teaching and feeding. They drink up every word – through a translator – and happily greet us with appreciation and have made us very happy by telling us we are helping them That’s the whole point of course. We’re to encourage these heroes of the faith, and to come alongside these leaders who are in the trenches all over
Today more than 400 church leaders from all over
Sanjay is a minister who serves 4 rural churches among fairly primitive people. Others from
Ben began the morning by encouraging them to see that whatever they have in their hand, God can use it.
Other highlights include Paul, Fred, and Julie milking a water buffalo. Paul apparently hasn’t lost his touch. It was udderly enjoyable for him.
Chris and Ben played more football (soccer) with the kids before dinner. The kids are so beautiful and each one has a story – formerly horrific – but now, they are full of life and joy, the light in their eyes a reflection of the love of Jesus they have received through so many. Rescued. Redeemed. Alive. In fact, that’s how all the preachers strike us, too. Rescued, redeemed, and so happy to be alive in Christ. So much so, that they would devote their lives to a diffiult task of preaching the good news of liberation. They have beautiful feet.
We hope our words will encourage more to see how the power of the gospel breaks down the dividing wall of hostility that has kept the effects of caste system in place for so long. Christians are one, but the lingering influence of the caste system distinctions are very difficult to overcome. So we can be encouraging and praying for this, even as we think about the many ways we need to see the good news of Jesus take our own fellowship BEYOND racial and socio-economic zones in
Join us in praying that we will be an encouragement to these brothers and sisters. They are precious to us. As are all ya’ll who would take the time to read this and attempt to experience some of this with us.
Ben for the
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Medical clinic (India team - Stephanie H)
Our medical team has just returned from the Kansa rural clinic where we saw over 300 + nomadic people. Women were dressed in such bright colors, bangles on their upper arms, wrists and ankles and had full nose and ear rings. We were greeted with many leis (again) and we were joined today by students from the nursing school working as translators and running the pharmacy.
The clinic is normally open everyday-the doctor only has about 15 patients/day, but the people heard that American docs were coming and the word must have spread!
Lots of ear infections,scabies,skin infections and joint pains. Fiona worked in the pharmacy and learned that if the patient did not get a "syrup"they didn't think they were getting "real medicine"! Glynn said in Africa they want a needle for "real medicine".
There was an Indian OB/GYN seeing the women while Glynn,Jason and Kevin saw the men.There were several cases of malaria, some requiring IV's.The kids were in the worst shape that we have seen yet. A good part of the morning was spent with a 3 year old little boy with a puncture wound in his heel.
It was VERY infected, starting to spread all over his foot and he had a fever. I (Stephanie)took he and his father to work on his foot....soaked it in peroxide and betadine, put on bacitracin and bandaged it with gauze and a good strong ace wrap ...I told his father that he had to get the boy to the CICM hospital in Damoh in 2 days..his son is very sick and could lose his foot. (He will need IV
antibiotics) When I told them they could leave, his father dropped to the ground and started kissing my shoes! I did so little, but they have nothing so everything is appreciated! I told him it was all for Jesus,
Fred and Julie saw about 15 dental patients-10 extractions, one lady came back 3 times to have 3 teeth pulled! We lost electric about 2 hours into the clinic so patients were seen in dark rooms with flashlights when needed-Fred and Julie didn't even have a window!
The people are all very stoic and not too much expression one way or the other.
Tomorrow we will be working at the CICM hospital , Emilee and Stephanie will be teaching in the nursing school. Long, hot days....but really good days!
Stephanie Harkins
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not fear
though our world should change.
Psalm 46:1-2
The clinic is normally open everyday-the doctor only has about 15 patients/day, but the people heard that American docs were coming and the word must have spread!
Lots of ear infections,scabies,skin infections and joint pains. Fiona worked in the pharmacy and learned that if the patient did not get a "syrup"they didn't think they were getting "real medicine"! Glynn said in Africa they want a needle for "real medicine".
There was an Indian OB/GYN seeing the women while Glynn,Jason and Kevin saw the men.There were several cases of malaria, some requiring IV's.The kids were in the worst shape that we have seen yet. A good part of the morning was spent with a 3 year old little boy with a puncture wound in his heel.
It was VERY infected, starting to spread all over his foot and he had a fever. I (Stephanie)took he and his father to work on his foot....soaked it in peroxide and betadine, put on bacitracin and bandaged it with gauze and a good strong ace wrap ...I told his father that he had to get the boy to the CICM hospital in Damoh in 2 days..his son is very sick and could lose his foot. (He will need IV
antibiotics) When I told them they could leave, his father dropped to the ground and started kissing my shoes! I did so little, but they have nothing so everything is appreciated! I told him it was all for Jesus,
Fred and Julie saw about 15 dental patients-10 extractions, one lady came back 3 times to have 3 teeth pulled! We lost electric about 2 hours into the clinic so patients were seen in dark rooms with flashlights when needed-Fred and Julie didn't even have a window!
The people are all very stoic and not too much expression one way or the other.
Tomorrow we will be working at the CICM hospital , Emilee and Stephanie will be teaching in the nursing school. Long, hot days....but really good days!
Stephanie Harkins
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not fear
though our world should change.
Psalm 46:1-2
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
India team update (Ben)
Greetings from India,
Today was a hinge day. We closed out the Delhi portion of our trip and spent the day in travel to Damoh. Delhi is in the middle of the country, eastern side, and Damoh is further East. We have been in urban settings, amidst heavy traffic in the middle of 25 million people in greater Delhi area. Now we will be based for the next 5 nights out of the Central India Christian Mission headquarters.
Instead of the 13 hour train ride, we flew. At the Delhi airport we congratulated our expert bus driver and prayed for him. He and the buddy who went everywhere with us are rather like heroes to us. Everyone was pretty amazed at the places he could get that bus. Our bus driver was constantly accompanied by some other fellow who sat in the passenger “shot gun” seat in the “cock pit” area – separated by glass. His job was to stick his head out the window and help navigate and tell the driver how many inches he had for clearance, and when people were coming and going in places the driver couldn’t see. Like the man with one leg who crab walked through the cars begging when we were stopped at an intersection – stopping directly in front of the bus. I thought for sure we would flatten him but the look out dude shooed him out of the way in time. On the window are the pictures of two different Hindu gods – one of them Durga, a particular favorite of the locals – with her six arms, and some other lady goddess with an elephant head. Not very attractive for goddesses really, but apparently pretty good at making a huge bus navigate traffic fairly well. The whole driving experience defies description. It’s a game of inches – constantly. Narrow, bumpy roads with constant passing and swerving and no real attention to any lanes, incessant honking. One huge difference between the US and India. Here honking your horn means, “I’m here – I’m passing you now, give a little, there’s room for one more in this tiny road.” In America, of course, laying on the horn means something more like, “GET OUT OF MY WAY, YOU IDIOT!”
I’ve been reading recently that the town officials in Bel Air have recently found it necessary to outlaw public urination. Apparently the bar crowd had no place “to go” late at night down town. If that law was in effect in India, and I could collect a nice fine for every public pee-er I have seen, I would have a steady and decent income. I believe Emily and I were the only ones to witness a female taking care of business by the side of the road.
Anyway – we prayed with our drivers and went into the Delhi airport to wait through a few delays and finally boarded a smallish plane (seating was 2 and 2 – turbo prop). A couple hour flight to Jabalpur. Ate some hot beans and corn, sandwich with some potato like stuff in it, and chocolate pudding of some sort.
We were welcomed once again with very nice leis at the airport by Ajai and a team of CICM staffers. We boarded a small bus and two or three other vehicles for the drive to Damoh – but not before stopping for a very nice Indian lunch at a restaurant on the way. The doorman out front had a big turban thingy on his head and looked like he should have had a huge sword. I will explain the food some other time, but every meal is finished off with anise and sugar crystals that remind me of rock candy. Mixing a few of each together in your hand makes for a very nice after dinner mint.
Tom and I rode with Ajai and his friend and co-worker of 25 years, Frank. Two things struck me so vividly. One is the striking difference in the land in this rural area compared to the city. Goats and dogs and lots of women carrying huge bundles on their heads and a lot of poor people by the road – and swarms of people going – where? Home after work in the fields I guess. The fields and country side are verdant and lush, but only for a while longer as we are at the end of monsoon season (normally they like to get about 40 some inches of rain and this year only received 24 so it will be a dry summer). Lots of cows in the road. It is true about the whole “holy cow” thing. They go where they want to go. The only way to get beef is to buy it on the black market from some Muslim who slaughters cows. The Hindus are trying to pass a law in this state that would make killing a cow a crime punishable with life in prison. Right now it’s only three years. Holy cow. The cows are believed to be chosen transportation vehicle of the gods (not very efficient!). They are also the giver of life with the milk they provide and the plows they pull. They also may be Aunt Bertha reincarnated, so you better be careful to treat them well. Despite all this, our driver Frank had to bump one with the car a time or two to get the herd out of the way so we could get through. Jabalpur is about 1.5 Million people. I had never HEARD of it. There are countless cities like Jabalpur in India – of a million or more. There are 1.2 BILLION people here. Less than 1% are believers in Jesus Christ. Every town we passed through had many shrines, statues, and images of gods and little worship areas by the side of the road. At one point we were stopped by some folks in the road who were trying to take money from every passing motorist for a big Hindu celebration in honor of some god or other – Ajai explained we would not be making any donations – and after some rather stern Hindi exchanges – they finally moved their blockade and let us pass.
The other thing that impressed me though is the way God is moving in India. Ajai is tremendous at telling stories of God’s greatness and the rather striking ways that the name of Jesus is being made known in Hindu culture. There are many open doors. God is certainly using Ajai. We will try to recount these another time. There are such tremendous opportunities. There is a seismic shift taking place in Hindu culture as the next generation is resistant to accept the caste system as it plays out in culture, and as the lower castes are figuring out that they should band together and stop settling for being treated like animals, since they compose 80% of the population. The good news of Jesus is powerfully liberating for someone of the lower caste – and there are exciting tales of thousands becoming followers of Christ – shepherds by the thousands, who are being told they are in Christ, like Brahman – the highest priestly class – because in Christ all are priests and children of God, and he has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Shepherds are blessed recipients of the good news of great joy and were also among the first tellers of the news and sharers of Jesus’ importance – and this message is taking root among the shepherds – the lowest, dirtiest caste of India – and thousands have become Christians – having never heard of Jesus before. Ajai has been important in this ministry. There are other groups tired of the traditional Hindu system and its dependency on the caste system – and it is creating spiritual opportunities and openness. The Muslims will step into this void and openness if no one else will. Many have never heard of the name of Jesus. The greatest need we have seen thus far is the need for preachers - -tellers of the good news – how will they hear if no one tells them and if no one is sent? We appreciate the ones here doing this good work. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.
We finally arrived at the mission compound in Damoh. The welcome by the children of the orphanage was heart warming and overwhelming. The children, many of whom were literally pulled out of terrible situations – are bright, smiley, intelligent and each one greeted us again with colorful leis and happy greetings, with British/Indian like questions, “What is your name?” “So nice to meet you.” “Thank you for coming!” I’ve got some video of this fun time.
Some of us are staying in the new building which I think is where the children are, too. Others of us are a bit of a distance away – maybe like a block away, I’m not sure – at a guest house. I don’t even know who is where. I am spoiled with a very nice place.
We had a nice dinner prepared by Indu – fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and veggies and a pile of desserts like banana bread and brownies – trying her darndest to give us some American food.
We’ve enjoyed getting to know Josh, a super impressive and bright young 23 year old who married Lashi, Lall’s daughter, and who lives here now and works with the mission. He went to Ozark and St. Louis Christian College – met Lashi when he was doing an internship with Good News Productions. A great guy. We hope to encourage him while we are here. They have a 3 month old – Ajai and Indus’s first grandchild.
They have another daughter who has been in Grand Rapids and is married to a guy who will be leading a mission group and moving to Cambodia soon. Their last child I will tell you about some other time – a four year old they adopted – named Sarika – rescued and now loved. She is beautiful and bright.
After dinner we figured out who will be teaching what at the seminar. Ajai says there will be up to 400 preachers visiting us from all over India for our two day seminar. The tapes from them will be sent to 2000 more. Our medical team will assist the team of nurses and docs here and at a nearby location.
We had team time and Jason led us in thinking about Isaiah 49 and how important it is to know the purpose God has for our life, and the importance of first time obedience when he calls us.
Tomorrow we will get better acquainted with the mission and its fruit. Looking forward to a game of soccer with some kids. I am ready for some exercise.
We miss Jim Nold and wish he could be with us.
We are being served so nicely – we hope to serve back so that the net effect of our being here deeply encourages those who are serving the Lord so faithfully here.
Plenty more to report, but all for now. I am on for devotions in the morning. Doctors and nurses will be there – some of whom are not Believers – so will try to come up with something from Doctor Luke for us all to consider. God will have to make that clear in the next little while.
Ben and Team
Today was a hinge day. We closed out the Delhi portion of our trip and spent the day in travel to Damoh. Delhi is in the middle of the country, eastern side, and Damoh is further East. We have been in urban settings, amidst heavy traffic in the middle of 25 million people in greater Delhi area. Now we will be based for the next 5 nights out of the Central India Christian Mission headquarters.
Instead of the 13 hour train ride, we flew. At the Delhi airport we congratulated our expert bus driver and prayed for him. He and the buddy who went everywhere with us are rather like heroes to us. Everyone was pretty amazed at the places he could get that bus. Our bus driver was constantly accompanied by some other fellow who sat in the passenger “shot gun” seat in the “cock pit” area – separated by glass. His job was to stick his head out the window and help navigate and tell the driver how many inches he had for clearance, and when people were coming and going in places the driver couldn’t see. Like the man with one leg who crab walked through the cars begging when we were stopped at an intersection – stopping directly in front of the bus. I thought for sure we would flatten him but the look out dude shooed him out of the way in time. On the window are the pictures of two different Hindu gods – one of them Durga, a particular favorite of the locals – with her six arms, and some other lady goddess with an elephant head. Not very attractive for goddesses really, but apparently pretty good at making a huge bus navigate traffic fairly well. The whole driving experience defies description. It’s a game of inches – constantly. Narrow, bumpy roads with constant passing and swerving and no real attention to any lanes, incessant honking. One huge difference between the US and India. Here honking your horn means, “I’m here – I’m passing you now, give a little, there’s room for one more in this tiny road.” In America, of course, laying on the horn means something more like, “GET OUT OF MY WAY, YOU IDIOT!”
I’ve been reading recently that the town officials in Bel Air have recently found it necessary to outlaw public urination. Apparently the bar crowd had no place “to go” late at night down town. If that law was in effect in India, and I could collect a nice fine for every public pee-er I have seen, I would have a steady and decent income. I believe Emily and I were the only ones to witness a female taking care of business by the side of the road.
Anyway – we prayed with our drivers and went into the Delhi airport to wait through a few delays and finally boarded a smallish plane (seating was 2 and 2 – turbo prop). A couple hour flight to Jabalpur. Ate some hot beans and corn, sandwich with some potato like stuff in it, and chocolate pudding of some sort.
We were welcomed once again with very nice leis at the airport by Ajai and a team of CICM staffers. We boarded a small bus and two or three other vehicles for the drive to Damoh – but not before stopping for a very nice Indian lunch at a restaurant on the way. The doorman out front had a big turban thingy on his head and looked like he should have had a huge sword. I will explain the food some other time, but every meal is finished off with anise and sugar crystals that remind me of rock candy. Mixing a few of each together in your hand makes for a very nice after dinner mint.
Tom and I rode with Ajai and his friend and co-worker of 25 years, Frank. Two things struck me so vividly. One is the striking difference in the land in this rural area compared to the city. Goats and dogs and lots of women carrying huge bundles on their heads and a lot of poor people by the road – and swarms of people going – where? Home after work in the fields I guess. The fields and country side are verdant and lush, but only for a while longer as we are at the end of monsoon season (normally they like to get about 40 some inches of rain and this year only received 24 so it will be a dry summer). Lots of cows in the road. It is true about the whole “holy cow” thing. They go where they want to go. The only way to get beef is to buy it on the black market from some Muslim who slaughters cows. The Hindus are trying to pass a law in this state that would make killing a cow a crime punishable with life in prison. Right now it’s only three years. Holy cow. The cows are believed to be chosen transportation vehicle of the gods (not very efficient!). They are also the giver of life with the milk they provide and the plows they pull. They also may be Aunt Bertha reincarnated, so you better be careful to treat them well. Despite all this, our driver Frank had to bump one with the car a time or two to get the herd out of the way so we could get through. Jabalpur is about 1.5 Million people. I had never HEARD of it. There are countless cities like Jabalpur in India – of a million or more. There are 1.2 BILLION people here. Less than 1% are believers in Jesus Christ. Every town we passed through had many shrines, statues, and images of gods and little worship areas by the side of the road. At one point we were stopped by some folks in the road who were trying to take money from every passing motorist for a big Hindu celebration in honor of some god or other – Ajai explained we would not be making any donations – and after some rather stern Hindi exchanges – they finally moved their blockade and let us pass.
The other thing that impressed me though is the way God is moving in India. Ajai is tremendous at telling stories of God’s greatness and the rather striking ways that the name of Jesus is being made known in Hindu culture. There are many open doors. God is certainly using Ajai. We will try to recount these another time. There are such tremendous opportunities. There is a seismic shift taking place in Hindu culture as the next generation is resistant to accept the caste system as it plays out in culture, and as the lower castes are figuring out that they should band together and stop settling for being treated like animals, since they compose 80% of the population. The good news of Jesus is powerfully liberating for someone of the lower caste – and there are exciting tales of thousands becoming followers of Christ – shepherds by the thousands, who are being told they are in Christ, like Brahman – the highest priestly class – because in Christ all are priests and children of God, and he has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Shepherds are blessed recipients of the good news of great joy and were also among the first tellers of the news and sharers of Jesus’ importance – and this message is taking root among the shepherds – the lowest, dirtiest caste of India – and thousands have become Christians – having never heard of Jesus before. Ajai has been important in this ministry. There are other groups tired of the traditional Hindu system and its dependency on the caste system – and it is creating spiritual opportunities and openness. The Muslims will step into this void and openness if no one else will. Many have never heard of the name of Jesus. The greatest need we have seen thus far is the need for preachers - -tellers of the good news – how will they hear if no one tells them and if no one is sent? We appreciate the ones here doing this good work. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.
We finally arrived at the mission compound in Damoh. The welcome by the children of the orphanage was heart warming and overwhelming. The children, many of whom were literally pulled out of terrible situations – are bright, smiley, intelligent and each one greeted us again with colorful leis and happy greetings, with British/Indian like questions, “What is your name?” “So nice to meet you.” “Thank you for coming!” I’ve got some video of this fun time.
Some of us are staying in the new building which I think is where the children are, too. Others of us are a bit of a distance away – maybe like a block away, I’m not sure – at a guest house. I don’t even know who is where. I am spoiled with a very nice place.
We had a nice dinner prepared by Indu – fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and veggies and a pile of desserts like banana bread and brownies – trying her darndest to give us some American food.
We’ve enjoyed getting to know Josh, a super impressive and bright young 23 year old who married Lashi, Lall’s daughter, and who lives here now and works with the mission. He went to Ozark and St. Louis Christian College – met Lashi when he was doing an internship with Good News Productions. A great guy. We hope to encourage him while we are here. They have a 3 month old – Ajai and Indus’s first grandchild.
They have another daughter who has been in Grand Rapids and is married to a guy who will be leading a mission group and moving to Cambodia soon. Their last child I will tell you about some other time – a four year old they adopted – named Sarika – rescued and now loved. She is beautiful and bright.
After dinner we figured out who will be teaching what at the seminar. Ajai says there will be up to 400 preachers visiting us from all over India for our two day seminar. The tapes from them will be sent to 2000 more. Our medical team will assist the team of nurses and docs here and at a nearby location.
We had team time and Jason led us in thinking about Isaiah 49 and how important it is to know the purpose God has for our life, and the importance of first time obedience when he calls us.
Tomorrow we will get better acquainted with the mission and its fruit. Looking forward to a game of soccer with some kids. I am ready for some exercise.
We miss Jim Nold and wish he could be with us.
We are being served so nicely – we hope to serve back so that the net effect of our being here deeply encourages those who are serving the Lord so faithfully here.
Plenty more to report, but all for now. I am on for devotions in the morning. Doctors and nurses will be there – some of whom are not Believers – so will try to come up with something from Doctor Luke for us all to consider. God will have to make that clear in the next little while.
Ben and Team
India - Tuesday, September 22 (Rob)
Dear Friends,
It has been an incredibly rich, but very hot and humid, day today. The heat, humidity and full schedule are having a tiring effect on all of us but experiencing firsthand what God is doing in this place is renewing our energy and our spirits. We are humbled to be hosted by such amazing Kingdom servants.
This morning, we ate breakfast and gathered with the staff, Bible College students and Nursing School students and hospital staff for Devotions. Normally they meet separately for devotions but came together so we could join them. (Wait until you see footage of the "dancing nurses.")
We then visited several areas of ministry here at CICM. We began with Dr. Indu Lall (the boss according to Ajai. He says he practices Indu-ism). As we entered her office, we were immediately were drawn to one entire wall covered in photos of children. CICM has a child sponsorship program that provides for 3000 children (although roughly 200 still lack sponsors). These children are cared for through the churches in 12 states and 3 other countries. It includes 700 kids that have been rescued from slavery. Parents can't afford to feed their children so rather than watch them starve to death they sell them into slavery.
Through this program at CICM, 168 of the children through the 25 year history have become pastors and 4 are currently enrolled in the Bible Academy. One young man, Tiharu, was rescued from slavery and is now an evangelist who has started three churches and baptized many.
Indu also oversees a food distribution program for local children. Basically, she provides 2 kilos of rice meal for 185 families each week. This amount of food won't feed them for a week but it provides assistance. They also give the children vitamin A and other vitamin supplements. Indu uses food distribution as another opportunity to share the gospel and teach children Scripture.
After 25 years, Indu is still so passionate about her ministry to these kids. Just to put it in context, there are more children in India under the age of 14 than the entire population of the United States. She said, “we are not building Taj Mahals, we are building lives”.
We also visited the Nursing College where the Principal and Assistant Principal gave us a tour. There are over 100 nursing students currently. Second year and fourth year students spend time serving villages in the region. Fourth year students spend a month there providing medical care to the village residents. As large as the Indian cities are (millions), 70% of the population lives in 600,000 villages.
Daniel, and his wife Mona oversee the publications department. CICM is the largest publisher of Christian materials in all of India. Over the past 17 years they have published 38 titles in Hindi. Their magazine is distributed to 183 cities and is read by over 5000 readers. They told us of one people group in central India known as the Bundeli people. There are 28 million Bundeli people with no Bible translated in their language. (India has 18 recognized official languages.) CICM just finished a translation in partnership with Pioneer Bible Translators which is nearing distribution.
We are staying in the CICM children's home which currently houses 70 children, who are the most precious children. We have played with them and listened to them singing and seen huge smiles that overwhelm even the darkness in their past. These kids are infants through eleven years of age currently. Most of the kids are orphans or were abandoned at birth on the streets or at the hospital. As we met these kids, they stole our hearts. One little girl Rya was found in a bag on the side of the road. Her cord was still attached which led to a terrible infection down into her intestines on top of low birth weight (less than 2 lbs), syphillis from her mother, and lots of other problems. The doctors said she won't live more than a couple of days. The picture of her when they found her and took her to the hospital are ghastly. But now through medical care, love, and most importantly God's grace, Rya is now three years old and running around with the other toddlers here at Bal Bhavan (children’s palace). 6-7 of the kids are children of CICM evangelists. When these guys go off into regions of intense persecution and they are told their children will be taken if they continue preaching there. They do whatever is necessary to provide safety for their kids and yet continue the work to which God has called them.
We also were privileged to meet 4 young women who are residents in a home that CICM now provides for unwed mothers (as young as 13) who were pursuing abortions but have consented to deliver their babies. Some of the women provided for in this way decide to keep their babies while others give them to the children’s home at CICM.
We also just finished spending some time with two snake charmers and their 8-10 cobras. Several of our team (Fred Parker, Tom Moen, and Patsy Wells) actually posed with cobras around their necks.
Thanks for bearing with my lengthy tome.
Another day of excitement tomorrow as the medical team heads out to a village for a clinic while the rest of us present ministry and leadership seminars for 400 pastors from all over India. Please continue to pray that God would work in us and through us.
Exhausted but with a full heart,
Rob and Team
It has been an incredibly rich, but very hot and humid, day today. The heat, humidity and full schedule are having a tiring effect on all of us but experiencing firsthand what God is doing in this place is renewing our energy and our spirits. We are humbled to be hosted by such amazing Kingdom servants.
This morning, we ate breakfast and gathered with the staff, Bible College students and Nursing School students and hospital staff for Devotions. Normally they meet separately for devotions but came together so we could join them. (Wait until you see footage of the "dancing nurses.")
We then visited several areas of ministry here at CICM. We began with Dr. Indu Lall (the boss according to Ajai. He says he practices Indu-ism). As we entered her office, we were immediately were drawn to one entire wall covered in photos of children. CICM has a child sponsorship program that provides for 3000 children (although roughly 200 still lack sponsors). These children are cared for through the churches in 12 states and 3 other countries. It includes 700 kids that have been rescued from slavery. Parents can't afford to feed their children so rather than watch them starve to death they sell them into slavery.
Through this program at CICM, 168 of the children through the 25 year history have become pastors and 4 are currently enrolled in the Bible Academy. One young man, Tiharu, was rescued from slavery and is now an evangelist who has started three churches and baptized many.
Indu also oversees a food distribution program for local children. Basically, she provides 2 kilos of rice meal for 185 families each week. This amount of food won't feed them for a week but it provides assistance. They also give the children vitamin A and other vitamin supplements. Indu uses food distribution as another opportunity to share the gospel and teach children Scripture.
After 25 years, Indu is still so passionate about her ministry to these kids. Just to put it in context, there are more children in India under the age of 14 than the entire population of the United States. She said, “we are not building Taj Mahals, we are building lives”.
We also visited the Nursing College where the Principal and Assistant Principal gave us a tour. There are over 100 nursing students currently. Second year and fourth year students spend time serving villages in the region. Fourth year students spend a month there providing medical care to the village residents. As large as the Indian cities are (millions), 70% of the population lives in 600,000 villages.
Daniel, and his wife Mona oversee the publications department. CICM is the largest publisher of Christian materials in all of India. Over the past 17 years they have published 38 titles in Hindi. Their magazine is distributed to 183 cities and is read by over 5000 readers. They told us of one people group in central India known as the Bundeli people. There are 28 million Bundeli people with no Bible translated in their language. (India has 18 recognized official languages.) CICM just finished a translation in partnership with Pioneer Bible Translators which is nearing distribution.
We are staying in the CICM children's home which currently houses 70 children, who are the most precious children. We have played with them and listened to them singing and seen huge smiles that overwhelm even the darkness in their past. These kids are infants through eleven years of age currently. Most of the kids are orphans or were abandoned at birth on the streets or at the hospital. As we met these kids, they stole our hearts. One little girl Rya was found in a bag on the side of the road. Her cord was still attached which led to a terrible infection down into her intestines on top of low birth weight (less than 2 lbs), syphillis from her mother, and lots of other problems. The doctors said she won't live more than a couple of days. The picture of her when they found her and took her to the hospital are ghastly. But now through medical care, love, and most importantly God's grace, Rya is now three years old and running around with the other toddlers here at Bal Bhavan (children’s palace). 6-7 of the kids are children of CICM evangelists. When these guys go off into regions of intense persecution and they are told their children will be taken if they continue preaching there. They do whatever is necessary to provide safety for their kids and yet continue the work to which God has called them.
We also were privileged to meet 4 young women who are residents in a home that CICM now provides for unwed mothers (as young as 13) who were pursuing abortions but have consented to deliver their babies. Some of the women provided for in this way decide to keep their babies while others give them to the children’s home at CICM.
We also just finished spending some time with two snake charmers and their 8-10 cobras. Several of our team (Fred Parker, Tom Moen, and Patsy Wells) actually posed with cobras around their necks.
Thanks for bearing with my lengthy tome.
Another day of excitement tomorrow as the medical team heads out to a village for a clinic while the rest of us present ministry and leadership seminars for 400 pastors from all over India. Please continue to pray that God would work in us and through us.
Exhausted but with a full heart,
Rob and Team
Sunday, September 20, 2009
India Team Update...On Our Way Home
Received 9-19-09 9:13am EDT
We just finished our second medical camp. A remote village setting with half Hindus half Muslims. Lots of eager excited kids and adults pushing themselves in front of the line. Part way thru we heard a mob shouting loudly and after a few moments were able to figure out that Patsy was in the middle of the pack trying to hand out toothbrushes! She handled herself just fine.
Glynn was a bit sick at first so stayed on the bus for a while but was able to join us eventually. I did fluoride treatments again and Rob dealt drugs. We abruptly closed up shop (at 6 15 and boarded the bus to a crowd of friend waving and thanking. This is the part of "being Jesus" I had not expected. We will later meet with pastors for whom being like Jesus means risk, persecution and taking up a cross. Today we were Jesus' hands of healing compassion and enjoyed some of the gratitude of the people he surely experienced as well.
We are on the way home now -- a 3 hour bumpy honk filled bus ride. Our team is beat but upbeat and excited to be used. 10 teeth pulled, many meds and medical help and lots of smiles hugs and pictures with friends we only hope to see again thru the ministry of CICM's influence leading then to Christ.
Ben and Rob.
We just finished our second medical camp. A remote village setting with half Hindus half Muslims. Lots of eager excited kids and adults pushing themselves in front of the line. Part way thru we heard a mob shouting loudly and after a few moments were able to figure out that Patsy was in the middle of the pack trying to hand out toothbrushes! She handled herself just fine.
Glynn was a bit sick at first so stayed on the bus for a while but was able to join us eventually. I did fluoride treatments again and Rob dealt drugs. We abruptly closed up shop (at 6 15 and boarded the bus to a crowd of friend waving and thanking. This is the part of "being Jesus" I had not expected. We will later meet with pastors for whom being like Jesus means risk, persecution and taking up a cross. Today we were Jesus' hands of healing compassion and enjoyed some of the gratitude of the people he surely experienced as well.
We are on the way home now -- a 3 hour bumpy honk filled bus ride. Our team is beat but upbeat and excited to be used. 10 teeth pulled, many meds and medical help and lots of smiles hugs and pictures with friends we only hope to see again thru the ministry of CICM's influence leading then to Christ.
Ben and Rob.
India mission team "The Day Is Young"
Sent 9-18-09 5:04am
We rose early and after breakfast rode on our familiar bus for a 3 hour harrowing ride to Meerut, a bustling large city of 3.5 million. Our ride with constant honking and screeching brought us finally to a small storefront type place -- we went up a couple of flights and the sound of praise increased. Finally we joined M_ Christian Church in the midst of jubilant praise -- a welcome oasis of brothers and sisters in Jesus. They welcomed us warmly with orange leis and I was invited to bring greetings from Mountain and Countryside Christian churches but also from all their family in the Lord in the US. Brother Smith preached a good word about the compassion and healing of Jesus. I saw some our team members weeping for joy at the truth being told. The church was strong -- probably 250-300, lots of beautiful children, vibrant teenagers, some of whom played in the band (and one of the bongo kids had taped fingers just like Gary Tollenger!), and young men, elderly, too. The power only went out once so the overhead Casablanca fans were not off for long. After the service they lined us up front and all came to greet and touch and welcome and thank us. We were humbled and enjoyed this time very much. Few spoke English but we were communicating very well. We prayed with several and there will be some cool stories from this time of sharing. We hurried away in to a nearby school where we borrowed their pool for 6 baptisms. I will not soon forget the assertive manner in which the pastor dunked the people! One young boy about 13 was majorly apprehensive and resisted the baptism -- a minor struggle ensued. Finally the minister decided to let the boy dunk himself, which he mostly did -- but we are sure it "took" just the same and all the angels rejoiced with us by the pool today. Another young husband and his wife and child were baptized as well. As the pastor prayed the man had his hands outstretched to the sky and after the baptism he came out of the water and shouted the name above all names, "Jesus!”
We are at lunch now and the will hold another medical camp. Pray for Emily who has been awake since 2 AM (in fact pray for the people she treats too)
Big day ahead and then long drive home.
Ben and India team.
We rose early and after breakfast rode on our familiar bus for a 3 hour harrowing ride to Meerut, a bustling large city of 3.5 million. Our ride with constant honking and screeching brought us finally to a small storefront type place -- we went up a couple of flights and the sound of praise increased. Finally we joined M_ Christian Church in the midst of jubilant praise -- a welcome oasis of brothers and sisters in Jesus. They welcomed us warmly with orange leis and I was invited to bring greetings from Mountain and Countryside Christian churches but also from all their family in the Lord in the US. Brother Smith preached a good word about the compassion and healing of Jesus. I saw some our team members weeping for joy at the truth being told. The church was strong -- probably 250-300, lots of beautiful children, vibrant teenagers, some of whom played in the band (and one of the bongo kids had taped fingers just like Gary Tollenger!), and young men, elderly, too. The power only went out once so the overhead Casablanca fans were not off for long. After the service they lined us up front and all came to greet and touch and welcome and thank us. We were humbled and enjoyed this time very much. Few spoke English but we were communicating very well. We prayed with several and there will be some cool stories from this time of sharing. We hurried away in to a nearby school where we borrowed their pool for 6 baptisms. I will not soon forget the assertive manner in which the pastor dunked the people! One young boy about 13 was majorly apprehensive and resisted the baptism -- a minor struggle ensued. Finally the minister decided to let the boy dunk himself, which he mostly did -- but we are sure it "took" just the same and all the angels rejoiced with us by the pool today. Another young husband and his wife and child were baptized as well. As the pastor prayed the man had his hands outstretched to the sky and after the baptism he came out of the water and shouted the name above all names, "Jesus!”
We are at lunch now and the will hold another medical camp. Pray for Emily who has been awake since 2 AM (in fact pray for the people she treats too)
Big day ahead and then long drive home.
Ben and India team.
India team update - Fri 18 Sept PM US EDT
via Ben C email:
I'm on the bus and clicking out a quick update on the b berry.
After site seeing in the AM to get acclimated a bit, we headed to work. Just finished an intense and beautiful medical camp at a Burmese refugee camp in the city.
One small room -- meds, diagnosis, pulling teeth, all via translators. I applied fluoride with cotton swab to about 250 mouths. Rob fed meds and filled scripts, etc. They just kept coming. I kept looking out the door into the darkness of the narrow and busy street and word kept spreading and the tiny ones and families appeared. Small children moms and dads. Fred and Julie pulled teeth and helped out so much. The docs and nurses were awesome -- had a great experience. Stephanie was in her element. Tom preached first. The Indian docs were grateful. We did what we could. More could be done. Everyone made a great team together. Kevin says, "It was an awesome experience. It was fun!”
After the last tooth was pulled, we burst into the doxology as a way of thanking God for using us today. So many showed up with hurts, aches, pains and problems. If Jesus were there he would have just touched and healed as many as he could. In a way, he did.
Downtown Delhi is crazy!! The crowded streets and constant honking makes for zaniness. We are on our way to eat Indian food (@ 9:00 PM!) and to bed by midnight then leave tomorrow at 7 AM for another preaching meeting and medical clinic.
Namaste. Love to all from the India team. Ben
I'm on the bus and clicking out a quick update on the b berry.
After site seeing in the AM to get acclimated a bit, we headed to work. Just finished an intense and beautiful medical camp at a Burmese refugee camp in the city.
One small room -- meds, diagnosis, pulling teeth, all via translators. I applied fluoride with cotton swab to about 250 mouths. Rob fed meds and filled scripts, etc. They just kept coming. I kept looking out the door into the darkness of the narrow and busy street and word kept spreading and the tiny ones and families appeared. Small children moms and dads. Fred and Julie pulled teeth and helped out so much. The docs and nurses were awesome -- had a great experience. Stephanie was in her element. Tom preached first. The Indian docs were grateful. We did what we could. More could be done. Everyone made a great team together. Kevin says, "It was an awesome experience. It was fun!”
After the last tooth was pulled, we burst into the doxology as a way of thanking God for using us today. So many showed up with hurts, aches, pains and problems. If Jesus were there he would have just touched and healed as many as he could. In a way, he did.
Downtown Delhi is crazy!! The crowded streets and constant honking makes for zaniness. We are on our way to eat Indian food (@ 9:00 PM!) and to bed by midnight then leave tomorrow at 7 AM for another preaching meeting and medical clinic.
Namaste. Love to all from the India team. Ben
Friday, September 18, 2009
Prayers for India team
India Prayer Focus
Our goal… to be the very image of Christ in all we do while God works thru us to make more and better disciples.
The leaders of India would be open and respond to the promptings of God.
Give our leadership team wisdom & discernment
Communication would not be a barrier and that we would effectively communicate God’s word to all that we come in contact with throughout our trip.
God’s anointing on us- that God would use this experience to mould us and refine those areas in our lives that need changing furthering His transformation of our lives in Christ.
Smooth travel & physical protection enroute, while there & returning home. Spiritual protection; that God would bind Satan’s attempt to disrupt us. God would protect our families while we’re away.
Our team would quickly acclimate to the new environment and time change so we can be more effective and that God would prepare the hearts & minds of those we will encounter to be receptive to hear God speaking thru us.
God would make His will known to each of us each & every day we’re in India; that we would honor & glorify God in all that we think, say & do.
God’s anointing on each of us – to be Jesus to everyone we come in contact with and to use our gifts & talents; that we would be God’s servants to these people.
Unity of purpose & unity of execution (teamwork); that each of us would be flexible and seek God’s wisdom in dealing with unforeseen events.
We would leave those we encountered with a hunger & passion for Christ. That those teams following us would pick up where we left off in helping to spiritually feed the people of India.
To be the very image of Christ in all we do; that the Holy Spirit would reveal Christ thru us to those we come in contact with in ways that others have never seen and in such a way that we have never experienced.
[this is part of the prayer list the India team shared before they left]
Thursday, September 17, 2009
India team update - Thur 17 Sept afternoon US EDT
From Ben C "Thanks for continuing prayers. The India team arrived safely and have settled in for the night. We were warmly greeted by several staff from CICM and 3 pastors of churches in Delhi. We were all given beautiful flower leis. Tomorrow we provide a medical camp for Burmese refugees. The government caps the Burmese people at $15/month. After the clinic, we'll share together in worship with the Burmese church in Delhi. Off to bed now, ready for a big of day of seeing and serving Delhi."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
