Wondering if it is Worth the Fuss

Each table was decorated with excruciating details of every imaginable Christmas theme from whimsical to elegant and dramatic to simple. Over one hundred women calmed the chatter as the speaker took the podium. Leaning in she began, "Merry Christmas! It's CHRISTMAS! I refuse to say Happy Holidays!" She laughed and continued with her talk. To this day I have no clue what she said after that. I just remember being disappointed.

I wasn't overly puzzled. I had been hearing this for a year or two by then from several corners of my life. There was even a campaign to point out which businesses were not allowing their employees to greet customers with the old greeting of "Merry Christmas". Instead, there was a decision to include everyone by using the (also old) salutation of "Happy Holidays!"
My email box was full from those offended who sent lists of  companies that were using "Happy Holidays" in their advertising. We were told that as Christians we should boycott the stores. I heard from others how they would correct the clerk behind the counter who dared utter the wrong phrase.

Seriously, I pictured a young woman, on a winter break Christmas vacation from college, trying to make some book money being corrected by angry protesters for uttering words "Happy Holidays". "It's MERRY CHRISTMAS!" they would say with incredulity. As the innocent, once cheery, clerk counts back change into angry outstretched hand, I wonder what it really says to her. Does anyone think about what that does to the rest of her day?

To be sure, I do wonder why businesses see the need to protect customers from hearing "Merry Christmas". Sometimes I'm sure it's just an innocent choice and yes, political correctness can go to far. Do we really need to over correct? After all, it IS the holiday season. We are celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year as well as Hanukkah. Why not just expedite things and bless all of the holidays?

I believe you should shout the greeting you prefer. (I like "Happy Christmas". It sounds British and even a bit fancy if you have the accent.)

There is another beef some have spent their time on.  It's on using X in Xmas in place of (not opposed to) Christmas. R.C. Sproul does a better job than I do on educating others on the topic here.

So I wonder (out loud apparently), what's all the fuss? Why do we get offended? What am I missing? Can anyone really take the meaning of our own celebrations away? Is it okay to have preferences and refuse to get offended at every turn?

There are truly offensive stories we should be grabbing on to all year round. Causes that really need our attention and needs that could benefit by the raising or our voices lay silent while we debate over words spoken in the checkout like or painted on the sign of a store.

Let's get really angry about human trafficking. I want to scream about child abuse. Can we spend our time battling poverty with the money we aren't going to spend at the stores that offend us? How about volunteering at a local warming center? There are people freezing on our streets who don't care how you greet them. (Ours will be open all week here in our little burg. There is a small staff and they would be thrilled to have an hour of time to help make sandwiches to send off with the clients in the morning.)

Maybe it's my age, lack of sleep or I need a nap (I get a little fussy in the afternoon) but I couldn't stay quiet about the noise. Two friends posted similar discussions today while I was pondering this. I know I'm not alone.

Here are some links to turn our anger into righteous indignation:

Rescue Pink's mission is to bring an end to female infanticide in India through rescue, prevention and awareness.

Communities of Hope A school in Bubunza

Love 146 Fights human trafficking in the bravest of ways. 

Help One Now is committed to caring for orphans & vulnerable children by empowering & resourcing high-capacity local leaders in order to transform communities & break the cycle of extreme poverty.

Real Hope India Still has opportunities to sponsor children for their tribal Christmas.

If you have any suggestions or thoughts, leave them in the comments. My intention is not to embarrass or alienate but to make us all take a breath and think about how we can do things different and love each other better. It wasn't sparked by one person but a series of events over the years.

As Always,

Hope

What a Woman I've Never Met Taught Me

Last year The Coffee Guy took a trip of a lifetime to India. Anyone who followed the trip updates knows that within the first few days, hearts were already being changed. My husband was already taking in the beauty in India along with the contrast of life here in the US. The hearts of pastors in India may have been changing but the pastor I sent over allowed God to work in his heart as well. He taught pastors, visited tribal villages with those on the ground and preached church services.


One of the stories that moved both of us involved this young boy and his mother. It humbled me. It inspired me. It is still moving me.

This woman (I don't even know her name) brings her son to their place of worship. In this case it is a small house where they meet. He was born severely disabled and just that fact that she is still caring for him is a testimony of her love and devotion.

You see, it's rare to see a child with disabilities in India. From what I've been told, when a child is born with special needs, the child just "disappears" with no questions asked. They are not spoke of again.

If a woman chooses to keep her child, the husband will usually leave. He is then able to select another wife, the wife is seen as damaged goods and is not allowed to remarry. If she chooses her child, she chooses to be a sole caretaker of a child with multiple complicated needs.

This woman brought her young son to church, laid him on the floor among the rest of the worshipers and along with the child's grandmother, sought the Prince of Peace. She (like many others there) came for prayer, to sing praises and hear the Word of God preached. She found fellowship. In this particular congregation, she found love, acceptance and understanding.

I can't even really begin to understand what this woman's daily life is like. There is a part of me that can imagine. After all, The Princess completely relies on us for everything. The emphasis here is on us. I don't do this alone and for the three weeks that I did, I was never completely alone. I still had emotional support and although it was more difficult than usual, it didn't scratch the surface on what this woman deals with every day.

What we have in common is that we both raise children outside the realm of typical needs. Our differences are glaring when you examine the obstacles that we both face. My Sunday morning looks completely different from hers. As I thought about what it took for her to get her son to church, I was humbled and saddened by my own reactions.

This woman carries her son to a small home where this church gathers. She brings him in, finds a place on the hard floor and lays him down in the middle of other worshipers. It is hot, it is dusty and it can't even begin to be comfortable. She asks for prayer, sings the songs and listens to the message, looking for hope and faith.

My Sunday is a stark contrast. The drive from my home to the church building is around 10 minutes. When I arrive, I sometimes have found myself frustrated by the lack of handicapped parking spaces in our paved church parking lot. After dropping off my daughter at children's church, there is an entire team waiting to minister to her in the same service as the rest of the children. I head to the air conditioned sanctuary where I seat myself in a padded chair. I remind myself to check the number system in case The Princess is having an off day and needs my assistance. While my child is cared for, I worship and listen to the Word being spoken. On occasion (about 3 times a year) the number will flash notifying me that I need to check on her because she is either crying or needs to be changed.

We both fiercely love our children.

We both seek strength through our faith in God.

We both need support.

Neither of us need pity but we do need understanding.

We both do whatever it takes to give them the best of what we have.

In this past year, when things get tough or when I get tired, I think of her. I try to remember to pray for her. It is so easy to focus on ourselves. I'm ashamed to admit it but this morning I found myself grumbling that I had to take diapers to the school. A three minute drive but having to change out of my jammies earlier than I wanted to made me grumbly. Then tonight, I thought of her again. I thought of her strength, her grace and her endurance.

Once again, I prayed for her. Will you pray for her too? How has God used someone else's circumstances to humble you?

Always,

Hope

Joining Emily again today for Imperfect Prose. Click on this to join me.

This fit Ann's link up too

Guess Who is Going to Haiti?

Last week Sarah Bessey posted this on her blog. She is going to Haiti.

Remember on the 12th of January, 2010 when the horrific earthquakes hit Haiti? The devastation was unbelievable.

I wanted to go. I ached to be there and help out. With my background, I was sure I would be able to help medical teams to sort through and do something meaningful. The only thing was, the teams that were going all had pretraining and prescreening to deal with the job they had ahead of them. In other words, they were "preapproved".

On Thursday, when I read that Sarah was going, I was thrilled for her. Hearing her heart over the years, it was encouraging to know that there would be more being done to reach the people of that region. I emailed one of my overly gushing notes of excitement to let her know I would be praying and of course she could take my heart with her.

That afternoon, The Coffee Guy found out that his planned trip to India for 2013 wasn't going to happen. There won't be another team going until 2014.

On Friday night, the CG's phone rings and although he doesn't answer on Fridays, he checked the ID to make sure. It was our Senior Pastor (who doesn't call on Fridays unless it is very important). After a few minutes, he comes back in the kitchen with a funny look on his face. "Pastor wants to know if I want to go to Haiti. There is a team going at the beginning of October and someone dropped out. Everything is already paid for, I just have to say yes."

*Sob*

As I composed myself on the corner of the kitchen floor he says, "Honey? We can pray about it...are you alright?" I nodded my head and replied "You have to. I want to go. I was supposed to go but you have to go for me!"

So after a few minutes of prayer, we agreed, he has to go. He can't pass up this opportunity to minister to the people that God has imprinted on my heart.

Pray for us over the next month as we scramble to gather anything he will need to go. Continue to pray for the people of Haiti. The recovery has been slow at best. There is something going on there and I can't wait to find out!

Praying for a Disabled Child in India

Always,

Hope

Another India Update

Day 7 Salem Pastors Conference

With 150 pastors in attendance the Conference was a success. The feedback we received was as good as the Sathy Conference 3 days before. A group of area pastors networked together to host the first ever Real Hope Pastors Conference here in Salem. They were able to secure the old YMCA building which had western style restroom accommodations which was a blessing.

Salem is a larger city than Sathy and the pastors that came from the surrounding area were a bit more educated in the Word as well as the English language, as evidenced by the nodding of heads and scattered “amen” throughout the hall even prior to Ravi translating what I just said. By the end of the first session as lunch was about to be served, the weather had become hot and humid, almost as hot as the food. Ravi told me one of the pastors came to him concerned that they should not be feeding me what they were eating…I appreciated the concern; I counted it as love for the brethren!

The Basic fundamental doctrine of the faith is what was taught and it was exactly what was needed. I am grieved and amazed of the need of the pure milk of the Word. But at the same time I am grateful that we were/are here at a critical time. Basic biblical truths—the foundations of the faith is what is so desperately lacking and they must learn to teach their people.

The response to the segment on False Teachers was almost as unnerving. For those that spoke with us they had not heard of the danger of false teachers or any instruction on how to deal with them. Lord help us. I mean it Lord help us to instruct where the need is and help protect your people till we return.

Day 9 Family Conference New hope Revival Church

Weeks before arriving in India I asked the Lord, “what do you want me to teach them—what is your message?” He directed me to Genesis 20:3-11; The 10 Commandments. My first response was, “Are you sure?” not questioning the Lord, but really my hearing Him properly.

The message, “Abiding in the Blessings of God and His prescribed plan for family life”.  A simple message beginning in Psalms 19:7” The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul…”; then a basic expositional teaching on the 10 commandments . Starting with the first 4 commandments how and why our obedience or disobedience affects our relationship with God. Then explaining the next 6 and our choice to abide by them or not effects our relationship with one another and our neighbors.

That if we abide by Gods perfect law we Honor Him and we honor one another. But if we choose not to, in fact if we break just one, there is a strict penalty, which opened the door for the Gospel Message and how Gods perfect law was lived out in the Perfect Man Christ Jesus.

Being able to show how the Law reveals Gods perfect pure character at the same time revealing in us our wretched character—convicting us of our sin and driving us to Jesus was new to many.

We ended the 1.5 hour teaching with Matt. 22:36-40”Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "‘you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. The second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

To abide in the Blessings of God we must abide in Christ John 15:9-10

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love

Day 10 Real Hope Revival Church Dedication

What a glorious day. From the street you would never know there was a church there. In fact it is only a door way sandwiched in-between 2 store fronts in the midst of other shops and businesses on this heavily traveled street. When I say busy I mean extremely busy and noisy; horns are continually honking in their varying pitches and tones. The only indicator of a church in this predominantly Hindu neighborhood is the large sign, “Real Hope Revival Church”

As you come into the foyer the first thing you notice is the orderly pile of sandals on the floor pair by pair. Once inside the Church there is a door directly ahead of you which leads to Pastor David’s house, the stairs to your left lead up to the sanctuary. This building serves as both their family’s residence and the church, a blessing for both the pastor and his people.

You can hear the sounds of worship echoing down the narrow staircase, and as you ascend you hear the excitement of people’s voices. Then you enter the Sanctuary…it is hard to fathom they only moved in 6 weeks ago! All the work that had to be done to get to that point is amazing. You we have to view the before and after pictures. It is wonderful what can be done without needing permits.

It is very bright and colorful; the thick green cloth covering the concrete floor and the red runner going up from the center rear of the sanctuary to the pulpit. The multi hued Saris that the women wear to the back drop on the front wall, all is very lively and inviting—it shouts New Life and Real Hope!

Starting at 9:00 with a very uplifting 15 minute call to prayer leading into a worship time that I will not soon forget, 2 hours had pasted BEFORE the Word was preached. As the message was delivered the temperature rose until I finished at 12:45! But church is not over yet—we are in India my friends. After a couple more even quicker paced songs in which there were MUCH rejoicing! We finished with corporate prayer the likes of which are only experienced in Pentecostal churches. Now is the time that people come forward for healing and a personal touch from the Lord—it is now 2:00! 5 hour church service, that was before lunch was served!

The Lord is assembling a great team of men and women to serve alongside Pastor David and his wife. The team served a lunch fit for a king to the 150+ people that came for the dedication service of Real Hope Revival Church. All said and done we left to go back around 6:30 for the 1.5 hour back to Sathy… Before we left we had a great time of prayer for the work that has begun there, for pastor David and his family and for the dedicated group for men that are serving with him. Ravi and I both said to his brother, “You will be going to 2 services soon” and he will. This is a great work that I am thankful to be a part of…much more to follow.

Day 11 Pallipalayam Pastors Conference

This was day 3 of the 3 day push starting Saturday with the Family Conference, Sunday with the all day Worship and dedication service now it was Monday. The Pastors Conference here was the last of the three Pastors conferences that were scheduled.

The drive from Sathy to Pallipalayam is 1.5 hours but seemed longer during the Monday morning rush hours—traffic, driving in general is a matter of faith here. As I’m going through my notes in the back seat I’m praying.  As we walked back into the church that we left 9 hours earlier I caught myself saying’, “Ok Lord, 7 more hours…we can do this…”.

Pastor Bibbin led us in worship again which is a blessing, he truly is gifted. (I told him he looks like Benny Hinn’s brother, he really does—Bibbin and Benny Hinn).

The teaching time flowed very well. Ravi and I both sense it was the best out of the three. This was the third time in 7 days that Ravi and I had taught the material and we were more in sync with one another. 140+ pastors were able to attend and stay through the nearly 100 degree heat—they pulled in a couple of big fans to help out.

In fact Ravi said that many of the pastors which he has a relationship with told him it was exactly what was needed and they want more—more solid biblical foundational truth. Pastor Mani from Sathy pleasantly surprised us when he showed up. He was so encouraged with the Conference the prior Monday he wanted to get a double dose. That is one godly man who has fought the good fight.

The new Church building is a blessing in so many ways; hosting Pastors and Family Conferences, hosting missions’ teams as well as the weekly services and out reaches that will occur. Real Hope Revival Church is making a stand and proclaiming the Risen Savior—Halleluiah!  

India Journal Continued

The Coffee Guy has been writing down his thoughts about this trip.


Day 4 Sathy Pastors Conference

Months of planning and prayer brought us to Monday and the first of 3 Pastors Conferences presented by Real Hope Ministries and hosted by local Pastors. By 10:45 the rented Conference Hall above the local bar in downtown Sathy was nearly full with fervently worshipping Pastors and church leaders from the surrounding area. Most all came by bus and some as far as 3 hours away. The conference which was scheduled to start at 9am really didn’t get going until 10ish, which I am told is typical to Indian lifestyle. (Plan something for a particular time knowing that it won’t happen or start ½ hour to 1 hour later).

Pastor Bebin, a Pastor from a surrounding area with a wonderful voice led us in corporate worship—these people love to worship! Though I don’t understand Tamil yet, certain words already stand out; YEASU—Jesus also RAJA—Lord, so as we have been worshipping in different places I hear these most often.

Because of the time delay Ravi and I improvised on how best to deliver the scheduled three 1.5 hour teaching segments. So just prior to the teaching time, we decided two sessions would be best. The first lasted two hours which covered the basic fundamental doctrines of the faith. Beginning with Genesis 1:1 showing that The Creator declares Himself to be the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—the God of the living not of the dead—no others besides Him. Using only the Word we exhorted 100+ Pastors to teach and preach in their churches using just Word of God. The responses and comment we received were almost overwhelming. Some had tears they were so thankful.

The second session covered the man of God being in the Word of God, and the characteristics of a servant leader. I spoke to them as a fellow pastor that we are called to shepherd the flock of God, not to lord over them that we are to lead, not drive them. We also touched on false teachers and to be on guard for the flock. This particular part was received very eagerly.

Pastor Mani (pronounced money) was the first pastor in this area that he had not heard teaching and preaching like that in over 40 years! A whole generation. A whole generation of pastors not equip in the fundamental doctrines of the Bible…I am grieved that the need is so great.

We are praying on a more comprehensive teaching for next year…there is NOTHING like this for these dear faithful men and women. God protect them till we return… 

Day 5&6 Ooty and Coimbatore

Ooty

The drive to Ooty was amazing. Another steep hairpin laden mountain assent to the once occupied British colonial resort took 2.5 hours. At every turn the scenery was breath taking, truly amazing. I exhausted the battery in the camera. This area is well known for its tea farms/orchards/plantations. I am not exaggerating when I say they stretch for hundreds of sq miles. Pass after pass, valley after valley, stretching as far as you eyes will let you see. Nestled inside these well manicured forests are tightly packed colorful villages of the tea pickers. Dozens and dozens of villages checkered among thousands and thousands of acres of incredible beauty. When you see it from the vantage point of mountain, it must be the world’s largest well kept garden.

(Bebe Tea Leaf) 

I am not used to seeing monkeys when I drive…but here its normal, cracks me up.

When we got to Ooty I was surprised how big the city was, seeing it was such a treacherous drive…but this is India…there is no small city. You see the remnants of the British Empire at its zenith with its pronounced red and white architecture and deteriorating wrought iron fences and gates.

We came to shop and we did, fast and furious. We also came for food…Chinese food. It was a quaint and clean restaurant that once housed something Britishy. Ravi asked, “Well how is it?” to which I replied, “Tastes like Indian Chinese food” But it was the hottest Chinese food I have ever had, ask Ravi!

Coimbatore

Coimbatore is a Huge city. Ravi said, “When we in India talk about traffic, this is what we mean.” It is off the chart. I have taken photos and videos that will only explain half at best. One way to describe it is orderly chaos. How it is that road rage isn’t a serious problem here is amazing. Mere inches between you and traffic—on both sides and front and rear. Ask last year’s team.

Shopping was intense. Ask last year’s team.

Real Hope Ministries started in a small corner of the globe in one forgotten village, ministering to their most basic needs in the hopes of reaching them for Christ. With the Love of Jesus and obedience to His Word they are fulfilling the call to “go to a place that I will show you” and “if you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me.”

I believe we are witnessing a possible new chapter being written for Real Hope Ministries. To help train and equip these pastors to be obedient to 1 Peter 3:15 and Ephesians 4:11-12 that they may disciple many to do the work of the ministry. We pray to the Lord to send workers into the field…

Day 8 Tribal visit

I awoke to the sounds of the Hindu call to prayer at 6 am.

By 8 am we were ready to head over to the first village that Ravi visited almost 6 years ago. I was instructed to sit in the back seat with the window up for the 45 min drive to Tribal visit. Ravi informed me of the strong Hindu strong hold on a stretch of the road leading to the village. It’s Friday, which for Hindus is their holy day and as we drove you could see and hear celebrations in and around the many temples large and small. (I have been here for 7 days and in every city, town and village I have been in I have seen dozens in each. Ranging from the most ornate and elaborate to the simplest. In one tribal area a huge tree in the center of 3 or 4 villages serves as their temple. This tree is amazing—it has to be 200+ years old—older probably.)

As we pulled up you could see group of thatched huts surrounded by a fence of vertically woven sticks and twigs; this was straight out of National Geographic. The kids began to come out with the biggest smiles and most joyful expressions. It had been a month since the Real Hope team had been there last and the whole village was eagerly waiting faithfully scheduled visit—this time I was with them.

They greeted Ravi and I with flowers around our necks and a joy that cannot be put to words. Ravi and the team have been faithful to keep coming back as well to not promise them anything they could not do or perform. They have been faithful to the call of ministering the least not expecting anything in return. In being faithful in the small things, they have garnered the trust and love of this all but forgotten community.

The Tribal Indian culture is strange, if you can gain access to a village, which is nearly impossible they will allow you to interact with their children. Though the village parents won’t be with the kids while you sing, play games and talk to them, they are watching very closely to what you are doing. The strategy is to love these kids with the love of Christ. By providing for their physical needs—schooling, clothing and hygiene and faithfully visiting them every single month; reach the kids—win the village.

Today I was able to share a simple message; Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God…” I talked simply that this all powerful God loves them very much and He knows them all by name and He has made away that they may know Him. I asked the question and Ravi translated, “do you want to know His name?” to which they all responded, “Yes”. I said, “His name is Yeasu”. Pastors David and Stephen then led them in prayer followed by continued singing and snacks.

I also had the honor of putting the knitted caps that Dorothy made for these dear ones on their little heads. They were so filled with joy not only at that but the entire visit. This village is different than the other villages that Real Hope reaches only in that it was the first one. This Village is where the Lord led Ravi to first, with that he and the team has been faithful to return time and again. They have won the village. This is where the Tribal Center enters the picture if you will—it’s time to win this generation for Christ and see how far He wants to reach.

Remember it all started with one village won to Christ…

Update on India

It might seem like I am cheating but I really believe that it is best not to try to improve something that is already perfect the way it is. Our ministry partner's wife has posted photos and updates on the Real Hope Ministries blogsite.


You will be touched and blessed. I promise!


Always,




Hope

More Of His Own Words

Sunday 7/17

Day 3

Journaled on James 1:22-25. I am to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. If I just read His Word and not put feet to it I’m fooling myself. I believe my time in India will be a beginning of a change that will hopefully surprise me.

We walked the back alley about 300 yards from Ravi’s parent’s home to go to church today. An incredibly small cobbled together building with a sign greeting you over the narrow 5 ½ foot front door, “Real Hope Revival Church”. Once inside this nearly decapitated building I was amazed that it was smaller than my daughter’s ½ bedroom apartment, no joke. Housed within the bright blue walls was a small table being used as a pulpit, 6 straw mats on the concrete floor and a brass drum 16” in diameter. (Side note: Ravi grew up as a teen in this church when his dad was the pastor and that was his brass drum!)

After the opening 20 minute prayer led by Pastor Stephen, we entered into a time of worship that was some of the most vibrant yet simple that I have personally been a part of. (Another side note: The volume of the worship and prayer time was WAY over 85 dbs) Ravi and I were given the privilege of teaming up to deliver the Word of God to these dear people. I am learning what pure and simple devotion to Christ better looks like as I watch them receive from the Lord all that He has for them and in turn give to Him all that they have.

After the Gospel was delivered and exhortation given, every single person pressed in for prayer. There is no “coming forward” in this church; the “front row” is less than 6” away from the pulpit. Not 6’ but 6”! People press in for prayer seeking a touch from the Lord. 

After the 3 hour service we were served a meal fit for a king…I my never use a fork and spoon again…maybe. Worshipping with all of your heart in a hot cramped room for 3+ hours…we have no idea of what we have as well as what we are missing.

The evening service at Pastor Justin’s home church was just as moving, being held in a very small no bedroom house in the middle of a Hindu village. The Hindu temple greets you on your right as you enter in through the only road leading there. Mostly Hindus came as evidenced by their varied markings on their foreheads. A woman came in carrying her 10 year old crippled son and laid him in the middle of the crowd wish only to be near Gods people…the need here is truly and without doubt of biblical proportion. (Last side note: A chapter can be written about this woman and her son that would fit into a biblical narrative, of which I am not emotionally prepared for)

Before leaving, they took us a couple hundred yards away to an 11’ X 60’ piece of ground filled with rubble in between 2 houses asking if we could help them build a church…the 1^st church ever in that village..I left with the burning question, If not us then who?

As we left I was instructed for our safety I needed to be in the back seat out of site for the ride home…

 set all of the photos that have come in so far to music.

Photo Slideshow

More Photos From India

I will add descriptions when I get them. Stay tuned...

Worth A Thousand Words

For more photos and descriptions go to Real Hope India's Blog.

In His Own Words

I received this from the Coffee Guy this morning:

I am so glad I didn’t learn to drive here. The first thing I noticed was that the line painted in the middle of the road to divide the flow of traffic is just a suggestion at best. The second, was the drivers  hand never leaves the horn button! It is Saturday (day 2) and the internet is finally up. Ravi’s parents are perfect hosts, and the food is better than I imagined! The months of preparation, study and prayer are unfolding before us as we walk and drive in this noisy, colorful bustling land. Friday Ravi and I were able to set foot in Pastor David’s new church building in Pallipalium. It’s perfect. Meeting Ravi’s brother David was an honor and his family is beautiful. A man and his family dedicated to shepherding the flock of God and raising up disciples to proclaim the Gospel across the street from a Hindu Temple is inspiring to say the least. In a city of 1.5 million of which 95%+ are either Hindu  or Muslim, this would be unthinkable in most Christians minds, but God has gifted and called this man—and he is obedient to the call. I am humbled and in awe that I have been called to help guild and instruct in leadership and doctrinal issues to these godly warriors of Real Hope Ministries.

Day 1

Woke up to the sounds of Hindu call to prayer being drowned out by the early morning traffic in beautiful downtown Sathy.

The Leadership conference lasted most of the day starting with a glorious time of worship (singing to our Lord in any language is wonderful!) and finishing up with a time of ministering, prayer and the laying on of hands for the gifts to flow freely. In between was the time of teaching and preaching. With me teaching and Ravi interpreting the team received the instruction and encouragement as from the Lord, which was our prayer. We made the treacherous ride home through Erode at night—very scary. 

Day 2

After a wonderful Indian breakfast with instant coffee (Indian coffee) we set out for the newest tribal village 1.5 hours away in the mountains east of Sathy. A grueling 21 hairpin climb in which the temp dropped 15-20 degrees and a monsoon rain rolled in a few hours after starting the children’s program. Being there to witness the love and dedication that Ravi, David, Steven have for these forgotten children was a privilege. Their devotion and obedience to the Lord in living out James 1:27 is worthy of a great reward—yet they do it with no such thought.

The later part of the afternoon was spent looking at land just 8-10 minutes north of Sathy for the proposed new ministry center for Real Hope Ministries.

All of this, from the very beginning of this ministry up till today is act worship through faith. Tomorrow will be here soon Lord willing, and we will be worshipping at Pastor Steven’s church here in Sathy. A very small building that may be very packed. PTL!

~~~

I finally got to speak to Russ via Skype this morning. What a blessing technology is for us to be able to connect while he half a world away!
Continue praying for Evie (Ravi's wife) and I while we navigate life at home without our husbands. This morning we had a visit from Mr. Mike who help lift The Princess in and out of the tub so she could get a good bath (something we kind of take for granted).

I will post photos as soon as I get them.

Always,

Hope

Right Hand Only

To those who have been to India or have heard the stories, The Coffee Guy is getting used to eating with his right hand. He is even learning how to break his bread without the help of his left. He is experiencing the culture but most of all he is already feeling a deeper relationship to Jesus Christ, the same Saviour that these dear families worship and seek to know in a deeper way.
I am sure there will be more stories tomorrow.


Always,


Hope

The Sound of His Voice and the Honking of Horns?

The second call came in this morning and what I heard was beautiful. The voice of The Coffee Guy with numerous horns in the background. He was speaking to me on a cell phone outside of the his host's residence. What touched me was the excitement in his voice. With all of the preparation and work to get ready for this trip, I truly forgot how amazing this trip will be for him and by extension, for me as well.

There is nothing about this that is easy for either of us. From the time he left our driveway to the door of the home where he will stay was 54 hours. Very long flights, a five hour layover in a foreign airport and a harrowing drive for over six hours in the dark. I think of that when The Princess screams at the top of her lungs starting at 1 a.m. for 2 hours with unexplained pain. When it seems like sleep is elusive, I think of my husband giving up several hours of rest in order to help pastors of small villages on the other side of the world to minister to their hungry congregations.

He shared stories of the trip, the restaurant they ate at and the meal his host prepared for dinner. They visited the local church where believers met in a building as small our living room. Thankfully he was able to get some sleep as well. Tomorrow (our tonight) they will head an hour out to an all day pastor's conference where all of the work he has been doing will finally be shared. Hopefully tonight their internet will be up (we are so spoiled) and he can send photos to share.

Continue to pray for their safety and for energy to keep up with the difficult pace. Also, pray for Allison's health. As a mom I can tell something is a little "off", I just can't tell what at the moment. I am hoping it will resolves itself and I will get some sleep too. Nobody really wants me to be cranky.

Always,

Hope

Safe Landing!

The "safe landing" call came in about a half an hour ago. No other information but our travelers are on their way to the last portion of their destination. It will no doubt be the most difficult. A six hour drive from the airport until they get to their place of rest.

I have been following flight trackers and found comfort in knowing when they were over places like Ireland and when the landed in Frankfurt. It was nice to know were they were when I started receiving texts about the bombing in Mumbai that not only were they not there, they will be at least a 20 hour drive south of there.

Continue to pray for their health and safety as they continue to reach out to those who are anxiously awaiting their arrival. Thank you for the prayers for our families here holding down the fort. We appreciate your love and support.

Always,

Hope

(Update: I hit Publish Post and the phone rang. The sound of my husbands voice made my day. He sounded great and reports that he has received a wonderful welcome as he was greeted at the airport!)

Sending the Coffee Guy to India

They have been preparing for months. Meeting to pray, study and plan to travel to the southern portions of India. Today The Coffee Guy and his ministry partner Ravi (aka Rough and Ready) began the physical portion of their journey when they headed to the airport this afternoon. Early in the morning they will board a plane that will take them to the other side of the earth where villages, churches and many pastors are hungry for the teachings from God's Word.

Ravi and his beautiful wife are part of Real Hope Ministries. Ravi was born in the area and his brother is the pastor of the church where they will dedicate a new building for their ever growing congregation. They will be in good hands and I am sure there will be fascinating stories upon their return.

Until then The Princess and I will be entertaining G'Pa when she is not in summer school. Maybe we will find a project to do, movie to see or just do nothing. Whatever we do, I'm sure we won't be quite prepared for the changes and excitement that we'll encounter when our favorite guy returns from his amazing, God filled, blessing laden, once in a lifetime adventure! I'll post updates so you can join us in prayer and be part of the excitement! 

Always,

Hope