Had a great day today! We were picked up at 8 AM and driven to the site of the pastor’s school. It was about 20-30 minutes from the hotel. It is a church building/denominational headquarters, and we had our sessions in a small lecture hall, with about 45 men and women in attendance. I taught the first 55-minute session, an introduction to the book of Nehemiah, and the young lady who translated was very easy to work with.
As I did at the conference in Nepal, I asked a few of them to tell about themselves. I did learn that the biggest challenge they do face is no longer persecution, though it was at a time not that long ago. There are other issues they face that have to do with being unable to do all they need to do as pastors. Anyway, the lecture hall was very comfortable (air conditioned!) and all 3 of my teaching sessions went very smoothly. I felt great and really enjoyed the experience. They fed us a delicious lunch of Vietnamese food and also gave us fresh papaya and other fruit between sessions. They were all very kind and gracious. I am looking forward to the rest of the week.
On the ride back, we learned that the pastor who drove us was once jailed for a year because of his Christian faith. That was 20 years ago. He continues to pastor a couple of churches where he lives.
We walked down the street and found a place for dinner, sitting outside and enjoying the bustling activity of the city. The food here is so inexpensive. Like yesterday’s dinner, it cost us each about $3.00. I had skewered beef and vegetables and a beverage. Very nice!
Thanks for the prayers!
love to you all.
So glad things are going well! Looking forward to hearing more stories when you get back. Praying that everything this week continues to go well and that the attendees are blessed and equipped for the work ahead.