Blog

It is now 6:00 Sunday morning here in India. On Friday, we competed the conference as we always do, with a communion service followed by a lunch of homemade Indian food. The team of Americans who participated this year was a really good group and I enjoyed working with them all. I am again inspired by the dedication and, at times, bravery of the pastors and leaders present at the conference. At one point one of the speakers asked for raising of hands of anyone who has suffered persecution, and a majority of them raised their hands. According to an extensive research article from last year, India is one of the nations where persecution is on the rise, and some of the conference participants can verify that from personal experience.

But, there was a lot of joy and worship this last week, along with great conversation. So, today, we will participate in a large gathering of several churches for a worship service in Delhi. Looking forward to that. Then several of us have a 9 PM flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. By the way, it is reported that Nepal is the nation where Christianity is most dramatically on the rise.

OK, so thanks for all the prayers. Oh, I have incl

uded a pic of me teaching just so you know I’m really here! Also, thanks to all of you who leave comments. It is encouraging for me here to know that you are following what I’m doing.

David

Today, aside from the teachings, 2 of the Americans told everyone what led up to their becoming Christians.
The first was a young man named Ryan, who serves as a pastor to junior high students at a church in California. He had a pretty dramatic conversion, leaving a life of drugs and alcohol and rebellion. Ryan is a gifted young man with a passionate faith.
The other man was a retired nurse from Texas named Kim, a real gentleman. He said two things that really inspired me. Firstly, he clearly remembers attending a Vacation Bible School at the age of 3, and remembers feeling the presence of God in a profound way. As he grew up, that experience became an anchor for his faith. He said that we should never underestimate how God might make Himself real to children at VBS! Secondly, he is the one who mails out the 250 HMU newsletters each month. But he also prays for each person on the address label! In fact, he mentioned that though we just met yesterday, he has prayed for me many times. Who knew?
I have included some pics of them and of those of us who were the speakers, and a group photo.

I am looking forward to the final conference day tomorrow. Loving being here!

Keep praying!

David

Yesterday, Wednesday, was the first day at the conference. I had a great time and was glad to be able to teach.
One thing, however, stood out to me. A young pastor, 50% blind, was led up to the stage where he shared a testimony. He told of the time he decided to follow Christ. He said that he knew that his only hope of surviving was to be a beggar at the rail station. But he decided that he wanted to do something to serve Jesus. So, he began reaching out and talking to people on the streets. Through his many experiences he has started 8 churches that are now under his care and leadership. He spoke of seeing healings from cancer and other diseases, of fasting for 21 days and other times 40 days in order to prepare himself for the work before him. He is a joyful young man and passionate about following Jesus Christ. I was pretty much speechless after listening to him!

Now, on to today, Thursday.