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I am in Mumbai and I’ll go to the airport in 2 hours for the 4:30 AM flight. The 3 days in Pune, India turned out to be an absolute delight. I had 2 or 3 sessions per day. The responses from those in attendance were very good. Everyone seemed to be glad that we were there, and I believe the conference was a huge success in terms of learning and being encouraged in their ministries and churches. I wish I could remember all the personal stories that were told. There are some wonderful men and women out in the states of India, not only preaching but LIVING the Gospel, establishing literacy programs, helping lepers, teaching marketable skills. The singleness of mind and heart they display is striking, and it always makes me consider my own priorities.

So, I head for home thankful and so glad that I took this 16- day trip. There is so much more to say. It would be impossible to express it all.

Thanks for keeping me in prayer. Keep them going as I have 2 flights remaining! Blessings to you all.

 

David

Had a great day on Tuesday. I taught 3 sessions, with probably 3 more today (Wednesday). In typical Indian church fashion, the men were on one side of the aisle and the women on the opposite side.

The highlight of the day was when some of the women were asked to stand so that they could be recognized for their work in their communities. There are some who conduct evening literacy classes in their cities and villages. They deal mainly with the uneducated laborers who attend twice a week after a long day at work. They then teach them how to read and write and study so that they can have a better future. Then there were others who teach classes for local children in the evenings, the children who don’t go to school. They are educating them so that they also can have a better future. A few others teach sewing classes in the evenings, enabling both men and women to acquire a skill that will open doors of employment. They are truly being lights in their communities.

It’s good to be back here again in India. This is the first conference in the south I have participated in. Thanks for all the prayers! Keep them going!

 

David

I originally wrote a long post about the time at the orphanage late that night. When I hit “publish” it disappeared, never to be flung. It was late, wifi was sketchy, so I just went to sleep. So, here is the alternate version!

When we got into the airport in Kathmandu, it was as uncrowded as I have ever seen it. It was a breeze getting our entry visas, luggage, and we were soon on the way to the hotel. The streets were relatively free of any traffic, the air was clear. I thought, is this REALLY Kathmandu? From the hotel we went up to the orphanage. On the way the taxi driver told us that it was a national holiday, as the government was going to announce that evening whether the new constitution would have a Hindu government or a secular government. We were told that most people wanted a secular government, which would give more religious freedom to everyone. More on that later.

We were warmly greeted at the orphanage by the children, giving us garlands and flowers. When we gave the duffel bag to Maya to open it and give the stuffed animals to the kids, it was truly a joy to see. They each went for one they liked and hugged them and smiled. I have it on film but my iPad is in such bad shape I really can’t upload the video yet. We also presented Dev with money that people had donated for the orphanage. Anyway, it was a remarkable scene. We stayed for a while and went down the street to where the new facility is being built. It is on property given to the orphanage by a Christian man who is a builder. He is doing a lot of the construction himself. He then invited us to sit in his patio for some delicious tea served by his wife. It was such a pleasant evening. It was then time to go. The government was going to announce the decision. If it was to be a Hindu government, there would be some rioting. We did see lines of military and police personnel at the ready. But soon we saw the joy and celebrating in the streets all the way back to the hotel. I will never forget all I saw.

Then on Monday morning we had breakfast at the hotel with 2 Nepalese pastors and a couple who direct the CC Bible College in Kathmandu. I was able to present several thousand dollars that people had donated to Pastor Baburam, who distributes food and supplies to village churches who in turn distribute it to their villages. It makes a huge difference in those mountain villages where help has still been very sparse.

Then we headed for the airport for the flight to Mumbai, followed by a 6-hour drive to Pune. So, here I am about to be picked up for the Pastor’s Conference.

Love to you all.

David