Blog

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.

It is Wednesday morning in Delhi, and I will be picked up in 45 minutes and transported to the conference site.

Yesterday I rode to the Mumbai airport with Pastor Selvan, who had us all over for dinner the night before. He was also flying to Delhi, so offered to give me a lift. We had a great conversation during the hour-long ride. He is not only a pastor but is also the Director of Operations of Justice and Care, an international organization that seeks to not only stop human trafficking, but to also see that the criminals involved are brought to justice. As many of us know, the problem of human trafficking is disturbingly widespread, and the challenge is huge. But his organization, and many others, are doing all they can to end this horror. It was heartening to hear about all they are doing.
He also told me that what MTI is doing is critically needed in India, that pastors and Christian leaders need to be trained to understand and teach the Bible in a clear and systematic manner. He hopes that I can come to Mumbai again, and that I might even be able to establish some sort of center here for that purpose. The day before that, Jose, my contact here in Mumbai, told me the same thing. Hmmm . . . .

I’m doing very well, feeling great, and looking forward to the day.

Love to you all.

Had another good day. It began with a breakfast meeting here at the hotel with Sheldon, the musician. He wanted to get together with us to talk and get to know each other. He’s a delightful young man he is planning a visit to the U.S. with his band in May. He is also helping a Christian hip-hop group. I have included a link to a video of his band and the hip-hop guys playing at an outreach concert. Also, a pic of me with him and Jose. We had a great time together (10 of us).

I spent a couple of hours with Jose debriefing about the weekend event and strategizing for the future.

This evening we had a fabulous dinner at the home of the pastor whose church we visited yesterday. A wonderful evening.

In the morning I will be picked up by the pastor and transported to the airport, where we will each fly to Delhi. Bye for now, Mumbai!

Blessings to you all!