Category: Latest Updates

Today is Monday, but I’ve got to tell you about our wild Sunday. I was picked up at the hotel at about noon for the nearly 2-hour drive to the other side of Delhi. We finally arrived at the destination, where a couple of things were planned. As we were waiting in the car for someone, I was intrigued by a group of boys playing a game of cricket in an empty lot. I was about to get out of the car to get a closer look when I realized there was a group of about 75-80 women of all ages standing next to the car, ready to begin a peaceful demonstration/march through the neighborhood. They were chanting something in Hindi, banging some drums and smiling as they passed us. Well, then it was time for us to go. We drove a few blocks and got out of the car. There was a line of about 40 lepers from a leper colony, waiting to be given food. We were there to assist with the food distribution. After a prayer, I was asked to be the first to scoop some rice into the bowls of the first few in line. It was a privilege to serve them. Then the next person was asked to help. As I moved out into the street, I saw the women’s demonstration heading toward me. As they passed in front of us, waving and, in some cases, shaking and even kissing our hands and shouting “America”, three police vehicles pulled up, the officers getting out of the cars. It was kind of bizarre with the food distribution to the lepers, the march, and the police presence all converging in the same place at the same time, while a crowd of curious onlookers continued to grow. We were then whisked away to a nearby church, where we participated in a worship service of 3 churches. We were very warmly welcomed and each offered a word of encouragement. Then it was off for the hour drive to the airport for our 10 PM flight to Kathmandu. As we were leaving the church, a young girl ran out of the church and up to me and said one word, something that is universally understood as she pointed to her cell phone: “Selfie”. (Notice the pastor who photobombed us!)
We safely landed, retrieved our bags and got to the hotel at about 11:15 PM. In the taxi on the way from the airport to the hotel, I watched on my iPad via Periscope as Josh Lott preached at CCS!

It was an action-packed day and it all ended too quickly.

Today was really great, but it is late and I’ll write about it in the morning.

Thanks for reading and keeping in touch.

David

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