May 28, 2008

Dear Praying Friends,

I am writing from Bangalore, India at two o'clock in the morning  (Thu. The 20^th). I'm not sure why I am up. I think it has something to do with my internal clock but it may rather be my powerful inner thoughts that rest heavily on my heart. This is not a complaint – I'm wide awake and had been pondering many things and then began praying for you our faithful supporters.

It was last night that I truly had trouble sleeping. About midnight a lady next door was dying and her family was "without hope."  The crying, screaming, and wailing began about midnight and went on for hours. The "lostness" of both the woman and the response of her family to knowing that their loved one was going into a hopeless eternity was never so vividly impressed upon my mind. As a pastor I have been in many situations but never have I heard such despair, and desperation. Especially thirty feet from my window! My inability to communicate, to assuage the anguish, reminded me again of the reason that IGM seeks to sponsor through your gifts and prayers, indigenous pastors, who understand the cultural innuendoes for dealing with such situations and can offer the great hope of eternal salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. Later, after the woman died, a band with drums and other Indian instruments began playing loud rhythms of soul filled music that simultaneously stimulated and wrenched at my heart. Please be in prayer for our very immediate need to support theologically trained pastors with hearts of compassion for so many situations such as this.

As you may remember Gary Newhart and I left "Mission Central" in Rochester NY on Wed. the 14^th taking a 1˝ hr. flight to Detroit with a 2 hr. layover, to catch a plane for an 8 hr. flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands, for a 4 ˝ hr. layover, then a 9 hr. flight to Mumbai (Bombay) India, and an 8hr. layover in a "not-so-nice" waiting room, then a 1˝ hr flight to Bangalore where we were met on Fri, the 16^th by several of our dear pastors and we waited another 2 hrs. for a late flight bringing Gulshan Lal, an Indian pastor in the US, who is accompanying us on this trip. So, who says "travel can't be fun!"

Leaving with our brother Pastors we went to Pastor Emmanuel's home where we have  been treated with terrific Indian hospitality. The cultural differences are many and are more than adequate if you keep your shoes on in the CR - the entire room becomes the shower!  In addition, I have not had a back problem since I arrived – a great blessing after 3 months. I think it is the very hard bed!

Friday and Saturday we met with pastors and leaders. We particularly needed to meet with  Pastor Joseph Joseph (not a typo) for final acceptance into the mission. We then met with BMM Missionary Ken Waldock, head of the Baptist Seminary of South India; then on to the humble home of Pastor Kumar and his family for supper. My friends it would change your life forever if you had the same opportunity. Who cares about the long trip any more!

Sunday began with early breakfast and on to an intriguing indigenous church composed primarily of Hindu converts – including a former priest! As usual they sat cross legged on mats, the women on one side and the men on the other. They were not "poor" but about 80 business people, college students, kids, infants and the elderly.  I am sure I was more blessed then they. Immediately following the service we left to drive to Bethel Baptist – a church founded under the leadership of BMM missionary Ken Waldock which is now fully indigenous, in a very nice building and being pastured by an India national, Pastor Nelson D'Cunha, a graduate of Northwest Baptist Seminary in Tacoma WA. The same school I graduated from (although called LABTS) in 1971!  What a kindred spirit he was. My study both AM and PM on integrity from the book of Job was well received. Between the two services Pastor Nelson, his wife Vineethan, and their children Ezra and Reena, took me for an "authentic" Indian meal. Spicy and unique, it was delicious! We then went over to their home for rest and study before the evening service. The morning congregation came back and we had a blessed time together. A treat for me was that a good friend, Pastor Don Mogford, from Boise, ID was there, having spoken at a camp during the week. What a way to renew an acquaintance.

Monday the 19^th we traveled 2 hours through the country (think cows in the road, rice, vineyards, depression and new construction as India rapidly moves from Third World status to take their place of equality among the nations of the world. Although India is a peaceful, democratic country China has aimed her atomic missiles at her as well as the other leading nations of Asia including Russia.

Arriving at Krupa Kendra (grace) ministries we observed the growth of the Christian Day School, Bible College and local church being developed at this critical site located on the route to Bangalores’ new International airport. What an opportunity for the gospel and well worthy of believers’ investment of their finances and their prayers.

Before our trip while still in the US we had contacted our IGM Pastor/Church Planters asking them to come together to meet with us in Bangalore on Tuesday. Each left his ministry and to join us. While we discussed policy and partnering agreements and doctrine the key to the day was blessed times of sharing their calls to the ministry, prayer requests and the blessings God had given them. The spirit of unity and love for Christ and one another touched our hearts. The flights, the situations, the sleepless nights are worth every moment of hearing what God, through the gifts and prayers of His people are doing to move India forward for the Gospel. It was with emotions of joy and admirations that we sent the men back to their homes and churches.

Well, tomorrow, the 22, we leave for hours and hours of flights and long nights in airports as we transition to Kenya, Africa. We need your continuing prayers for us and for this troubled, war torn, country. We will be in the slums, the outback, the jungle and the big cities with God's men. For seven days, with your prayers and by God's grace, we will meet with pastors, church planters, evangelists and teachers both being a blessing and being blessed as we labor together with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Our dear friends, Andrea joins me in thanking you for your love, prayer and financial support for us as we co-labor together with you in God's great harvest field.