dancing, McDonald's, and prayer

(from left to right) John, Prikash, Babu, Myself, and Elia. These men serve as pastors in the slums of Chandigarh.

John and I find ourselves in a unique situation in India--surrounded by followers of Christ at Word for the World's missionary conference. We have met many genuine people from all over India who love Christ and are being used to further His kingdom. We have prayed with our brothers and sisters from India, played cricket with them, learned some of their language, drank much chai, and I have danced with them (John was unfortunately resting when this comical event occured. The Indians were complimentary of my dancing, but I remain skeptical.)

We are adjusting to the culture, although at times we find ourselves confused. Yesterday I sat on a bed at the Prebyterian Theological Seminary in Dehradun, India reading a book about an artistic Jewish boy growing up in Brooklyn. John soon returned from McDonald's with Samuel and we shared McChicken's with this 17 year old from Tamilnadu who is only a few years away from an arranged marriage.

Despite such confusing situations John and I have been encouraged and strengthened (John did have a fever yesterday. He is recovering his strength. "Prayer is powerful" as Elia of Chandigarh says). These believers have refreshed us as we prepare to work with their ministries this summer. Some of them, from Orissa and Karnataka, face opposition and persecution, but yet they ask us to pray that the hearts of their persecutors would softened to the Gospel.

Dhanyavad ("thank you" in Hindi) for you prayers and support. Our restful time at the conference in Dehradun will be over tomorrow, and after many hours on a train (and a stop at the Taj Mahal) will begin working in Chennai.