This was one of the more low-key days for me. The conference directors set-up men/women-specific workshops, which was different from the other days so far as we usually meet all together. Stuart and Dick were the speakers for the men's seminars, and Jill spoke for the women's seminars. Stuart focused on the dynamics of godly marriages and touched on the debate of "submission" of women to men. He pointed out that Paul teaches that we are to love each other as Christ loved the Church. In other words, we are to submit to one another. The question came up about how to love our wives and one another. Stuart pointed us to 1 Cor. 13, which spells out what Christ-like love looks. This passage is often read at weddings as a mission statement for the couple moving into a new chapter of life together.
Dick spoke on men and women's equality and differences between the sexes from the book of Genesis. He made the point that God created the world with distinct differences, but in perfect symmetry for His purposes.
- I think this something we forget all too often. -
The world and everything in it has been created for God's purposes. That fact in and of itself gives us as people purpose. When I think about it, if you and I weren't created, if we had come through an accidental process, or happenstance, we wouldn't have purpose. None at all that I can come with. Why do we seek purposeful lives, occupations, and existence? At some point in life, each of us asks the question "What am I here for?"
If God wasn't the creator, or if he wasn't the personal that he describes and emphasizes in Scripture, then I question whether we even care to know the answer to the question of purposeful existence. What makes us distinct from other creatures on the the earth is that we are made in God's image. At least, that's what he says in Genesis. The rest of creation is a picture of God's creativity and even love, as he gives us stewardship of what he made.
It seems to me that we often put the image humans on God, especially when misfortune and the unexpected takes place. We'll say things like, "How could a 'good' God let this happen?" I think God looks at us and says, "Because of sin, bad things happen. I am not punishing you necessarily, but come to me so you peace and new life, even in the midst of trials and misfortune. If you would allow for My image to shine through you, then this place would look much different - the way I originally intended - the way it will one day be in my timing. Trust in me. How then, do you let my image shine through you? Give your life - all of who you are, with all of your desires, passions, cares, fears - all to me, and I will renew your spirit with my Spirit. Then you will begin to see life in new ways, in ways that brings fresh life to others through a genuine heart, and in ways that brings reconciliation to a broken world, filled with broken lives... Come, follow Me!"
In the evening, our team met with Dr. Ann Thyle and her husband Sid. Ann is an anesthesiologist and obstetrician, and Sid is an eye surgeon. They studied in India and decided stay here to be missions doctors to the people here. Most of their peers left for the U.S. after med school to make the big bucks. Ann told a story about the work they are doing and some of their peers' responses to the work they do after so many years (30 in the field). She and her husband oversee hospitals in the EHA (Emmanuel Hospital Association), which is a ministry that provides medical help to the poor and respond to emergency evacuation situations. Recently a flood occurred in northern India, which has displaced more than 2 million people. They are working with teams of doctors and nurses to help with the tragedy. Outside organizations have also offered assistance with various resources.
Dr.'s Ann and Sid are models of compassion. They work for the good of people and their spiritual well-being throughout India. Ann told us about some of her friends who came back for a med. school reunion after 30 years. As she talked with some of them, they remarked with, "Well, now, why have you gone and wasted your life like that?!" Ann said she had to turn and laugh a bit. She said these people have completely missed the point - these wealthy, high-profile doctors with all of their intelligence and skill, have missed it. Their heads are in one place and their hearts a completely different one. They talked about their work being based on the premise of care and compassion - things that are missing in the Hindu community. As they have practiced these values, the culture around them is being transformed.
Following the dinner break, our team gathered on the patio of the dining hall, where we sat around a circle telling stories and laughing about humorous life experiences. Stuart and Jill had some outrageous stories from their travels around the world. It was awesome to sit in a casual environment, in a foreign country, and laugh and let loose with our team and the Briscoe's. I will never forget it.
I'm very grateful to have this opportunity to learn, observe, and serve these people and this organization on the other side of the world. It's a priceless, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
MKE Network
For those of you who don't know me, I consider myself an average 20-something in the great city of Milwaukee. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology from UW-Milwaukee, 3 years experience in Christian ministry, am pursuing a Masters degree through Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and aspire to be doing pastoral work in the (near) future. I am currently employed with a non-profit organization in Milwaukee that works with "at-risk" boys and families. I also own and run a DJing business (Brew City DJ's) with a friend of mine.
After attending a recent get-together with some friends, and finding myself in conversation with a pastor in the local area, I left the party feeling rather disconnected from my peers in ministry and community leadership. There is a lot to learn from one another, and I want to find a way to bridge our work to be better informed, resourced, and encouraged. I know there are events in the city that already provide networking opportunities, but when thinking about it, I realized I had very little insight on what others are doing to impact those in the pews and the community.
Honestly, I would say that I am in the "dreaming phase" of this, but welcome ideas, information, and resources. Perhaps with a little more cohesion, we could see some incredible things happen in MKE in 2010!
After attending a recent get-together with some friends, and finding myself in conversation with a pastor in the local area, I left the party feeling rather disconnected from my peers in ministry and community leadership. There is a lot to learn from one another, and I want to find a way to bridge our work to be better informed, resourced, and encouraged. I know there are events in the city that already provide networking opportunities, but when thinking about it, I realized I had very little insight on what others are doing to impact those in the pews and the community.
Honestly, I would say that I am in the "dreaming phase" of this, but welcome ideas, information, and resources. Perhaps with a little more cohesion, we could see some incredible things happen in MKE in 2010!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Memoirs from India: Day 4 (continued)
After our lunch break today, we visited two slums - "The Pipe Village" and "The Stone Village" (or "Rock Quarry Village"). The people who live in these places work for either the factory that makes concrete sewer piping, or work in the rock quarry outside of Hyderabad. Some of these people have contracts with the businesses that run the workplaces, which allows them to live there. Some have been there for decades already! The reality is they are essentially enslaved to the debt they owe the business owners. It's nearly impossible for them to repay these debts, which explains why they have been living in these places for generations in some cases.
How did we find them? ...Glad you asked!
The children who live in these villages attend the Good Shepherd school on the campus we're staying on. Pastors/Admin. from the schools go to the villages and lead Sunday evening services, where the Bible is taught to them. In both villages we spent time talking with the families, shared stories from our lives, prayed with them, and gave candy and balloons to the kids... and even some of the grandparents... guess they wanted to party with the kids too! The parents had their kids sing songs to us - with the motions! - that they learned in school. We video recorded and took pictures with them. They would laugh after we showed them their "performance" in the viewfinders of our cameras. They pointed and smiled in excitement... and of course, teased each other as they watched!
Money can't buy this kind of pleasure. There are fewer things in life that bring the kind of fulfillment we experienced in bringing joy to these people. To see them smile, laugh, and hear them sing songs like "God is Good", sets the stage for an array of emotions: heartbreak, inexplicable joy, hope for their futures, humility in recognition of one's privileges vs. the lack for another - and wanting to solve the problem (as any "good" American would respond in a similar situation)...
Really, words (and pictures) can't explain it - they simply don't do justice. Only when one is really there physically, with all of the senses engaged, can they experience the life transformation taking place in that very moment in time.
We left the Stone Village in the late-afternoon to return to O.M. campus for our team's debrief. As we were leaving, the children and families followed us to our bus - yeah, I know, in full "Bono"/"Brangelina" style (we were not super thrilled about the transportation situation, however, it was decided for us) - and we said our goodbye's. They asked us if we would come back, but unfortunately, our schedule is packed tight. We had to say "No".
Maybe you could go...
I hope and pray that you find some of these opportunities. When I talk about "transformation" or "life-change", I don't mean you become someone else. Rather, your perspective and worldview is broadened. Inevitably, you start to change, or at least, you return to familiar life having experienced some kind of change. One of the characteristics of overseas missions and work is that we often don't know exactly what we're doing from day to day. I usually need a bit of structure in my life, but I have little-to-no choice when I'm abroad. It's not vacation. Vacations offer choices as to what and how and where to spend money, time, etc. Vacations are great and needed! But without so much choice, interesting things happen:
If you're ready... Pray to God and ask him for forgiveness for living life by your standards, rather than His, and put your trust in Christ. Or, maybe take this time to re-commit your life to Him. Or, take a moment to thank Him for how he has blessed you!
You won't regret getting on God's agenda and living your life for Him!
I would be honored to walk the journey with you! We're all on it, just in different places. Now, I don't have all the answers by any stretch of the imagination, but if you have questions, I'd love to talk about them. Be in touch.
Grace & Peace.
How did we find them? ...Glad you asked!
The children who live in these villages attend the Good Shepherd school on the campus we're staying on. Pastors/Admin. from the schools go to the villages and lead Sunday evening services, where the Bible is taught to them. In both villages we spent time talking with the families, shared stories from our lives, prayed with them, and gave candy and balloons to the kids... and even some of the grandparents... guess they wanted to party with the kids too! The parents had their kids sing songs to us - with the motions! - that they learned in school. We video recorded and took pictures with them. They would laugh after we showed them their "performance" in the viewfinders of our cameras. They pointed and smiled in excitement... and of course, teased each other as they watched!
Money can't buy this kind of pleasure. There are fewer things in life that bring the kind of fulfillment we experienced in bringing joy to these people. To see them smile, laugh, and hear them sing songs like "God is Good", sets the stage for an array of emotions: heartbreak, inexplicable joy, hope for their futures, humility in recognition of one's privileges vs. the lack for another - and wanting to solve the problem (as any "good" American would respond in a similar situation)...
Really, words (and pictures) can't explain it - they simply don't do justice. Only when one is really there physically, with all of the senses engaged, can they experience the life transformation taking place in that very moment in time.
We left the Stone Village in the late-afternoon to return to O.M. campus for our team's debrief. As we were leaving, the children and families followed us to our bus - yeah, I know, in full "Bono"/"Brangelina" style (we were not super thrilled about the transportation situation, however, it was decided for us) - and we said our goodbye's. They asked us if we would come back, but unfortunately, our schedule is packed tight. We had to say "No".
Maybe you could go...
I hope and pray that you find some of these opportunities. When I talk about "transformation" or "life-change", I don't mean you become someone else. Rather, your perspective and worldview is broadened. Inevitably, you start to change, or at least, you return to familiar life having experienced some kind of change. One of the characteristics of overseas missions and work is that we often don't know exactly what we're doing from day to day. I usually need a bit of structure in my life, but I have little-to-no choice when I'm abroad. It's not vacation. Vacations offer choices as to what and how and where to spend money, time, etc. Vacations are great and needed! But without so much choice, interesting things happen:
- We have time to get to know people and allow for what's happening impact us
- We're thrust into new experiences that take us out of our comfort zone, which stretch us and change us (i.e. trying new foods, cultures, and landscapes)
- The element of surprise is always present... sometimes you feel like a straight-up child!
- We can see what God is doing in the context we are visiting, and better understand what God is teaching us - individually and collectively
- We learn how we might take what we've eperienced and find ways to take action on them at home, or teach others about
- We become influencers and inspire others
- Our lives are never the same, and live with greater fulfillment - material things, monotonous lifestyles, and cheap thrills satisfy only briefly, or creates complacency
- God blesses us beyond measure!
If you're ready... Pray to God and ask him for forgiveness for living life by your standards, rather than His, and put your trust in Christ. Or, maybe take this time to re-commit your life to Him. Or, take a moment to thank Him for how he has blessed you!
You won't regret getting on God's agenda and living your life for Him!
I would be honored to walk the journey with you! We're all on it, just in different places. Now, I don't have all the answers by any stretch of the imagination, but if you have questions, I'd love to talk about them. Be in touch.
Grace & Peace.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Memoirs from India: Day 4
As I sit and begin today's reflection, considering all that we learned and experienced, honestly, I find it hard to put it into words. We spent the morning and early afternoon hours on O.M.'s campus, then visited two slum areas - the "Pipe Village" and the "Rock Quarry Village" (to be explained later). Since O.M. wanted to give our team a more holistic understanding of what they are doing - only a snapshot really - in India (by the way, O.M. India services roughly 1/3 of all O.M.'s global activity!), we missed some of the Briscoe's teaching time. Our team agreed that getting off-site would be really valuable; and it has been. Today, however, we were able to join the morning session before we departed, which opened with singing praise and worship songs, both in English and in Hindi. It's quite the experience to hear other brothers and sisters singing the same songs we sing, but in their native tongue!
Stuart gave the morning session sermon - which blew me away... He gave an overview of Ephesians 1-5 without notes! He exposited from several verses in each chapter and used the illustration of being drunk to teach it. He taught with honesty and humor, intelligence and wit. He made the point that we must be "drunk" on the Holy Spirit. He explained that alcohol does 3 things in a person...
1) The one that is fed, will live
2) The one that is not fed, will die
The sinful nature will always fight against the spirit that indwells the Christ follower, but which nature is being fed... which one isn't?
He said there are 3 kinds of people in the church:
1) Those who make things happen
2) Those who watch things happen
3) Those who say, "Huh, what happened?"
The questions I had to ask myself were:
- Who will I be? or become?
- What or who am I "drunk" on?
...Am I letting too much around me influence my life for the negative? Or, am I spending the time and energy to feed the personhood of the Spirit within me (given by God's grace through faith in Christ)?
The second portion of our day was spent touring the O.M. campus. Here is a laundry list of what they do:
- Offer undergraduate and MA degrees in Bible and Leadership (13-14,000)
- Have 80 grade schools around the country, giving under-privileged children high-quality education for extremely low costs (~ $1 per day)
- Train pastors, leaders, and volunteer leaders in the church to maximize effectiveness of ministry in their local contexts and languages
- Resource Christian books and media in 13 different languages in India - largest resourcer
- Train students and adults in trades like sewing, computer networking/programming, wood-working/carpentry, auto maintenance and mechanics
- Train teachers to lead and manage schools
- Employ 200 workers at the Hyderabad headquarters
- Empower the poor and oppressed to change the direction of their impoverished state through the tools of education and providing opportunities and jobs through O.M. in their local communities
- Export fine linens and clothing through the "LYDIA" program, where all of the proceeds are put back into training more seamstresses
- Hold Christian conferences throughout the year for leaders and Christian organizations
- Med. clinic, dentistry, and pharmacy at the O.M. headquarters (Hyderabad)
Believe it or not, the list could go on, but truthfully, there's far too much to remember! As I said before, O.M. is finding ways to meet the physical, spiritual, and social needs of the communities around them. They are empowering those who are otherwise ignored, oppressed, or simply forgotten about. India will be transformed by a new generation - one that was born into poverty, but will grow into influence.
If you have a Bible, open it to the Old Testament book of Isaiah 61. The prophet here speaks of God's call on his life, but apply this same message to O.M.'s mission and movement to paint a clearer picture of their vision.
Stuart gave the morning session sermon - which blew me away... He gave an overview of Ephesians 1-5 without notes! He exposited from several verses in each chapter and used the illustration of being drunk to teach it. He taught with honesty and humor, intelligence and wit. He made the point that we must be "drunk" on the Holy Spirit. He explained that alcohol does 3 things in a person...
- Captivates
- Motivates
- Activates
1) The one that is fed, will live
2) The one that is not fed, will die
The sinful nature will always fight against the spirit that indwells the Christ follower, but which nature is being fed... which one isn't?
He said there are 3 kinds of people in the church:
1) Those who make things happen
2) Those who watch things happen
3) Those who say, "Huh, what happened?"
The questions I had to ask myself were:
- Who will I be? or become?
- What or who am I "drunk" on?
...Am I letting too much around me influence my life for the negative? Or, am I spending the time and energy to feed the personhood of the Spirit within me (given by God's grace through faith in Christ)?
The second portion of our day was spent touring the O.M. campus. Here is a laundry list of what they do:
- Offer undergraduate and MA degrees in Bible and Leadership (13-14,000)
- Have 80 grade schools around the country, giving under-privileged children high-quality education for extremely low costs (~ $1 per day)
- Train pastors, leaders, and volunteer leaders in the church to maximize effectiveness of ministry in their local contexts and languages
- Resource Christian books and media in 13 different languages in India - largest resourcer
- Train students and adults in trades like sewing, computer networking/programming, wood-working/carpentry, auto maintenance and mechanics
- Train teachers to lead and manage schools
- Employ 200 workers at the Hyderabad headquarters
- Empower the poor and oppressed to change the direction of their impoverished state through the tools of education and providing opportunities and jobs through O.M. in their local communities
- Export fine linens and clothing through the "LYDIA" program, where all of the proceeds are put back into training more seamstresses
- Hold Christian conferences throughout the year for leaders and Christian organizations
- Med. clinic, dentistry, and pharmacy at the O.M. headquarters (Hyderabad)
Believe it or not, the list could go on, but truthfully, there's far too much to remember! As I said before, O.M. is finding ways to meet the physical, spiritual, and social needs of the communities around them. They are empowering those who are otherwise ignored, oppressed, or simply forgotten about. India will be transformed by a new generation - one that was born into poverty, but will grow into influence.
If you have a Bible, open it to the Old Testament book of Isaiah 61. The prophet here speaks of God's call on his life, but apply this same message to O.M.'s mission and movement to paint a clearer picture of their vision.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Memoirs from India: Day 3
Tuesday, September 2nd
Ahh! Finally, I got the sleep I've needed for a couple days. This morning we had to get moving right away as we were to visit two Good Shepherd schools today. O.M. has established grade schools all over India - 80 and counting! They are Christian schools that welcome all students from various backgrounds, like Hindu, Muslim, and of course, Christian. It costs the families about $1.00 per day to send their child to the school where they are taught English, Hindi, mathematics, science, grammar, reading skills, Bible memorization, Christian songs, and other subjects based on grade level.
The first school we visited was about 35km from O.M. headquarters - appx. 1hr. away... well, depending on the "adventurous" traffic in town! Along the beautiful country-side, rolling hills, winding roads, lush, wide-open spaces, and farmland, was the scenic picture painted before us as we hung our heads and cameras out of the windows of the jeep. When we arrived at the school, the children (400+) were lined up in their uniforms, separated by age and grade. The teachers and admin. brought us up on a stage in front of all the children and staff to welcome us. The kids began their daily calisthenics of reciting Bible verses they had memorized, songs they learned, and the pledge of allegiance to their country. [Each one on] our team was then given a traditional flower garland, which look like Hawaiian lays, as a welcome gift. Then each of us had the chance to share a few words of gratitude for letting us come and visit. After the opening session, our team visited each classroom - K5 through 6th grade - where we were greeted with "Good morning, Sir", "Good morning, ma'am", a song the kids had learned, a recited passage and/or chapter from a book of the Bible, and a few questions for our team - like where we were from, or what we did for work, etc.
We took pictures with them, which they LOVE... but they love even more seeing the captured picture in the viewfinder after it is taken! The children are precious. Just being able to have the opportunity to look into their eyes and see their zest for life and curiosity about everything, was a gift in and of itself. Once we had visited the classrooms, Raland (Rey-land), the school's manager and our guide for the morning, sat us in his office and further shared with us the vision O.M. has for these schools, and shared the moving, and personal story of how he got involved with the G.S. schools. Raland grew up a Dalit - an outcast of the caste system - and found himself attending a G.S. school in India. His life was changed through the teaching and was brought out of poverty because of the education he had received through O.M. - and THIS is O.M.'s hope.
It is their heartbeat to free the Dalits (and others) from physical and spiritual poverty. It's empowerment for those who would not otherwise find any. The social, political, economic, and educational infrastructures already are, and will change because of O.M.'s vision and passion.
The second school we visited was in the slums of Hyderabad. I've seen slums and extreme poverty before, and there are similar characteristics in any case - fecal matter in the open air, burning garbage, garbage heaps scattered about, and the stench of rotting trash (and often some people rummaging through it for goods and sustenance), makeshift homes of wood, concrete, metal scraps, tattered draperies - anything to provide shelter. Some homes have concrete floors, others dirt. Some are adorned with culturally-specific ornaments, and others with none at all. There are people everywhere!
The children love to have their picture taken. They will come up to you and look into your eyes with their puppy-dog eyes, and say "One photo?", while holding their little finger in the air. It's adorable, and interesting that they make such a fuss over it. The kids swarm to get in on a pic, practically tackling each other - fights almost broke out at times! Then of course, they want to see the photo after it has been taken.
It's apparent that they want to be noticed and remembered!
The school in the slums had 200 students, all of which were squeezed into a room no larger than most of our living rooms at home. They sang some songs (with the motions!) for us, and we each told them about our occupations and encouraged them to continue working hard so they could one day become the professionals many of them desire to be - doctors, engineers, policemen, teachers, business people, and so on. (Notice how they don't care much about fame, or becoming rock stars/movie stars, or even rich...) These people understand reality much differently than Americans do - we have far too many options and distractions.
The children followed us through the slums as we stopped and prayed with people, talked with them to hear their stories, and to snap a few pictures with them. I met some teenagers there, and talked with them a bit. The look in their eyes stunned me! I was taken back for two reasons:
1) They reminded me of young people back home - trying to fit-in with their friends, trying to find their place/meaning and purpose, dealing with pressures from friends and their culture - clearly, a similarity.
2) There was a hunger in their eyes. A hunger to know something, or someone, greater than themselves. I told them I was from America and all of a sudden, I was elevated to Bono-status - larger than life. They wanted pictures and to touch me just to get my attention. As I shook their hands and laughed with them - whether or not we actually understood each other - I would call them "friend". When this happened their eyes lit up and huge smiles stretched across their faces. There was an almost instant bond created between us. To them, being called friend with an American was extra-ordinary.
These young people are craving friendship, love, and attention. They are curious about Jesus. Sadly, we didn't have enough time to explain more. Hopefully, someone will meet them again who can nourish the planted seeds - maybe that's you... or me! Their situation makes them desperate enough, but there is more - something deeper. That something is to be found by God's spirit, and to grow an intimate, personal relationship with him as he offers it freely.
...but how do people find this if they are not told about it?
Yes, physical needs have to be met, but spiritual needs that are met will change and transform the hearts of those who will then go and change the world with God's power - power he promises is with those who trust in him!
Ahh! Finally, I got the sleep I've needed for a couple days. This morning we had to get moving right away as we were to visit two Good Shepherd schools today. O.M. has established grade schools all over India - 80 and counting! They are Christian schools that welcome all students from various backgrounds, like Hindu, Muslim, and of course, Christian. It costs the families about $1.00 per day to send their child to the school where they are taught English, Hindi, mathematics, science, grammar, reading skills, Bible memorization, Christian songs, and other subjects based on grade level.
The first school we visited was about 35km from O.M. headquarters - appx. 1hr. away... well, depending on the "adventurous" traffic in town! Along the beautiful country-side, rolling hills, winding roads, lush, wide-open spaces, and farmland, was the scenic picture painted before us as we hung our heads and cameras out of the windows of the jeep. When we arrived at the school, the children (400+) were lined up in their uniforms, separated by age and grade. The teachers and admin. brought us up on a stage in front of all the children and staff to welcome us. The kids began their daily calisthenics of reciting Bible verses they had memorized, songs they learned, and the pledge of allegiance to their country. [Each one on] our team was then given a traditional flower garland, which look like Hawaiian lays, as a welcome gift. Then each of us had the chance to share a few words of gratitude for letting us come and visit. After the opening session, our team visited each classroom - K5 through 6th grade - where we were greeted with "Good morning, Sir", "Good morning, ma'am", a song the kids had learned, a recited passage and/or chapter from a book of the Bible, and a few questions for our team - like where we were from, or what we did for work, etc.
We took pictures with them, which they LOVE... but they love even more seeing the captured picture in the viewfinder after it is taken! The children are precious. Just being able to have the opportunity to look into their eyes and see their zest for life and curiosity about everything, was a gift in and of itself. Once we had visited the classrooms, Raland (Rey-land), the school's manager and our guide for the morning, sat us in his office and further shared with us the vision O.M. has for these schools, and shared the moving, and personal story of how he got involved with the G.S. schools. Raland grew up a Dalit - an outcast of the caste system - and found himself attending a G.S. school in India. His life was changed through the teaching and was brought out of poverty because of the education he had received through O.M. - and THIS is O.M.'s hope.
It is their heartbeat to free the Dalits (and others) from physical and spiritual poverty. It's empowerment for those who would not otherwise find any. The social, political, economic, and educational infrastructures already are, and will change because of O.M.'s vision and passion.
The second school we visited was in the slums of Hyderabad. I've seen slums and extreme poverty before, and there are similar characteristics in any case - fecal matter in the open air, burning garbage, garbage heaps scattered about, and the stench of rotting trash (and often some people rummaging through it for goods and sustenance), makeshift homes of wood, concrete, metal scraps, tattered draperies - anything to provide shelter. Some homes have concrete floors, others dirt. Some are adorned with culturally-specific ornaments, and others with none at all. There are people everywhere!
The children love to have their picture taken. They will come up to you and look into your eyes with their puppy-dog eyes, and say "One photo?", while holding their little finger in the air. It's adorable, and interesting that they make such a fuss over it. The kids swarm to get in on a pic, practically tackling each other - fights almost broke out at times! Then of course, they want to see the photo after it has been taken.
It's apparent that they want to be noticed and remembered!
The school in the slums had 200 students, all of which were squeezed into a room no larger than most of our living rooms at home. They sang some songs (with the motions!) for us, and we each told them about our occupations and encouraged them to continue working hard so they could one day become the professionals many of them desire to be - doctors, engineers, policemen, teachers, business people, and so on. (Notice how they don't care much about fame, or becoming rock stars/movie stars, or even rich...) These people understand reality much differently than Americans do - we have far too many options and distractions.
The children followed us through the slums as we stopped and prayed with people, talked with them to hear their stories, and to snap a few pictures with them. I met some teenagers there, and talked with them a bit. The look in their eyes stunned me! I was taken back for two reasons:
1) They reminded me of young people back home - trying to fit-in with their friends, trying to find their place/meaning and purpose, dealing with pressures from friends and their culture - clearly, a similarity.
2) There was a hunger in their eyes. A hunger to know something, or someone, greater than themselves. I told them I was from America and all of a sudden, I was elevated to Bono-status - larger than life. They wanted pictures and to touch me just to get my attention. As I shook their hands and laughed with them - whether or not we actually understood each other - I would call them "friend". When this happened their eyes lit up and huge smiles stretched across their faces. There was an almost instant bond created between us. To them, being called friend with an American was extra-ordinary.
These young people are craving friendship, love, and attention. They are curious about Jesus. Sadly, we didn't have enough time to explain more. Hopefully, someone will meet them again who can nourish the planted seeds - maybe that's you... or me! Their situation makes them desperate enough, but there is more - something deeper. That something is to be found by God's spirit, and to grow an intimate, personal relationship with him as he offers it freely.
...but how do people find this if they are not told about it?
Yes, physical needs have to be met, but spiritual needs that are met will change and transform the hearts of those who will then go and change the world with God's power - power he promises is with those who trust in him!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Memoirs from India: Day 2
September 1st
"Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10)
Upon more reflection, I did take into consideration the exhaustion and jet-lag factors (we are 10.5 hrs. ahead), the heat, and adjusting to a new and foreign environment. But it [my sense about this] was deeper than that...
Our team sat in on the pastor's conference today where Stuart, Dick, and Jill each gave presentations - sermons really - to encourage, teach, and challenge the pastors (and lay leaders). It was great to sit in and hear their messages. They made it look easy! Everyone speaks english so there isn't really a language barrier, except for the deep Indian accents. What was really amazing is that neither of them [Stuart, Dick, and Jill] knew until today, what they'd be speaking on... and each of them banged it out in 1.5 hr. sermons - 1 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon (all together).
Stuart preached out of Ephesians 1, and discussed the notion of being "in Christ". He challenged that we became what we are because of Christ. In other words, we who are Christ followers are given all spiritual blessings as we are saved through faith in Jesus, which are nurtured as that relationship grows. He taught about calling and that this is two-fold:
1) We are called to relationship with Christ
2) We are to carry out the work that God has set aside for me/us to do so His story may be completed.
He reminded us that we are Christ's inheritance that he loves unconditionally. Stuart said that God's people sometimes have a lack of confidence, or hope, because they forget who they've become in Jesus' eyes. He said the way to combat that is to remember that God gives us the strength we need to follow through with God's plan for our lives.
Dick spoke on leadership, based on Psalm 78. He touched on a critical issue for pastors and leaders - the issue of integrity. He taught that we need integrity in 5 key areas:
- Speech
- Have an attitude of integrity
- Have an attitude of gratitude
- Relationships
- Motives
- Actions
He reminded us to do the right things for the right reasons.
Jill spoke from Isaiah 26 and 2 Chronicles 26:5, and focused on encouragement. She challenged us to go to God first before we go to others, or busy ourselves with work when troubles come our way. She challenged us to teach others to fear the Lord. She said that stretching ourselves to things that seem too big gives God the opportunity to work in powerful ways, humbling us before His might and providence. An emphasis was put on honest, real, and transparent communication with God, and learning to repent. She encouraged us to remember that God doesn't call people to things they're not equipped for. In the end, she challenged us to surrender to the call of God without condition.
After meeting some of the pastors, playing with some of the kids from the grade school, and a debrief with our team, I came to the conclusion that coming on this endeavor to India falls in line with what God has been speaking to me for much of this year: It's not all that important to God what I'm doing for him, but that he's more concerned with who I'm becoming in my relationship with him. That this trip is part of a molding, shaping, and transforming process he's already been working on - to change me more and more, little by little, into his likeness. I am here in India to observe, learn, listen, and serve where needed with [our team] and O.M. (Jill taught me about the ministry of "presence" - I think this is one thing I'm learning here.)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Memoirs from India: Day 1
August 30th
I begin this journal with mixed emotion over this endeavor. I've also been awake for nearly a full day (as I only slept for 4 hours the previous night in hopes to sleep on the planes), and now mid-way through our travels to India... Tiredness is the overarching feeling right now! But I'm excited and anticipate some incredible experiences, emotional ebbs and flows from meeting (and leaving) new friends, encountering poverty interwoven with wealth, teaching and living in a vastly different culture, and the thrill of gaining insight from Stuart and Jill Briscoe, Dick Robinson, my team, and the Indian people! A priceless opportunity.
International airports are really sweet - especially European airports - because they're a melting pot of cultures from around the globe. Passing through corridors, one can hear multiple languages being spoken by people of all shapes and sizes, with colorful, exotic dress (no, I don't mean strippers...well, that I know of!), and all wearing the same look of "I need to catch my next flight." - an expression that no cultural or language barrier can hide!
We left Chicago at around 4:00pm and arrived in Frankfurt, Germany at 7:00am - an 8.5 hour flight (Germany is 7 hours ahead of us). I slept all of 30 minutes so far. It's now about 9:30am here; about 2:30am at home. Our connecting flight leaves at 11:00am here, for another 8.5 hour flight into Hyderabad, India. This will put us at a grand total of 17 hours flying time, and we will have crossed over approximately 9,000 miles! We should arrive in India at about 11:00pm their time; 12:30pm at home.
It is a trek, but I don't mind it at all - especially considering the exhilaration of traveling abroad and experiencing new places around the world! Most of all though, being able to see what God's up to away from home...
Our flight arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 11:15pm; 12:45pm at home. Operartion Mobilization (O.M.) representatives were there to pick us up. We found out that the training center was about 1.5 hours outside Hyderabad. We reached the campus at about 1:30am. For this first week, I am roomies with Mike Noel, one of Elmbrook Church's elders/leaders; and Phil Brooks, one of the video/media techs. on the team. Our room is a small dorm with a bathroom inside... with a flushing toilet! (a huge plus in foreign contexts). We also have a "shower"... AKA a bucket and cup to dump water over our heads! It was a humid 80 degrees as we went to bed, but luckily our ceiling fan rules and cools!
On the way to the headquarters, we drove through and around Hyderabad. People were out and about (working mostly), even for as late as it was. It seems like they were busy doing random things - talking with friends, cleaning the streets, hauling various materials on flat-beads, etc. There were a lot of homeless people too. Many were sleeping on sidewalks, under awnings in case of rain. Some had blankets, others didn't.
- It was heartbreaking. -
Dick Robinson, one of the Associate Pastors at Elmbrook and our team's leader, noticed our dismay, turned around from his seat on the bus, and explained that India has experienced political, economic, and social unrest for 1000's of years, (not to mention having more than 1.3 Billion people living in very tight vicinity) and to remember that we are coming to support and serve O.M. - a ministry that is working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty, provide affordable, high-quality Christian education to the poor and oppressed, and bring civil rights to outcasts of the caste system - the Dalits (Dah-leet) - in India. In other words, our team can't expect to come in and change the plight of these people in 2 weeks time, no matter how hard it is to understand - how ridiculous and (potentially) arrogant anyway! We are coming as learners and supporters of O.M.'s work and ministry.
Looking ahead:
Our team will stay on O.M.'s headquarters just outside Hyderabad, in Secunderabad ("Second City") for one week. We will be a part of a pastor's conference, highlighting Stuart and Jill Briscoe (Ministers at Large - World-traveling Preachers) from Elmbrook, and Dick Robinson, as the keynote speakers. Building relationships with the pastors and leaders here and listening to their stories, doing interviews with some of them, and possibly teaching at the Good Shepherd School and/or Church on the campus, will be our primary focus this week. (The G.S. grade schools and churches have been established through O.M. all over India). I'll explain more about the G.S. schools and churches once I've learned more about them.
One of the keys to remember on trips like these is that we often don't know what will be expected of us entirely in terms of work. (Our hosts decide what the major projects will be for the team as they know the immediate needs that can be met, or at least, given some attention to during the time we are there). Remaining flexible and "ready" is not just appreciated, it's imperative. We're kept on the edge or our seats at all times!
Well, I'm at the edge of exhaustion, and our first full day starts at 7:00am - time to crash...for 4 hours!
I begin this journal with mixed emotion over this endeavor. I've also been awake for nearly a full day (as I only slept for 4 hours the previous night in hopes to sleep on the planes), and now mid-way through our travels to India... Tiredness is the overarching feeling right now! But I'm excited and anticipate some incredible experiences, emotional ebbs and flows from meeting (and leaving) new friends, encountering poverty interwoven with wealth, teaching and living in a vastly different culture, and the thrill of gaining insight from Stuart and Jill Briscoe, Dick Robinson, my team, and the Indian people! A priceless opportunity.
International airports are really sweet - especially European airports - because they're a melting pot of cultures from around the globe. Passing through corridors, one can hear multiple languages being spoken by people of all shapes and sizes, with colorful, exotic dress (no, I don't mean strippers...well, that I know of!), and all wearing the same look of "I need to catch my next flight." - an expression that no cultural or language barrier can hide!
We left Chicago at around 4:00pm and arrived in Frankfurt, Germany at 7:00am - an 8.5 hour flight (Germany is 7 hours ahead of us). I slept all of 30 minutes so far. It's now about 9:30am here; about 2:30am at home. Our connecting flight leaves at 11:00am here, for another 8.5 hour flight into Hyderabad, India. This will put us at a grand total of 17 hours flying time, and we will have crossed over approximately 9,000 miles! We should arrive in India at about 11:00pm their time; 12:30pm at home.
It is a trek, but I don't mind it at all - especially considering the exhilaration of traveling abroad and experiencing new places around the world! Most of all though, being able to see what God's up to away from home...
Our flight arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 11:15pm; 12:45pm at home. Operartion Mobilization (O.M.) representatives were there to pick us up. We found out that the training center was about 1.5 hours outside Hyderabad. We reached the campus at about 1:30am. For this first week, I am roomies with Mike Noel, one of Elmbrook Church's elders/leaders; and Phil Brooks, one of the video/media techs. on the team. Our room is a small dorm with a bathroom inside... with a flushing toilet! (a huge plus in foreign contexts). We also have a "shower"... AKA a bucket and cup to dump water over our heads! It was a humid 80 degrees as we went to bed, but luckily our ceiling fan rules and cools!
On the way to the headquarters, we drove through and around Hyderabad. People were out and about (working mostly), even for as late as it was. It seems like they were busy doing random things - talking with friends, cleaning the streets, hauling various materials on flat-beads, etc. There were a lot of homeless people too. Many were sleeping on sidewalks, under awnings in case of rain. Some had blankets, others didn't.
- It was heartbreaking. -
Dick Robinson, one of the Associate Pastors at Elmbrook and our team's leader, noticed our dismay, turned around from his seat on the bus, and explained that India has experienced political, economic, and social unrest for 1000's of years, (not to mention having more than 1.3 Billion people living in very tight vicinity) and to remember that we are coming to support and serve O.M. - a ministry that is working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty, provide affordable, high-quality Christian education to the poor and oppressed, and bring civil rights to outcasts of the caste system - the Dalits (Dah-leet) - in India. In other words, our team can't expect to come in and change the plight of these people in 2 weeks time, no matter how hard it is to understand - how ridiculous and (potentially) arrogant anyway! We are coming as learners and supporters of O.M.'s work and ministry.
Looking ahead:
Our team will stay on O.M.'s headquarters just outside Hyderabad, in Secunderabad ("Second City") for one week. We will be a part of a pastor's conference, highlighting Stuart and Jill Briscoe (Ministers at Large - World-traveling Preachers) from Elmbrook, and Dick Robinson, as the keynote speakers. Building relationships with the pastors and leaders here and listening to their stories, doing interviews with some of them, and possibly teaching at the Good Shepherd School and/or Church on the campus, will be our primary focus this week. (The G.S. grade schools and churches have been established through O.M. all over India). I'll explain more about the G.S. schools and churches once I've learned more about them.
One of the keys to remember on trips like these is that we often don't know what will be expected of us entirely in terms of work. (Our hosts decide what the major projects will be for the team as they know the immediate needs that can be met, or at least, given some attention to during the time we are there). Remaining flexible and "ready" is not just appreciated, it's imperative. We're kept on the edge or our seats at all times!
Well, I'm at the edge of exhaustion, and our first full day starts at 7:00am - time to crash...for 4 hours!
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