A Life in Mission

I lay on my bunker, wishing the train would arrive… It was Friday morning. We had been on the train for over 30 hours already. As the train car rocked from side to side, I thought back to earlier in the week. We had left Udumalpet after seeing the last evening school Sunday night. The only tickets that Israel had been able to get were from other people who had canceled, and they were in separate places in the bus instead of being end to end like on our way to the country town. After waiting for some time, the bus finally arrived. We boarded, and I found my place. I wasn’t to keen on sleeping next to a stranger while my camera bag and backpack with my computer sat at my feet! Israel waited with me at my place until the other person arrived, and asked him if he could trade with him… he agreed, and soon Israel was on the bed next to me. It was a fitful night, full of bumps and stops. Finally we arrived in Chennai the next morning. The next few days brought welcome rest in the house that Israel lives with his mother. I missed Udumalpet, and the people there, but I was looking forward to our trip to North India. On Wednesday night we would leave by train to Delhi, the capital of India. We would be passing out 1000 Hindi Bibles, and 1000 songbooks. I remembered the man at the train station who hearing that there were Bibles in the boxes we were taking asked if we could give him one. He said that he wanted to read it. Soon many others were crowding around wanting one for them also. I thought of the hunger and thirst after truth that so many people experience here in India. In North America if you hunger and thirst for truth, it many places to be found. In fact it’s likely you don’t have to go any farther than that Bible on your bookshelf. But here in India most people don’t have Bible. And they are afraid to go find someplace where they can get one, because that place is holy. And so we as Christians have to reach them personally.

I got up to get my things packed and ready for when the train arrived. Then I got down off my bunk and sat in the seat across the isle where Israel was sitting. The people that had occupied the seats had already left to be ready when the train stopped. From the window I could see that we were getting into the city, and so it couldn’t be too long till we reached the station. I didn’t much care for the restrooms… they were the typical Indian style squat toilets, made with metal instead of the regular ceramic type. You can imagine what happens with the movement of the train when you’re trying to relieve yourself! It was common to see the water from the flusher on the floor, and you never knew whether there was urine mixed with it or not. It wasn’t until after the first time I used it that I realized the toilet directly deposited it’s contents down through the floor and onto the tracks! This was why they ask that you avoid using the toilet when at a station! Needless to say I tried not to go there any more than I had to!

Finally I started to see more tracks next to ours, as well as some other trains, and I knew that we were getting close to the station. Before long the train came to a halt next to a concrete pad used for unloading. We got our bags and disembarked. No sooner had we gotten out the door, than we met the man that had come to meet us. He took us over to the luggage car where we waited for our boxes to be unloaded. There were many things being unloaded, there were boxes, and there were packages of all shapes and sizes covered by burlap. The men unloading had metal tools with sharp ends that they used to grab the packages and move them, that way they didn’t have to bend and grab them with both hands. I noticed right away that these people in North India seemed to be cold compared to South India. They had a look in their eye that I couldn’t quite interpret. A look of distrust, of suspicion, of pain in their lives… I wasn’t sure exactly what it meant. I was curious if it was the same everywhere in North India. I looked at the face of the man that met us. It had a smile, and radiated with God’s love. I knew I could trust him. Maybe I would be able to discover the meaning and the reason for this atmosphere during my stay here…

We saw our boxes being unloaded, they were heavy and so the men couldn’t just throw them like they did the other boxes. We were glad to see them carry them carefully and stack them on the cement. Then one of the men said that we had to get permission from the station manager to take the boxes out of the station manager, so the man that met us went with him to get permission. We were so glad that he was here to meet us, because otherwise it would be very hard. Finally they returned with permission to take the boxes from the station. They loaded the boxes onto a cart. Israel asked me to stay with them, as he would be coming behind. He had polio when he was very young and he told me that it was only because of his mother’s prayers that he lived. The only lingering visible effect is his limp. So off we went across the tracks, after the guard checked our paper, and off we went again down a little corridor, and then at the corner there was a man in a suit that wanted to see our paper. Then off we continued across the loading yard, and through the gate, and out onto the road. Then we came to the main road where the man that met us was waiting with the van. Then once Israel caught up with us we were off to the headquarters of the North India Union. The traffic was much the same as South India. Soon we arrived at the Union Office. They put us in their guest room, which was actually very nice compared to typical Indian standards. I was afraid of the price… as often these places are quite expensive. I needn’t have worried because God had that all under control. We would spend Sabbath, and Sunday, and then leave Monday for Upal.

Just a short note to let you know that I was able to port all my India pictures that I posted on facebook to my website. So here is the link: www.godsmissionmedia.org/wp/photos/india

Will get a new update up soon hopefully,

~ Daniel

Israel found me and we headed off on the motorcycle toward the place where I would be staying. He told me that we were headed that night by bus to a place called Udamalpet. So he said I could rest during the day, when we got to his house. I enjoyed riding the bike, weaving through the cars. When there was a traffic stop we just kind of went through the spaces in between cars until there was a car in front of us. This is quite different than in the US because all the traffic does this also, not just the motorcycles. So you have autos, buses, trucks, and cars all taking whatever space they can to get as close to the intersection as possible! It’s actually more organized than in Cameroon, as they have stoplights and they stop for them! So there’s some semblance of order! I then realized that this was a video opportunity! I got my video camera out and got some nice shots! With no glass in between me and the vehicles on the road I was able to get good video shots. I even got creative, shooting the traffic behind us.

Soon we got to the house where Israel’s mother lives, and I took my suitcase inside. He showed me my room, and introduced me to his mother and nephew. His mom didn’t speak any English, but his nephew did. Israel then told me that he had some things he had to do in town but that he would be back in the afternoon. I got some rest, until it was time for lunch. They brought me a huge plate, and filled it with rice and other Indian food. It was very good. I packed and got my things ready to leave that night on the bus, as I would only take my camera bag and backpack.

It was 7:15pm and we were heading to the bus station in an auto. This is what they call these three wheeled motorized vehicles. We soon arrived at the bus station and found our bus. This was a sleeper bus. It had beds instead of seats. Our places were on the top level. I got up into the space, and found it was so small I couldn’t even sit up strait! It was about 6 feet long, and about 1 1/2 to 2 feet wide and about 2 to 2 /12 feet high! There were two bars on the isle side to keep you from rolling off the bed when the bus made corners! I got settled in and got my stuff to you. We soon were on our way, and I watched from my window as the Indian roads and traffic go by on the road below. I slept fitfully, seeming to wake with each stop. At last morning came and at about 6:45 we reached our destination. We disembarked and headed for the hotel where we would rest for several hours before the worship service with the JFA Bible workers at 10am. Israel got us each a single room, it seems to be an Indian custom. I found the room to be nicer than I expected, but still conformed to the Indian standards! It was a good price, and I had nothing to complain about.

At 9:30 we went down to a small local restaurant and ate a good Indian breakfast. A couple of the JFA workers met us there with their motorbikes and gave us a ride to the JFA office. We slipped off our shoes and went inside and sat in the two seats saved for us at the front. About 10 Bible workers from the areas nearby had come. They each had their specific area to work. No sooner had we taken our seats than Israel turned to me and asked me to have the devotion! I hadn’t even brought my Bible! I couldn’t understand Tamil anyway, and so I figured I would just get video and pictures. He was willing to let me take the next day instead, which I gave me some time to prepare. Instead a couple of the workers shared some devotional thoughts. After the worship was over, they planned out a schedule for me to visit several of the different villages and get video shots of them going from house to house giving Bible studies and praying with people. It was a busy morning, and in the afternoon we were able to rest a little before leaving at 4pm for another village. After getting more video there, we headed for one of the evening schools. The evening schools give a chance to many children and young people who for one reason or another wouldn’t otherwise have a chance of getting an education otherwise. They come for two hours in the evening and learn some basics about reading, and writing, etc. and then after the class then we give them a meal. The schools give us a chance to witness to these people in a state where open evangelism is not safe. I had a wonderful time getting pictures and video. The light was low, and that made it a little challenging, but my 50mm 1.8 prime lens got some good shots nonetheless.

The next day at worship I was ready. I shared something that I had shared at GMI for worship. It was based on the story of the spring of bitter water that the people came and asked Elisha help. Elisha poured in salt to cure the waters. In the same way Jesus sends us as salt to the people in the world. Then we examined what is meant by the savor of the salt, mentioned in Matthew 5:13, finding that it represents God’s unselfish love. In the same way God want’s us to keep our savor, and not become as salt without savor.

After another day on the same schedule, it was Friday. I had finally decided what subject my message on sabbath should be. Israel asked me to have the message for the divine service on sabbath! I told him I wasn’t a good preacher, but I didn’t refuse. I would be glad later after I saw how spiritually hungry and thirsty the people were. I prayed that God would help me to give the message that He wanted me to give. Finally I decided to tell the story of Elijah leading up to the climax on Mt Carmel. I would draw from the story how God is calling each of us today, asking who we will serve. I prepared as I could, but still felt unprepared. I prayed that God would speak through me. He gave me peace about it…. Friday was a day off so to speak from our busy schedule, we just had worship in the morning, and then nothing planned until vespers in the evening. It was nice to get some rest, and I was also able to go to the internet cafe to get email, and catch up with people. In the evening we went to Brother Suresh’s church, where once again they had asked me to share. I shared with them the story of the Infidel Lawyer, and how if you break just the 4th commandment you have broken all the other 9. After they served us food, then we were on our way back to the hotel. After a good night’s sleep, I did some last minute preparing before we had breakfast and headed off to the church. We arrived just in time for Sabbath School. When it was finished the Divine Service started, and soon the preliminaries were over. It was time for me to give the message. With Brother Israel translating for me I told the story of Elijah, starting in 1Kings 17, and going on to chapter 18. I told how God showed which god was the true God. Then I drew the application from it, how God is asking the same question today that Elijah asked the Israelites on Mt Carmel. He is asking whom will you serve? I told how we can have idols in our lives today. Anything that comes ahead of God is an idol. I asked how many wanted to make God first in their life… The Holy Spirit was there, and a good number of people raised their hands. After the service was over, people came up and asked for me to pray for them. So I prayed for them one by one. Some had ailments, some wanted healing, and some simply wanted God’s blessing on their lives. For close to a half hour, I prayed with one after another, lifting up their requests to God. I’m guessing that this happens often when foreigners come and preach in India. When I finished they were already serving the lunch of rice and vegetable sauce on banana leaves.

From the Front Lines of India,

~ Daniel

We woke up early Tuesday morning to leave for the airport, and got all our things packed, but our driver hadn’t arrived! After waiting a little while a quick phone call woke him up and got him on his way to pick us up. Pastor Alfred and Jeff and Noah were headed home, but my plans kept me in India for 3 more weeks. It was a little bit hard parting after spending a week together. But we didn’t have to part until we arrived in Chennai. It was sad to leave all the deaf Bible Workers… One of them had taught me the signs for the alphabet in Indian Sign. I didn’t learn very many other Indian signs, although some of them are the same, many are different. I wished I could stay longer and see them working in the field. But our driver had arrived and our time had come to leave. After saying goodbyes to our deaf friends and the people there at the blind school we drove out the gate waving goodbye.

The roads were almost empty as it was 5:30 in the morning, and we made good time. When there were closed gates across the road we stopped and soon we got to see a train go whistling past. Soon we were on our way again, and as it began to get light I could see Indian people walking along the side of the road on their way to work. We soon came to Vizak, and started to see more traffic. But it wasn’t too bad, and soon we arrived at the airport. After getting our luggage, we made our way to the door. But before passing the guard that was checking ID and tickets, we lingered a little bit talking with Pastor Wilson and Pastor Rao, who had accompanied us to the airport. I had become specially connected with Pastor Wilson, who is responsible for the deaf work and has a great burden for it. But finally we said goodbye, and the four of us passed into the airport. After checking in and getting through security it was only about 5 or 10 minutes before our plane was boarding. We would be flying to Chennai where I would be getting off, while Pastor Jeff and Noah, and Pastor Alfred would be going on to Bangalore to catch their flights back to the US. When we disembarked we found baggage claim was close and I retrieved my suitcase, and then we continued out to the gate where everyone holds signs looking for the person their to pick up. I waved good bye as I walked out watching for Israel…

We left Kollegal on Thursday afternoon, and went to see the Kings Palace. They said that we couldn’t come to Bangalore and not see the King’s Palace! It is from the time when Britain ruled India. It’s the place where the King and Queen would come when they visited India. It’s very beautiful still, and speaks of the luxury they enjoyed. When we arrived in Bangalore after 3 hours or so of driving, we found the place that Pastor Wilson had arranged for us to stay at, and we spent a few hours there until we had to leave in the morning. I stayed in a room with Pastor Alfred, and we had a squat toilet and running water. After sleeping a few hours we got up and headed to the airport. We made it on our flight and after a short layover in Hyderbad, we arrived in Vishakapatnam (Vizak for short). It was about another 2 and a half hours to the Blind school in Bobbili, and finally we arrived. There are about 200 blind students that go to school here. Some of them are totally blind, and others are partially blind. They were all out lined up just inside the gate on either side of the driveway to greet us. After greeting them all, we found our sleeping quarters. The house that we are staying in is very nice even by Western standards, it even has AC! I feel guilty staying here knowing that none of the locals have quarters like these. But they insist that we stay here, ‘because they want us to have the best’. Of course we pay for it too!

It’s been great to see all these deaf Bible workers here. They didn’t all make it here for Friday night, but they arrived for church on Sabbath. It is really something to see so many deaf people sign a different sign language! Their signs for the letters of the alphabet are all different too! And a lot of the signs are different as well. Some are similar, such as ‘eat’. Some of them are just different enough to throw you for a loop. I can’t say that I’m able to communicate with them very well at all. One thing that’s really interesting to me, is that when Pastor Wilson teaches at one of the classes, that he speaks in Telagu –the local language here– and the interpreter translates into sign… I can’t understand anything that he’s saying, but when it’s translated into sign I can pick up a few things here and there! It’s kind of interesting not being able to understand the person talking but to understand a little bit when translated into sign! Yesterday we presented the Bible workers that work nearby with bicycles so that they have transportation for less cost. They were very appreciative of them. I need to get a few interviews from some of the deaf workers, and this afternoon is my last opportunity, so please pray that God works in that situation. I also wanted to get some video of someone that doesn’t know sign language, but I haven’t found anyone yet, and I’m praying that God will help me find someone if that is His will.

Tomorrow we will be leaving Bobili school at 5 am and driving to Vizak, then the rest of the group is flying to Bangalore, and then back the US, while I am flying to Chennai to meet with Israel. I will be with Israel until I leave on the 30th.

Here are some pictures that I just posted… Pictures .

Thank you for all your prayers, and may God bless you all.

From the Mission Front of India
Daniel