I've learned from my many trips out of the US that time doesn't mean much in most countries. One of my many faults is an obsession with being punctual. Consequently, I have trouble dealing with people who seem to have no regard for time. This morning my ride was an hour late picking me up. I was getting pretty upset until I found out that through no fault of the driver, there was a massive traffic jam on the highway coming in and out of Mumbai. I discovered how bad it was on our way to the ministry site.
We started out in the left hand lanes. (They drive on the left in India.) But when traffic came to a standstill many of the vehicles just crossed the road and started driving in the face of oncoming traffic. The result was a massive traffic jam that lasted for about an hour. My driver looked at me and said, "Welcome to India."
The ministry site is under the direction of pastor Chacko Thomas and his Lighthouse Ministries. He is blessed with a beautiful facility that like most Christian ministries in India, has an orphanage. There are over sixty children here in what is called the "Almost Heaven Children's Home."
The students, the children and the staff have all treated me like I am some kind of celebrity. They think that I am a very important person who has come from the US. Everyday I am greeted by the children all wanting to shake my hand and say "God bless you." When I walk into the classroom the students stand and applaud. They almost fight over who is going to carry my bag and get me coffee. For some reason they all want my autograph. (I hope it is not to forge my signature on a loan.) I have never seen such gracious people. If they only knew that I am just a red-neck, hillbilly preacher, they might treat me differently. It all makes for a very humbling experience.
They have so many questions not related to the course that I am teaching that I will have trouble finishing all of the material. The way that I look at it, anything that I can do to help them understand the Bible in a better way is worth the effort.
Tuesday before I came back to the hotel, the cook and his wife asked if I would pray for them. Sabu and Nancy were just two precious people who are going out of their way to make sure that I am fed properly. It was a privilege to hold their hands and ask God to bless them in the difficult circumstances they are facing in life.
We started out in the left hand lanes. (They drive on the left in India.) But when traffic came to a standstill many of the vehicles just crossed the road and started driving in the face of oncoming traffic. The result was a massive traffic jam that lasted for about an hour. My driver looked at me and said, "Welcome to India."
The ministry site is under the direction of pastor Chacko Thomas and his Lighthouse Ministries. He is blessed with a beautiful facility that like most Christian ministries in India, has an orphanage. There are over sixty children here in what is called the "Almost Heaven Children's Home."
The students, the children and the staff have all treated me like I am some kind of celebrity. They think that I am a very important person who has come from the US. Everyday I am greeted by the children all wanting to shake my hand and say "God bless you." When I walk into the classroom the students stand and applaud. They almost fight over who is going to carry my bag and get me coffee. For some reason they all want my autograph. (I hope it is not to forge my signature on a loan.) I have never seen such gracious people. If they only knew that I am just a red-neck, hillbilly preacher, they might treat me differently. It all makes for a very humbling experience.
Here I am answering questions from some of the students during a break session.
They have so many questions not related to the course that I am teaching that I will have trouble finishing all of the material. The way that I look at it, anything that I can do to help them understand the Bible in a better way is worth the effort.
Some of the children - what beautiful faces!
Tuesday before I came back to the hotel, the cook and his wife asked if I would pray for them. Sabu and Nancy were just two precious people who are going out of their way to make sure that I am fed properly. It was a privilege to hold their hands and ask God to bless them in the difficult circumstances they are facing in life.
"And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called
according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
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