The power to move a nation

Last night while in the prayer room, we were singing a song with the lyrics “You have vested in me the authority to determine a nation’s destiny, we humble ourselves and pray and we turn from our wicked ways, come and heal our land”

Each time we sing this song, the atmosphere of the room changes. Suddenly we get connected with the reality of prayer. Prayer is the government of God. In the humility of God, He chooses weak and broken people to partner with His purposes in the earth. God will do more if we ask.

I was thinking of Moses’ intercession on behalf of Israel. In Exodus 32.11-14, God was so angry with Israel. Moses cried out to God, on behalf of Israel, reminding Him of His promise to make a great nation of Israel. God heeded the cry of Moses and did not bring the disaster He was going to pour out.

 As I consider the humility of God, that He would not only listen to the voice of His creation, but submit Himself to it by coming in flesh, I am amazed and fall more in love Him. What are mortals that He is mindful of them? Truly the humility of God is something that angels long to look upon.

A tribute to a virtuous woman…

I received a phone call Saturday night with the news that Hanokh and some of his family had been a bad car accident in India. His mother and nephew have been in critical condition. After fighting for her life for two days, yesterday, Hanokh’s mother passed away.

During my short time with Mrs. Gohil, I can say that she was a woman of virtue. Being around the age of 70, she continued in her faithfulness as mother and wife of her household. Many of the nine children, though grown with children of their own, still live in the house with her and her husband. Every morning I came downstairs for breakfast, she was hard at work hand-washing the family’s laundry. She had a joyful countenance, always smiling with a precious gaze that would cause even the gloomiest heart to rejoice. Psalm 34 says, ‘those who look to the Lord will be radiant.’ Her face shinned with the light of Jesus. Mr. and Mrs. Gohil were going to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary this year, a testimony of devotion to one another. After having met all nine children, I can say that her calling as a mother was extremely successful. Her children and household are filled with the love of Jesus. She served her children and her husband and her God until the end. I feel privileged to have spent some time with her on this side of eternity.

How can one be consoled for the loss of a beloved parent? I am reminded of Paul’s words to the Thessalonians: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. ¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. ¹⁵ For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words. Though we will miss our beloved Mama Gohil, we set our hope on Jesus, knowing that there will be a day when we are reunited, never to part again.

Circumstance becomes opportunity

I must say it’s been an interesting couple of weeks since being back from India. I was back at work for a few days then was diagnosed with bacterial infection that I’m still fighting. This is a beast of an infection, but I am so thankful that the Lord is bringing healing. The first seven days I was confined to the house. I think that’s the longest I’ve ever stayed at home!

 

This time gave me lots of opportunity to think, pray…well lets be real, I was bored sick! It was a wilderness week in which God saw fit to speak tenderly to my heart. His words, ‘return to me’ echoed in my heart as I wrestled with my own boredom.  It is the simplicity of devotion to Christ that often gets crowded out by ‘doing’ for God or even ‘being God’s servant.’ Sometimes it’s easier to talk about God then talk to God. That week of solitude was a merciful reminder for me to return to the simple devotion of Jesus; to sit, to listen, to rest in His presence.

 Thank you, Beloved for reminding me how much I love Your presence.  

Leaving India

I would like to take this last post from India to honor Esther’s family. I have been both blessed and challenged by their faith and fellowship. They have endured such hardship, yet their lives are filled with love and joy in the Lord.

            Esther’s father is a man of faith and humility. Every morning he wakes up before 5am to pray and commune with God. No matter what time he goes to bed, he is faithful in these waking hours. Each time we leave the house or have a significant event in the house, Papa initiates a time of prayer and thanksgiving. Through faith and prayer Papa has a wealth of humility. Despite the politics going on in the church here, Papa has remained faithful to the gospel of truth. In humility, he honors even those who come against him. He has been an example of Matthew 5.44, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” and Psalm 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”            Dear Mama is a woman of prayer and compassion. She has a heart anointed to worship even in the most difficult situations. Due to her health problems she has a lot of difficulty walking. Living on the third floor with no elevator makes each outing a challenge. During this visit, Mama has climbed many stairs and walked far distances to take part in all the festivities. Despite her pain, she kneels down to thank God each time she reaches her destination. While she walks she cries out to God for strength and grace and praises Him for allowing her the blessing of being at her daughter’s wedding. The way Mama tenderly serves her family through prayer and house hold duties shows her great compassion. I will never forget the smile she portraits each night as she serves dinner. Though she is very tired, she is filled with joy knowing that she has served the Lord well by providing a warm meal for us.             Emmanuel, Esther’s brother, has truly been “God with us.”  His diligence and excellence in serving our every need has made our time nearly trouble-free. He single handedly made almost all the preparations for Esther’s wedding, down to the very details of colors Esther had asked for. He was never hesitant to go out late at night to purchase anything we may have needed. Emmanuel is a testimony of the Lord’s servant heart, not only to us, but to his dear parents whom he has committed to caring for.             As I leave India, I take with me these many lessons of God’s love and care with me.  I go feeling more blessed and enriched because of all I have experienced.  I thank God for this opportunity to be mutually encouraged with the church here and pray that these friendships will continue to serve the Kingdom of God.  

God’s mercy

I’ve never thought of vomiting as a means of God’s mercy until today. I hate throwing up! Surrounding this trip to India, i have gotten sick three times, today being the third. I have found a new reason to thank God for his kindness while experiencing this sickness. Throwing up is one means that God has created our body to rid itself of toxins.

Though the end of my trip was not as planned, i’m thanking God for His mercy that we did not leave India today. i would have been sick the entire time we were traveling. Though i don’t understand all of God’s ways, i am thankful for what He does and encouraged when He sheds light on why He does it.

to serve, not to be served

Jesus told his disciples that he came to serve and not to be served. i have been praying for this truth to manifest in my life for many years. My trip to India has been for the purpose of serving my friend and her family. These last couple of days, the Lord has really been testing my heart on the matter.

We have had some unexpected circumstances that have caused frustration in a number of ways. Esther has been sick for the last week and has only been able to function semi normally for part of each day. To add to this, her visa paperwork on the India side has been difficult. The process has gone through some changes, thus causing a delay in our return home. For my own heart, i am living in the transition of my friend now being married.

As a result, my mind and emotions have been swirling these last couple of days. I find my flesh screaming out more wanting my own ‘rights’ and needs to be met. Time and again, i am reminded of Jesus’ calling to serve and not be served. As i gaze upon our Savior, i am finding strength, joy and patience to press forward.

I have spent this morning studying the first few chapters of Revelation. Nothing cures selfishness more than the judgements of God! My time of personal worship and prayer has also been restoring. Once again, i am humbled and reminded of my constant need of God.

village life

It is tradition here for a family member of the bride to accompany the newly married couple to the groom’s home so that the bride feels comfortable.  I was the family member chosen, thus my journey to the village.

There are so many stories i could tell from this past week’s experience in hanohk’s village, but for brevity’s sake, i will keep my recording to only a couple.

One of my favorite things about traveling is experiencing different cultures and participating in others lifestyles. With each new adventure, i learn more about myself as well as others.

Village life is very different from the life in the city, much like our differences between living in the country vs. the city.  The air is a bit cleaner, less shopping conveniences, more animals running about and of course, more space. Most of Hanohk’s siblings and their families live either in his house or on the same street. It was fun to experience this close family bond among the generations.  With Esther’s attention now drawn to her husband, i was grateful for the company and friendships of Hanohk’s family. We had many laughs and great times. Communication was interesting as only a couple spoke some english and i could not speak either Hindi or Gujaratie. some day i will learn how to upload pictures and videos on this blog and then you can enjoy this journey in “person.”

One last ditty…The Christians in Gujarat ring in the new year with a church service. Their big celebration is the night of Jan 1st. After attending a new year’s service in the morning, they rest and then prepare for a big dance party at night. Their dancing is called grba. The closest thing i can compare it to in the US is square dancing. it was great fun!

Christmas, a wedding and New Years

I must say it’s been interesting planning a wedding, celebrating Christmas and ringing in the New Year all in one week. We’ve had a great time thus far, but i must say I’m a bit confused of the season. We were listing to Christmas music while putting together the order of the wedding ceremony. this is a first for me!

Esther preached for Christmas day and i preached Christmas eve. This same dynamic duo will occur again for New Years eve and day. What a blessing to minister with my friend! By the end of the week, we will have served both Esther’s and Hanokh’s church. 

We will be traveling to Gujarat tomorrow to stay with Hanohk’s family for a week and then back to Bombay. We will not have email access while there so i will say my farewell for now and update you when i get back to Bombay on the 3rd.

Happy New Year! How do we have a prosperous new year? Joshua 1:8 “On this book of the law you shall mediate day and night never ceasing to do what is written in it. For then you shall make your way successful and then you shall be prosperous.” My prayer is that we would hunger for the Word of God and be filled with the knowledge of Jesus.

texas and africa in India

Each meal i eat here in India reminds me of both texas and africa. When i went home to texas with a friend of mine, we had fajita wraps very often- as part of the main course, as an appetizer or as part of a desert. Here we have several different kinds of wraps, and eat them morning, noon and night.

the african flavor… While in Zimbabwe, we had what was affectionately called ’soup.’  This was a mixture of different veggies simmered with tomatoes.  We had this at every meal. In india, we also eat a variety of veggies mixed much like the ’soup’ of Zimbabwe. While the flavors are quite different, the resemblance is evident. there is also the familiar finger food and tea time. In both Zimbabwe and India they eat with their hands instead of silverware and observe the importance of eating tea and biscuits.

So many memories and fun times all coming together while i’m also experiencing new things in India.

Jesus bring Justice

as we were driving around Bombay yesterday, i could not help but long for God’s kingdom to come on the earth. Everywhere i look i see injustice. So much poverty and pain and worshipping of demons. I was stirred with a spirit of prayer as we drove, longing for God to make himself known in this city. I know there are many faithful believers here and for their stance in truth in this hostile place, i know the Lord will richly bless them.

My host family is so faithful and grateful to God. In the midst of disease and pain that they endure daily in their own bodies, they praise God. Esther’s mom has trouble walking. as i pray for her healing, i’m reminded of my own barrenness, as no power accompanies the prayer. i know God longs to bring justice to her and fully restore her so i will continue to pray and know that God hears the sound of my voice and is moved.

I long for Jesus to come and set up his righteous government on earth, one in which all will have joy and peace and things will be as God intended it.