We have flown to Bangalore and attended worship at Bangalore Presbyterian Church yesterday. It is amazing how many Indians will fit into such a space, and how little they need in terms of resources.
Some say persecution has been slowly spreading beyond Orissa. One of those in attendance is another pastor in Bangalore. He has had worship services shut down by the police, his house is watched, and they have moved services to a new location. A state political party is on the rise and they have strong Hindu/nationalistic leanings. Yet, this pastor has baptized six new Christians last month.
This morning we went to a street child drop-in center and met at length with four children to hear their stories. Each story has some combination of physical abuse and the loss of one or both parents. Two of the kids ran away when they were sevan and eight, which is absolutely heart wrenching for anyone with children that age. One kid earned some money on the street and had his arm pulled out of the socket by older kids who wanted the money. The state hospital simply casted his arm as is. The church found out and took him to receive proper care, and later reunited the child with his mother. The ministry here has plans for children's homes with house parents when they can can raise the funds.
This afternoon we sat in on another seminar for local pastors--30 in attendance. One traveled from 800 km away to receive this training, and this is his fifth month. Now I am sitting at Paul Billy's home, the missionary we support, having a delicious meal of spaghetti and fried chicken (with curry). Tomorrow we fly south to see Homes for Hope, homes which are being built still for tsunami victims.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
India Update #2
India is fast becoming industrialized, but it is still fun to see rickshaws, ox-drawn carts, goat herds crossing the street, and cows grazing freely in highway medians. I'm not sure how many more years these sights will be seen. Today we drove five hours north of Chennai to a village of 500 families. Here there is a Presbyterian church which today innaugurated the Presbyterian Theological Institute and which will share the same block building.
The music of the innauguration service was beautiful--Christian lyrics with a hint of traditionally Indian style and sound. The crowd was overflowing out the doors, and after the message 25 students came up front to receive a gift (a notebook and pen) as they begin their studies. In most cases these are current pastors of various denominations who are glad to have the training. Classes will be one full week, once each month for a year. It was unreal to see so many young pastors gathered in a small, rural village, commited to teach and study their faith in a country so dominated by Hinduism for many centuries.
I spoke with one young pastor after the service who converted from Hinduism at age 19, and now he pastors a church of 80 people 12 hours away. He came for this innauguration service, to get his notebook and pen, and he will return once a month for a year. Twelve hours. And I get frustrated on my way to church if I catch the light at the Super Target.
The music of the innauguration service was beautiful--Christian lyrics with a hint of traditionally Indian style and sound. The crowd was overflowing out the doors, and after the message 25 students came up front to receive a gift (a notebook and pen) as they begin their studies. In most cases these are current pastors of various denominations who are glad to have the training. Classes will be one full week, once each month for a year. It was unreal to see so many young pastors gathered in a small, rural village, commited to teach and study their faith in a country so dominated by Hinduism for many centuries.
I spoke with one young pastor after the service who converted from Hinduism at age 19, and now he pastors a church of 80 people 12 hours away. He came for this innauguration service, to get his notebook and pen, and he will return once a month for a year. Twelve hours. And I get frustrated on my way to church if I catch the light at the Super Target.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
India Update #1
Those interested in my India trip, I’ve arrived safely and we just finished our first full day. No, I didn’t lose my passport in the airport like Bill Martin. I one-upped him and left it in a cab. Miraculously, we ran it down across town and got back to our home base in a motorized rickshaw. On Bill’s previous advice, I gave a substantial tip.
Chennai India is huge— 6 to 7 million people. The traffic is heavy, the streets are dirty, the people are friendly (especially cab drivers). We attended a seminar today put on by the new church planting network. About 40 young Indian pastors (and pastors in training) were in attendance to receive some of their first formal training ever (on Covenant Theology today, no less).
I talked with several during a break, and one baptized six former Hindus in August. The church is growing fast here, almost at the same rate as in China. A couple reasons are given: First, with increased wealth, the class system has broken down somewhat. There has been something of a revolt in the bottom class, and they are realizing they can be free from the caste system (thus having opportunities to improve their position in life) by leaving Hinduism. Unfortunately, sometimes their answer is Buddhism, but often they turn to the church.
Another reason for the growth of the church is that Hinduism does not have real answers to many of life’s difficult questions. Why is their suffering, for example? How good is good enough? What guarantee do I have to a better reincarnation? Christianity offers a rational system of thought for many who are searching and using their minds in India.
I was most struck today by the Indian national leaders who presented their vision to us for hundreds of new churches in the next 10 years. They had such excitement in their faces, such enthusiasm, such energy, such zeal for the glory of the Lord. I believe I am exactly where God wants me to be, but do I have such a heart and attitude?
Chennai India is huge— 6 to 7 million people. The traffic is heavy, the streets are dirty, the people are friendly (especially cab drivers). We attended a seminar today put on by the new church planting network. About 40 young Indian pastors (and pastors in training) were in attendance to receive some of their first formal training ever (on Covenant Theology today, no less).
I talked with several during a break, and one baptized six former Hindus in August. The church is growing fast here, almost at the same rate as in China. A couple reasons are given: First, with increased wealth, the class system has broken down somewhat. There has been something of a revolt in the bottom class, and they are realizing they can be free from the caste system (thus having opportunities to improve their position in life) by leaving Hinduism. Unfortunately, sometimes their answer is Buddhism, but often they turn to the church.
Another reason for the growth of the church is that Hinduism does not have real answers to many of life’s difficult questions. Why is their suffering, for example? How good is good enough? What guarantee do I have to a better reincarnation? Christianity offers a rational system of thought for many who are searching and using their minds in India.
I was most struck today by the Indian national leaders who presented their vision to us for hundreds of new churches in the next 10 years. They had such excitement in their faces, such enthusiasm, such energy, such zeal for the glory of the Lord. I believe I am exactly where God wants me to be, but do I have such a heart and attitude?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Right Where We Want Them
“We’ve got them just where we want them.” I don’t know who was the first to utter this line in sarcasm when all in reality seemed lost, seems it was a war hero. John McCain is the most recent in a political battle, pointing out his underdog status to Obama.
Anything could happen in politics, but for the Apostle Paul, everything could easily have seemed lost while writing to the Colossians from prison. He is the successful Apostle, church-planter, hero of the faith, and God has him…in prison?! He could be so useful if he were out! he could do so much more as a free man! Instead of such thoughts, he is on the offense while in chains, and he acts as if he has his enemies right where he wants them. From prison he sends greetings from other prisoners (Col 4:10), he encourages them to read his letter to other churches (Col 4:16), and he continues to instruct the churches in how to live.
Perhaps his instructions in prayer are most revealing and convicting. He writes in 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” And, “pray that a door for our release may be opened speedy that I may be more effective in the work of our Lord.” No, he doesn’t say the latter sentence at all. He writes, “Pray that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.”
I have always been amazed that Paul doesn’t ask them explicitly for his release. Surely it would not have been sinful for him to do so. Sometimes we do find prayers in Scripture that God would change and improve the circumstances of believers. But the overarching purposes of Paul’s prayers are spiritual, not physical, with an eternal perspective clearly in mind. He even indicates it was good that he was in prison to the Philippians, because many in prison had trusted in Christ as a result.
So, as I prepare to embark for India, it would not be wrong to pray for “travel mercies,” for safety, for flight transfers, for my baggage and toothbrush to arrive intact. Instead, I ask for prayers in the vein of the Apostle Paul. I ask for prayers that God would open a door for our message. This message in south India is not that of Americans riding in to save the day, but it is first and foremost from the mouths of local, indigenous Indian pastors, and pastors in training—as they faithfully share Christ and start churches in their cities and villages. And pray that we might encourage them in their work, coming along side them in a small way for 10 days…perhaps learning how to be more bold upon our return as a result of our fellowship together.
Anything could happen in politics, but for the Apostle Paul, everything could easily have seemed lost while writing to the Colossians from prison. He is the successful Apostle, church-planter, hero of the faith, and God has him…in prison?! He could be so useful if he were out! he could do so much more as a free man! Instead of such thoughts, he is on the offense while in chains, and he acts as if he has his enemies right where he wants them. From prison he sends greetings from other prisoners (Col 4:10), he encourages them to read his letter to other churches (Col 4:16), and he continues to instruct the churches in how to live.
Perhaps his instructions in prayer are most revealing and convicting. He writes in 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” And, “pray that a door for our release may be opened speedy that I may be more effective in the work of our Lord.” No, he doesn’t say the latter sentence at all. He writes, “Pray that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.”
I have always been amazed that Paul doesn’t ask them explicitly for his release. Surely it would not have been sinful for him to do so. Sometimes we do find prayers in Scripture that God would change and improve the circumstances of believers. But the overarching purposes of Paul’s prayers are spiritual, not physical, with an eternal perspective clearly in mind. He even indicates it was good that he was in prison to the Philippians, because many in prison had trusted in Christ as a result.
So, as I prepare to embark for India, it would not be wrong to pray for “travel mercies,” for safety, for flight transfers, for my baggage and toothbrush to arrive intact. Instead, I ask for prayers in the vein of the Apostle Paul. I ask for prayers that God would open a door for our message. This message in south India is not that of Americans riding in to save the day, but it is first and foremost from the mouths of local, indigenous Indian pastors, and pastors in training—as they faithfully share Christ and start churches in their cities and villages. And pray that we might encourage them in their work, coming along side them in a small way for 10 days…perhaps learning how to be more bold upon our return as a result of our fellowship together.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Making an Impact in Missions. Really.
When I was in the business world (Human Resources) I managed the divisions’ charitable contributions. We wanted good community relations, and what I inherited (and didn't dare to change) was a long, long list of organizations that we supported on an annual basis. The problem was, the amount for each was $25, or $50, or $100 per year.
In my experience, too many churches do the same with their missions fund. They receive dozens of requests for support (many good causes), and instead of feeling guilty they squeeze another one into their already long list of supported people and groups. Just to mention one drawback, the missionary has so many churches to keep up with, they cannot possibly visit them all when on furlough. And the church has so many missionaries they support, they cannot possibly pray for and care for each one in any meaningful way.
As difficult as it is to do, I am thrilled to see that our church is different. We limit the number of people and organizations we support with a passion. But it is not because we don’t care, rather because where we do give support, we want it to be meaningful, significant and impactful. One such example (on our short list) is southern India. Because of personal connections with a church planter there, we have sent multiple individuals and teams to teach, build and heal over the last few years.
Now MTW is establishing a partnership with this same church-planting organization in South India, and I am joining a group of pastors and elders to see how we can best support this movement. Lord willing, we will make an even more significant impact, now in coordination with about 20 other churches who want to pray for and see God work in a significant way in India, where it is already evident that God’s Spirit is at work.
I leave Tuesday the 21st on this 10 day trip, and if I have access to a computer along the way, I will try to send updates. So check back!
In my experience, too many churches do the same with their missions fund. They receive dozens of requests for support (many good causes), and instead of feeling guilty they squeeze another one into their already long list of supported people and groups. Just to mention one drawback, the missionary has so many churches to keep up with, they cannot possibly visit them all when on furlough. And the church has so many missionaries they support, they cannot possibly pray for and care for each one in any meaningful way.
As difficult as it is to do, I am thrilled to see that our church is different. We limit the number of people and organizations we support with a passion. But it is not because we don’t care, rather because where we do give support, we want it to be meaningful, significant and impactful. One such example (on our short list) is southern India. Because of personal connections with a church planter there, we have sent multiple individuals and teams to teach, build and heal over the last few years.
Now MTW is establishing a partnership with this same church-planting organization in South India, and I am joining a group of pastors and elders to see how we can best support this movement. Lord willing, we will make an even more significant impact, now in coordination with about 20 other churches who want to pray for and see God work in a significant way in India, where it is already evident that God’s Spirit is at work.
I leave Tuesday the 21st on this 10 day trip, and if I have access to a computer along the way, I will try to send updates. So check back!
“You Have to Find Another Preacher”
I don’t mean to alarm you if you are in my church; I’m not talking about myself. In Mark 6 Jesus says to his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” We think often of Jesus’ public ministry of teaching and healing, and I find it fascinating that he, along with his disciples needed rest. (It is equally fascinating that when he got to his secret place of “rest,” many people were there waiting on him, and he dove in to care for them.)
Later that chapter he went up on a mountainside to pray (v. 46). And in chapter 9, “Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples (v. 30).” I will never forget a message I heard from John Stott who suggested every pastor should take one day a month, and one week a year to be alone—to rest, pray, study, read and plan. I had one such morning (a good start at least) yesterday, and I am finding more and more that these are so critical to recharging and refocusing me to that which is most important.
One of the church fathers, St. Jerome pastured a large church and we can only imagine he was an extremely busy man (c.347-420). One day he went to his congregation and said, “Now it is of necessity that the New Testament should be translated, you must find another preacher.”
Now I have no immediate plans to write a new English translation of the Bible. But whether it is for special study, to spend time with family, extensive prayer, or translation work, it is so important for pastors to take breaks, and for their churches to support them in it.
Later that chapter he went up on a mountainside to pray (v. 46). And in chapter 9, “Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples (v. 30).” I will never forget a message I heard from John Stott who suggested every pastor should take one day a month, and one week a year to be alone—to rest, pray, study, read and plan. I had one such morning (a good start at least) yesterday, and I am finding more and more that these are so critical to recharging and refocusing me to that which is most important.
One of the church fathers, St. Jerome pastured a large church and we can only imagine he was an extremely busy man (c.347-420). One day he went to his congregation and said, “Now it is of necessity that the New Testament should be translated, you must find another preacher.”
Now I have no immediate plans to write a new English translation of the Bible. But whether it is for special study, to spend time with family, extensive prayer, or translation work, it is so important for pastors to take breaks, and for their churches to support them in it.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Open and Closed Doors
Sometimes God leads us through open and closed doors in our lives. For example we say, “I’ll go to medical school if God opens the door,” or, “Pray that God would open a door to share Christ with my neighbor.” I believe we see this in Colossians 4:3 where Paul writes, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.”
But I came across 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 in my reading this week, also from Paul: “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” It is simply fascinating to me that Paul sees that a door is ‘open’ which will lead to great opposition. I’m quite sure that if I had an opportunity to serve Christ, but there was a bomb threat, or picketers, or people who hated my message –I’m quite sure I would see that as a door firmly closed and securely locked. But with Paul, there is no conflict.
Is it possible that we trust too much in looking exclusively to the open and closed doors of our circumstances? How many doors do we see as closed which are really wide open? Or open which we see as firmly closed? It has been said that there are some open doors that we should not walk through, and some closed doors that we should break down.
Lord, grant me wisdom, based on the wisdom of your Word, to see which open doors you would have me shut and which you would have me run through; which you would have me open, and which you would have me bust down, for your glory alone.
But I came across 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 in my reading this week, also from Paul: “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” It is simply fascinating to me that Paul sees that a door is ‘open’ which will lead to great opposition. I’m quite sure that if I had an opportunity to serve Christ, but there was a bomb threat, or picketers, or people who hated my message –I’m quite sure I would see that as a door firmly closed and securely locked. But with Paul, there is no conflict.
Is it possible that we trust too much in looking exclusively to the open and closed doors of our circumstances? How many doors do we see as closed which are really wide open? Or open which we see as firmly closed? It has been said that there are some open doors that we should not walk through, and some closed doors that we should break down.
Lord, grant me wisdom, based on the wisdom of your Word, to see which open doors you would have me shut and which you would have me run through; which you would have me open, and which you would have me bust down, for your glory alone.
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