Making friends with the next generation

We learned that we were the first "white people" to enter the village in 40 years! We saw a building in Chelligada in which former missionaries established a mission. Many converted to Christ here, resulting in the large presence of the Baptist Church in this village and the surrounding area.

Making friends is not difficult here. Who knew that a simple dollar-store toy could draw so much attention from the children?! As we showed them how the little launching helicopter worked, a small crowd of children began to gather.  In no time at all the number of kids doubled; then tripled into a crowd of laughing, joyful children interacting with the Americans and the toy. Very quickly they had mastered the English phrase, calling out together “one…two…three…GO!”     

Susan showed up with the camera, and everyone had to have a photo taken. As they scrambled to see their images on the small screen display, giggles and squeals erupted: "Me, me!"

Cultural Contrasts

Because there remains a guarded atmosphere between Christians and Hindus throughout the region, especially around the times of Hindu festivals, they were mindful to call taxis even when we were to go a short distance, making sure we would not be walking the streets during the time of preparation for the Hindu festival of Dashain. During this festival elaborate decorations are set up to encase the main street in color and lights. Temporary temples are set up to honor certain gods/godesses and lots of loud speakers ensure no one could possibly miss this celebration.

It seems that Hinduism is everywhere! Not only did we see its evidence in the elaborate festival decorations, but we saw shrines, gods, and idols in a variety of places. We even saw several trees whose roots and trunks had been adorned with little idols and shrines.

First Days In India

When we left Nepal, we met up with the brother of our friend Santosh Kumar, who we met in West Michigan a few years ago. Lalit Kumar traveled with us into the Orissa Region, to his family's home-town village of Chelligada.  Along the way he pointed out several areas where churches had been burned and villages had been ransacked in the 2009 uprising against Christianity.

The Kumar family is no small presence for Christianity in the vilage of Chelligada. The patriarch is pastor of the largest church in the area, and his sons lead a ministry that seeks to train pastors and expand orphanages.  We were housed in a home built by Aksaya, one of their cousins who also a leads a Christian school in northern India.  He was a very capable translator as well as a generous host.  Our time in his home was blessed and we shared from early morning to late night about the amazing love of our wonderful Lord Jesus.  They were very kind and watchfully protective of us during our time there. What a loving family!

Pray For Nepal

Do you have a heart for Nepal? Will you stop and pray for them? Please go to the link below, and watch this short video-prayer for this land and its beautiful people.  (If the link does not work, just paste it into your browser window to activate)

 

http://prayercast.com/nepal.html