Its been a while since the internet has worked well. Had a fire on the first night in Delhi which took out the power then got to Kathmandu – the power is off about 50% of the time and we were also out in the rural areas as well.
Went to look at health clinic and farm project in Nawal Parisi. All those ideas of NZ being the first to worship in the world each week go out the window – the Nepali’s worship on Saturday so they get in before NZ. We went to two churches on Saturday morning and I had the privilege of speaking at one of them. If you ever wonder why the Nepali church has been one of the fastest growing churches you just need to come and see their commitment. Unsurprisingly I think your faith means a whole lot more when being a christian means being rejected by your community. I am sure Terry will tell you about the person she met that day – who had to go after church as it was a two hour walk home – that is enough in itself without the 35 – 40 degree heat. Every church we have been to (Thailand, India, Nepal) when they say lets pray …they do exactly that …they all pray …passionately. There is something there that we need I think.
In India we had three men talk to us who were establishing churches. They were all lower caste men so to be able to put a hand on their shoulder and pray with them was wonderful. How would I cope if I was told to stop promoting christianity in a village or continue at the risk of my life.
It is hard to get your mind around the fact that there are more poor people in India than in all of Africa and Latin America together but it assaults your senses when you are here. The reality of issues like child poverty, child trafficking, caste systems,and lots of other issues suddenly become no longer theoretical things you read and wonder about – it happens and it makes you think.
Home in a week and it is looking good!
