ओं माय मंद वी

That title should say: "On My Mind VI". For some reason completely foreign to me, it's switching to what I believe is Hindi script (no pun intended).

These were passed on to me at my last birthday and I felt they would be helpful to review on this New Year's Eve. (You can see the full article and further questions here. Having not read or heard any of the author's other works I don't "recommend" him; however, I do appreciate his thoughtfulness in these particular questions.) And so without further ado...

Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year or On Your Birthday

Once, when the people of God had become careless in their relationship with Him, the Lord rebuked them through the prophet Haggai. "Consider your ways!" (Haggai 1:5) he declared, urging them to reflect on some of the things happening to them, and to evaluate their slipshod spirituality in light of what God had told them.

Even those most faithful to God occasionally need to pause and think about the direction of their lives. It's so easy to bump along from one busy week to another without ever stopping to ponder where we're going and where we should be going.

The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up, and get our bearings. To that end, here are some questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God.

1. What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

2. What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

3. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?

4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?

5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?

6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?

7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?

8. What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?

9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?

10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?

In addition to these ten questions, here are twenty-one more to help you "Consider your ways." Think on the entire list at one sitting, or answer one question each day for a month.
11. What's the most important decision you need to make this year?

12. What area of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area?

13. What's the most important need you feel burdened to meet this year?

14. What habit would you most like to establish this year?

15. Who do you most want to encourage this year?

16. What is your most important financial goal this year, and what is the most important step you can take toward achieving it?

17. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year?

18. What's one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or to another who ministers to you) this year?

19. What's one thing you could do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren?

20. What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year?

21. What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year?

22. What single blessing from God do you want to seek most earnestly this year?

23. In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year?

24. What's the most important trip you want to take this year?

25. What skill do you most want to learn or improve this year?

26. To what need or ministry will you try to give an unprecedented amount this year?

27. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your commute this year?

28. What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year, and what will you do about it?

29. If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it?

30. What's the most important new item you want to buy this year?

31. In what area of your life do you most need change, and what will you do about it this year?

The value of many of these questions is not in their profundity, but in the simple fact that they bring an issue or commitment into focus. For example, just by articulating which person you most want to encourage this year is more likely to help you remember to encourage that person than if you hadn't considered the question.

If you've found these questions helpful, you might want to put them someplace—in a day planner, PDA, calendar, bulletin board, etc.—where you can review them more frequently than once a year.

So let's evaluate our lives, make plans and goals, and live this new year with biblical diligence, remembering that, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage" (Proverbs 21:5). But in all things let's also remember our dependence on our King who said, "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

- end of article -

It's Thursday

I have new pictures posted, friends! The Mollet wedding/ roommate reunion, my triathlon, and our Grace Group retreat are the newest photos on display! Click HERE.

I just finished reading the blog entries of a beautiful, courageous, suffering family who just lost their dear little 2-year-old boy, JUD. I was "introduced" to the family by fellow church members who asked for prayer on their behalf. Their honestly, pleading, hope-filled, trusting hearts were an encouragement and conviction to me as I read their faith working itself out in such heart-wrenching ways. My heart is full of praise for our glorious God... strength will come as we wait upon the Lord, our hope and strong deliverer!

Pass Me My Specs...

My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please...
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
Isaiah 46:10b, 11b

Read that and rejoice! This evening I've been preparing a Sunday school lesson for my precious 2nd & 3rd graders. In a humbling and wonderful way, preparing for Sunday school is always a convicting and growing experience. Tomorrow's lesson is on faith in God's sovereign plan as exemplified in the life of Abraham. I love how teaching something makes you savor it - as a result of tonight's preparation I am enjoying the results of savoring the sweet reminder of God's faithfulness, purposefulness, and sovereignty. The difficult circumstances that sometimes threaten to overwhelm me with their seeming impassibility can be readily entrusted to God's purposes.

Late September I completed my second triathlon. It was cold and difficult, but also wonderful and worshipful. Yes, worshipful. There is something satisfying in working my body that hard. There is a peculiar joy I feel at realizing that every foot forward is a beautiful testimony to God's intricate design. The deep breath of life-giving air is never more obvious than when I'm sucking it after coming out of the water at the swim. There is also a sweet joy experienced throughout the race as you are receiving the encouragement of community. Not only are there hundreds of people cheering, it's also not unusual for someone to offer words of encouragement as they run alongside (or past, as the case may be). When that person is a friend the result is a tangible surge of adrenalin and emotion - spurring one another on exemplified. My mind becomes, in a triathlon, a sermon illustration mill. Truly, I feel like there are an endless number of "oh, goodness, I understand Philippians better right at this moment" moments, and, as a result, I usually end the race feeling encouraged and convicted. Of course, those semi-intelligent moments come fewer and farther between towards the end of the race. The foremost motivating factor in me putting one foot in front of the other during the bits were the rhythmic strains of "Great is Thy Faithfulness" in my head. I love that I'm unable to think of anything else but that over and over and over as I plod along...and often look back and wish that my daily life was that clearly focused: pain, fatigue? Great is Thy Faithfulness!

My one-year anniversary of leaving for India came and went. Its passing has spurred a host of "this day last year I was...(insert random, adventurous, challenging, wonderful time/lesson here)". I needed that milestone reminder. As a result I've been reading my India journal and memorializing what God was doing/has done in my life. How disappointing it is to see how quickly I forget the lessons learned; how wonderful it is to see how God worked. This time last year I went to one of the WINN village centers for a computer graduation program. I was lonely and my journal was filled with frustration and sadness. At the end I wrote: "A dear girl, whose name I never got, but who was my age – 23 or 24 -- and was Christopher’s sister came and sat beside me. Her English was limited, but I felt instantly connected with her – I wanted to love her and pray for her and laugh with her and share with her – but she had to leave quickly. I am praying for an opportunity to meet her again: when she left she said “sister, please see me soon”. Father, could this be my friend? Even if I don’t see her on a daily (or weekly, or monthly) basis, I pray that the connection I made will spur me on to love her through prayer, be compassionate to her through thought, be encouraging to her through words." I did get chances, though very few, to spend time with her. God answered that prayer. It also marked a change in my heart toward loving people even though I felt isolated. It was a hard time, but reading that portion of my journal I remember that God not only answered my prayer, he increased my ability to love people through prayer, deepening my trust of him as I entrusted them (and myself in my need for fellowship) to him.

Also in October I started my new, full time job. The position, which had been something I'd considered before I left for India, opened up again at the exact time I began my job search. The interview process - though difficult - was affirming, and I got to see God hand me a job that was beautifully fitted to both my gifts and my areas of desired growth, that paid me more than I could have made if I'd stayed the whole year previous and gotten incremental raises (someone, a wise person, thought India experience constituted some serious "job experience"), and that provided me with a stable, wholesome working environment alongside dear friends. How graciously - and clearly - God has provided for me.

When I started this post I had tentatively listed the title as "Eclectic". It had been so long since I'd posted that I assumed this could be nothing more than a collection of random tid-bits and updates. It's turned out to be a much needed reminder for myself that I need to press on in faith. Should the above have sounded uber-rosy, I wish I could pass you my (figurative) glasses. They're not rose colored -- people hurt and disappoint; I am weak and prone to wander; and, ashamedly, the praise of my Savior that should so obviously rise from my lips is sometimes held back in frustration and fatigue. And yet, as I read back through this "eclectic" collection of my last two months, how can I do anything but recognize God's perfect plan there...and be reassured to continue to hope, trust, and rejoice?

My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please...
What I have said, that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
Isaiah 46:10b, 11b

Beauty is...

... seeing the prickly, caustic desert warm to wondrous purples, blues, and oranges in the wake of the setting sun:



Which reminds me, delightfully and gratefully, of the natural dryness of my own soul and the overwhelming beauty and satisfaction found in God alone.

Psalm 63.


... an orphan becoming a daughter:

Watching the joyful preparation, reveling in the sweetness of Romans 8 being exemplified, and expectantly waiting for a toothless-7-year-old grin to, one day, smile with the joy of her salvation.


... worshipping with the body:

During corporate worship, hearing a five-year-old answer the question, “What’s heaven like?” with: “Be(ing) with God. And we won’t want to do things we wanted to do on earth.”

Being reminded via the sermon that the promise of eternal life is this: fellowship with God. That our greatest, trial-enduring, joy and righteousness-producing HOPE now is that sweet promise of eternal life.

Being pulled along by my fellow believers. One dear, faithful servant displaying his longing, yearning desire for heaven and it spurring me on to plead that my heart might become more disengaged from this world and, like this believer, inclined toward the hope of heaven…unadulterated fellowship with God alone. Felling inadaqute and stumped in my prayer life, only to be rushed along in the Spirit’s work during a prayer meeting. To experience the joy of prayer and have my heart stimulated in worship, adoration, and wisdom by the heartfelt, Spirit-induced, Word-based, God-centered cries of the body. To be able to then join in prayer with renewed hope, joy, and eager trust in God’s sovereign work because of the dear saints praying around me.

Beautiful!

Loving (and Leaving) India

My heart and mind have been ruminating on this post for a while. In fact, I've had the body of it written since April -- almost 3 months before I left India. I started writing it at a time in India when things clicked... when I realized that, despite some hard things, many frustrating things, lots of sweat, and general confusion, I loved India. I wouldn't say that before that time I didn't love India... I just hadn't experienced that un-doing, heart-produced compassion for India that I'd been longing for.

I got busy with my visiting brother and saying goodbye and before I knew it was busy back here in the states. But the last three weeks the services at church have been reinforcing the lessons learned and "ah ha!" moments I experienced towards the end of my India time that led me to leave in love. I thought it was worth revisiting and sharing with you as a type of wrap-up on my time there.

"One of the most important things the Holy Spirit prompted me to do as I came to India was to read through His Word – in it’s entirety – while I am here. I’ve been obedient in that; it’s been one of my biggest sources of blessing, comfort, and strength.

Using D.A. Carson’s For the Love of God as a guide and built in thought provoker, I’ve learned much – and been reminded of much – simply by tracing God’s sovereign plan. But one thing has particularly stood out; namely, God is holy, and the only, God. Put another way, my awe for God – His worthiness as the only and most holy God, worthy to be worshipped – has increased.

As this has happened my awareness of the profound weight of the gospel of grace in my life has deepened. My recognition of my need of God’s mercy has grown as my absolute astonishment of His sheer greatness has grown.

And this has freed me to love India.

To be heartbroken at poverty and abuse because it demonstrates injustice and sin, both contrary to God’s nature. To be enchanted by the unique beauty of the people and the culture, because it displays God’s creativity and image. To desire to worship God boldly and confidently, encouraging others to do the same, because he is worthy. To earnestly proclaim and defend God as the only true God, while weeping at the rampant and bonding creation and service of idols. To love self-sacrificially, even when it’s not received, because He did.

My growing understanding of His holiness is so freeing. My hatred of sin displayed here and my broken heart and care are not feelings setting me apart or above from everyone else. Freedom comes in the compassion I have in light of my own comparable state. I’m more concerned that the gospel should be joyfully and freely offered… because that display of God’s merciful, faithful, redemptive work in view of His holiness and our sin is ultimately glorifying. And this is all freeing and produces love for India because my growing understanding of his holiness is increasing my awareness of my own sin, God’s right wrath and fearsomeness conjoined with his sweet mercy and loving grace. I want that for India, for His namesake.

As I’ve thought about this, I’ve realized that I probably haven’t loved America rightly. It’s comfortable and known so I like it. But now I want to love it like God’s taught me to love India. How, in fact, God loves the whole world.

I’ve left India and returned to America worshiping God for His holiness. I’m deeply grateful for my time in India, namely that the experience led to these reminders and awakenings in my heart toward loving God rightly and, in turn, loving people – even nations."

”For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whosoever should believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”

On My Mind V

God, be merciful to me,
On Thy grace I rest my plea;
Plenteous in compassion Thou,
Blot out my transgressions now;
Wash me, make me pure within,
Cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin.

My transgressions I confess,
Grief and guilt my soul oppress;
I have sinned against Thy grace
And provoked Thee to Thy face;
I confess Thy judgment just,
Speechless, I Thy mercy trust.

I am evil, born in sin;
Thou desirest truth within.
Thou alone my Savior art,
Teach Thy wisdom to my heart;
Make me pure, Thy grace bestow,
Wash me whiter than the snow.

Broken, humbled to the dust
By Thy wrath and judgment just,
Let my contrite heart rejoice
And in gladness hear Thy voice;
From my sins O hide Thy face,
Blot them out in boundless grace.

Gracious God, my heart renew,
Make my spirit right and true;
Cast me not away from Thee,
Let Thy Spirit dwell in me;
Thy salvation’s joy impart,
Steadfast make my willing heart.

Sinners then shall learn from me
And return, O God, to Thee;
Savior, all my guilt remove,
And my tongue shall sing Thy love;
Touch my silent lips, O Lord,
And my mouth shall praise accord.

Is. 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Two SERMONS: The Terrible God of Mercy (Daniel 10) and The Gracious Condescension of the Glorious One (Daniel 10)

Better Late Than Never

Though the last blog post would make you think I've been back for the past 28 days, don't let the calendar fool you. I've actually been here, there, and everywhere. Certainly I've been most every place possible without feeling really "back". But, two weddings, two road trips, one fantastic hike, some family time, and lots lunches and coffee times later, and I'm finally settling down. I'm back.

Almost. Trying, at least.

Nice side effect of my "I'm back" feeling week is that I've finally (hence the post title) updated my pictures site. Not only do I have my last weeks in India duly documented, but I've also posted photo evidence of Ry and I's remaining India time and Russian jaunt. Plus, I've added my photos of the recent California/Idaho shin digs, outdoor adventures, etc.

I do have some "leaving India" thoughts I'll be posting (hopefully) in the not-to-distant future. For now it's working in my favor that a picture's worth a thousand words. Saves me a lot of typing.

As usual, just click on my pictures link on the right of this page.

With love,

Duffy

I'm Back

I'll Fly Away

Many of you have written to ask the details on my arrival to Cali... if you'd like flight info, location, timing, etc for Ry and I's July 21st arrival, contact Anna.

Thanks, friends!

The Times They Are A Changing

Time flies.

How cliche. But what else to say? I'm entering my last week in India and the, albiet cliche, thought seems most appropriate.

Time flies when you're having fun.

Cliche again. But again, what else to say? Ryan and I have been having incredible fun tipping, tripping, and trekking about Nepal and India the last two weeks. During his first week here I gave him a two day introduction to Indian culture via a trip to Delhi and Agra. Agra was a highlight, as we saw God provide three traveling companions -- Jonathan, Jamie, and Hudson. They were our ages, believers, and they had just come from an interior village in south India where they had been doing medical relief, English lessons, and a host of other activities. Besides the blessing of good company, the dynamic weather and aggressive clouds provided near perfect pictures of the Taj, which made picture happy Ryan nearly giddy. The Taj, by the way, was recently confirmed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

One of our major Delhi site-seeing ventures was a foray into crowded Old Delhi. Ryan's comment: "I think this might be the onlky place the term 'mass humanity' technically applies'". After climbing a windy, spindly tower at the largest mosque in Delhi, we got some amazing ariel views (and more pictures) of the crammed Capital.

The youth group has been planning to have a summer retreat for some time, but I'd opted out as their return date conflicted with Ryan and I's departure for Nepal. At the last minute we were "convinced" that we could both enjoy and participate in camp and make it back in time for our flight. So off we went to Sattal, a small mountain getaway an overnight train ride from Delhi. There were about 30 in all from our group and in the end both Ryan and I were thankful we went. I was especially thankful for some sweet time with the girls I've come to know and love and for the chance to participate in amazing worship. It was also a joy for me to watch Ryan minister through his kind and friendly personality. I have loved and been encouraged, as a big sister, by his easy way with people. It's made it seem quite effortless to introduce him to my life and friends here. I'm thankful for God's gifting and maturing him in this way. The point being -- it was fun to have him a long and fun for him to be along. It gave him a heart for the local church here, something I'd been praying for. Secretly though, I think Ry's favorite part of camp was the rap that he preformed for his team. I have it on video. I do accept bribes. :)

Time at camp was too short (there's that pesky time again!) and after only two days we were back on an overnight train and directly to the airport for our July 8th morning flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. I think it took only the flight in for Ryan and I to look at each other and declare our love for Nepal. It's beautiful. Gorgeous. Amazing! Kathmandu itself, though we were only there for a day, was a refreshing, free city, with much to do and see. We spent most of our time seeing the sites and shopping in and around the Tamil section (read: tourist section). It was an artsy, alive place with great culture, food, and music. After our afternoon and evening there, complete with a meal at the "famous with trekkers" Rum Doodle, we met up the next morning with our trekking guide and porter -- the funny, knowledgable, and sweet duo of Dorje and Bam. Our flight in a tiny, rickity plane into the Himalaya's was breathtaking and would have, in and of itself, made the trip worth it. I got choked up viewing the spread -- including Mt. Everest -- as I recognized and praised God for the awesome display of his beauty, power, and majesty. God is beautiful!

I'll let Ry describe our trek:

"In terms of trekking, Karisa and I have both found our ideal vacation. Flying into a cloudy mass in the sky we suddenly dip and drop nose sniffing for the runway. Then a mountain appeared right in and we settled into the small village of Lukla, Nepal. Our guide Dorje quickly assembled our porter Bam and us and a few minutes after touchdown we were officially trekking in the Himilayan region. The first day we an easy trek filled with beautiful waterfalls and vast crevases the were crossed by rickety bridges. Words fail in describing the vast expanse of God's handywork. The second day was quite the adventure. Karisa had become a bit ill from the day before's helping of Dhal Bhat (rice, lintle stew, and veggies) and a trek directly up the side of a mountain with only clouds for a finishline became quite a labor. Even still we made good time and reached our final destination of Namche Bazar, a small villiage pearched on the side of the mountian we had just ascended. As we arrived the storm that had followed us up the mountain settled in as well. Though the cloud cover was too much for us to see the Himalaya's from the village or trails the cloud cover allowed us to appreciate the beauty around rather than just focusing on the jutting peaks above. The next morning - after a restfull relaxing time of reading and talking with Dorje, Bam, and a few Sherpa - we headed back down the mountain dissapointed that our time in one of God's most beautiful patches of creation would be leaving us soon. Too bad we can't make time stand still! Our time in Nepal was a short and sweet little oasis from the hustle and bustle of India. Words don't describe what its like waking up among the clouds but we'll be home soon and maybe some pictures will."

Time didn't stand still and we're back in Delhi, something we're both thankful for even though we left the beauty and simplicity of Nepal with more than a twinge of desire to stay forever. Anyone want to hike to Everest Base Camp with us in a year or so?

I had prayed that these last couple weeks away from my normal life here in India would be my "debrief" time. I truly have been able to spend so much time thinking and praying and processing. It's also been an unexpected blessing to have Ry here. Of course, I knew it would be fun and in many ways a blessing, but what I hadn't expected was that his fresh eyes on India would help me process and pray through what I've learned. I've been able to see so many areas of growth in my life as I've looked back on what it was like when I first came. God has been, and continues to be, good and patient with me through this incredible growth process. Please continue to pray for both Ry and I as we enter this next, final week of our time in India. I have a lot of goodbye's to say, a lot to still process, and a lot to do before I leave. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed today about all that will happen in these next 4 days. Poor Sibu and Tannu especially have already been privy to my buckets of tears as I'm trying to grab some precious last times with them.

Time to go... (I couldn't resist).

With love,

Duffy

Pictures from our travels the past two weeks are up! Just click on the link on the right (as usual) and check out the new tab: O Brother!

He's Here!

My brother is coming! My brother is coming!

From Russia, ironically enough.

Ok, perhaps it is only the McDuff family who will get the ingenious irony of the post title, but...

My brother IS coming. In less than 4 hours I'll be giving him a big (no doubt sweaty) hug and helping him lug his enormous suitcases (filled with all odd items, from curtains to Cinnamon Crunch) back home. That is, to my India home.

I'm excited; I just thought I'd share.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we travel around, encourage one another, and encourage my dear brothers and sisters here. I hope and pray Ry will walk away with a heart and burden for my dear India!

... Duffy

Update, July 2nd: Poor Ryan got stuck in Russia for an additional 24 hours. He'll be making his appearance on July 3rd instead.

Like Elivs and His Mom

I did two things yesterday. Two and only two.

I sat in front of my computer furiously editing, transcribing interview notes, and going through page after page of reports and meeting notes from the inception of Aunty's Jowai ministry in 1990 until now. I also went through old journals, prayer letters, and e-mails. It was a productive, work-ahohlic day.

But it means that I'm done with my information gathering and rough (rough, rough, rough) draft editing of Aunty's memories. I've done what I can and should on it while here in India! (Before you get too excited, it's nowhere near book form. Sparing you the details of what's left, I'll just say that the rest is slated to be accomplished when I'm in California and Aunty is settled in Faridabad -- giving us both some time to think, process, and remember.)

I'm just so thankful for yesterday especially and all that I was able to extract from the piles of information I was going through. I'm thankful for God's faithfulness through the process... I've gotten to see the clear evidence of his long-term faithfulness and miraculous working in Aunty's life; I've also gotten to experience it myself in new and unique ways as I've waded through this process. One of the things that's been impressed upon me is the necessity and value of making memorials/reminders/records of God's work in my life so that I can regularly look back, see what He's done, and praise Him for His character and the outworkings of the gospel in my life. Praise the Lord for his work and for the ability to remember and record his faithfulness!

Thing number two I did today was eat mangos; or, to be more precise, variations of Magnifera Indica L.,. There are 24 different kinds of mangos here in India and I think in eating 10 specimins today I was tapping into 4 of those varieties. So little time left; so many varieties to go!


Believe it or not, I'd never eaten a fresh mango before coming to India. Was I ever missing out! Mangos are, for lack of a better, more descriptive word... yummy! And ooey and gooey and sweet and cool and tangy and refreshing. They are also a fixture in our daily, mandatory, after-meal fruit eating sprees.

I haven't often posted on my "day". But I was rejoicing so in the accomplishment on the book that I wanted to share with you all. I know many of you have prayed earnestly for me in that area -- thank you! And mangos... well... just trying to give you a taste of my life in India.

With love,

Your Duffy

On My Mind IV

We Choose to Bow
Walt Harrah


Though a million voices choose to deny You,

We choose to bow

Though a thousand thoughts seek to rise above You,

We choose to bow.

Though they deny that we all are sinful,

Though they proclaim God is in us all,

Though we are told we don't need a Savior,

Humbly now at Your feet we fall.



We choose to bow,

We choose to sing,

We choose to crown You the King of Kings.

We are not God,

We say out loud,

Only to You to we choose to bow

Do we choose to bow.



Though the powers of darkness rage all around us,

We choose to bow.

Though trials come and temptations surround us,

We choose to bow.

Though we may stumble or we may falter,

Though we have wandered and gone astray

Mercy is given to all who call You,

Mercy is given to all who say:



We choose to bow,

We choose to sing,

We choose to crown You the King of Kings.

We are not God,

We say out loud,

Only to You to we choose to bow

Do we choose to bow.



Though the cost is great to the call set before us,

We choose to bow.

Though the world may hate us our God if for us,

We choose to bow.

Though we may struggle or we may prosper,

Though we have little or many things,

You are our God and there is no other

Worthy now of the song we sing.



We choose to bow,

We choose to sing,

We choose to crown You the King of Kings.

We are not God,

We say out loud,

Only to You to we choose to bow

Do we choose to bow.

...in light of reading Daniel...

"'What is the use of a book,' thought Alice, 'without pictures and conversations?'"

... Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

Indeed. In this case, my blog is the book and conversation. But still pretty useless without the pictures, eh?

So, announcement: the pictures from my Northeast trip are up for viewing, along with a few choice pictures of Tannu and I rejoicing over our new inverter (yay for no more sweaty, sleepless nights with no fans!). Just click on the link on the right.

As a side note, I suppose I don't fully agree with little Alice. I like books just fine without any pictures. But books without conversations attached (be it internal or external) leaves the book lifeless, in my humble opinion.

Now that my internet is working again, more to come later.

With love,

Alice in Wonderland
(randomly enough, Aunty's nickname for me...)

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall...

… who is the fairest of them all?

Well if by “fair” you mean white, translucent, or snowy, I think, especially in my present context, that I fit the bill, win the prize, take the cake… you get the picture.

Unlike California – where summer is indicative of shed clothing and laying-out or tanning sessions, all to achieve that perfect, make-your-teeth-look-glow-in-the-dark tone – India’s darker skinned population equates lightness with perfection. So instead of bikinis you’ve got elbow length gloves; instead of tanning beds, broad brimmed hats; instead of lounging in the sun, umbrella covered forays to the great outdoors; and finally, instead of tanning oils, a whole line of lightening & whitening skin products.

In fact, any product remotely related to skin care – from acne cream to hand lotion – has a proud “whitening product” stamp emblazoned on the side. Aside from causing me to take note of the ironic cultural differences, recall mum’s childhood maxims about the grass always being greener on the other side, and momentarily rehas soul-ish questions about the true nature of beauty, I hadn’t really taken much notice of said products.

But the other day during a routine trip to the local market, I spotted a new product. An herbal facemask. In my sweaty, dirty state I was intrigued. A face-mask; sort of a skin self-help, if you will. Acknowledging the product’s purported whitening tendencies, the thoughts flittering through my head were along the lines of, “how could I get any whiter? It certainly can’t do me any harm…” Plunk went the rupees 50 and my fate was sealed.

What ensued was lesson #1,327 of life in India. I’ll bypass the multiple lessons learned from trying to use a drying, peeling product in 100+ heat with no electricity (read: lots of sweat) and get right to the primary revelation: I can’t get any whiter, but I can get redder.

The genius plot to lighten skin – at least in the case of this product – was to painfully peal layer upon layer off. Perhaps it works for some people. In my case the desired pearly affect was eradicated by the nubbins of blood dotting my face and nose. Piqued, I’m sure, by the painful pull, my skin rebelled and turned a rosy, someone-just-slapped-me red. And I have yet to discover a culture that gives red the foremost place in its skin beauty rubric.

Since the beaches of California and horsemanship summers at Ironwood had previously instilled in me a similar lesson, namely, I can’t get any darker, but I can get redder, I feel I’ve effectively covered my bases in lessons learned about my personal skin color.

There really is nowhere for me to go but "redder".

Success!

I’ve returned from my trip to the Northeast! What an adventure (in more ways than one). Besides experiencing a very different culture, nearly dying on a foggy mountain road drive in a 16-year-old barely functional car, escaping from my first bahnd, rejoicing in the monsoon season 20 C temperatures, wind, and rain… besides all that… interviewing 23 people in 3 days, sharing with three groups, and getting to know and love the people and ministry of *****. Like I said, adventure!

I was so pleased and encouraged with the interviews I was able to conduct. I got exactly what I needed; I got a much better understanding of the nature and impact of the ministry of *****. I got to see the exact places that Aunty has been telling me about all these months – the land that was in a vision God gave her, the people she discipled, the jungle they built in – even the gargantuan bugs that I had thought must be exaggerated!

As I’ve gotten to hear Aunty's story of God’s leading over the past couple months, I’ve been continually convicted and encouraged by her example of consistent quick obedience. My trip just confirmed this. I was rejoicing as, in Jowai, I got to see the fruit of Aunty’s obedience. She went to a place that had a very real need (and still does) to hear truth and see Christian living consistently displayed. She provided that by her own life example and by establishing such things as a Basic Bible School and Bible study projects. As I interviewed person after person I realized that even though many had been born in “Christian” families, they didn’t even know the basics of who Christ was until they were involved in these programs. So many people gave testimony to their changed lives because of Aunty's example and the ministry's stand on God's Word.

My two favorite interviews were with people who, after getting basic training at *****, have gone to villages. I can’t wait to come home and share their actual stories with you. My heart was broken and touched as I heard about their front line work. They are sharing where it’s never been shared before and they, and those who believe, suffer. Jim Elliot's classic quote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” kept coming to mind as they talked. They were two interviews that I will not soon forget. Heart-changing.

There are so many more stories and joys from my trip, but that will have to do for now. Pictures are forthcoming, it’s just taking me forever to label them all so you’ll actually know what you’re looking at. Hopefully they’ll give you some more insight into my adventures.

Coming back has meant a hit-the-ground-running return to “normal life”. Tannu’s English lessons continue and we’re both pleased with her progress. She starts her school early next month. Aunty and I are trying to put concentrated effort into the book during this upcoming week. I’ve got notes to type, old reports to go through, pictures to scan, and letters to read. Also (I’ve not mentioned this before), I’m about a month into a Bible study with a neighbor friend, A. We are using a great study titled, Following Jesus: Navigating the Narrow Path written by friend, Grace Cabalka. Our bi-weekly Bible study has been an India-time highlight for me as I’ve seen how lessons I learned at the front end (cultural lessons, openness to the Spirit’s leading, sensitivity to spiritual battle issues, increased knowledge of the Word) were the Spirit’s preparation for this particular study with this particular friend. It’s been fruitful, encouraging, and amazing to lead and care for her in this way! Add to all these “normalities” Brajen’s upcoming engagement ceremony (this Saturday!) and you’ve got a very busy Karisa & Co.

As side notes in my little update-fest, Aunty’s health is greatly improved, though the health of two of her dear sisters is not good. Please pray for continued health for Aunty, strength during this busy time, and health for her two sisters. Also, the Faridabad property continues to move forward – today Aunty picked out the flooring, bathroom fixtures, etc. Please pray for further finances to be raised, as there has been an unexpected cost increase of $10,000 to complete the ministry portion of the building.

More later, friends!

With love,
Duffy.

Jet Plane...

Tomorrow morning (June 8th) I'm leaving bright and early for a 6 day trip to Goharti, Shillong, and then Jowai, all cities in the Northeast state of Meghalaya. Click HERE. for description, maps, info, etc. If you don't want to wade through an encyclopedia article, here's my shortlist of interesting things about the area:

1. Meghalaya means "Abode of the Clouds"
2. The % of Christians is 64
3. The "Wettest Place on Planet Earth" is the town of Cherrapunji... which I'll be visiting
4. The tribal people of Meghalaya are part of the "world's largest surviving matrilineal culture"

The cities I'll be visiting are Aunty's old stomping grounds -- a place where she spent years caring for the tribal people and establishing a strong, Biblically based, discipleship focused ministry. She went when there was nothing but jungle; the result is thriving ministry center, the Basic Bible School, Bible Studies, counseling projects and sewing centers.

I'm going to do interviews and "research" (read: take pictures and see the place I'm to describe) for the book Aunty and I are putting together on how God has directed, provided, and blessed her during her years of service. I'm looking forward to meeting the people that I've heard so much about. Please be praying that I'll have wisdom in what questions to ask. Please also pray for the time to meet everyone I need to, particularly that my schedule and theirs will conenct. In addition, I'll be doing some "encouraging", so please pray as I prepare for those times. Finally, pray for me as I've been hit with a wave of exhaustion the last two days-- pray for physical strength and endurance.

It's a "whirlwind" trip -- I'll be back June 13th.

Until then...

ESL SOS

“Kh – now.”

“Know.”

“Now.”

“No, know.”

“No now?”

“Yes… er… no…er… nay… know!”

“No?”

“Yes, know.”

“Huh?”


I’ve always had a fairly amicable relationship with my mother tongue. A few random “oot” and “aboots”, one frightening junior college English teacher (Mr. Roundy called the class “a pile of stinkweeds”), and a propensity toward verbose written creations are the only aspects of the relationship that could be termed “negative”. And even those experiences I prefer to see as quirks or anomalies. (In retrospect, I have had one truly negative experience: my inability to consistently and correctly use “nauseous” vs. “nauseated” in their respective “right ways” has led to sometimes violent remonstrations from a roommate who will remain nameless.)

The point being: I like English. I speak it. I write it. I read it. I’d say it’s been pretty good to me.

Then I tried teaching it.

Who came up with English? What were they thinking? How are student and teacher supposed to keep their sanity when every time you finish teaching a “rule” the very next word to be read breaks that rule? Homonyms, homographs, and homophones…is there a specific phobia for these kinds of terrors? Grammar? Eek.

It is not my student’s fault. My student – also my dear friend – is19-year-old Tannu. Tannu is one of Aunty’s adopted daughters and has been living with us for the past month. This past May she received her certificate in Bible from the local Christian college. She did that course via their Hindi medium program. This fall she will begin studying at what they call “Open University” in a bid to complete her 10th standard (code word for high school diploma). Her long-term goal is to go back to Bible college and obtain her BTh. Both the high school diploma and her future Bible studies will require English proficiency. I have never seen such an eager, motivated student. She is constantly reading – signs, brochures, books, and receipts. Anything with English she wants to decipher. She is bold in striking up conversations with me and we role-play phone conversations and shopping trips multiple times a day to help her practice. She diligently writes chapters of the Bible and has memorized a plethora of verses in English. She is a model student.

(And on a side note, I am so thankful for Tannu! Her cheerful spirit, amazing and quick laughter, and affectionate friendship have all been a true blessing to me. Her story, which I will have to share in person, is an amazing testimony to God's miraculous, saving power, and sovereign work. Even her desire and ability to learn after, as a girl, having been kept from educational opportunities most of her life, is an example and reminder to me of God providing wisdom to those the world would deem foolish. I love Tannu so much!)

But English is still difficult! I watched My Fair Lady the other night and was fairly (see!?!) oozing sympathy for heroine Eliza Doolittle. That poor thing had to contend not only with the irascible Henry Higgins but also the uppity pronunciation and finicky rules of the English’s English!

To add insult to injury, I've barely been able to write this post. I was agonizing over each dot and tiddle (or is it dot and tittle?) because of my new, painful, language-aware state. (If you couldn't tell already, I just gave up and wrote the post anyway...crimes against the "Mothertongue" and all.)

My unexpected foray into teaching English as a second language needs to have a storybook ending. So I’m on the lookout for any advice or resources all you practiced teachers might have on hand. Pronunciation is a key difficulty; how do you help a non-native speaker “hear” the difference in what you are saying and what is coming out of their mouth? Have you ever had students who really struggle with consonant blends and combinations (i.e., they always put a vowel sound in-between any two consonants at the beginning of a word – “paress” or “puress” instead of “press”)? What about a student who seems to consistently mix up seemingly unconnected letters (o and v, f and s, p and r)… any idea what might be going on there? What combination of phonics, memorization, etc, should be used in teaching someone to read? Another difficulty – bringing together the three aspects of language learning (reading, writing, conversation) when the student is at different “levels” in each. Ideas? Helpful hints? I've been using several on-line ESL resources/curriculums that have been helpful, but I'd welcome any tried and true recommendations.

Just to clarify, English and I now have a love/hate relationship. I'm sure once we work on our communication the relationship will improve.


(In the space of time it has taken me to write this blog Tannu and I are both seeing the brigher side of English. It's beginning to make sense to her, my ability to convey meaning and explination in Hindi/English is improving, and we are having so much fun reading missionary stories, doing Bible study, and acting out conversations. Today we both saw a marked improvement in her reading comprehension. Don’t let that stop you from any suggestions, though. I could use all the help I can get!)

On My Mind III

"The key to humility is not merely feeling the absence of merit..., but feeling the presence of free grace." - John Piper, What Jesus Demands of the World, Demand #17, p.130

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matt. 5:3

Humility: Five Implications for Bold Truth-Telling
1. "...humility begins with a sense of subordination to God in Jesus." (Matt. 10:24)
2. "(Humility) is not a life based on perceived rights. It is a life of sacrifice." (Matt. 10:25)
3. "(Humility) speaks truth as a service to Christ and as love to the adversary." (Matt. 10:27-28)
4. "...humility knows it is dependent on grace for all knowing and believing and speaking." (John. 15:5)
5. "...humility knows it is fallible, and so considers criticism and learns from it, but also knows that God has made provision for human conviction and that he calls us to persuade others." (Matt. 18:15-17 & 28:19-20)

"Is not the most effective way of bridling my delight in being made much of, to focus on making much of God? Self-denial and crucifixion of the flesh are essential, but O how easy it is to be made much of even for my self-denial! How shall this insidious motive of pleasure in being made much of be broken except through bending all my faculties to delight in the pleasure of making much of God!...You have to go down deeper into the grave of the flesh to find the truly freeing stream of miracle water that ravishes you with the taste of God's glory. Only in that speechless, all-satisfying admiration is the end of self." (John Piper, What Jesus Demands of the World, p. 135-7)

Have I Mentioned...

...that I've posted new pictures? The majority are from VBS (under the "India Adventures" heading, but the rest (under "The Happenings" heading) provide some photo documentary updates on the Faridabad building project, the DBF church building project, visitors, a random McDonald's trip, a birthday celebration, and family!

Click HERE.

WINN Window

The ministry that Aunty directs and that I am here serving was recently featured in their larger, international newsletter. I thought I'd display it here so you can see how the ministry is moving along, the prayer & praise points from Aunty's perspective, and a taste of the other WINN cells around the world.



June 2007
Welcome to the new format of the combined monthly prayer letter and WINN Window newsletter. The aim is to give a fuller picture of one of the IN Network women’s ministries which you can refer to again and again. We will include other important prayer requests which need special attention during the month of publication. For those on email you may still receive urgent prayer requests as they arise.

This month we feature the ministry of WINN India, ably directed by Miss S. M.. The WINN Ministry works primarily with womenfolk and includes retreats, seminars, conferences, workshops, teaching, discipling, Church ministries, counseling, equipping to be witnesses and computer and sewing centres.

WINN India’s work takes place in Delhi , Jabulpur in Madya Pradesh State , Noida and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, Gurgaon in Haryana, Pune and Mumbai in Maharasthra, and a strong work in North East India. With over 50 women and men paid staff or volunteers, S. M. has a large workload overseeing the various aspects of the work. S. M. also ministers overseas each year.

The Pune Counselling Centre, which last year reached over 7,400 people as a result of its various outreach ministries and prayer groups, provides friendship, fellowship, counseling and supportive help, guidance and encouragement for women to grow to spiritual maturity and shares the love of Jesus with many.

The Jabulpur Sewing Project trains disadvantaged and disabled girls in employable skills. The computer training programmes see their graduates into well paying jobs. The Meerut sewing project reaches girls from Hindu backgrounds, many coming to know Jesus. The Women of the Word Bible Study groups cause women to grow in their relationships with the Lord and the WINN Watch Prayer groups are full of powerful prayer warriors.

In her annual report S. M. tells how April 2006 – March 2007 year was a remarkable one for WINN-INDIA. The “Rastriya Sathwavana Gaurav Sanhman” (National Award) honoured WINN-INDIA with an award for its involvement in social works. “We praise God for His help among the poor society who come to us to learn computer, for awareness programmes, English spoken classes and sewing classes.”


Some testimonies and success stories

From Pune:
"P" came to the Centre very depressed and discouraged, nursing a broken heart. She also had a lot of unforgiveness and bitterness in her heart towards her family, particularly her mother. She surrendered it all to the Lord. Over a period of time she has been able to deal with it all. She has understood what is expected of her and is working on it with the Lord. She trusts Jesus and loves Him and with Him hopes to overcome all her battles.

"S", a 14 year old, was admitted to the hospital as she was vomiting blood. We met her sister who wanted us to pray for her. They had done all kinds of tests but could not diagnose the reason for her condition. They even did an angiograph after which the girl has been unable to move the right leg. She was having asthma and was using an oxygen mask. Her condition was serious and the family was desperate. The doctors said they could do nothing more and they should take her back home. We shared with her and her 3 sisters, the love of Jesus with the gospel message. All of them accepted the Lord. Sarita began to recover. She is still in hospital but the doctors themselves speak of a change in her condition. She continues to look to Jesus to heal her completely. She is able to sit up now. There has been no more blood vomit. She had spoken of a demon telling her and even threatening her to go with it, but now as we prayed in the name of Jesus and told her to claim victory in the Name and blood of Jesus, even that has gone. Praise God

From the Computer Education Centre, Delhi
"S" is a girl who comes from a Punjabi background but she accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour. She has completed the Basic computer course. She shared a prayer request about marriage because for a long time she was praying to be married. We prayed and God answered with a good proposal from a man who works as a Hardware engineer. They got married and on 22nd of March God blessed them with a baby girl. She is enjoying one blessing after the other. "S" wants to support her family financially.

From the WINN Sewing centre, Jabulpur
"S J" -I come from a very poor family. It is very difficult for my parents to make both ends meet. I have decided to help my parents in the running of the house. Since I am a girl therefore I was very keen in learning to adopt a vocation, which would help me to earn my livelihood. I came to know of WINN Sewing Centre at Sneh Niketan through the survey work conducted in my slum area. I came here with no knowledge, with no experience about tailoring work. The teachers are very patient with me and taught me every thing step by step .I have completed almost six months and can now do my own cutting and tailoring work. My parents feel happy seeing me learn to do things independently for myself. I wish to continue and learn more. Last but not least we wish to thank the WINN Team for Coming and ministering to us and for giving us your valuable suggestion for the upliftment of the WINN class. May God bless you all.

PRAYER POINTS
• For the extension of the WINN India ministry into Faridabad . S. M. will move there once construction on the house is completed.
• For the provision of finance for a hall for training ladies in leadership and for retreats on the Faridabad land.
• For a good response from Christian doctors and teachers to come and hold medical and adult literacy camps at the new location.
• For S. M.’s friendship and outreach to the village people
• For more young women to disciple
• For the conferences, retreats, seminars, workshops and camps for women.
• For an increase in the number of prayer cell groups (WINN Watch) and Bible study groups (WOW) into more areas.
• For the ministries to the poor and underprivileged to help them to have a source of income and raise their economic standard.
• To expose those who come to the projects to the gospel.
• To increase the effectiveness of the counseling centres
• For daily strength for Sheila and all her paid and voluntary staff.
• For the Vacation Bible School for street children, 18 - 21st June 2007.
• For B and K (pictured) engagement day on 23rd June 2007 that it will be a day of rejoicing and glorifying God.




PRAISE POINTS
• For the wonderful time WINN ladies spent in prayer on the global day of prayer.
• For Lakhi who passed her 10+2 with high marks.
• That Ms. Sheila Massey's sister tumor is benign.
• For Ms. Sheila Massey's health. She is recovering slowly. Continue to pray for complete recovery.
• For the Faridabad Building construction - it has reached the plastering stage.
• For the wonderful VBS organized by Brajen and Karisa. 240 children attended; all churches of Gurgaon were brought together due to the event.

IMPORTANT PRAYER REQUESTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
• Thanks be to God for those who have prayed for Rosemary Kisandu of Tanzania , who is schooling in Kenya . She is completely restored and set free from the evil spirit that was troubling her.
• Praise the Lord that Mrs. Dipa Adhikary, Bangladesh , had a good medical treatment in Singapore and arrived safely. However, her heart valve activity has deteriorated and may need a replacement. Kindly pray for Dipa who is suffering from a high fever from last week and has some chest complications. The fever is not responding to paracetamol and antibiotics. These has been some slight change since her son McDonald laid hands on her and prayed in the Name of Jesus Christ. Please pray that our Lord restores her health and relieves all the pain and discomfort she is having now.
• Pray for Ms. Hazeline Tripura the Assistant Matron of Savar Village in Bangladesh who lost her niece in a tragic drowning accident. Pray for the bereaved family.

On My Mind II

THE RESOLUTIONS
of
Jonathan Edwards

Being Sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake.

Remember to read these resolutions over once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. July 30.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

(Resolutions 1 through 21 written in one setting in New Haven in 1722)

(And some of the other 49 he wrote that especially stuck out to me...)

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God' s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,- what sin I have committed,-and wherein I have denied myself;-also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

43. Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God' s; agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as providence orders it. I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton' s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what am I the better for them, and what I might have got by them.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. August 17, 1723.

VBS Survived

Brajen and I have been working for the past several months on planning, directing, and finally executing a citywide Vacation Bible School. Of course we didn’t do it alone – the VBS was planned through the combined effort of pastors and ministry leaders from all over Gurgaon. In addition to the 50 teachers and handful of volunteers, almost 250 kids (ages 4 to 16) came each day during VBS week, May 14th – 18th.

Phew. It was a lot of kids! But I can joyfully (and with a huge, contended sigh of relief) say, mission accomplished!

At times it didn't feel that way, namely when it seemed to melt into pure chaos. And, of course, there were the unforeseen bumps – no electricity on days 1 and 3, not enough classrooms or workbooks, undelivered craft materials, etc. The resulting blessing was seeing God work all those things together (tangibly by providing uncomplaining children and spurts of creativity to meander through the mess) and marvelously accomplishing what we had prayed would be the end result. Viz., to clearly and simply have the gospel proclaimed, children led to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and all encouraged in their young faith by the teaching of God’s Word. And by God's grace and power this happened! A large group of kids made a profession of faith and an even larger group of un-churched kids asked for (and received) their first Bibles (more on that below).

My role was mainly all the “fun” administrative type stuff leading up to VBS, for example, the accounts. I even tried my hand at a bit of the publicity, designing the posters and registration materials around a main theme, “Come Sing a New Song”. During VBS I coordinated registration (disastrous but we all survived with full heads of hair), teachers & volunteers (we had morning meetings and prayer times), and crafts (who knew my two Martha Stewart magazines and collections of ribbon and scrap paper would be my “two loaves and five fish” when there were no craft supplies delivered on Monday morning?).

It was my coordination vantage point that allowed me to see a blessing that will go beyond just our VBS week. I walked away fairly encouraged by the efforts that all these pastors and churches made to work together. Despite some challenging differences, these pastors demonstrated that they are ultimately committed to furthering the gospel in their city, specifically in the lives of their young people. VBS and the joint effort committee seems to have paved the way for other collective efforts – a citywide day of prayer, a “transformation network”, and a renewed interest in Pastor prayer meetings.

Please pray with me that this team effort attitude for the sake of the gospel will continue among Gurgaon leaders and that their efforts will lead not only to growth of local churches, but also to increased accountability and encouragement among Pastors and fellow believers.

Another blessing that will go beyond VBS week was a point of personal growth. My whole involvement in the committee, planning, and VBS week itself was a humbling lesson in cross-cultural communication. And by humbling I mean sometimes embarrassing (those stories will be archived for another day) but mostly just revealing. Revealing of the fact that dying to self is hard. Living for Christ, i.e., putting into practice the type of love so clearly demonstrated to us by Christ’s example, is hard. Daily, “keep at it”, press on, wearisome type of hard. And for whatever reason (perhaps all the miscommunication frustrations) VBS planning and VBS week chaos just brought out my need to work on listening lovingly, relinquishing my idea of the “right way” to the ideas of others if the end goal is being accomplished, and being patient – even affirming and adapting – with others’ differences (cultural or otherwise).

Please continue to pray with me that I will love sacrificially, that I will kill my pride, that I will communicate love, and that I will daily recall my own position in grace and so joyfully extend that attitude towards others. Pray that I will increase in brotherly (sisterly) love and affection for India.

So good, lasting blessings. Out of the actual VBS week itself my favorite blessing “snap shots” involved (not surprisingly) my interactions with the kids.

During the week I got to give a few devotionals to the junior group, kids ages 10-12. The given theme for one of the days was “Do Not Fear”. After making a list of things the kids feared (top of which were: exams, snakes, and big dogs), we looked up some passages that highlighted God’s power and sovereignty. I was about to spend some time making the connection between God’s character and why we don’t have to fear when one of the boys raised his hand. My heart did a little jig as I quickly realized he’d made the connection. I let him explain to the rest of the class why we don’t have to fear – in his terms, God is “the biggest and best” and also loves us, so we can trust him. He was afraid of the scary dog because it was “bigger” than him, but the dog can’t even compare to God, so he doesn’t have to fear. Three cheers for kids better understanding God’s character.

Please pray for these dear kids, specifically that they will continue to grow in their faith and knowledge of God. Pray that truths about who God is, how He works, and what He’s done will touch their hearts and that this new generation of Christian Indians will be desperately in love with Christ, ready to radically and unequivocally stand for Him!

My absolute favorite snap shot, or VBS memory, was from the last day. We had purchased 100 English/Hindi Bibles to give away to children who had none. My friend and I were organizing them while waiting for the closing ceremonies to end when word began to spread that Bibles were in the back. Despite the ongoing program, kids began to rush back to the table. My friend and I were pushed, crushed, pinched, pulled, yelled at… we were mobbed. Literally, mobbed. For Bibles. By kids. Some of them were mobbing me because they wanted something free, but there were those that had, all week long, been asking for a Bible because they truly wanted to read it themselves. Several of those shouted at me: “Ma’am, please give me a Jesus book”. Precious. I’ll get mobbed for that any day of the week.



Thank the Lord with me for His precious, alive Word and for the reminder these young ones provided of cherishing it and desiring it. Pray specifically that those who took Bibles for the first time will get opportunity to read it and that it would be read not only by them, but also by their parents. Also, praise the Lord for his marvelous work in orchestrating the details, bringing children, sustaining us through the program, etc, and for the ultimate example of his power in the group of children that responded to His offer of salvation. For the group that heard the gospel and responded, please be pray for their spiritual protection and growth.

5-Day Forecast for Gurgaon

Sunday
116° F | 87° F
47° C | 31° C

Monday
118° F | 84° F
48° C | 29° C

Tuesday
120° F | 82° F
49° C | 28° C





Wednesday
118° F | 84° F
48° C | 29° C

Thursday
116° F | 86° F
47° C | 30° C

Easter Reflections

I know that it’s a little late for Easter reflections, considering Easter happened about a month ago, and as a result you'll be tempted to chortle at my sporadic and futile attempts to keep this blog updated... but resist that little indulgent laugh! At least I'm posting...

One of my favorite things about Easter was the fact that my church intentionally and thoughtfully took action to reach out to the community. It’s an area of growth for our church to think of widely and boldly placing themselves in the paths of people they don’t know in order to further the gospel and build up our body – me included! I’m loving growing alongside them in this area.

I read a statistic this morning that the greater Delhi area (including Gurgaon) has 100 malls and 300 malls proposed or in progress. One soon to be completed mall near our home boasts 1 km of shopping per floor with at least 8 floors. (Honestly the only benefit I see to that complex – and I’ve thought long and hard about this, believe me – is that one could have an indoor, air-conditioned training area for a marathon. But don’t tell any shopping fanatics I said so.) Before you think I’m digressing, the point: loads of people come to a strip of road in Gurgaon that boasts the 5 most popular malls, international eateries, and upscale shops, facilitating a perfect meet & greet with the greater Gurgaon population.

So on the Saturday before Easter a group of us spread out on that mall permeated road armed with 4,000 invitations to our Easter service the next morning. The sheer mass of people, the way they took the invite without looking or cut me off mid- “I’d like to invite you to…” made me a little wary of hoping for any real results from our “campaign”. That and the fact that the people who did stop and talk to me usually said something to the effect of, “what is Easter?” It both broke my heart and exhilarated me to answer their question and hand them an invitation; broke my heart because I was reminded of how lost people are, exhilarated me to introduce them to the idea of Christ’s resurrection and to a church.

The next morning, after a sweet sunrise service with a smaller bit of our body, we crowded into our church basement (the only portion completed in our current building project). And crowded is a good way to put it – the church was packed to the brim! Imagine my joy when the first two people I saw coming down the stairs were a husband and wife that I had handed an invitation to! I was able to welcome them and get to know them. But they weren’t the only ones: almost 40 guests inundated our church service that morning; as a result of the clear, compelling gospel message several professed faith or wanted to know more. God, make me more quick to trust in your power and sovereignty to work and bring people to places and to believers that you will then use to share your Word!

The song that has been running through my head since Easter (a most likely cause being that I’ve had Kenny’s Music of the Spheres CD on repeat since then) has been the simple, “Thank You For Saving Me”. Here are the words:

Thank You For Saving Me

Thank you for saving me, what can I say?
You are my everything, I will sing your praise.
You shed your blood for me, what can I say?
You took my sin and shame,
a sinner called by name.

Great is the Lord,
Great is the Lord,
For we know your truth has set us free,
You've set your hope in me.

Mercy and grace are mine, forgiven is my sin,
Jesus my only hope, the Saviour of the world.
"Great is the Lord" we cry,
God let your kingdom come,
Your word has let me see,
thank you for saving me!


Pretty simple song; profound truth. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrated his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” I walked away from Easter so excited, as I said above, that the church was mobilizing to share the gospel with the very needy neighborhood. I also walked away from Easter encouraged by the gospel itself and the fact that I’ve experienced/ am experiencing the power of salvation by faith in Christ. What joy!

“In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying Abba! Father! So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” As I focused on the greatness of God in salvation and my own relationship with the Lord, I was struck by the number of areas in my life where I don’t seem to apply the gospel truth. Meaning, I’m an adopted child who sometimes acts as if I’m still an orphan. How silly it would seem if an adopted child, provided with three meals a day, was to continue to hoard or steal food. But often that does happen because the child – who in some ways has been transported to a whole new way of life – doesn’t understand the full ramifications of their sonship.

In light of this I’ve been trying to meditate on and think more intentionally about what it looks like for me to live a life worthy of the calling of the gospel, viz., living under the gospel and in the power of the gospel. It’s been a good reminder time for me, and has been stirring in me an even greater desire to share the joy, significance, and grace of the gospel with others.

Please pray with me that many more will come to our church and be introduced to Christ; praise God with me for the blessing of our salvation!

With love,
Your sister through Christ’s blood,

Karisa…

(P.S. I’ve got some pictures posted of Easter and other recent events under “The Happenings” section of my picture blog. Just click on the link on the right).

Food

The number one question I’m asked in India is: “so, how do you like the food?” If I had a rupee for every time someone asked me…let’s just say there would be a large dent in the problem of world poverty. My answer is always the same: I love Indian food. Really, I do. Now I can’t deny that when I arrive back in the U.S. I will eagerly (and hopefully instantaneously) indulge in a juicy flank steak a la mom, a huge, fresh, garden salad, an In-N-Out hamburger, a warm loaf of sourdough bread, a Jamba juice concoction, and a warm brownie with a big glass of milk. But in the meantime typical Indian fare is something that I’ve come to love. This is hard for most people here to believe and so I find that, even after 4-6 months of consistently answering the question, people I see on a weekly basis still pose it and appear astounded by my answer.

And I’m telling you all of this because in the “five top questions Karisa is asked in e-mails from the US”– you guessed it – “how’s the food?” ranks pretty high.

So for the record, both here and there, I really like Indian food. Really.

Now when people from the US ask, they typically have two things in mind: Delhi Belly and Spice.

Since I’ve only been sick once (and that only a minor incident) despite many indiscretions (read: eating at roadside stands) Delhi Belly does not strike fear in my tummy or deter me from general enjoyment of the food. I think God graciously granted me a stomach of iron for the length of this trip.

And spice, both the taste and temperature of the food, has been a quickly acquired taste. One might argue that my tongue was burned, fried, and generally rendered useless within the first three days, leaving me an incompetent judge. (It was a bit of a “bang, bang, pow” experience at first given that my previous exposure to “hot food” had largely consisted of mild sauce packets from Taco Bell.) I like to look at it positively and think that I’ve become something of a spice connoisseur. I even chomped down on my first chili the other day – as a side dish. My nose was the only causality; I liked it! Another indicator that I’m truly OK with the spice factor was my recent attempt to enjoy “American food” in Bangkok. “That was your first mistake”, you might say, but give me a break! It sounded like a good treat. Halfway through the meal I realized something wasn’t quite right. What was it? Right! No taste! Bland. Blech. A chili sauce packet later I had something worthy of being called a meal.

Like I said, I honestly like Indian food, spice, Delhi belly, and uniqueness all considered.

Now, in case you are wondering, a typical meal consists of dal (a type of lentil soup typically poured over rice and always present at every meal), rice, chapattis (warm, tortilla-like “bread”), subzee (any vegetable, typically prepared in the pressure cooker with large helpings of oil and spice), and, about three times a week, chicken (also a pressure cooker specialty). Occasionally “salad” is added to the mix, which is code word for sliced cucumbers and carrots arranged artistically on a plate and sprinkled with salt and lemon juice. My favorite in our daily array is dal and I’ve been known to make “dessert” out of my chippate by adding butter and honey or butter and mango jam. Yummy!

In our household we eat with the standard fork, spoon, and knife. But in other parts of India eating is accomplished with your right hand and a chapatti. I got the chance to acquire that cultural skill during utensil-less YFC camp in January. Although it took me a while to perfect the “four finger scoop and drop”, in the end it makes much more sense to me than some other methods of moving food from plate to mouth; for instance, chopsticks, which I still fail to grasp (no pun intended).

If you ever want a crash course in cooking, come to a country that typically doesn’t use an oven (we don’t have one; there is no point, as there is never electricity with which to run one), has no pre-packaged, frozen, or instant foods, and where you are laughed at if you request a written recipe or measuring cups. These sorts of “trials” tend to either produce the golden chef extraordinaire or reduce one to an Amelia Bedelia-like state. In our house Sibu is the chef extraordinaire and I… Amelia Bedelia is my new middle name. On the up side, my true cooking (as opposed to baking, which is, I now realize, what my abilities heretofore had consisted of) repertoire has increased exponentially – I’m getting the “dash here, dash there” skill down pat and am convinced I could come up with a whole new line of recipes (Indian Mexican food, Indian Italian food, etc) given the concoctions I’ve invented. Thankfully there have been no dates required in any of my recipes.

The one bane of my cooking-in-India existence is chicken.

One day at the beginning of my time here I had prepared a lunch menu that required chicken. To obtain said item I accompanied Sibu to the farm to pick it up. It didn’t dawn on me until I saw the clucking, feathery masses that the chicken I was going to be purchasing would have so recently been alive and well. I tried to appear nonchalant and surreptitiously asked Sibu if there was a store with “pre-dead ones” nearby. When he looked at me as if I was the one missing a head I decided to drop the matter.

At that point I began an argument with myself. A frozen dead chicken is the same as a newly dead chicken…both are dead. Right?

Unfortunately that day I was a bit slow on the up take. The flat block, decorated with loose feathers and unidentifiable red “stuff”, should have been my clue that they really, truly were going to kill “my chicken” right then and there. (I say “my” because I was feeling a bit responsible for the scrawny-necked thing that Sibu had pointed out as the ones we wanted.) But it wasn’t until I saw the ax come down in a guillotine-like motion that I got wise. I looked away about 3 seconds to late.

By that point I had a headache and had stopped arguing with myself.

I had (casually and calmly) headed back to the car, missing out on the rest of the process, which Sibu said was “really cool” (apparently they fairly deftly chop the thing into manageable bits using a knife between their toes). On the ride home I asked a few cautious questions and came to understand that before an edible or even cookable chicken dish could appear my chore that afternoon would be to remove fat and bones and clean off the blood and stray feathers of Mary Antoinette (so it was a mistake to name it, what can I say?). In theory I accepted the task. Arriving home Sibu handed me our purchase in a tightly tied black plastic bag. Still warm.

That day we had pasta.

Pictures!

I've got my PICS site updated. I've added pictures of my Jabalpur and Rajastan trips, my Bangkok adventure, and recent events (Easter, visitors, announcements, etc). Click HERE to enjoy!

Praising God for His goodness to us...

Duffy

Quick Update

Thank you for praying for Aunty after last week's post! I am excited to update you with the news that she is doing much better! A change of doctor and a complete change of her battery of medicines has led to daily, exponentially increasing improvement. Of course, the challenge now is to encourage her to continue to rest on days she's feeling especially great, simply because, despite the improvement, there is still reason to be cautious and ease into things. Please continue to pray for her health and for the stresses of work, ministry, Faridabad, etc to be lessened.

Speaking of Faridabad, thank you all who have been faithfully praying since my post around the time of our groundbreaking ceremony. The work has been going along at quite a merry speed... the roof will be placed on sometime next week. However, the process has been anything but smooth as there have been several instances of cheating that Aunty/Brejan discovered. They are still almost daily wrestling with the contractor and workers to ensure a safe, well-built home will be the final product. Continue to pray for wisdom in dealing with the workers, spotting cheating and shoddy work, and for patience!

More to come later, as usual, I just wanted to get these immediate prayer updates posted!

Love,
Kar