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.