Mountainous problems + miracles

Stealing away up to the roof of the Bride of Christ Church for some quiet time, my mind is occupied with some of the difficulties the team is facing:

- Tiredness and illnesses are running through the crew faster than a hot curry.
- The musicians and electricians among us are struggling to make our new PA system compatible with the existing system.
- The children’s ministry girls are trying to devise a way to hand out gifts to the local kids without whipping up a violent mob who will literally beat their own brother down to get a present from Santa’s sack.
- And then running under the surface are the difficulties we face on a personal level " things we’ve seen, heard, smelt and done.

I know for me, one of the difficulties plaguing me is the recent news from home that my grandfather’s had a stroke. My cousin Henry (who is also here on mission) and I have spent some time in prayer, but the news that someone you love is suffering and you’re far away in the middle of India can make you wonder what the whole game is about. Yesterday morning the ‘Colonel’ (head pastor here) told us all a story from when he was a young lad in the Indian Air Force, and how he got really sick and spent a lot of time confined to a bed in a military hospital. He said that during that hard time he turned to the Bible for the first time, and two verses became very powerful to him at that time:

It is good for me to be afflicted so that I may learn your decrees (Psalm 119:71)

and

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word (Psalm 119:67)

When things seem to be cruising along nicely I know that I personally turn to God less and less. When things are all under control we can fall into the train of thought that there’s less need to call out to God for help. So when we’re faced with afflictions here in Hyderabad, how best then can we proceed?

Well, last night those that were healthy went caroling until 3.00 am, the sick stayed behind to rest, and when midnight struck (or thereabouts) they prayed for us, and for the mission. This prayer coincided with the prayers of the faithful crew of brothers and sisters who have been congregating at Glenbrook Anglican back home in Australia every day of the mission. It has also given them time to read the bible while they rest, and have had some awesome insight to share with the rest of the team.

The PA boys have spent time bonding with their Indian counterparts trying to get it all up and running, and have had a fascinating conversation about religion and Jesus with the Hindu owner of the music store where we bought most of the gear. It was the kind of conversation where they walked away humbled and confused by this man’s knowledge and interpretation of the Bible and this affliction made them all turn back to God’s word so that when we go back, they can pick up the conversation where they left off, and so that they’d be more prepared.

But it’s not all trials and tribulations here! Yesterday while Ben, Phil and Aaron were handing out leaflets for the Christmas service, and throwing up bricks on a construction site, they were hailed by a boy from a rooftop and told to come up and visit. So they did. They spent some time with this 16-year-old Hindu-born guy called Raj, who’s been expelled from school for fighting, and now runs with a local gang. That afternoon after their talk, he fell asleep while watching a movie and had a dream where a man told him to seek out Aaron and learn about his God. He had this dream three times, and not long after we found him standing on the steps of the Bride of Christ Church. He came in a chatted with a few of the guys for a while, and then came back again this morning after another dream. So for those following along at home, put up some words for Raj, Aaron and the rest of the boys as Raj comes to know the Lord.

As previously mentioned the healthy team members went caroling until the wee hours of the morning at some of the parish member’s homes. This pretty much consisted of us rocking up to their house, making a lot of noise praising the Lord, praying, and then moving on to the next house. This went on until 3.00 am, and even though basically all of Hyderabad is asleep at that time, they opened up their homes to the rowdy bunch of Aussies and in our two languages we worshiped our one God in song and prayer. The houses ranged from lush apartments to single rooms occupied by the entire family to some tarp, ropes and wood on a roof " but regardless of how they lived and whatever afflictions they were suffering, their faith and joy to be worshiping the Lord kept us all going (that, and the Chai tea" )

A few of the girls took 18 children from the Sunday school to buy shoes for school to encourage them to do well and get a good education. Two hours, 24 pairs of shoes and 108 pairs of socks later they were kitted out and looking snappy.

Today we are resting up and getting our voices back for another round of caroling, and organising plans for tomorrow’s Christmas service. Emily Travers (one of our sickies) shared a verse with us this morning and I think its all given us that extra boost:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

So while there have been struggles, God is still very much active and working here. In the face of affliction, what should we do? Turn to God! How many times do we turn to God last and then kick ourselves for it later? If there’s one thing that’s struck me on this trip is that God provides, and how much He does love us all.

Peace and Love

Tom & Crew