Greetings from Kolkata! The past two days have been amazing as God continues to unfold his plan, revealing himself in the eyes and hearts of the diverse people in Kolkata.  Yesterday, we had another exciting and very full day in this city, leaving early for Soumen and Anjana’s orphanage in Greater Kolkata–the four of us, plus Doddy, Soumen, and Doddy’s driver squeeeeeeeezed into a vehicle to endure another 45 minute circus-ride through this city (many of you will soon see a photo shared of BROTHER Kevin begging us to get him out of “the trunk” of the vehicle (two side seats in the back, similar to the station-wagons from the late 60′s/early 70′s), as always, we’re all thanking God for safety each time we arrive to our destinations. Oddly, I feel fairly safe in our vehicle, with our driver at the helm. As crazy as the driving laws may seem to us foreigners, the people of India do not find their driving technique or methods crazy.  Horns are constantly honking (a.k.a, “tooting” as the New Zealanders say here–Kim looked at me crazy when I, of course, had to share what we Americans call “tooting!”), and I am convinced that the drivers are “tooting” out of love and safety for each other, as I have not witnessed any anger or gestures (lol!) coming from anyone!  (We could actually learn a lot from the drivers in India!)

And, now, I sit here in the main building of the B.M.S.–our home away from home–looking at a quote on the wall from the late missionary, Dr. William Carey, stating “…expect great things from God, attempt great things for God”…we certainly have seen great blessings all around us, and have all discussed our attempts at serving our God in a BIG way while living amongst the Indian people, this week, hoping our love shared has brought JOY to each life and heart God has allowed us to encounter.

So, here I am on our very last night before flying home to America, tomorrow night…Day 6 out of 7!  So many highlights to share, yet so many thoughts I will not be able to properly share with you, experiences I have had that are so personally my own;    so many experiences that have left me in deeper awe of God’s amazing love for us, his children, in the world he created. This reminds me of my dear mom’s favorite passage out of Psalms 139 where we’re told that God knitted us together in our mother’s wombs for his purposes…for such a time as this.  We, His Children, created to live with people in this world of all colors, races, and status, yet God doesn’t see one of those things…only our hearts.  The hearts I have encountered this week have left me speechless and raw with emotion.

During the 3 day Pastor’s Conference our team, often, found our eyes welling up with tears; tears of joy, sorrow, deeper understandings of what it means to surrender our lives to the One who created us, and so many other reasons, for sure… Pastors Eddie and Kevin did an amazing job of speaking on the Purpose Driven Church by sharing many foundational truths for being the healthy Church so that God can work through us and in us.  With close to 150 pastors from all over West Bengal, Kevin began the conference by sharing “…plant a seed and it grows larger and larger” likening the seed to each of us growing-up and maturing in the Lord, just like a church should for God to be able to grow his kingdom for eternity.  I think of the wonderful day we visited the orphanage, hearing of Soumen and Anjana’s dream and vision to help neglected and unwanted children in India.  Their vision started with one little sickly boy–eight years later, that boy is the strongest child in the group of 34 children.  His name is David, the strongest, fastest athlete in the bunch!

Each day has been filled with little scenarios like the ones shared…I am so honored to be here and see so many opportunities for others to come and share their gifts and talents with the people of India so that further change can happen.

I must sign-off, tonight, though, but hope to write when we layover in Dubai, in about 27 hours!

Much love to you,
Keri

Here are my thoughts so far…..
Kolkata is filled with people!! As we journeyed through the streets when either driving or walking, I observed people everywhere doing different things. Some were selling things, some begging, kids were everywhere, people on bikes with bags of grain (I assume) stacked high, people walking with baskets and even bricks on their heads, some bathing, some hanging out drinking tea, trash littered everywhere, and the smell can be overwhelming at times. Kolkata has 18 million people living here and I can see now how true that is. It’s such a small space to have so many people!

When we were greeted by Doddy and the others, I felt the love of the Lord in their smiles and warm attitudes. It was definitely comforting as I encountered this place for the first time. These are amazing people–servants of Jesus, focused on doing His work! I was able to get to know Doddy a little yesterday. What an amazing story his life is! I sense that he sees us as allies and partners in spreading the Good News of Jesus….and that’s why we’re here.

We went to an open market in the afternoon, and tried to keep up with Doddy as he walked really fast! I think Keri bought every jewelry box one particular store had. Again, people were everywhere… a little overwhelming at times! Just before we left the open market, Doddy took us to the Bible Society of India, a hole-in-the-wall place that you could never find on your own. As we walked up the stairs, we heard singing. There was a group of people practicing worship songs together, which is an amazing thing to listen to and see! Sajal, who runs the Bible Society, invited us in to his office and told us a little about what they do. They’ve translated the Bible in 180 different languages in India! Amazing! We were able to pray with/for Sajal before we left. What a great ministry!

I am looking forward to meeting Soumen and visiting the orphanage today. Please be in prayer for Kevin and I as we prepare to teach the Pastors’ conference starting tomorrow! Thanks for your prayers!

-Eddie

A World of Hurt

Tears

Pastor Steve Williams

May 15 & 16, 2010

A World of Hurt from NorthPointe Church on Vimeo.

That We Might Have Life

The Life You Were Meant To Live

Easter Weekend-That We Might Have life from NorthPointe Church on Vimeo.

Living in the Light of Eternity

Keeping Score

Pastor Steve Williams

March 27 & 28, 2010

Choosing Character Over Image

Keeping Score

Pastor Steve Williams

March 20 & 21, 2010

Choosing Character Over Image from NorthPointe Church on Vimeo.

Adding it Up All Wrong

Keeping Score

Pastor Steve Williams

March 13-14, 2010

Adding it Up All Wrong from NorthPointe Church on Vimeo.

The Holy Spirit & Your Salvation

March 6 & 7, 2010

The Uniqueness Of Jesus

Pastors Ronnie McDougall and Shane Ham

February 27 & 28, 2010

The Uniquenes of Jesus from NorthPointe Church on Vimeo.

The first two days we were in the slums (you read about these things in
earlier posts) and that was just an amazing time.  To see how these
people live life day to day and to see all the work that is happening
there with schooling for the children.  They welcomed us with open arms
and had obviously been preparing for our arrival for quite some time.
One of my favorite memories of these days was spending time with Shaji
and his family and getting to know them.  They are doing some amazing
things and their children are going to grow and be great men of God.  The
people here, because they have very little, rely on God so much more than
I think most people do back home.  It is really something you just have
to experience, it’s so awesome.  At the end of our time with Shaji, Todd
(or Toddy-the nickname they have given him) gave Shaji’s son, who is 9,
his guitar.  His guitar had broke and he had been asking his dad to get
it fixed for him but his dad told him to pray to God and He would
provide.  To hear this story after Todd had given the guitar to him; was
one of my many highlights.  Todd made his day and God DID provide.  The
next day was spent doing the conference for the pastor’s wives.  Melanie
did a great job speaking about the beauty of a woman, Stace gave her
moving testimony, and Kim did a wonderful job speaking to them about
women in ministry.  You could tell they were all touched so deeply.
Afterwards we went to Mother Teresa’s home which was something many only
dream about seeing and then did some shopping at the street market.  This
was quite a fun time where we could all hang out as a group and just have
some fun.  Sunday we spent the day at three church services which were
all different but all rewarding in their own way.  These people really
know how to worship and worship freely, without reservation.  They really
love God.  These last two days, like I said at dinner tonight, were my
favorite.  We spent them at Soumen’s Children’s Home with 34 adorable
little children who’s parents, for some reason, could not care for them.
These children are so full of life and have such joy.  They are very
smart and you could really tell they are very well taken care of.  Each
child has their own story.  We were told about a boy (he became my buddy
pretty quickly) who came to them very sick and malnourished, his mom was
dying of cancer.  They took him to the doctor and the doctor said he
would not make it through the night.  They took him in, fed and took care
of him, and he is so alive and well today-and very, very smart.  He wrote
me a letter in Bengali that I was able to bring home-so sweet!  Another
little girl, they call Baby, could not walk or talk when they took her
in.  One day he said they were driving and she all of the sudden shouted
“Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!”  She was just the cutest little thing, so
full of energy and her smile lit up the room.  Another little girl had
severe burns on her body that you could see.  We learned that she lived
in the slums and one day fell out of her bed which was over the stove.
These children, different stories, but all came with broken hearts are
now loving Jesus (Jasu is what they call him) and are so full of joy and
love.  They welcomed us with throwing of flower petals and songs and
dances. We taught them English, Dental Hygiene, Sanitation, Nutrition,
and they absolutely loved the Hokey Pokey and making “rain” with their
hands and feet.  They called us “Auntie” and “Uncle” which was so cute
and they loved for you to take their picture and show them how it came
out.  Today I was able to talk with Soumen’s wife and daughter about
their needs, which I am so glad I was able to do.  She said they are
really struggling to have enough money each month for their needs.  They
pay for their schooling, books, uniforms, and transportation to and from
school.  They said that in April all the children will need brand new
uniforms for school because the school changed all the uniforms.  I asked
what that would cost and she said 1000 rupees per child which is about
$20.  She was also saying that because the children are getting older, it
is getting harder because their books are more expensive and they are
learning to use computers at school but they don’t have a computer at the
home so they cannot do their school work.  She said they would be able to
hook up a computer there in the home but they don’t have the money to
purchase one.  They really focus on their education because it is their
only way to a better life.  It was quickly time to leave the home and it
was so sad to go.  We taught the children “I love you” in sign language
and they hung out the windows as we drove off doing the sign and saying
goodbye.

I leave this trip really humbled and realizing all the things we have,
all the luxuries, opportunities, all the things we complain about, are
all things these people WISH they had.  So when I go back home and want
to complain about work, I’m going to remember the rickshaw people who
pull people bare-footed day in and day out.  Or when I am tired of
waiting at the doctor’s office, I’m going to be reminded about the poor
care these people receive.  Or when I get a drink of water, I will be
reminded about the uncleanness of the water here.  I also leave this trip
with 7 new friendships (Chenecua and I were already good friends before
coming so she doesn’t count!) that may or may not have happened if it
wasn’t for this trip.  My team has been truly amazing and I am so glad I
got to experience this with them!  Blessings to you all back home!

Hugs,
Tina