We have been in Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh for a little over four days and it seems like much more. But it seems like it has been much more in the best possible way. God brought together seven people, bonded us together through an amazing journey to get here, and has used each one of us over these fleeting days. And while we have given of ourselves, we have received so much more. It is almost a cliche line coming from those involved in trips like this, but it is said so often because it is so true. We get more than we could possibly give.
Everyday has been perfectly full.
Each day - some time between noon and one - six people would climb up the rustic concrete steps built into the hillside upon which Steward and Nyapu's house sits. After teaching, playing, loving and singing with the children of Oxford Brook School from nine in the morning until noon (school ends at 1pm) they returned with smiles, energy and joy. Sandy taught some science, Nancy had a great time with the youngest and finger puppets, Brianna, Corban and the Emilies taught social studies, reviewed math facts, and it seems in every way had a ball.
In three mornings at this simple elementary school they created memories which will last a lifetime for everyone involved. Wait until you hear their stories!
Meanwhile, back at the Leadership Training Centre, I was humbled and honored once again to teach and encourage over 50 pastors from northeast India. These are pastors who do not get paid, do not have an organized support network, do not receive regular encouragements from e-mail newsletters, and have only a Bible and the Holy Spirit as their resource. In the evening hours some would share their stories, and many were along the lines of, "I became a Christian in my village, and a few months later I was appointed pastor."
17 of the participants of the workshop I was running - "Foundations and Future" - were students who have been studying full time here at the Training Centre for the past 9 months. On Friday night we celebrated their graduation. They are young men and women called by God to go share the Good News of Great Joy. Some come from tribes which border Myanmar to the east, and others from tribes up in the mountains to the west which border China. It was an privileged to deliver their charge - sending them out into ministry.
The first evening it took some, how shall I say, direct encouragement, to get our tired group of adventures down to the meeting room (trust me, it doesn't look like what you are picturing) for a time of worship and testimonies. But the exuberant and free worship soon revived our spirits and the stories inspired our souls.
From the hours in the school, to the hours teaching at the Centre, from the times sitting on the porch talking, to eating wonderful home cooked Indian food, from exploring in town, to a "picnic" by the river, we are having an amazing time here at the ends of the earth.
As one team member reflected last night. We thought the struggle would be once we got here. Actually the struggle was the trip to get here. Now that we have arrived it has been blessing upon blessing.
Everyday has been perfectly full.
Each day - some time between noon and one - six people would climb up the rustic concrete steps built into the hillside upon which Steward and Nyapu's house sits. After teaching, playing, loving and singing with the children of Oxford Brook School from nine in the morning until noon (school ends at 1pm) they returned with smiles, energy and joy. Sandy taught some science, Nancy had a great time with the youngest and finger puppets, Brianna, Corban and the Emilies taught social studies, reviewed math facts, and it seems in every way had a ball.
In three mornings at this simple elementary school they created memories which will last a lifetime for everyone involved. Wait until you hear their stories!
Meanwhile, back at the Leadership Training Centre, I was humbled and honored once again to teach and encourage over 50 pastors from northeast India. These are pastors who do not get paid, do not have an organized support network, do not receive regular encouragements from e-mail newsletters, and have only a Bible and the Holy Spirit as their resource. In the evening hours some would share their stories, and many were along the lines of, "I became a Christian in my village, and a few months later I was appointed pastor."
17 of the participants of the workshop I was running - "Foundations and Future" - were students who have been studying full time here at the Training Centre for the past 9 months. On Friday night we celebrated their graduation. They are young men and women called by God to go share the Good News of Great Joy. Some come from tribes which border Myanmar to the east, and others from tribes up in the mountains to the west which border China. It was an privileged to deliver their charge - sending them out into ministry.
The first evening it took some, how shall I say, direct encouragement, to get our tired group of adventures down to the meeting room (trust me, it doesn't look like what you are picturing) for a time of worship and testimonies. But the exuberant and free worship soon revived our spirits and the stories inspired our souls.
From the hours in the school, to the hours teaching at the Centre, from the times sitting on the porch talking, to eating wonderful home cooked Indian food, from exploring in town, to a "picnic" by the river, we are having an amazing time here at the ends of the earth.
As one team member reflected last night. We thought the struggle would be once we got here. Actually the struggle was the trip to get here. Now that we have arrived it has been blessing upon blessing.
Your report is so encouraging - so full of answers to prayer! At the Gathering last night we sang Hillsong's "Cornerstone." The chorus jumped out at me and seems to mirror your words here: "Christ alone; cornerstone / WEAK MADE STRONG; IN THE SAVIOUR'S LOVE / Through the storm, He is Lord / Lord of all." See you soon!
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