Current Indian Nephew Count: 100

Greetings from the most exhausting day thus far on the trip - and will definitely be in the running at the end of the week for Overall Most Exhausting Day.  However, apparently, on mission in India, their is a direct correlation between exhaustion and exhilaration.  Today was amazing.  Absolutely the best time ever.

Today we had only one event - one 12-hour event (including travel...which was an "event").  We had the awesome opportunity to go out to David's Mission Center/School - a 2-hour drive (left at 8:30) way out in a remote village.  Upon arrival, we were met at the gate by all of the students, former students, parents, teachers and pastors who were lined up with roses for each of us.  As we made our way down the line, we were so touched by the hospitality of the people of India.  As Americans, we have a whole lot to learn - I mean...a WHOLE lot.  We prayed outside together and raised the Christian flag up the pole and then moved into the absolutely beautiful Mission Center for a time of worship and celebration.  They sang and danced for us and then we sang and did "hand motions" (ie: Baptist dancing) and some of our skits.  Tim did his illusion again (I'm telling you, he loves this illusion and really wants to do it for you, so please ask) and I'm starting to figure out how he does it.  The kids certainly love it.  One of the best things that happened today...David asked us, on the fly, to present the "Evangecube" to the whole group.  I have mentioned the Evangecube before, but it has occurred to me you may not know what this is.  The Evangecube is one of the coolest, easiest and most engaging ways of presenting the Gospel message - it's a literal cube that folds out into 7 "panels", each one depicting an element of the Gospel (Our separation from God, God's judgment, Jesus' payment on the Cross, His resurrection, His bridging the gap between us and God, the promise of Heaven/eternal life and what we must do as we accept Christ to be our Savior).  It's a beautiful picture.  Just so happens, we put together the "Big Cube" yesterday and brought it along today.  So, when David asked, I looked at the team and said, "Anyone want to take this?"  Katie Salley jumped up, grabbed the 'Cube and headed to the front and presented the Gospel message (which was translated by Pastor Yaman into Tamil) to the entire group.  It was awesome.

The program was followed by lunch (again, incredible) and then we had "free time" to just hang out with the kids, which was one of the best experiences on the trip.  We all took off, found some kids and then just ministered.  We've come to realize that one of our primary ministries here in India is the encouragement of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ here - and at the same time, we always feel that we come away far more blessed than any blessing we passed on.  But that doesn't mean we haven't had the opportunity for evangelism.  Today, during the free session, Sandra had the opportunity to use the Big 'Cube to share Christ with two men.  They were not at a place of making a decision, but she was faithful in presenting the Gospel and it was a beautiful thing.  In the meantime, after we played a rousing game of "Chicken Chicken Goat" (= "Duck Duck Goose" in India...at least, it does now) in which every conceivable "DDG" or "CCG" rule was broken, we spent time making balloon animals (interestingly, most requested item:  a Cross), sharing the Gospel with the regular size Kid 'Cubes and making Salvation bracelets.  Today, the Gospel of Christ was presented at least 2-3 times per person and His love was communicated through fellowship and encouragement.

An interesting story I just have to share:  when I went out for free time, a handful of the older teen boys got around me and started stabbing me with their balloon swords and asking me if I watch WWF on TV and screaming "JOHN CENA!  JOHN CENA" (Professional wrestler/terrible actor).  Totally honest...I thought I was going to get beat up.  But then one of the boys saw my tattoo and asked what it meant.  I said, "Worshipper".  So beautiful...they all started repeating "Worshipper...worshipper" (they spoke about 5% English, if that).  Then one of the boys stepped forward, took a pen from his brother, and proceeded to take my left hand and in extremely artistic block letters - and in absolutely perfect English lettering wrote, "JESUS" and then drew an artistic cross through the center of it.  It was absolutely beautiful.  I went to show off what Ya. Ms. B. did (that's what he told me to call him because apparently I would get his full name wrong...so, we stuck to initials).  Everyone I took him to, he repeated the beautiful act.  So amazing how God works through and across the cultural differences - Jesus transcends everything.

It is impossible to communicate all our team has been experiencing and processing these days.  We have seen Christians in utter poverty shouting for joy because of God's provision - yet their worship seems so much more passionate than ours and we have the benefits of excessive blessings.  We have been humbled by the hospitality and the sheer desire to serve our every need.  Just walking to the car today, the boys ripped our gear out of our hands to carry it for us - even though the car was 10 feet away.  To be honest, it's really been tough to process what we're to do with this new appreciation and awareness of the blessings of God.  We talked tonight in our sharing time how the people of India really prioritize passion over perfection - they don't care how they sound, all they care about is how passionately (and how loudly) they can sing it.  Yet, so often, as American Christians, we focus on getting everything exactly right - everything has to look and sound perfect...but perfection doesn't mask the absence of passion.  I'm starting to ramble (and I think you can make the connection), but our passions are being stirred here and we wish you could all be with us to experience this - though, we might have to rent another bus if you were ALL to be here with us, but we would certainly love that.

Tomorrow seems like it should be a bit more restful - I say "seems" because, while that is the plan, we have learned that in India, there are no such things as concrete plans.  There are reasonable ideas of what can happen and what will happen and you just have to learn to improvise and think on your feet.  But, even that has been a blessing as our most spontaneous moments have been the best memories so far.  However, the only thing on the books is worship with a village church tomorrow.  We will be out there for a few hours sharing in their worship time and then once they have finished, we will do about a 45 minute program (music/skits).  I do think David has kept our evening clear tomorrow so we can have a special Father's Day dinner.  David has really been the absolute greatest, most generous host and we're so thankful for him.  Speaking of Father's Day...ignoring the fact that most of the team are not fathers, we all love our families very much and the whole team misses you guys.

Thank you for your prayers.  We have felt them and see them at work all around us.  We have been in the middle of India, in the middle of the day, and the weather has not only been bearable, it has been beautiful.  A few weeks ago, record heat.  But this week, so far, God has been generous with the good weather.  Thank you for your faithful prayers.  Please continue to be in prayer for:

  1.  Holy energy for the team (exhaustion mixed with the heat is hitting us hard)
  2.  A great day of worship and rest tomorrow
  3.  More opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ
  4.  The men who were witnessed to today, that God would convict them of their need for Him

Also, please be in prayer specifically for Sandra Kelley.  She has now been running a fever for 3 days and while she doesn't seem to think more attention beyond rest is required, she has spoken to someone in the medical field regarding the possibility of getting evaluated.  Please, please, please pray for her healing that God would work a miracle and make it so no other attention is needed and that she would be able to participate in the work of the Lord.  She has proven to be a vital member of the team and her heart for evangelism is so encouraging.  Also, thanks for your prayers regarding my voice.  I'm still really hoarse (can't talk much about a whisper), but I can feel it improving - please lift that up as well. Thank you so much.

In our sharing time tonight, please know that we discussed that you all are in our thoughts and prayers as you prepare to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Even though we'll be doing it about 9.5 hours ahead of you, halfway across the world, know that we are worshiping alongside you.  God bless you guys.  Talk to you tomorrow.

-Jeff

P.S.  Upon completion of this blog, I realized I never explained the title of this blog.  Apparently, in India, once children feel comfortable with you, they start referring to you as "Uncle" (which is convenient for them as they then don't have to learn your names...we don't have that luxury).  So, now, my current Indian Nephew count is up to 100.  We'll keep a tally throughout the week.

-Uncle Jeff