WHO WILL GO?

Continuing adventures in Nepal- Sept 21-26



The seminars took place in a small church with a variey of multi-coloured carpets where the ladies sat on the floor eagerly awaiting the newcomers. We entered barefoot, leaving our shoes at the door with all the others.

Eileen gave a warm greeting followed by Bob who introduced the book of Titus. Sushma translated putting emphasis exactly where needed.

Ruth began with memorizing scripture (Psalm 8) The following day, collectively, these sharp women were able to recite the nine verses, with actions. (I learned quickly that the order in which I sign needed to be changed because of their sentence structure- made for a few smiles) I wish you could have seen their faces, knowing that they to could recite long passages. A great shout of praise.
How exciting to encourage these women, to affirm their value and significant purpose for such a time as this. Many are rising to take leadership roles. (The former mayor's wife helped to emcee the event)

On Thursday Bob and I conducted a mini-seminar for couples in leadership roles. We played the newlywed game and discovered they are not only great sports but also deal with all the same issues as couples in the western world. Under the headings spiritual, mental, social and physical, we encouraged group participation to establish God's plan for a healthy, long lasting marriage. The couples all read to each other the Love chapter 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 inserting their own name in place of love...powerful!

Some of the participants came all four days- thought they would be tired of us!



Our lodging was in Patan, the oldest city in Nepal, across the river from Katmandu. Bob and I walked down to the market area to view many new sights. A communal bath and laundry open for all to see. Buildings and temples over a thousand years old lined the streets with fresh signs of daily sacrifice clinging to stone altars.

On another tour, Dr. Maharjan, general secretary of Evangelical Fellowship Nepal, guided our taxi driver to the king's palace. Dr. received a gold metal for his Phd thesis, which was the last royal act at that particular palace. A visit to the Thamel Market proved that treasures can be found.
The next day, after our seminar, our cab driver drove down a pedestrian street. Every square inch of the car had people crowded around it. Added to that, a downpour filled the street with several inches of water. Over 30 minutes to go a couple blocks. A stop at Durbar Square revealed temple after temple after temple.

Back at the guest house, five Malaysians arrived. They had come from their church in Malaysia and were spending time in the more remote village areas in the mountains of Nepal. We sang, prayed, talked, laughed and ate with these business men and women, who took time from successful careers to make a difference here. Goh and his wife own and run a very modern book store and publishing company in Kualalampur.

We came to love Nepal in such a short time discovering that it takes stamina, patience and endurance to live here.

Lord, send me!

WHO WILL GO? Sept 26-29

Another all nighter to get from Nepal to Delhi and on to Bankok.(economy flight)

Our friend met us at the airport at 7:15 am Sunday and took us to his beautiful complex in southern Bankok. His wife had prepared a wonderful breakfast of fresh poppyseed loaf and three wholegrain breads (the first we'd seen since leaving Canada), eggs, bacon, watermelon, mango and mangosteen. Ask me later! They gave us a place to rest for a couple hours. Sweet sleep. Later we registered at our new home for two days, the Alliance Guest House. Now we are enjoying two days off- a surprise.

Monday morning. What a special tour of Nite Light, a five year old program to give alternative employment to the many hundreds of prostitutes in this city. A dream come true for the organizers and founders. Inside we viewed the well run, quality controlled jewellry production and interacted with the beautiful girls who have been rescued, smiling faces and singing songs

Our hostess took us to an outdoor market, a night market and an incredible multi-level mall with over 2000 shops. Rides on the very efficient, busy Bankok Transit System gave Bob confidence that he can get around now!

Today, the 29th we took a river taxi to see the Royal Palace. Gold-plated, larger than life statues, gold leaf murals, mosaics and intricate designs everywhere, temples shining in the hot sun. A stark contrast to the poverty lying not far beyond.

Eileen and I enjoyed manicures and pedicures. As well, Eileen loved the massage that came with her hair set. Expensive treats...manicure and pedicure both about $12.00 USD.

Back in our room, the view is beautiful. Lush foliage shows off white, pink, red, orange and yellow flowers. From short bushes to stately trees reaching to second and third stories, the natural beauty here in Bankok (Alliance Guest house) is a feast for weary eyes. Several inches of rain have fallen since we arrived Sunday, adding freshness to the variety of colour. We could get used to this!

Tomorrow another flight to Chaing Mai, where we assume our teaching, visiting high schools and whatever else may arise from unexpected places.

Bankok is definitely a place to revisit. Being here has refreshed us for the last half of the journey.Bob has hours of footage to bore you for hours.

Lord send me!

Who Will Go?

Calcutta is now behind us along with all the idols lining the streets celebrating the biggest Hindu festival of the year. Many different sizes of Durga, the goddess being worshipped, stand motionless for sale or inside the hundreds of temples found on every road. Posters and papers display her stark, lifeless form. Groups of goats being led to the slaughter for sacrifice innocently follow the goat herder to their death.
How wonderful to hear more of William Carey's work. He left England in 1793 and brought not only the gospel but the printing press and education. For two hundred years there is a light shining amid the darkness.
I'll Fly Away has taken on a whole new meaning this week. Sunday at 4:00 pm we left for Calcutta airport to make sure we had three hours prior to the 9:00 pm flight to Delhi, a two hour flight. Arrived in Delhi at 11:00PM Since our connecting flight to Nepal was at 6:30 am, we waited in the Delhi airport. Hoping for a few winks we soon realized that was a dream. : ) Settling into the waiting room, we piled our luggage at our feet, trying to maintain a little personal space. In the crowded area, that also was a dream. To help pass the time!!! we began to sing in harmony. The only sign of displeasure from those around were the few with hands over their ears. It didnt bother Leelah our Indian guide (boy are we grateful for her) who never ran out of songs to sing. It kept us focused positively. Flyin On to Kathmandu Nepal. Arrived at 8:30 am and spent the next two hours getting visas processed. Finally at 11:00 am we walked out to meet Mya and Dr Maharjan a Christian leader here. Greeted warmly with roses, he reminded us that our sessions began at 11:30. However, he extended kindness and told us to rest and freshen up (RIGHT!) and be ready for another ride for the 1:30 Session. I honestly had a few moments of pity party- Lord, I cant speak without any sleep. Then as we approached the guest house, down a narrow path with high walls closing in, claustophobic thoughts flooded. Can I make it here for six days? (wimp!)

Miracles do happen... we had a wonderful few hours with about 100 Nepalese women. They are mostly converted Hindus as 80% of the pop here is Hindu. Again, interpretaion is needed so more experience gained.


I must leave now for my turn is coming shortly. (Bob is teaching right now)
Can I also tell you in closing... we have met the most incredible Christian leaders who are teaching me far more than I can ever offer them. What a humbling time!

Happy (honestly) Serving HIM!

Bob and Ruth LORD , send me!

Who Will Go?

Well we have gone!My oh my! Nothing could have prepared us for this environment. It needs to be experienced.
Heaven in the middle of hell is what comes to mind. The 200 year old India Bible Society stands in the middle of very busy street filled with markets, people, markets and more people.
Calcutta, a city of 16 million with half a million living on the streets.
We have seen many of these already. Sajal is the president of the Bible society and longs to give God's word out to every person in this area. Our first conference was here in this heritage spot yesterday. About 130 congregated in a room just across from the offices. Eileen gave devotions and I did a memorizing scripture session and Woman of Worth. Women from all classses of life here attended. Because 20 % spke Bengali. Sahana interpreted. From a Bramin Hindu background her testimony, is miraculous. She is on fire for the Lord and worked so well with Eileen and me. It was a wonderful start to our ministry.
We have some video footage to show later on.

Please pray for tomorrow Sunday. Bob will speak ( he volunteered) at the Church of North India (six denominations that have joined since the 70's.) I'll recite some scripture. As well we will sing some good old 70's sacred songs. They like them here!! Also Eileen will share at a Baptist church. We need God's help to bridge the gap culturally. Only God has the answer to the deep needs here...not us.


Thanks for your emails, thoughts and prayers...you have no idea how much they mean to us.

Happy in the heat but I must be honest...our room at the Baptist Mission house has a/c. PTL

Happy Serving HIM!
Ruth (for Bob too)

WHO WILL GO?



We will. Today September 15, 2009 at 5:30 pm we leave Toronto arriving in Frankfurt Germany at 7:00am tomorrow morning. After a three hour layover, we land in Calcutta around midnight.



As I sit here this morning, I am overwhelmed by the immensity of it all. (and I'm not even there yet!)



The kindness and generosity of so many. From children having garage sales to collections from places of work, from love offerings taken at dance classes to cash and cheques, from emails to phone calls, facebook to cards and letters, last minute visits at the door...all have shown us love and kindness. No wonder I'm overwhelmed. I have seen the body of Christ at work with each participating in his/her way.

So many have said as they have handed us a gift, "It isn't very much." Let me assure you that it has taken every act of giving, whether monetary or best wishes and prayers, to make this Asia Project possible. "Little is much when God is in it" has come to mind so often these past months.



Please know that Bob and I appreciate all of you. Each of you has played a part in Global Ministry.

Watch for updates!



MIZPAH- May the Lord watch over each as we are absent one from another.





Happy Going!

Ruth (for Bob too) Lord send us today.