The Translator
A hundred women, beautifully dressed in multi-coloured sari arrived, chatting noisily while picking up a cup of hot masala tea. After several minutes of enjoying friendly greetings, each one found her place to sit on a red plastic chair in the Calcutta India Bible Society office, situated on the second floor of a two hundred year old heritage building. The meeting began.
Then Sahana pulled the extra fabric of the crisp white and royal blue sari scarf over her bowed head and prayed aloud in Bengali. Although I did not understand the language, her powerful voice, clear delivery and sincere approach drew me into God's presence. I looked forward to her interpreting the day's event.
In spite of the excessive heat sending rivulets of perspiration running along my hairline and beyond, chills rippled down my spine as she translated the recited scripture and message on a woman's value. As I turned, so did she. At my slightest hand movement, hers followed. Words
barely left my mouth before she grabbed them and threw them out to the audience. Volume, voice and inflection copied perfectly, challenging me to focus on my words. Although we both had different coloured skin and looked nothing alike, I watched in amazement as I saw myself in Sahana. She became me for that day. Not only were words interpreted but so was I. In doing so, she powerfully communicated God's word, His love, plan and purpose for women to enjoy their divinely designed role. In a male dominated society, they were timely words.
Sahana Adhikary, born into the highest Hindu cast order, Brahman, excitedly shared the meaning of her name with me. "Sahana means voice, Adhikary means king, so I am the voice of the king." Accepting Christ as her personal saviour necessitated leaving her cultural heritage behind. With a determination to speak about her new found faith, she boldly lives out her name.
Meanwhile, out on the streets of Calcutta, festival preparations were under way for the Durga Pujit, one of the biggest annual Hindu celebrations. Ten days of feasting, partying and sacrificing to honour the goddess of all creation. The eight-armed, three-eyed idol is believed to wipe away the miseries and suffering of her devotees.In a culture where caste system still exists, it wasn't difficult to see that this idol held them in bondage, each dwelling making an effort to display their own shrine or altar, whether simple or elaborate. Daily displays of flowers, incense and food marked every few feet along the sidewalk or road in an attempt to gain Durga's favour. All were oblivious to the fact that no more sacrifices are needed to enjoy an abundant life.
During our time together, I enjoyed Sahana's companionship, watching her brown eyes flash understanding as she passed on my words and thoughts. Without her, there was no message of hope that day.
I can't help but wonder if God felt like that when Jesus became His translator. Language wasn't the barrier, sin was.When Jesus appeared, He translated the words of the Father, communicating to us the greatest story of love.
The streets were busy the day He arrived on earth too. Many were not aware that the Prince of Peace had arrived. But to those who listened, they heard a voice say, Behold the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23...NAS
The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son. John 1:14...The Message
There is power in being an image bearer. Just as Sahana interpreted me for the women that day, Jesus interpreted the Father for us. And both showed me that, in turn, I am to be a reflection of Christ. May the image of God, the Son be reflected in everything I say and do, so that I may translate who He is to others.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A Thankful Heart October 2009
How many bad hair days can you have in a row? How many ways can you cook rice and how many times will it be served today? What will I have for Thanksgiving dinner and will I truly be thankful?
I'm sitting in a hotel room in Hyderabad, India, half a world away pondering such questions. Back in Fergus, Ontario, our family will soon gather at our home (without us) for the autumn harvest celebration, Thanksgiving.
Just a few minutes ago I heard Bob shout, teeth chattering, "There's no hot water." It is difficult to believe that he could be cold after spending the entire day wiping perspiration from his brow in the 34 degree, high humidity temperatures; however, we have come to enjoy and expect a shower to be at least warm. Not to be daunted by such triviality, he continued his cold wash. Very soon after, the same voice called again. "No there's no water." It begs the question of which is is worse, no hot water or no water at all.
I certainly do not want to be listed with the ungrateful. We are having a great experience. And I love rice and curried chicken. Really. Day after day, I look at all those little pieces of white on my plate, wondering if any of them might move, and give thanks. That is, until a few days ago. I watched as a fellow guest poured a cup of saffron soup with chilies over her pile of rice. Immediately, hundreds of grains swam merrily around the surface of her plate, swept in a current of green and yellow liquid. I quickly glanced away, desperately hoping that my face did not announce the arrival of nausea. Then I tried to convince everyone I was not hungry. It didn't work. Somehow our Indian coordinator sensed the real problem and proposed a Western food restaurant for supper that night. The gracious hostess, however, wanted to please, suggesting they would prepare anything we wanted for the evening meal. How about Swiss Chalet? For a pleasant moment I dreamed of the possibility. But, for the sake of hospitality and not offending the kind cooks, just a few hours later, I faced the same dilemma. Most of the exact dishes graced the simply set table with one difference...boiled potatoes, quartered with skins on, filling a plate. I sure made a meal of them that night, grateful for each high-carb bite. True Western fare.
I'm dreaming of all my children and grandchildren using cutlery for their holiday meal, while observing all around me adults seemingly playing in their food, ensuring every single morsel of rice is coated with curry or pepper sauce. Then, deftly using all five fingers of the right hand, insert the delicacy into their mouth. Flashbacks to the countless times I stuck a utensil in one of my toddler's little hands and they immediately threw it on the floor. Wasted time perhaps?
An echo of familiarity from the distant past rings in my ears right now. Grumblers, we called them in Sunday School. The sons of Israel complained that they had no water either and an overabundance of manna, God's provision...endless days of the same old.Looking back and remembering the best of the past, they forgot the difficulties of life in Egypt, and wanted to go back...to a life of bondage. Later on in their pilgrimage, they hung their harps on the willows, sat down and wept while longing for another life.
Can we sing a song in a strange land? Yes, everyday Bob and I sing as part of our assignment here. More importantly though, music helps convey our gratitude for this incredible opportunity to discover, not only differences but the common bond of Christ's body all over the world. Little adjustments pale in comparison to the wonderful people we encounter in each city, town or tribal area. Our experience here is richer by far because of all the cultural diversity, adding new colour, flavour, sights and sounds to the adventure.
By the way our Indian coordinator told me when she started global travelling, she prayed for the Lord to give her an international stomach. I'll put that on my prayer list next time but for now I want to go back, not to Egypt but home to Canada... a land of cool temperature, unlimited flushes and endless great hair days.
How many bad hair days can you have in a row? How many ways can you cook rice and how many times will it be served today? What will I have for Thanksgiving dinner and will I truly be thankful?
I'm sitting in a hotel room in Hyderabad, India, half a world away pondering such questions. Back in Fergus, Ontario, our family will soon gather at our home (without us) for the autumn harvest celebration, Thanksgiving.
Just a few minutes ago I heard Bob shout, teeth chattering, "There's no hot water." It is difficult to believe that he could be cold after spending the entire day wiping perspiration from his brow in the 34 degree, high humidity temperatures; however, we have come to enjoy and expect a shower to be at least warm. Not to be daunted by such triviality, he continued his cold wash. Very soon after, the same voice called again. "No there's no water." It begs the question of which is is worse, no hot water or no water at all.
I certainly do not want to be listed with the ungrateful. We are having a great experience. And I love rice and curried chicken. Really. Day after day, I look at all those little pieces of white on my plate, wondering if any of them might move, and give thanks. That is, until a few days ago. I watched as a fellow guest poured a cup of saffron soup with chilies over her pile of rice. Immediately, hundreds of grains swam merrily around the surface of her plate, swept in a current of green and yellow liquid. I quickly glanced away, desperately hoping that my face did not announce the arrival of nausea. Then I tried to convince everyone I was not hungry. It didn't work. Somehow our Indian coordinator sensed the real problem and proposed a Western food restaurant for supper that night. The gracious hostess, however, wanted to please, suggesting they would prepare anything we wanted for the evening meal. How about Swiss Chalet? For a pleasant moment I dreamed of the possibility. But, for the sake of hospitality and not offending the kind cooks, just a few hours later, I faced the same dilemma. Most of the exact dishes graced the simply set table with one difference...boiled potatoes, quartered with skins on, filling a plate. I sure made a meal of them that night, grateful for each high-carb bite. True Western fare.
I'm dreaming of all my children and grandchildren using cutlery for their holiday meal, while observing all around me adults seemingly playing in their food, ensuring every single morsel of rice is coated with curry or pepper sauce. Then, deftly using all five fingers of the right hand, insert the delicacy into their mouth. Flashbacks to the countless times I stuck a utensil in one of my toddler's little hands and they immediately threw it on the floor. Wasted time perhaps?
An echo of familiarity from the distant past rings in my ears right now. Grumblers, we called them in Sunday School. The sons of Israel complained that they had no water either and an overabundance of manna, God's provision...endless days of the same old.Looking back and remembering the best of the past, they forgot the difficulties of life in Egypt, and wanted to go back...to a life of bondage. Later on in their pilgrimage, they hung their harps on the willows, sat down and wept while longing for another life.
Can we sing a song in a strange land? Yes, everyday Bob and I sing as part of our assignment here. More importantly though, music helps convey our gratitude for this incredible opportunity to discover, not only differences but the common bond of Christ's body all over the world. Little adjustments pale in comparison to the wonderful people we encounter in each city, town or tribal area. Our experience here is richer by far because of all the cultural diversity, adding new colour, flavour, sights and sounds to the adventure.
By the way our Indian coordinator told me when she started global travelling, she prayed for the Lord to give her an international stomach. I'll put that on my prayer list next time but for now I want to go back, not to Egypt but home to Canada... a land of cool temperature, unlimited flushes and endless great hair days.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Who Will Go?
Oh Canada, my home and native land
I've never kissed the soil before, but the temptation prodded strongly. Our plane smoothly landed in TO yesterday about 1:00pm after thirty-six hours in airports and air. Please don't feel too sorry for us.The Hyderabad airport lounge provided delicious snacks, drinks, TV, internet, showers and for an additional cost, back massages. (Eileen and I succumbed)
May we never take this country for granted again (memory does fade tho'). During Thanksgiving celebrations, hopefully you counted all the ways it is a privilege to walk, talk, live and have your being here in this nation. I'd like to think I am forever changed by this wonderful adventure given to us, but after a month in Asia, awareness of my own greedy nature overwhelms me.(Ugly and green says Pastor John)
A large piece of our hearts now resides across the pond.Can we ever forget the daily challenges that face our brothers and sisters there?Travelling just a few miles can take hours. A trip to Canada's Wonderland will not be necessary for awhile for the thrill of driving in a cab on a three lane roadway, five rows of cars vyying for the space and two more rows of motorcycles weaving in and out of any existing surface area while throngs of people search for a wee break to make it to the other side, satisfy any desire for stomach flips. Many times I felt confident that angels were pushing back a bumper here, pulling a bicycle there and transporting a mother and child safely across paths seemingly unsafe by any standards. Too many people for the amount of available space, no vehicles without a a few dings.
The wonderful people we met continues to bend our hearts in different directions (as Kathleen Gibson says). The vision and strong faith of many is making a difference. Several people from Orissa attended the All India conference this week. Orissa, in north-east India, last year became the site of horrible attacks on Christians by Hindu extremists, wanting to rid society of them. Over 100 were brutally murdered, burned alive or tortured. 50,000 (mostly Christians) are homeless, 4500 houses and 250 churched burned or destroyed as well as 13 educational centres. That's only one of the many areas suffering without appropriate judicial help.
Christianity is seen by many to be a Western religion and is thus hated. In fact, Thomas (remember the doubter?) first went to India (reluctantly)with the gospel in 54 a.d. We visited the first church site in Kerala.
Oh Canada, my home and native land
I've never kissed the soil before, but the temptation prodded strongly. Our plane smoothly landed in TO yesterday about 1:00pm after thirty-six hours in airports and air. Please don't feel too sorry for us.The Hyderabad airport lounge provided delicious snacks, drinks, TV, internet, showers and for an additional cost, back massages. (Eileen and I succumbed)
May we never take this country for granted again (memory does fade tho'). During Thanksgiving celebrations, hopefully you counted all the ways it is a privilege to walk, talk, live and have your being here in this nation. I'd like to think I am forever changed by this wonderful adventure given to us, but after a month in Asia, awareness of my own greedy nature overwhelms me.(Ugly and green says Pastor John)
A large piece of our hearts now resides across the pond.Can we ever forget the daily challenges that face our brothers and sisters there?Travelling just a few miles can take hours. A trip to Canada's Wonderland will not be necessary for awhile for the thrill of driving in a cab on a three lane roadway, five rows of cars vyying for the space and two more rows of motorcycles weaving in and out of any existing surface area while throngs of people search for a wee break to make it to the other side, satisfy any desire for stomach flips. Many times I felt confident that angels were pushing back a bumper here, pulling a bicycle there and transporting a mother and child safely across paths seemingly unsafe by any standards. Too many people for the amount of available space, no vehicles without a a few dings.
The wonderful people we met continues to bend our hearts in different directions (as Kathleen Gibson says). The vision and strong faith of many is making a difference. Several people from Orissa attended the All India conference this week. Orissa, in north-east India, last year became the site of horrible attacks on Christians by Hindu extremists, wanting to rid society of them. Over 100 were brutally murdered, burned alive or tortured. 50,000 (mostly Christians) are homeless, 4500 houses and 250 churched burned or destroyed as well as 13 educational centres. That's only one of the many areas suffering without appropriate judicial help.
Christianity is seen by many to be a Western religion and is thus hated. In fact, Thomas (remember the doubter?) first went to India (reluctantly)with the gospel in 54 a.d. We visited the first church site in Kerala.
Thank you all for travelling with us. All the emails, prayers and support encouraged us each day.
With God's help, we will continue to follow wherever He sends.
Happy Serving HIM!
Bob and Ruth Lord send me
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Who Will Go?
The amazing stories continue...we have only shared a sampling. The Abraham family, from Kerala area in south India, had a vision 80 years ago. The dream to have land and facility for international study and opportunity to develop God given talents filled Mercy Luke's grandfather's heart. We met Mercy and her parents (85 years young) who have kept the dream alive all these years. The India Bible College is a tribute to God's faithfullness to provide everything needed to bring about dreams that He places in our hearts. We sang and spoke in the existing facility but visited the new campus which will open in the next year. It is a modern facility standing on a rubber plantation. The trees are tapped somewhat like maple trees and the money used to continue the operation of the education centre.
What a sharp contrast to Trinity College in Hyderabad. Another dream -an Albertan in 1994 began this college with a handful of eager students. A move to a larger building in June still seemed rather insufficient to us. Thirty students and staff, along with guests, crammed into a 14'x 20' room. Such simple surroundings did not hamper their eagerness to learn. Wonderful interviews with two faculty members gave us a glimpse into the excellent quality of education received there. Stella Bogi is president and looks forward to sharing her dream for expanding the opportunity.
More to share when we get home...this post is done in the hotel office in Hyderabad.
Leave in a couple hours... Homeward bound.
Happy Serving
Bob and Ruth Lord send me
32 degrees with 98% humidity (my evaluation)
The amazing stories continue...we have only shared a sampling. The Abraham family, from Kerala area in south India, had a vision 80 years ago. The dream to have land and facility for international study and opportunity to develop God given talents filled Mercy Luke's grandfather's heart. We met Mercy and her parents (85 years young) who have kept the dream alive all these years. The India Bible College is a tribute to God's faithfullness to provide everything needed to bring about dreams that He places in our hearts. We sang and spoke in the existing facility but visited the new campus which will open in the next year. It is a modern facility standing on a rubber plantation. The trees are tapped somewhat like maple trees and the money used to continue the operation of the education centre.
What a sharp contrast to Trinity College in Hyderabad. Another dream -an Albertan in 1994 began this college with a handful of eager students. A move to a larger building in June still seemed rather insufficient to us. Thirty students and staff, along with guests, crammed into a 14'x 20' room. Such simple surroundings did not hamper their eagerness to learn. Wonderful interviews with two faculty members gave us a glimpse into the excellent quality of education received there. Stella Bogi is president and looks forward to sharing her dream for expanding the opportunity.
More to share when we get home...this post is done in the hotel office in Hyderabad.
Leave in a couple hours... Homeward bound.
Happy Serving
Bob and Ruth Lord send me
32 degrees with 98% humidity (my evaluation)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
WHO WILL GO?Mumbai to Pune by cab- three and half hours. Depok our Hindu driver took us on a tour of Mumbai, a city of huge contrasts. Large highrises, boulevards with lush greenery next to rundown apartments, clothes hanging from the balconies, mile after mile. Through the hills and mountains, up and down, we enjoyed the natural beauty of this county of many people, languages, religions and cultures. As we approached Pune, the neon signs pierced the darkening sky.
A university town bursting with scooters, loud music and food. (not much different from home- well, a little)
After a quick bite on the fifth floor of this modern mall, we continued on to Union Biblical Seminary, a very old campus considered the best Biblical training in India. Talking to these professors, eating with them and observing their concern for the youth of this nation is inspiring.
Usha (oo-sha) shared her story. Her mother died when she was 3 1/2 years old. The impact of Christian schools here is very positive so her Hindu father took her and three sisters to one such school, where he knew they would be well cared for. He returned when she turned 15, but by this time she had embraced Christ and asked not to go back to her roots of idolotry. I asked her why she changed to another religion. "It was LOVE. Everyone embraced us, loved us. That is the reason." Of course, she had not converted to another religion. She had been recoonected to God through a relationship with His son, Jesus. Now she works in the seminary where her husband is a prof.
She reflected how Jesus said the world would know that we are HIS...love for each other.
Happy Serving but Home is looking sweeter each day!
Bob and Ruth Lord send me!
A university town bursting with scooters, loud music and food. (not much different from home- well, a little)
After a quick bite on the fifth floor of this modern mall, we continued on to Union Biblical Seminary, a very old campus considered the best Biblical training in India. Talking to these professors, eating with them and observing their concern for the youth of this nation is inspiring.
Usha (oo-sha) shared her story. Her mother died when she was 3 1/2 years old. The impact of Christian schools here is very positive so her Hindu father took her and three sisters to one such school, where he knew they would be well cared for. He returned when she turned 15, but by this time she had embraced Christ and asked not to go back to her roots of idolotry. I asked her why she changed to another religion. "It was LOVE. Everyone embraced us, loved us. That is the reason." Of course, she had not converted to another religion. She had been recoonected to God through a relationship with His son, Jesus. Now she works in the seminary where her husband is a prof.
She reflected how Jesus said the world would know that we are HIS...love for each other.
Happy Serving but Home is looking sweeter each day!
Bob and Ruth Lord send me!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
WHO WILL GO?
Thailand presented us with many exciting experinces the richest being the wonderful people who are impacting lives around them.
Dr Buakap made sure that we enjoyed the elephant farm, where we all rode for an hour and returned on ox-carts. These large animals provided quite a show including painting a few pictures which are featured in the tourist shops.
After that excitment we were on a roll and settled (??) on a bamboo raft for a ride down the river. Cooled our feet. Eileen paddled for a few strokes, not wanting to miss an opportunity for a good picture. Way to go, Eileen!
A visit to the parasol making factory gave way to helping the economy and large parcels to carry on the plane. (Eileen has the heaviest load!!)
We watched the silk-making demo and broused the store. Not telling who had the fullest bags there.
Happy (and slightly cooler) Serving
Bob and Ruth Lord, send me
Ah Thailand- no wonder my nephew returns year after year!
Thailand presented us with many exciting experinces the richest being the wonderful people who are impacting lives around them.
Dr Buakap made sure that we enjoyed the elephant farm, where we all rode for an hour and returned on ox-carts. These large animals provided quite a show including painting a few pictures which are featured in the tourist shops.
After that excitment we were on a roll and settled (??) on a bamboo raft for a ride down the river. Cooled our feet. Eileen paddled for a few strokes, not wanting to miss an opportunity for a good picture. Way to go, Eileen!
A visit to the parasol making factory gave way to helping the economy and large parcels to carry on the plane. (Eileen has the heaviest load!!)
We watched the silk-making demo and broused the store. Not telling who had the fullest bags there.
Happy (and slightly cooler) Serving
Bob and Ruth Lord, send me
Ah Thailand- no wonder my nephew returns year after year!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Barefeet, dogs and lizards
WHO WILL GO? Sept 29- Oct 2
Arrived in Chaing Mai Wednesday am. Beautiful smiling faces welcomed us to the Voice of Peace headquarters, where we stayed during our time in this charming city. Neatly manicured trees, shrubs and flowers adorned the streets, with peaks of the Himilayas creating a perfect background.
In the evening we were driven forty-five minutes to the Tribal area in outlying villages. Tropical trees covered the van as it inched its way over the last few hundred feet. Thatched roofs hung over bamboo walls, light peeking though the cracks.
A group sang and played instruments as we entered the simple church making our way to the front. Dr. Buakap, our hostess, told us to leave on our shoes. Although wanting to fit in to the culture here, the sight of bugs, and lizards on the tile floor helped us compromise our earlier desire to conform to the barefoot tradition (Wimps)
Children played in the aisles as dogs wandered around enjoying the companionship. I'd never had an animal in my audience before, making it difficult to keep a straight face. I couldnt help smiling as a large black dog meandered up the aisle towards me and on out the door opening. Meanwhile the profile of another dog sitting in the doorway, as though listening to my talk on self worth, gave rise to a few personal chuckles.
Althought set up as a womens meeting , men arrived as well...several pastors and wives from the surrounding area. What a special opportunity to encourage them in their ministry in the villages.
This was the first time we'd met outside a city so the casual atmosphere, the open air, the sounds of the thick jungle bush all made for new memories.
Contrast that evening with Thursday night when we particpated in a city church gathering. Interpretive dance , a worship team with flags, banners, and a small band set a positive atmosphere for sharing our hearts and singing. (The four of us have been featured as a quartet few times- no laughing please!) At least half of the audience was young people including a group of twenty from RUT (Rise Up Thailand) Christian youth rising up to change their world for Christ. Such courage, boldness and determination they displayed.
Friday mornig, we shared the devotions with the staff at the Voice of Peace office, then off to the Christian hospital to distribute reading material and pray with patients. What an atmosphere with such freedom to share the gospel.
Thais are naturally shy. To see them go from ward to ward sharing the peace of Christ, convinced me that anyone can do this when the love for Him is strong.
More lasting friendships made in this beatiful nation.
Flying on - back to India October 3
Arrived in Chaing Mai Wednesday am. Beautiful smiling faces welcomed us to the Voice of Peace headquarters, where we stayed during our time in this charming city. Neatly manicured trees, shrubs and flowers adorned the streets, with peaks of the Himilayas creating a perfect background.
In the evening we were driven forty-five minutes to the Tribal area in outlying villages. Tropical trees covered the van as it inched its way over the last few hundred feet. Thatched roofs hung over bamboo walls, light peeking though the cracks.
A group sang and played instruments as we entered the simple church making our way to the front. Dr. Buakap, our hostess, told us to leave on our shoes. Although wanting to fit in to the culture here, the sight of bugs, and lizards on the tile floor helped us compromise our earlier desire to conform to the barefoot tradition (Wimps)
Children played in the aisles as dogs wandered around enjoying the companionship. I'd never had an animal in my audience before, making it difficult to keep a straight face. I couldnt help smiling as a large black dog meandered up the aisle towards me and on out the door opening. Meanwhile the profile of another dog sitting in the doorway, as though listening to my talk on self worth, gave rise to a few personal chuckles.
Althought set up as a womens meeting , men arrived as well...several pastors and wives from the surrounding area. What a special opportunity to encourage them in their ministry in the villages.
This was the first time we'd met outside a city so the casual atmosphere, the open air, the sounds of the thick jungle bush all made for new memories.
Contrast that evening with Thursday night when we particpated in a city church gathering. Interpretive dance , a worship team with flags, banners, and a small band set a positive atmosphere for sharing our hearts and singing. (The four of us have been featured as a quartet few times- no laughing please!) At least half of the audience was young people including a group of twenty from RUT (Rise Up Thailand) Christian youth rising up to change their world for Christ. Such courage, boldness and determination they displayed.
Friday mornig, we shared the devotions with the staff at the Voice of Peace office, then off to the Christian hospital to distribute reading material and pray with patients. What an atmosphere with such freedom to share the gospel.
Thais are naturally shy. To see them go from ward to ward sharing the peace of Christ, convinced me that anyone can do this when the love for Him is strong.
More lasting friendships made in this beatiful nation.
Flying on - back to India October 3
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