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.

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

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)

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!

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!

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

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!