N. India 6 - Patna

Beggar in Kolkata (Calcutta) 

Well, the train ride was a little rougher than I remember back in October. If I slightly bent my legs, I got most of my body on the sleeping slab, but at least it is air-conditioned! I couldn't sit up without banging my head so I have to hunch over or lie down. Eight of us fit snuggly in our compartment that is about 6' wide x 10' long (that includes the main aisle way running through it). I woke up at 3:00 am after going to bed at 10 pm. And then I just laid there . . . the train would slow down, stop for a moment then shake its way to full speed until the next station and the cycle repeated itself over and over again. In between I played the game of "guess which bunkmate is snoring."

We arrived one hour earlier than the pastor expected, so Sam called, woke him up and we had time to sit and observe life at the railway station in Bihar. It was like I walked onto a movie set of India dating back 50 years earlier. The trains, the cars, the bikes . . . everything!

Pastor SD came in and was so excited to meet with us. Apparently, Sam made arrangements with all his contacts, but he never did disclose that I was from the States. They are expecting another Indian missionary with Sam. There are a number of reasons why he did that, and we get to experience a more real situation and not give them time to make an artificial preparation. You should see their faces when a white man comes walking up with Sam.

Life here is indescribable. Here are my simple observations. The roads are in awful condition, the electricity is unreliable, the streets are a cesspool of human waste, garbage is commonly piled up in levels higher than cars, the pollution is nauseating and the water is well, um, I can't think of a word to use. When the people feel the government is neglecting them, just block the roads until the issue is resolved. You cannot rely on any form of transportation; you just make your best attempt to get somewhere. It is amazing what people become when human life is not valued. They are so suppressed! It may sound like I am angry or bitter but nothing could be further from the truth. This is where I am supposed to be right now. How do you work around all of that? Only through Christ. He has to change their hearts and call local people to lead them. You can please pray for that right now as well.

 A family's home

Mom and child using water in street to bathe

So, it is Sunday, and that means church. Pastor SD has a big home church of up to 200 people, but half of them are on vacation (visiting their neighboring villages). He tells us his life has been threatened and he has been persecuted many times. But now his neighbors know him as a person and they appreciate the good he does in the community so they mostly leave him alone.

Fingerprints are used as signatures for those who can't read or write 

Bihar has the highest level of illiteracy. So Sam taught a simple and encouraging word on loving the Lord and your neighbor. I shared about the body of Christ and promised that many people around the world were praying for them - so if you haven't said a prayer for them, please do so. Please don't wait. Thank you. :)

Boy in church 

God is working over here! Here are two testimonies from church this morning:
1. One girl was blind with no pupils. Jesus healed her recently and she can now see with functioning pupils.
2. A boy came in with his family because yesterday he was demonized. The boy was delivered and is now free. His family is investigating Jesus Christ.

Afterwards, a girl in 10th grade approached us and said this was her first time EVER in church and hearing about Jesus the Savior. She was very outgoing and had a great personality. She said she wanted to be like us. Sam offered her his Bible but she refused to take it. We talked more about Jesus, and she was shaking nervously. And she would not accept the Bible. We think she feared her family. She left, but a real seed was planted in her life. Her name is Meenna. (Hint: pray for her too).

It's May so what comes to mind? Obviously, it is the Samaritan's Purse and those little Christmas boxes that you fill up every year that are sent around the world for underprivileged children to have a Christmas. What? That was not your answer?

Well last week, the shipment finally cleared customs in the state of Bihar and Pastor SD was provided 100 boxes for his little home church. They just finished Vacation Bible School so this was their graduation gift. So he asked if I would be willing to hand them out. Absolutely! It was a highlight of the trip for sure!

Does it matter that my first box said BOY 10-14 and we gave it to a 2-year old girl? That is how things work in India and there is no way I can explain it to you. So you just have to trust me. But it was more than just putting a smile on a child's face, there was something special, maybe even spiritual. Most of the kids would look me in the eye, and the many attempted a version of "thank you" in English. Being on the other end of the giving of those boxes does something to you in a good way. I will not soon forget that experience.

Notice the label on the box and who is receiving it

Precious . . . 

I have been to India a dozen times. I have seen the beauty it has to offer and the extreme poverty. I have seen life and death. I have experienced miracles and heartbreak. But northern India has taken me to a new place and I will need some serious time to process what I am experiencing. Why has God called us here? What can we do? How can we really make a difference? I do not have the answers, but I am confident that God brought us here and we are a part of his plan. Please pray for Sam and I as we start the 2nd quarter of this trip through northern India, tomorrow.

God bless you and thanks for partnering with us! You are needed for India to be changed and you are making a difference!

I leave you with my cup of spiced tea from this morning. It was delicious!

Comments

[Laurie Gillam]

Jeff: Your update is truly amazing and really touched my heart. As I looked at the faces of those in the crowd straining to listen to the truth of the gospel, I prayed that the message would be made clear to each of them. May you be filled to overflowing with God's peace and the joy that comes from faithfully doing his work.

Laurie and Gary Gillam

[carole scharwatt]

Amazing Jeff, totally amazing and inspiring. I can't think of anything more important than what you and Sam are doing

[Leslie Winstead]

Jeff, This is a fabulous and encouraging update. You really are Jesus' hands and feet. It's an honor to pray for these beautiful people. In a way I just feel like I'm there. May God continue to bless you and protect you!! Love, Leslie

[Shelley Hume]

Wow, Jeff you are truly doing God's work. You are enduring horrible smells and sights but considering it a privilege to serve these people. The sight of you probably brings them joy and hope for that day. I love the way you write your text with the pictures. I feel like I am experiencing just a little of what it must be like. Thank you for sharing! May the Lord protect you and Sam as you journey further north.
Love and lots of prayers, Shelley

[Teresa B]

Jeff- thank you for all you are doing for the people of India. I am so proud of you and Erin and the choices you have made as a family to further the Kingdom of God. You inspire me!