meet some campers

I would like to introduce you to three campers from this past week. Because there is still (and always will be) traces of a teacher in me I am going to grant unto them pseudonyms. I am not afraid of lawsuits or offended parents (since most of them will never read this), but for the sake of the children. I want to share just a brief tidbit about them, and then encourage all of us to pray for children such as these.

I am going to start with the "Dynamic Duo." I'll even call them Batman and Robin. Robin is the sidekick sitting on the left side of the picture below. He came with his mother who is a living testament to the transforming power of the gospel. She came to camp three years prior as a Hindu woman wanting nothing to do with Jesus Christ. God chose to ignore that (as He always does) by saving her, leading her into baptism, and now sharing her testimony with everyone she meets. Her son used to be unable to sit up and hold his neck in his own strength. His mental capacity was also next to nothing. As you can see, God is working His might through this boy. He even is able to walk with the help of others holding him up. But the best part is seeing his face light up when Batman enters the room. They have attended camp together for the past three years, and Robin is able to call out a something close to Batman's name. It made all the counselors laugh with joy bringing a huge smile to his mother's face.

Batman is definitely the leader of the duo. He pushes Robin around in his wheelchair, and he would do it all day long if he had to. Batman came with his younger sister who does most of the caring for him. She is a smart young girl who was forced to leave school in order to help support her parents. She came to know Christ at the camp, which was an absolute joy to share in. Batman has a real heart to serve. He wants everyone to experience all the good things going on at camp so he takes the initiative of finding any who might be wandering around. He laughs when you talk to him as he rubs his hands together in excitement. Like Batman, he doesn't like when people talk about him. During testimonies, he left when his sister shared about her week at camp. The Dynamic Duo ate nearly every meal together while the week progressed, and they were a frequent topic of conversation for those of us blessed to work with them. Please pray for these two boys to be able to spend time together between now and next year. The distance is about 1 hour, but the fruit of seeing them together is beautiful. Pray also for their continued healing as they grow.

I'm going to call our next camper Longing. Longing was a true blessing from God for all of us helping at camp this week. She suffers from a rather slight case of MR. You would only know if you saw her close up. She speaks very well and can understand most of what it taught to her. She is always smiling despite her family background. She would love to go to church every week, but her parents will not allow it. She prays everyday for the opportunity, but has yet to find a way to get there. By the middle of the week, she emphatically expressed her deep desire to read God's Word. Since church is not an option, she wants to be able to grow. The doctor on Wednesday applauded her for this desire. He said many Christians do not share in a longing for God's Word as she does. He told her how blessed she was and thankful we all are for hearing her heart's desire. The problem is her inability to read. As she shared her testimony on Friday she wept at the thought of leaving without the ability to read the Bible. The LCMI team purchased a Bible for her in Telugu in an expression of faith. Our faith was not in this little girl, but God's Spirit to reward her for such a request. As Solomon was granted more than just wisdom when he asked for that above all else, we pray God would grant her knowledge of Himself by enabling her to read and study His Word. Please pray for Longing as she lives out her desire. Pray for people to come along who can teach her how to read. Pray for the ability to attend church without punishment from her parents. Continue to pray for her healing and that her testimony would be a witness to her family and friends.

calling all doctors

On Wednesday the entire afternoon was dedicated towards providing medical care for both the children and parents. After missions and bible classes in the morning to continue meeting the spiritual needs, medical professionals arrived to help us meet the physical needs. It was a beautiful display of God's servants using their professions to help serve those in need and further His kingdom. Local pastors also joined in on the fun to give support to the hurting parents. And not only did those attending the camps receive basic treatment, but some of the counselors (mostly college kids with little funds) had a chance for a quick check-up as well.

In attendance was a pediatrician to meet with the campers. I was blessed by watching him work. After diagnosing each child and prescribing some medications he would have anyone in an arm's reach pray over the child. By the day's end, every single child received medical and spiritual treatment.

We also had a table full of medications. There weren't any overly fancy drugs, just the basics. The doctors would prescribe whatever was needed on a piece of paper which then would be taken to the table. The parents would receive a bag with all the medications as well as directions for consumption.
The dentist was a huge hit. Very few of the children had ever been to one before. In American dollars it's cheap (between 8-10 dollars), but that's pricey for most Indians, especially those struggling to support a child with special needs. I was impressed by this particular dentist. She went above and beyond basic cleaning for each child. After looking at each, she recommended a handful of certain come to her office the next day for more pertinent care. She chose to stop her paying customers for one day in order to pull teeth (and she pulled a lot) for children who will never be able to pay for the care they received. As a result of her work, kids with rotted teeth, which would have resulted in more significant issues down the road endured the momentary pain for longer relief.
And for the parents, a doctor came to meet with them. He took blood pressure and other vitals since most of these parents deal with high stress from raising their children. He would also prescribe medications for each as they needed them. I only took this one picture of him since I spent most of the time at the pediatrician's table, so pardon it's blurred appearance.
Of all the days in camp, the medical day was probably the most blessed. Seeing people unable to pay for care receive it free of charge was a testament to God's Spirit in the lives of His children. One particular child who drools and can't speak was found to be suffering from a "tied" tongue. One call to a Christian surgeon was placed, and the child is scheduled to have the operation done for free so he can hopefully learn to speak and drool less. While the earthly blessing of seeing children grow healthier is a blessing in and of itself, these three (and soon to be four) individuals shall receive a great reward in heaven for serving "the least of these."

in the trenches

the prince of darkness grim

we tremble not for him

his rage we can endure

for lo, his doom is sure

one little word shall fell him

Personally the phrase "focus on the words" makes me squirm. It's commonly used amongst worship leaders with good intentions. However, it's overused and often abused in the name of genuine worship. The reality is the words have no power in and of themselves. The significance of the words comes only from the truth behind them. And the truth behind them only comes from the God of all Truth. Therefore, the words are not to be our focus by any stretch of the imagination. The focus is, and always will be, God. We meditate on the truths about God expressed by the words in order to give Him the glory due His name.

So what does my mini-spiel have to do with Martin Luther's famous hymn (and one of my favorites at that)? I have sung A Mighty Fortress is our God quite possibly over one hundred times. Of course I know the truths behind the lines (or at least I have a hunch). But when it comes down to it, I am not sure how much I believe what I have sung about in the past. My fourth, and final camp experience has been unlike the other three. The main reason revolves around each camper suffering from at least one severe mental disorder. As a result, I am experiencing first hand just how grim the prince of darkness really is.

As many of the gospel accounts depict, some mental disabilities are more spiritual than anything else. Many of the demon possessed individuals Christ healed were not what we imagine them to be. They were mute, suffered from seizures, lame, and the like. There were also those who showed great strength and other signs from the various exorcism movies Hollywood calls entertainment. Now I am not saying every disability is a result of the evil one. I am not even saying those which are guarantee possession. For this camp, it seems to be more of an influential thing than anything else.

There are two children in particular who come to mind. One is an orphan girl who came to camp with her friend, also an orphan. At times she is a happy child who loves to sing. Most of the time she screams in sheer terror. It happens in the morning, throughout the day, and at night. Very little can be done to sooth her from her screaming. As she screams she becomes limp. She will also bite and scratch herself until she draws blood. If people try to interfere she will not hesitate to scratch or bite them (I got my butt pinched as she was passing by me in the midst of one of her episodes). Our team has prayed for and over her many times, but a handful of the counselors grow discouraged. It's hard to believe the last line of the hymn when many words don't seem to have a similar result.

The other boy came with his mother and brother. He is a large boy who can't sit still. At first notice you might think it is merely extreme ADD or some sort of autism. His attention lasts for maybe five minutes before he needs something else to do. But he doesn't don't look for other options, he screams, runs away, and throws things along the way. He will sometimes take off his pants and run around screaming as well. The more concerning issues arise with his reactions to anything involving God's Word and prayer hints otherwise. As we have attempted to pray over this boy his screams grow in volume and frequency. He has only been able to sit through the Bible and Missions classes when he is asleep. The night time devotions also guarantee his absence. It's a huge burden for his mother who constantly chases after him, trying to calm him down. By God's grace she is a Christian, but her husband offers very little assistance. His younger brother is a blessing, but can only do so much. As with the young girl, our counselors are growing discouraged (and exhausted) in keeping up with his antics. It's hard to contemplate enduring his rage when just four days has already left us physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. Please pray for our campers, parents, and counselors. Spiritual protection is not taken for granted when the battle is felt so closely.

In no way am I writing this to express my doubt in the power of God's Spirit or in Christ's victory over the evil one (and his forces) on the cross and empty tomb. It's more a reminder that focusing on words isn't enough. Even when reading God's Word, we need to do more than just focus. I can repeat over and over again "greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4), but unless I start to understand and believe the truths expressed by the words I will have nothing more than a mantra which people can listen to. God is far more powerful than everything in this world. Nothing is too great for Him. Every book of the Bible reminds us of this truth at least once. And it is these truths which we claim as we battle against the forces in the spiritual realm. For these truths tell of the great King whom we serve and how He achieved the victory by dying on a cross. He is an almighty King and His name is Jesus Christ.

were not the right man on our side

the man of God's own choosing

dost ask who that may be

Christ Jesus it is he

Lord Sabaoth is his name

from age to age the same

and he must win the battle

where am I?

I'm definitely not in Kansas anymore. Something seems a bit different. But I do like that gate. That's a NICE gate!

...Maybe a closer look will give me an better idea....

...I guess there really is no place like home.

(Can you tell my brain is borderline fried at this point? Preparing for a sermon while chasing 20+ children with special needs who also need to listen to me share about missions is quite taxing. The counselors are feeling it even more. I actually think the dog is on to something.)

another wonder

Apparently the list for the Seven Wonders of the World is in a state of flux. Where I thought there were only two lists (natural and man-made) somebody has decided to construct a list for every constructed building in the history of man. Regardless, I can cross off another "wonder" from my own personal list. Prior to the weekend's trip to Delhi my accomplishments included Victoria Falls in Zambia, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Leaning Tower in Pisa. Now I can add the Taj Mahal to my list.

The Agra Fort lies across the river. The Muslim king who built the Taj Mahal for his late (and favorite wife) used to longingly gaze at it from his prison after his son successfully overthrew his frivolously spending father. (Don't worry dad, you're safe with me.)

Close up the building is more than impressive. The white marble sparkles in the sun, and the Muslim style of perfect symmetry displays itself proudly.
I like to be artsy (or as artsy as you can with a Sony Cybershot). If you tilt the camera just a bit, your shot looks like so.
Details such as this flower are sketched into the building throughout. They are from one piece of marble. I don't really have the proper words to express my level of appreciation for skill such as that. The building is simply beautiful. A wonderful display of the creativity God has blessed man with by means of His grace.

persecuted not forsaken

The verse which includes the phrase above goes as such;

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

~2 Corinthians 4:8-10

I include this verse because the pastor of the church I spoke at on Sunday is experiencing the truth behind these words. Unfortunately, it is at the expense of other "Christians" not the Hindu extremist surrounding the church. The pastor has been faithfully serving his congregation for over 40 years. His two sons serve with him, and he is currently grooming his one son (Enoch) to take over the church in the near future. The pastor described to us how the past couple of years have been the most painful and scarring for him personally.

At one point the congregation numbered close to one hundred. One member (an elder) suddenly decided to start his own church and take with him all those belonging to his caste. This ended up splitting the church in half. And to add insult to injury, the new church located itself right across the railroad tracks, maybe 300 yards away. While an elder starting a new church is not a bad thing, this particular man has found a way to give "itching ears" exactly what they want to hear. Nothing could prove it more than what was occurring right next door to the church at the same time as our worship service: a wedding.

What's wrong with a Sunday wedding? Nothing. The timing of the wedding was not the problem. The problem was with the individuals being married. After the service Sanjay was approached by three high school girls. They were junior counselors at summer camps asking Sanjay for prayer on behalf of another counselor friend, the bride next door. She was marrying a Hindu man because he had a good job, security, and was generally a "nice guy." Her family forced her into it against her will. As it turned out, she is one of the people attending the elder's church across the tracks. Her family lies in the same caste, so they went with everyone else. But it doesn't stop there.

The marriage was not merely arranged by the girl's parents (self-proclaimed Christians), but it went with the blessings from the elder (now a self-proclaimed pastor). The elder encouraged the family to go through with it. For him, the pros of financial stability far outweighed the biblical con of the man not knowing Christ. He said the man would eventually come to Christ and everything would be fine. While there is truth in this statement (for God can save anyone), it is flat out wrong! It is this type of news which breaks our pastor friend's heart.

Thankfully we were able to encourage him as he graciously opened his home to us for lunch. We discussed the future of his ministry while enjoying fellowship as believers in Christ. We ended by praying for his new grandson as well as the church he is leading. We asked for the healing of his soul and protection over the young girl now married to a Hindu man. Our hearts left rejoicing and yet grieving. Please pray for this friend as well as the young lady. May she be able to live out Peter's call of winning her husband over without words through her holy conduct.

the beginning?

I had the wonderful privilege of sharing God's Word on Sunday morning. Four LCMI staff, our driver, and myself left at 7:30AM for a three plus hour journey to a small church. The congregation used to be pushing one hundred, but decreased to only fifty in recent years (I will be posting on that tomorrow). Regardless of the numbers, I was grateful to the congregation for inviting me to open God's Word to them and humbled by God's choosing of me.

The service started roughly at 12PM (they were waiting for us) with worship through singing and prayer. Two groups (four men and five youth-aged girls) ended the time of worship with songs they had prepared. It was a blessing to listen and sing along (when I could) with this group of believers. At the conclusion of the singing, I was asked to share God's Word. I preached from Zephaniah 3:14-17 about the present and future blessings all believers have through Jesus Christ. I have no idea how long I preached for, but God was gracious in the people's attentiveness and my ability to teach His truths. My prayer is that His Word will confront and challenge hearts as it did my own while preparing.

After I finished, we took part in communion and gave of our offerings. The men came to sing one last song before Sanjay closed the service in prayer. As people began shuffling out, handfuls stayed to thank all the LCMI staff for coming. Others also asked for prayer regarding various needs they had. I had the wonderful privilege of praying for three individuals each dealing with physical ailments of all sorts. I encouraged them with God's promises of strength (all the time) and healing (when His will deems). God showed me through those two individuals that the passages He placed upon my heart leading up to the day were exactly what these people needed to hear. My heart was blessed and rejoicing to see His sovereign hand once again on display.We headed to the house of the pastor for lunch once all the prayers and greetings were finished (also more on that tomorrow). As we drove home, I thought about a couple of challenges God placed before me as an example of my experience with this small branch of Christ's body.

1. Nobody cared about the clock. The service ended at 2:30PM and nobody seemed overly eager to sprint away. They came to worship God and hear from His Word no matter how long it took. As farmers, most had work they could have been doing which directly impacted their daily income. We like to sprint home for football, food, and naps (all of which I thoroughly enjoy) as soon as the last "amen" is heard. If only we were more eager to dwell in the house of our Lord instead of merely passing through.
2. I am pretty sure I preached for at least one hour and fifteen minutes. I saying this as a boastful statement. I am saying it because almost all fifty members were listened, took notes, and soaked in what God had for them. They came hungry and thirsty for God's Word. Sanjay actually warned me that if I went less than thirty minutes, they would probably ask someone else to give them more. We complain or mentally "check-out" once the half hour mark passes. Again, time should have no relevance when we are sitting under the teaching of God's Word. I am not saying every message needs to be hours long. What I am suggesting is welcoming it should God's servant feel the need to do so. God's Word is far too precious and vital for our lives to ask someone to rush through it for the sake of our schedules and poor attention spans.
3. People seek out the prayer they need. A lot of churches designate times for people to come forward for prayer. I think these times are wonderful and necessary. However, the people I had the blessing of praying with did not wait for those designated times. They swallowed their pride and asked for prayer. I feel we (probably the biggest challenge for me after yesterday) are always willing to pray for others, but become uncomfortable to ask for others to pray for us. And not only should we ask, but we should seek it out. God has laid out in His Word that if we are lacking in anything or need something we should pray. I can think of many times where people have asked me for prayer, and I do pray for them, but not until I leave their presence. Wouldn't it be much better to show them my commitment by praying with them before we part company?
4. Offering and communion are run a little different than the typical manner. For offering a song is sung while everyone walks to front where the collection box lies. They place their offering in before heading back to their seats. For communion you raise your hand if you want to partake in remembering Christ's body and blood. The servers come around to give you the elements as they see your hand. What I love about these is the "getting up and going" nature behind them. I don't sit and wait to be served, but actively approach my God. I know churches who do this with communion, and I love it. The offering was new, but equally welcomed. It's a chance to actually approach God's throne in the boldness we have through Christ to bless God and receive the blessings He has for us. I think we use time (or efficiency as we like to call it) to discourage doing offering and communion in this manner. We might say the congregation is too large or it would take a long time to complete. Again I would ask, so what? Why are we in such a rush to leave the presence of God? Isn't is lovely and a place we should long for? (Psalm 84)

I am not saying our churches are miserable and awful places. I love my church. There are wonderful people who love God, His Word, and His people. I am also not saying these churches are perfect. What I am suggesting is actually looking forward to going to, dwelling in, lingering in, and investing in God's presence.

*And thanks to those who prayed. Your prayers were answered as I felt next to zero nerves, but was able to boldly proclaim God's Word through the power and strength of His Spirit. And as a side note, I was challenged to be uplifting pastors on a continual basis. My week of preparation was filled with temptations of all sorts and words of accusation as our enemy wanted nothing more than to discourage me from blessing others through God's Word. These men carry a large responsibility which our enemy tries to use a stumbling block for them. Ask for God's grace to overwhelm their thoughts and hearts as they prepare and faithfully teach God's Word.