Church . . . rickshaws . . . and endless conversation

We're finally taking time for a blog post here. It's Tuesday afternoon in Delhi and we're having a wonderful time with our friends, Arvind and Karisa. It's a delight to see them here, in their own home, starting life and ministry together as husband and wife.

Sunday morning we worshiped with our Indian brothers and sisters at Delhi Bible Fellowship. For me, it was wonderful to be back with friends I had met a year ago. Sue loved being in a church that she's heard about and prayed for for years. Arvind has really grown into his role as senior pastor of the church, and Karisa is growing into a gracious pastor's wife. The congregation is growing and maturing as a body.

Monday, we headed into Delhi for a look around the city. We felt a bit like tourists, just getting a feel for this place where our friends live and work---seeing India through their eyes. We smashed into the subway with thousands of others people and emerged in Old Delhi, with its mazes of narrow alleys, Hindu temples, and Delhi's largest mosque. I am still amazed how rickshaw drivers thread their way through narrow alleys filled with carts, people, bikes, and motorcycles.

Everywhere we turn, we are reminded again of the needs in this part of the world. The sounds of the Muslim call to prayer echo out over the city. As we emerged from the subway, the clanging of a bell in front of a Hindu temple gets the attention of their god and announces the gift of a faithful follower. The pungent smell of incense rises to the heavens along with empty prayers. And the press of people everywhere we turn. Beggars grab our arms as we walk along the sidewalks and knock on our windows as we stop at red lights. Sue and I have often found ourselves in situations like these over the years. The one question we often ask each other is, Where do we even start to meet all the needs?

In the midst of walking, riding, eating and experiencing, the conversation has been endless. It's a delight to talk with Arvind and Karisa about life and ministry and dream about the future. In the midst of tremendous need, we're grateful for a God of hope who is alive and at work.

Pray for us this week as we not only spend time with our dear friends, but as we have opportunity to meet with others in the church as well. We want to listen well, encourage from the Word, deepen friendships, and honor Christ in all we do.