From the Rising of the Sun

Visits to India are never boring.  On the contrary, they are filled with a broad spectrum of experiences guaranteed to keep one on their toes!  Ours began a couple of days ago as our giant B-747 alighted in Delhi at about 1AM.  We had logged 17 hours of flight time that day and so were glad to finally reach our destination.  The (comparitively speaking) fresh night air greeted us, and after a brief night’s rest at a nearby hotel, we headed back to the airport to resume our journey eastward to West Bengal.  As we sauntered to the gate, you can imagine our surprise when we glanced up at the monitor and saw “cancelled” next to our flight!  What ensued was a strange combination of frustrated passengers, organized chaos, and a divine Hand in the mix.  Believe it or not, less than three hours later all 50 passengers had been rebooked on another airline and we were on our way!

Today we began our day with a visit to the Haamro Ghar Children’s Home, which is perched on the side of a mountain at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet.  33 kids live here, coming out of backgrounds of severe poverty, neglect, or worse.  At the Haamro Ghar they not only have found better care, but they have found a new home, and are beginning to grasp their new identity in Christ.  As we shared a devotional time with these kids, they led in a Nepali song which I recognized as “From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same the Lord’s Name is to be praised.”   There was something special about that song, at that time, in that context.  Behind the kids the morning sunlight crept over the mountains, casting light and warmth into the room.  Similarly, the light of Jesus was casting light and warmth over these kids…kids who once lived in darkness but now had light because of Him…kids that we hope and pray will take that same Light and share it with others who still shiver in the shadows of a life without Jesus.  And so, as the song says, what more can we do but praise His Name for what He is doing for, in, and through these kids?

You know, it’s exciting to see God at work.  Not only that, but it’s just as exciting to know that He becons us to join Him.  All He asks is that we avail ourselves and allow Him to plug us in!  Today, from wherever you are, you can join in God’s compassionate endeavors by helping to bring practical help and hope to orphans who so desperately need it.  You can join in God’s evangelistic endeavors by praying for the salvation of these same orphans, by encouraging them in their faith when you write letters, or by helping to resource spiritual emphasis endeavors conducted at the orphanages.  You can also join in God’s missional endeavors by earnestly entreating the Lord of the Harvest to send these kids back to their own villages one day with the Gospel.  Or, you can join God in all three areas!  Why not?  The choice is yours…a great ride awaits!

Blessings on each of you today.