Life Changing Words Ministry

Missionary Journal

December 6, 2004

Our two train excursions to the Dimapur destination were somewhat uneventful, except for my little personal crisis, we ate and slept like babies being rocked by the "loving arms" of the rhythm in the tracks. For the most part we slept from Mumbai to Delhi because of our continual ministry for two months. Our meals had been very simple and very little meat. But we had visitors from Pune on the last day and Pushpa made the breakfast for Florie. Unfortunately, it was a little more oily than what we were used to, and I ate very little even then. Somehow I didn't have an appetite as we were leaving in a short time and I knew I was feeling a sense of sorrow in moving on to our next assignment. It happens every time we are here and you would think that I would be adjusted after all these years.but, no. It is fresh each time.

Anyhow, I woke up at 1:30 am with a sour stomach which found its way into my mouth. Unconsciously, I grabbed my purse and headed for the toilet. Afterwards, I was extremely grateful that we had lower berths. Since I am not usually sick to my stomach, I went wearily back to bed until 3:30 am when I started the process again. This time the crisis hit and the squatty potty was a bit lower than the sink and my predicament multiplied before me as the train rocked back and forth on the rolling tracks. I remember speaking out, "Your grace is sufficient for me" all the while I endured and cleaned up after myself. There is no shame in preaching the gospel, yet there are humbling moments.

I fasted for the next two days to let my stomach and system rest. God is merciful and good.

Mammen met us at the Delhi station and helped to negotiate moving our luggage and to the correct track for catching the Rajdhani to Dimapur. He almost ran off with our train ticket but returned to hand it to us five minutes before we left the station. I had forgotten that he had asked for it when he went to confirm the track number we were to leave from. Anyway, we were all relieved, did our goodbyes again, and settled into our berths. One of our upper berth companions was a military teacher going to his post farther than Dimapur, but he did not speak English. The other man was in the Army and was returning to his post in Kohima after seeing his newborn son in his homeplace in Punjab. He spoke English fairly well. Bill had someone to converse with, so our time went quickly. We arrived safely in Dimapur and 11:50 pm and Chuba was the first to meet us even as the rest of our heavy bags were being hoisted off the train. They were working quickly because the stop time in Dimapur was only five minutes. We did not know that we had to register at the train station so as we were heading toward the exit, the police were quick to stop us and inform us of our need. So, it was about 12:30 am before Kilang had us registered and we were allowed to leave the station. Our luggage went with Chuba in the auto rickshaw, while we went in Kilang's 4-door Suzuki Maruti behind. He speaks of his "God blessing" with a grateful heart, as so many people lovingly gave to him for this need. Now he can go to his revivals, to church with his family together, and in better health because his insides are not being jostled apart.

Amenla spent her time in loving preparation for us to be received into their humble home. She made us feel 'welcome home' as she served our favorites: black coffee for Bill and sungo tieng loba (tea with milk) just the way we like it. Her memory is excellent in these things because she is a woman gifted in hospitality. She also advises me in what is appropriate to wear for the different occasions. I also ask her to help me in choosing the appropriate small gifts that I have brought for visiting homes and those we have met the last time.

Kilang's family has grown since the last time we were here. We met the newest arrival: Aienla K. Jamir. This almost five month old is a spitting image of her mother and just stares at me. I do get some smiles from her when I am talking with her.

Daniel is taller and somewhat subdued from the last time, but the energy has been passed to Along, who eats everything in sight. His father told us that when they took Along to the school for his application interview, the teacher asked him questions to which he lowered his head somewhat at looked at her with caution. When she asked him what was in her hand (a potato), he said nothing. When she asked him what fruit she had, he simply raised his hand, took the banana and ate it without a word. She selected him for class.

Daniel and Arenla have improved on their speaking English because Amenla has been faithfully working with them. Arenla is ten going on eleven. Next year she will start in kindergarten because she has never been to school. I suggested that they at least test her training and perhaps start her in first or second standard (grade).

These two children were around Bill. They took off his ball cap and rubbed his head. Arenla announced, "Oopu, your hair is finished!" We broke out laughing. How sincere children are!

On Saturday, we headed toward Kohima to go to the Hornbill Festival. The hornbill is the Nagaland state bird, but it is extinct because the early ancestors ate them all. We stopped at Kilang's friend's house so that he could direct us to where the festival was being held. Instead he first invited us into his home to eat breakfast of six or eight traditional Naga foods, especially those which are hard to find or are very expensive. After breakfast, he and his wife presented us each with a shawl. We prayed together and then he led us to the festival location. He had hired two young men to stay with us and take us around. Our way and parking were paid by this generous businessman.

The festival was honoring all the tribes in Nagaland with the traditional foods, lodges, tribal dress, and dances along with tribal ways of battle were displayed and performed. We only stayed a short time as we had to get back to Dimapur. Kilang had scheduled a revival meeting which had already been postponed three times. He had a train to catch in the evening and would be gone until Wednesday night.

Bill gave a very anointed message on Sunday, speaking slowly in English. The people came and told him how they were blessed. We went down the road for some tea and cake before returning for the youth service at noon when I shared about the fruit of maturing toward the Father, toward Jesus, and toward the Holy Spirit. We spent the time reading the scriptures. I asked them if they ate their food without a plate? They all laughed and said no. Then I asked them why they did not bring their 'plates,' their Bibles to church for the spiritual food. So, for those who had no Bibles with them, we passed paper and pencil to write the addresses of the verses for further study later. Inspite of acting like a mother wanting to give them good spiritual food, they all prayed for the infilling of the Spirit to guide and direct them. They enjoyed the challenge to read and study the Word.

After service we were again taken to the nearby home for tea and apples. After using the humble facilities, I was asked to step into the next room where the ladies presented me with a beautiful shawl that their mother had made. I was told by the mother that she was giving me this shawl as a daughter of hers. We took some snaps and they asked me to keep them in our prayers until we came again next year. I asked them to pray for the Protection Area Permit to be removed forever. We all agreed. I am taking advantage of a quiet Monday to catch up and do some emails. We have been told that emailing first thing in the morning will be the best time. We will see.

Wednesday late afternoon begins five days of Bible study for the youth of Teens Up Faith Church. We will be covering topics such as, stewardship, Christian character, etc. in the process of maturing in faith. I will be talking about the acts of obedience and practical application. Our actual participation may be limited due to the political elections. Bill went with Chuba to provide the documents for applying for the additional 10 day extension so that we might participate in the Longkumer's Foundation Day for the 10th anniversary of their ministry to the youth on the 16th. They will also purchase the train tickets to the northern part of West Bengal where Charls and Sweety have been inviting us to come. It clearly looks like we will be there for Christmas. Next year we have promised to be here for the holidays. We didn't plan very well in this issue. [Hindsight is always clearer.]