Life Changing Words Ministry

Missionary Journal

October 15, 2005

Last night was the Bhandup Church 4th Anniversary. I would be the speaker since Pastor Fern was feeling tired and felt that this might be a good opportunity to spend some quality time with Padmini. It was late when Pastor Paul came and he was surprised that Pastor Fern would not be going with us, but as a result, it would allow Florie to ride with us and save autorickshaw fare.

When we were heading toward Bhandup, I reminded Pastor that we had to stop to pay the debt for the hall. When we arrived, the lights went out so we waited outside until we could see where we would need to go. I was glad we did. The passage ways to where we needed to go were hard to navigate in the light.

We met in Advocate Jeeva Joseph’s office and he wrote the receipt by hand, but using the proper instruments to make the transaction legal. He informed us that the official documents would need to be executed either Saturday or Monday. I had told him that I was the courier for “One higher than I”, and would appreciate his indicating “paid in full” on the receipt. He was glad to do it.

Pastor had told him that Bill and I have been coming to help mentor him and his church in the practical things like bookkeeping and learning to be accountable and responsible. Jeeva, who is an advocate in the high court, asked if we are involved in the gospel. I told him that we were privately, I teach English as a second language, and we’re interested in social work. I asked him about our interest in seeing an addiction recovery center in Dimapur and what needs to be done for the government. He briefed generally and said he would be glad to do the legal paperwork when we were ready as it is important that the foreign funds coming in for social purposes are used properly and legally. Then he asked me to pray for him.

The praise and worship was still going on when we arrived to the packed church. It was hot and muggy and I have been using a washcloth as my hankie to wipe my face and sweat. There were flower awards given to the honored guests, (I received Pastor Fern’s for her.) and to the pastors and wives. We prayed for Pastor Dennis and Mrs. Salome for another year to grow the church body through discipleship and evangelism.

Pastor Paul shared and then the Lord came to share so lovingly the importance that each one called into the kingdom become a soul winner to please the heart of God. The anointing was a preaching anointing that I experienced. I noticed Pastor Paul sitting on the edge of his seat. It is not a common stance for him when I have the teaching anointing.

People were listening as responding. Afterwards during fellowship, a lady came and introduced herself to me. She told me that she used to be head of the BJP party in this area, until she met Jesus. Now she has a house that she wants to dedicate to the service of the Lord and wants me to come and open it as a church. There is already a group of people coming for bible study. She wants to do what Jesus wants her to do. Hallelujah!!!

A special meal had been prepared for the anniversary. It was good and hot, so I mentioned to Florie that the perfect end for this meal would be some ice cream. She smiled and said, “Softy!”

We ate our ice cream downstairs in the same building we are living. I love being with my kids on one to one times. It makes our relationships more precious. Then we walked around the back of the building and headed up the stairs since it was already after 11 pm. The family came in to tell Pastor Fern what happened and left.

Pastor Fern went right to sleep, but my spirit was not ready to be still. I was filled with such joy and happiness, I could see myself hovering above the ground. I was really into it. These people are my family. They know me even when I don’t remember their names.

The elderly couple who invited me to come to their house were heading down the stairs at church, but the husband turned around and said in English: “Uncle came to our house when you were not here.” So I said, “Well then, I certainly must come before he arrives!” We stood and laughed so hard.

On my bed, yet in the spirit, we were figuring out ways we could outreach the community for every home church. They had made me a little traveling classroom that fit on a little wagon trailer. We were having so much fun laughing. I know that I did not sleep all night. I was spirit-partying and looking forward to the next time.

Today Padmini’s eldest daughter, Swarna, came to visit with her 14 mo old son, Ishta. He is pure energy and kept Nahni (grandma) running around chasing after him. He is fast like lightning. I came into our room and he had already climbed on Pastor Fern’s bed and was crawling out the window. We are on the second floor and although there are bars on the outer portion, he could have easily fallen through.

Subna, Padmini’s babysitter since her children were little came to visit also. She brought Padmini and I some material for an outfit without dupatta. I asked her to put on my bluejeans and the top I got from Padmini to take her picture. I put on my wig and we had a good laugh together. Subna does not know Jesus yet, but making friendships is the way to go.

Lily and Graceson stopped by to drop off the peanut butter I bought for Pastor Fern and Padmini for their treat. Lily may be back in the evening. She still has school exams to do and tuitions (tutoring) for her nephews.

Our first time together, although brief, I seemed to sense that she is having some issues that we will need to work out together. I have to remember not to have a particular mindset for the same things that are expected in the states to be the same here. Also, the Lord uses things to adjust readjust, eliminate, or change our perceptions of His plans, just so we can remain freely unencumbered. And, some things are only instruments or tools to accomplish things beyond what we thought. It is so refreshing that God is BIGGER than me.