Flew into Delhi this morning and met Varadaraj & another brother in ministry by the name of Joel. They were waiting for us at the airport. We travelled to meet with Mohan Philip and his wife and have lunch at their home. He is an ex-fighter pilot with the Indian air force and a successful business man who has now given his life to Christ and to the winning of India for the gospel. All of these men are quite different from those in the South - much more focused and much more on the ball it seems. They are friends with men like Roger Forster and John Stott, and have a real strategy for the winning of India.
It is apparent that this group is very charismatic - but serious about truth not trivia. Not sure what to make of them yet.
Speaking to Mohan on the train helped. These people are undoubtedly very Pentecostal/Charismatic, but there is a seriousness and spirituality about him that is somewhat remarkable. I felt very small in his presence, but at the same time greatly encouraged. I'm still not sure how things will go, but I feel slightly more at ease.
We have been joined by some other Brits who should probably remain nameless, as they frankly seem to be everything that I don't wish to see in India (or anywhere else, to be honest). One has brought his keyboard - he is intending to 'improve the worship in India' by teaching some of the latest Australian and English worship songs. Another, a pastor, was keen to share with me some of the things that 'his Pappy' (God the Father) has been teaching him recently.
I want to run a mile from them already, but want also to display godly grace: they may be far more close to the Lord than I am. Mohan certainly is, and I think he shares some of their distinctives.
We have been told we can give altar calls and get people down for prayer during our ministry in UP if we want. Like I want to...
Posted by pencils at January 25, 2004 03:39 PM | TrackBack