Yesterday was a very restful day in many ways, despite the fact that our sleep was disturbed constantly by a storm like nothing I have ever seen or heard. I woke in the night thinking that an explosion had taken place in the compound. The lightning flashes were horrendous. The noise of the rain was unbelievable.
We were able to hear today about some of the difficulties that Christian workers face in this area. Persecution is rife. Here are some examples that are very similar to many other stories culled from the conversations of the last 10 days or so.
The work here in Northern India is serious. Satan is bringing constant opposition on numerous fronts. Even while we have been here, and in the week gone by, there has been real trouble. There was a riot here in the compound a couple of days ago - only God's intervention prevented extreme consequences for the staff on duty. In the last 24 hours there has been a disturbing situation regarding a large carnivorous terrapin (an endangered species) discovered in the hospital lake - threats of extortionately high fines and threats of imprisonment for up to 7 years because its existence had not been previously reported. Many prayers were offered for the safety of the staff and for the resolution of a potentially volatile set of events.
At one point when officials arrived in the compound today, it was strongly suggested that Merv and I should hide indoors for fear of the consequences that seeing us might bring. Western missionaries are personae non gratae in Kachhwa. Being in a genuinely dangerous situation is very sobering - but by God's grace we will return to the UK in a few days... these believers live like this all of the time. They need our fervent prayers for the protection of Christ and his mighty angels.
After preaching in the morning, we took part in the evening communion service. Following the tension of the afternoon, it was a welcome occasion. After I had preached, meditating on the Lord's death for sinners was helpful - a useful climax to many days of diligent seeking of the face of God and spending time in his word. After much 'giving out', it was nice to receive. This was a special time in God's presence hearing testimonies of God's dealings with his people.
The only downside was one of the Burmese brothers attempting to sing 'When I survey the wondrous cross' in pidgin English once the emblems had been distributed and we had been sitting in contemplative silence for some time. I so wanted to maintain a reverent attitude of worship, but by the time he had finished, the tears of laughter were streaming down my face. It was one of those occasions when hysteria sets in and you are unable to stop your body convulsing. Thankfully my Welsh travel companion and fellow minister of the gospel was even more incapacitated by involuntary laughter than I was. The release was very welcome - after a difficult few days it was good to laugh.
Posted by pencils at February 1, 2004 10:06 PM | TrackBack