Memory from today's journey

On the way back for the first time I waited about one and a half hours for the boat to take me across the river. Normally it took about 20 minutes. Today the river is flooded. Moreover it was time for the naoria (boat drivers) to cook and eat lunch.

Other than to cross the river, I didn’t have other plans. So to pass time I spent creatively.

·         Took off my shoes and walked on sands barefoot up and down the bank.

·         Picked up sands and made balls and then throw on the river.

·         Selected smaller pebbles and threw the targets.

·         River was just rising, so made cannels.

·         Washed my motorcycle (after over a month!).

Photo: The boat used to cross over the river ND

There was one thing I did that I would remember for a long time: I lied down on the boat – not comfortable but a fun experience.

Then out of the blue, “Jesus slept on the boat during the storm” came to memory.

I have not thought of any lessons so far, but what helped was that particular exercise brought the story of Jesus alive to me. I look forward to many more such experiences.

The two books I like

Since coming to Miao in January 2014, I have read several books. But for some reason, I like to keep three books for me to return in times of need.

 

1.     THE ART OF PASTORING

By David Hansen (Authentic Books, 2012)

 

David shares the life of a pastor from beginning to call to ministry and to leaving a ministry. Struggles in each stage is presented very well. Two particular items worth more for me. One is the area of preaching where he says preaching must bring tension to hearers. I quote,

 

“As the sermon progresses and the thesis is revealed, the congregation divides up, splinters  into individuals. Some are comforted, others are in distress. Some are angry or stubborn. I feel the battle engage. A line must be drawn in front of every listen.

 

One person looks offended. I’ve touched a nerve in a person who is normally self-possessed. What can I say to offend their pride ever more?

 

This is where preaching really begins...”

 

Another area he talks about wandering prayer. He goes whole day fishing and praying! This anecdote reminds me of the founder of YWAM who would sit in a house days praying. Sometimes lying down, other time walking around.

 

2.     I DARED TO CALL HIM FATHER

By Bilquis Sheikh (Ben Books, 1978)

 

A friend of mine, Lakhsmi, gave me this book just before we left Bangalore in a restaurant near Kamnahalli.

 

This is the story of a Muslim woman, Bilquis, who came to the Lord in an amazing way. One particular incident captivates my attention most: Bilquis was having unusual dreams which seems to be related to Christianity or Jesus. She was enquiring about that. At the same there was a missionary woman named Synnove Mitchell, who desperately questions whether it was God’s will to be there. God brought these two women together for lasting relationships with one another and with God.