Howdy to all of our blog readers! Sorry it has been a few days since our last update, but we have not had any access to the internet recently. The last day of the Kawasoti conference was great and without futher delay, here goes!
The theme for the third day was prayer and how important prayer is in our relationship with God. In the morning we sang songs and worshiped with the believers at the church and then around 9 am we began the day. Alana did a great job talking about prayer and how we cannot be a servant for God without God being in the center of everything. She explained that it is important that our hearts be pure when we come before the Father.
We set up eight different prayer stations around the church and Alana explained to what each station represented. The first station was in the church and we prayed for God to prepare our hearts. At station two we had a mirror set up so that as the people were praying they could examine themselves and make sure that they were in the right place before God. The third station was about letting go of any burden that we were holding onto and giving it to God. Each person held a rock as they prayed and then released it into water when they were finished praying. The fourth station had a cross set up and they could write down the name of someone that they could pray for and then tape it to the cross. The next three stations were stations that they could pray in the holy of holies, for Nepal, and for the persecuted church.
It was so powerful to watch as the people prayed and poured their heart out to God. Some were crying as they came before the Lord in prayer. The final station was the washing of the feet. Each person that came to the conference came one by one to the final station and the team would wash their feet, just as Jesus did for the disciples. They could not believe that we would wash their feet because many hindus in the area believe that you should not touch someone elses feet because of the filth. As we washed their feet we prayed for them that God would bless each person and use them as his servants. I think that everyone came away from that experience refreshed and with a changed heart.
As the conference drew to a close we had the five groups present their dramas that they had been working on for three days. We could not understand what they were saying but several plays had everyone roaring with laughter. We were sad for the conference to end, but were so grateful to have come and spent three days in Kawasoti with the Lama family and the believers there.
We serve the Savior of the world and our prayer is that God will do a mighty work through the people in Kawasoti, Prithibosti, Gorka, and the other believers in Nepal.
20 January 2010
16 January 2010
Candlelight Dinners
Jiamashti!
This is a greeting that we have come to know quite well while being in Nepal. It translates to, "Praise the Lord!" and it is how the Christians greet each other.
Since being here we have been inducted into the Lama family. This is a family who we are humbled by each time they share about their lives with us. Last night was one of those occasions. Each day in Nepal the power is only on for about 9 hours (hence the reason for sporadic blog posts) and because of this, each dinner is done by candle light. Last night after eating Pastor Dahn shared with us about some of the struggles that he and his family have faced for choosing to follow the Lord.
As many may know, Nepal has been a fairly hostile over the last few years. We have learned that as many as 13,000 men have been killed for the sake of the Army (we had wondered why there were so few middle-aged men in church). There was this one time in particular when Mr. Lama and his son (Dhan) went to the roof of their home and saw that the Army had reached the village in which they lived. They knew that by the time the Army had made it to their home they would be faced with the service or death. So Mr. Lama and Dhan began to cry out to the Lord that He would spare their lives. The Lord heard their cries and the Army did not visit their home.
This is only one of the many stories we have been blessed to hear about this family. We ask that when you read this blog or pray for our team that you would also keep this family, The Lama family, in your prayers. They are truly "a city that is set on top of a hill which cannot be hid or moved." This family has a passion for the lost souls of this country and is answering the call of the Lord to serve the people here.
In other news, today we completed the 2nd day of our first conference. It was also the day that they have set aside in Nepal for their day of Worship. It was really awesome to see all of the people who came out to the service.
Tomorrow is our last day in Kawasoti and we will head out to Pristabasti. If you could, pray for:
-travel safety to the next town
-the remaining conferences
-and that the Christians which we come in contact with would be encouraged by what the Lord lays on our hearts to share.
This is a greeting that we have come to know quite well while being in Nepal. It translates to, "Praise the Lord!" and it is how the Christians greet each other.
Since being here we have been inducted into the Lama family. This is a family who we are humbled by each time they share about their lives with us. Last night was one of those occasions. Each day in Nepal the power is only on for about 9 hours (hence the reason for sporadic blog posts) and because of this, each dinner is done by candle light. Last night after eating Pastor Dahn shared with us about some of the struggles that he and his family have faced for choosing to follow the Lord.
As many may know, Nepal has been a fairly hostile over the last few years. We have learned that as many as 13,000 men have been killed for the sake of the Army (we had wondered why there were so few middle-aged men in church). There was this one time in particular when Mr. Lama and his son (Dhan) went to the roof of their home and saw that the Army had reached the village in which they lived. They knew that by the time the Army had made it to their home they would be faced with the service or death. So Mr. Lama and Dhan began to cry out to the Lord that He would spare their lives. The Lord heard their cries and the Army did not visit their home.
This is only one of the many stories we have been blessed to hear about this family. We ask that when you read this blog or pray for our team that you would also keep this family, The Lama family, in your prayers. They are truly "a city that is set on top of a hill which cannot be hid or moved." This family has a passion for the lost souls of this country and is answering the call of the Lord to serve the people here.
In other news, today we completed the 2nd day of our first conference. It was also the day that they have set aside in Nepal for their day of Worship. It was really awesome to see all of the people who came out to the service.
Tomorrow is our last day in Kawasoti and we will head out to Pristabasti. If you could, pray for:
-travel safety to the next town
-the remaining conferences
-and that the Christians which we come in contact with would be encouraged by what the Lord lays on our hearts to share.
This Space Intentionally Left Blank
Wow, the first day of Kawasoti conferance is over. I suppose unpredictable, blessed, and exciting would be the most precise way too sum it up :)
We arrived yesterday evening and our hearts were warmed by the announcement that hot showers would be available in the morning. Our host family told us that the electricity usually stays off for nine hours a day and that it would be on in the morning. As you might guess, shower time came and went without electricity. Most of us still opted for a cold shower. You could say it was a stimulating start to the day. Unpredictablility can provide so much spice in life!
Thankfully the rest of the day went more or less as planned. We all started with Nepali led worship songs. The heartfelt singing was a blessing to join in. Next, Pastor Gopal Lama gave us a traditional Nepali welcome including flower garlands around the neck. We guys were a little suprised but felt quite loved nevertheless.
The rest of the day has been filled with lots of great teaching. Kevin and Laura both gave lessons on true love and how we can receive and share God's love in our lives. We all had an opportunity to give a short testimony during the lessons. Finally we had break out sessions learning English songs and a lesson in basic drama (acting). The students seem to enjoy the chance to experience such variety. Their enthusiasm is fun to experience.
Please continue to pray for Pastors Gopal Lama, Dhan Lama and their families. They are providing wonderful Nepal hospitality, and are the ones coordinating the conferences and providing all the translation for us. It is a huge blessing to be able to partner with them during this trip.
We arrived yesterday evening and our hearts were warmed by the announcement that hot showers would be available in the morning. Our host family told us that the electricity usually stays off for nine hours a day and that it would be on in the morning. As you might guess, shower time came and went without electricity. Most of us still opted for a cold shower. You could say it was a stimulating start to the day. Unpredictablility can provide so much spice in life!
Thankfully the rest of the day went more or less as planned. We all started with Nepali led worship songs. The heartfelt singing was a blessing to join in. Next, Pastor Gopal Lama gave us a traditional Nepali welcome including flower garlands around the neck. We guys were a little suprised but felt quite loved nevertheless.
The rest of the day has been filled with lots of great teaching. Kevin and Laura both gave lessons on true love and how we can receive and share God's love in our lives. We all had an opportunity to give a short testimony during the lessons. Finally we had break out sessions learning English songs and a lesson in basic drama (acting). The students seem to enjoy the chance to experience such variety. Their enthusiasm is fun to experience.
Please continue to pray for Pastors Gopal Lama, Dhan Lama and their families. They are providing wonderful Nepal hospitality, and are the ones coordinating the conferences and providing all the translation for us. It is a huge blessing to be able to partner with them during this trip.
15 January 2010
Eight hours, clinging on for our lives as we journey to Kawasoti from Kathmandu by bus. We sat through the heavy traffic jam,*bumper-to-bumper* for abut 3-4 hours. For the next four hours, we watched as other vehicles pass us by just a few inches away from our bus. Marcus calculated that our bus driver honks approximately 21 times per 5 minutes - that is a lot of honking! Inspite of these about-to-die moments, God preserved our lives! phew...!
After a good nights rest on traditional Nepali beds, we are ready to go. Conference starts in a couple of minutes. 250 youth bused in from nearby mountain villages. We would love to write more in this update but as we have to get into town for internet, we should be embarking on our brisk walk back so we don't keep the participants waiting.
We covet your prayers!
-Phoebe
After a good nights rest on traditional Nepali beds, we are ready to go. Conference starts in a couple of minutes. 250 youth bused in from nearby mountain villages. We would love to write more in this update but as we have to get into town for internet, we should be embarking on our brisk walk back so we don't keep the participants waiting.
We covet your prayers!
-Phoebe
13 January 2010
"Live" from Kathmandu
NOMESTEI! Here we sit in an internet cafe in Bhaisepati right outside Kathmandu Nepal!
WE'VE MADE IT!!
Dropping down from a clear blue sky in to a foggy haze of bustling city filled with cows roaming the sides of the road, endless horns honking, cars inches away from our faces. Met at the airport by Pastor Dhan and his nephew Chris, this trip was made in a van piled high with the large amounts of luggage on the roof while inside we sat cozily hip-to-hip--ALL TEN of us--in a seven seater. The bonding time was great! :)
We arrived at our destination unscathed and extremely EXCITED to be welcomed at the church we're putting up for the night by a line of beautiful children all saying "Nomastei" (hello) bowing and shaking our hands. Afterwards we enjoyed a warm cup of Nepali coffee prepared by Rose, Pastor Dhan's wife.
The rest our adventuresome day has been spent touring Kathmandu, buying last minute supplies, shopping and people watching. Lots of people watching!
This is truly a special part of God's creation. Colors make up everyone's wardrobe, life shines in the eyes of the children and despite the conditions, smiles are everywhere. The greatest reward of this day has been seeing, for the first time, the people we have come to serve--a gift far beyond anything any of us could have imagined.
Our request for each of you now is to continue praying for us: for our health, our travels, our planning and preparation. We will be leaving for Kawasoti tomorrow to start preparations for the first conference. Pray for the 250 youth who will be attending the conference, that their hearts will be open and ready to hear from God. Pray for us as we share.
Over the next several days we will be having limited internet connection, but still updating as much as we can. Keep checking back to see all God is doing here in Nepal!
-The Team
WE'VE MADE IT!!
Dropping down from a clear blue sky in to a foggy haze of bustling city filled with cows roaming the sides of the road, endless horns honking, cars inches away from our faces. Met at the airport by Pastor Dhan and his nephew Chris, this trip was made in a van piled high with the large amounts of luggage on the roof while inside we sat cozily hip-to-hip--ALL TEN of us--in a seven seater. The bonding time was great! :)
We arrived at our destination unscathed and extremely EXCITED to be welcomed at the church we're putting up for the night by a line of beautiful children all saying "Nomastei" (hello) bowing and shaking our hands. Afterwards we enjoyed a warm cup of Nepali coffee prepared by Rose, Pastor Dhan's wife.
The rest our adventuresome day has been spent touring Kathmandu, buying last minute supplies, shopping and people watching. Lots of people watching!
This is truly a special part of God's creation. Colors make up everyone's wardrobe, life shines in the eyes of the children and despite the conditions, smiles are everywhere. The greatest reward of this day has been seeing, for the first time, the people we have come to serve--a gift far beyond anything any of us could have imagined.
Our request for each of you now is to continue praying for us: for our health, our travels, our planning and preparation. We will be leaving for Kawasoti tomorrow to start preparations for the first conference. Pray for the 250 youth who will be attending the conference, that their hearts will be open and ready to hear from God. Pray for us as we share.
Over the next several days we will be having limited internet connection, but still updating as much as we can. Keep checking back to see all God is doing here in Nepal!
-The Team
11 January 2010
Beginnings
Thus, in honor of this fun [and all the planning that was effectively and miraculously completed] we are giving you a glimpse into what happened January 11, 2010 on the Nepal journey.
Now we do ask that you please remember the fact that we visited 9 malls, ate an amazing lunch, gained a highly flexible game plan, bought a guitar, rode the MRT, ate MOS Burger, and picked up Austin from the airport. And considering all these things happened today please excuse the goofy grins and unusual poses!
[Yes you did read that right Austin is here! Our team is now complete! Thank you all for the prayers for a safe journey!]
Tomorrow we embark on the finishing stages of planning and getting Austin over jet lag. We will be heading for Kathmandu early on Wednesday and arriving in the afternoon. We are continually grateful for all your prayers!
Alana
Singapore bay
Daniel
Phoebe
Marcus and Laura
Kevin
Marcus [and squid :D]
10 January 2010
Arrival
Good morning (its 2 am in Singapore) friends and family!
Thank you for your prayers for safe travel to Singapore. Laura, Alana, Daniel, and I have safely made it here without too much trouble. We will go to church tomorrow with Kevin and his family and will also meet up with Phoebe at church. It was great to see Kevin and his family tonight and we are looking forward to meeting Phoebe tomorrow.
Austin is traveling to Singapore at the moment and will arrive on Monday. Please pray that he will arrive safely and in good health.
Also pray for our team over the next few days as we get ready for the conferences in Nepal. There is much to be done in preparation for the conferences in terms of scheduling, classes, and planning to teach. We are excited to see what God is going to do in the coming days!
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