Deployment in Chennai, India

I returned from a trip to southern part of India. After my orientation to different companion churches, I went back to visit Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church to learn about their Bible Women Group. I visited three different Synods and met the members and leaders of the groups to learn about their ministry. I was really happy to see some of the fruits of their labor.

The Bible Women Group reflects the mission of churches. Most group leaders are trained clergies. They conduct regular meetings where they pray,share each other's joys and concerns together. They try to solve each other's problem by sharing their experience. They also deal with issues such as women's role in family, church and society, atrocities against women, women health and economic development. They visit the homes of the inquirers and preach the good news. I have visited few churches where many of the women came to Christ and were baptised due to the wonderful work of the bible women group. I visited some new converts who were traditionally from the prostitute community. It was only possible for the Bible Women Group to work among this community.

Yesterday I went to three different Lutheran Churches as a guest to worship/bring greetings. Two of these churches were only 500 yards away from each other. I asked one of the pastors the reasons for having two churches so close to each other although both of these churches were not very big. He just smiled and replied "because of the caste system." One of these Churches are made up of newly converts from Dalit (Untouchables) community. These converts are the fruits of Bible Women group's work. Christians from the mainstream population still can't accept the fact that in God's eye everyone is equal. In order to keep the churches together, they have different place of worship. (This reminds me of Gay and Lesbian issues in America which seem to divide churches at times).

This was my first visit to one of the programs after I took over my responsibility as Regional Representative,for Asia-Pacific Region. And my first impression is, I am glad that I am here. God is working here in this part of the world. People are poor but they are very rich in spirit. Many new churches have been built, many old small churches have been rebuilt with local initiative as these churches are growing through new conversions. In one instance, every family donated 50,000 rupees per family(US$ 1200 approximately) although they are not really wealthy.

There are lot of opportunities and also challenges. I see myself in the midst of these, God sent me for a specific purpose. To live among them, walk with them,learn from them and be part of their community to find ways to address common concerns and together do what God has commanded us to do.

I returned to Chennai(Madras) this morning by an overnight train, and could not sleep much. I leave for Bangladesh on the 29th and after two weeks, I will travel to Indonesia for more orientation. But, if you have any questions, please feel free to write to me and I will respond as quickly as possible depending on my time and availability of Internet connection.

God's blessings and peace,

Richard