Hellllllo my dear friends in the grand ol' US of A!
Let's see... first off, engagement! I hear wedding bells!! haha, noooo not for me! For some complete strangers :]] Mr. Ariel, one of the admins at EMS invited Veer and I to go to his daughters engagement party. It was very interesting. There were two large chairs that looked like thrones that were positioned side by side facing rows of chairs. Both families and friends sat in the rows while two pastors (Veer was one of them) sat on a bench to the side of the thrones. Obviously, the newly engages couple sat in the thrones. They started off with a message from the pastor (not Veer) and then moved on to gifts. The man and woman gave eachother money, fruit, sweets, and other things. Then the three seemingly more important gifts were Bibles, rings, and big, decorated leis. Then they fed eachother slices of cake. It had many similarities to a western wedding. There was a camera man too, who used an unnecessarily bright light that rendered me partially blind haha. Anyway, afterward there was a dinner which concluded the party. It was quite interesting to witness.
Next up, I spoke in church this past Sunday. For those of you who were part of my gaduating class, you'll appreciate the fact that I chose to speak on John 15, yes, our theme for retreat haha. This is the second time I have preached with a translator... and I still don't like it. I'm too ADD to stop talking every 2 sentences and actually stay focused. It made concluding my message very abrupt, rough, and a little awkward. I just kinda lost my train of thought. Oh well! Afterward I sat in on the orphans' sunday school class and that was nice. They wanted me to quiz them on their Bible knowledge. They did rather well. But then I stumped them with questions like "Who are the Nephilum?" and "Which book of the Bible never says the name of God?". But they knew a lot more than I had expected.
Now, for "One Amazing Meeting".
Veer invited me to go to a prayer meeting with him last night. I said yes, of course. Blessy warned me saying that it was a fast too, and I wouldn't be able to eat till the meeting was over, and I assured her that I can go without one dinner. Then she warned me saying that it was 7 hours of straight prayer and worship, nothing else. I don't think she realized that she was only making me more excited about the meeting. So Veer, myself, and two other pastors hit the road for the 2 hour drive to Pali. Once we arrived, the second I stepped out of the car I could hear loud prayers being shouted from inside. I was very excited. I took off my shoes at the door and walked inside. The feeling I got the second I walked into the main room was... wow... I literally got chills down my back and arms from being overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit the second I stepped inside. I took my seat, and began to pray... I wasn't sure what I was SUPPOSE to be praying for, but it was amazing nonetheless. Then one by one each of the pastors (there were about 20) would stand up and say their prayer requests and praises and then we'd all pray as a group after each one. Loud praises went out for the many testimonies of miracles that had been preformed. I shan't say the things that were revealed there, but they put chills down my spine as they were spoken. I can't really explain any further other than... WOW. The Holy Spirit's presense was so THICK in that room. It was incredible, truly incredible, to be around such faith. I will never forget my night last night.
Anyway, that's all I really have to say. I'm doing well. Blessy made me cold milk which was very nice of her! haha
Misssing you all!!!
Love,
Ethan
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
I Exalt Thee
I'm currently listening to "I Exalt Thee" on the Jesus Culture: Your Love Never Fails album. Thats the explanation for the title haha
Anyway, to the point. Much to cover. I actually have a list haha
There was a Hindu festival a few days ago. It was quite the experience. Veer decided to take all the orphans to it so we could ride some rides. It was a lot of fun. There was one of those swinging ships like the one at Six Flags, except there was no restraints on this one... SOOOO, Samuel (the 20 year old who cooks for the orphans) and myself went to the back of the ship and STOOD UP, yes, the entire time.. sorry, Mom haha. That was quite the experience, scary at first but definitely FUN! It was especially cool to get to take a trip with all the boys though. We left right before a huge fight broke out, so God definitely had a hand of protection on us there!
My eyes have completely healed! So God answered my prayers there. No more eye flu :]
So Veer has me taking a break from teaching to do some administrative stuff. Specifically, I know select random students, go throught their graded assignments and check to see if the teachers are grading accurately. If they haven't, I have to be mean... which I'm not good at haha! But it's nice to mix in some grading... teaching is kind of hard. I'm sorry past teachers for the little punk I was haha
The students are going through a testing process right now. In the evening, the orhpans are just STUDYING STUDYING STUDYING! Veer is very forceful there. I am now tudoring many of them, so thats kind of fun.
We've had two church services so far. The first time I just sat and read my Bible cause the sermon is in Hindi, but this past Sunday Veer had me lead part of worship, and he wants me to speak soon. SO, that's really awesome!
Theres really bad flooding in all of India, it reminds me of Katrina. It's bad. All of India is in need of prayer for protection and for the damage to be minimal. So keep that in your prayers.
Also, a large prayer request is for safety tomorrow, on the 24th. Veer was telling me that on Sept 24, 1991 the Hindu's claimed that Rhaman (spelling), their god, was born at same location of a Muslim temple. Ever since then, there has been fighting and rioting in India every September 24th between the Muslims and Hindus. There also have been a case in the Indian court ever since 1991 to decide whether a temple or mosque would be built there. This is the 24th that they announce the decision, at 3:00 pm. Veer says there will most likely be a curfew enforced and that police presence will increase significantly. So, just pray for safety. Not for me, but for the Indian people. Because I am a Christian there is no danger for me, so don't be worried!
On a lighter note, yesterday I got a hair cut. My first on since in India. And another famous Indian head massage (I wisely requested them not to do anything to my ears this time! My ear still hurts since July 2009). That was very nice, and my hair is looking... well... it's shorter haha.
There's been a lot of pastors visiting Veer lately... These men are so strong in their faith that I am moved just by being around them... no, I'm not just around them, I'm surrounded by them... I can feel the warmth of Christ coming off of them and I can see His love in their eyes. It's just so cool to see these men who keep their faith despite the amount of persecution there is in India. They truly are inspiring to me.
Oh, I almost forgot. Last night at prayer, Shubum (not sure if I spelled that right haha) spoke about some verse in Matthew. Hera translated as best he could. Apparently Shubum was saying that it's wrong to hit children. Hera turned to me and asked what that verse was about sparing the rod... I told him it was Proverbs 13:24. He then taught them that it is okay to strike children as a disciplinary method. I'm telling you this story for two reasons. First I thought it was hilarious that Shubum taught that because he just didn't want to get hit anymore haha! Second, it was very cool to see Hera lead the group of boys in prayer and a Bible study. Which he does every Sunday after church and every night that Veer is too busy, such as last night. Hera has a heart for God and he inspires me just like those pastors do.
Anyway, I gotta go start the day.
I miss you all almost as much as I am missing cold milk right now!
In Him,
Ethan
Anyway, to the point. Much to cover. I actually have a list haha
There was a Hindu festival a few days ago. It was quite the experience. Veer decided to take all the orphans to it so we could ride some rides. It was a lot of fun. There was one of those swinging ships like the one at Six Flags, except there was no restraints on this one... SOOOO, Samuel (the 20 year old who cooks for the orphans) and myself went to the back of the ship and STOOD UP, yes, the entire time.. sorry, Mom haha. That was quite the experience, scary at first but definitely FUN! It was especially cool to get to take a trip with all the boys though. We left right before a huge fight broke out, so God definitely had a hand of protection on us there!
My eyes have completely healed! So God answered my prayers there. No more eye flu :]
So Veer has me taking a break from teaching to do some administrative stuff. Specifically, I know select random students, go throught their graded assignments and check to see if the teachers are grading accurately. If they haven't, I have to be mean... which I'm not good at haha! But it's nice to mix in some grading... teaching is kind of hard. I'm sorry past teachers for the little punk I was haha
The students are going through a testing process right now. In the evening, the orhpans are just STUDYING STUDYING STUDYING! Veer is very forceful there. I am now tudoring many of them, so thats kind of fun.
We've had two church services so far. The first time I just sat and read my Bible cause the sermon is in Hindi, but this past Sunday Veer had me lead part of worship, and he wants me to speak soon. SO, that's really awesome!
Theres really bad flooding in all of India, it reminds me of Katrina. It's bad. All of India is in need of prayer for protection and for the damage to be minimal. So keep that in your prayers.
Also, a large prayer request is for safety tomorrow, on the 24th. Veer was telling me that on Sept 24, 1991 the Hindu's claimed that Rhaman (spelling), their god, was born at same location of a Muslim temple. Ever since then, there has been fighting and rioting in India every September 24th between the Muslims and Hindus. There also have been a case in the Indian court ever since 1991 to decide whether a temple or mosque would be built there. This is the 24th that they announce the decision, at 3:00 pm. Veer says there will most likely be a curfew enforced and that police presence will increase significantly. So, just pray for safety. Not for me, but for the Indian people. Because I am a Christian there is no danger for me, so don't be worried!
On a lighter note, yesterday I got a hair cut. My first on since in India. And another famous Indian head massage (I wisely requested them not to do anything to my ears this time! My ear still hurts since July 2009). That was very nice, and my hair is looking... well... it's shorter haha.
There's been a lot of pastors visiting Veer lately... These men are so strong in their faith that I am moved just by being around them... no, I'm not just around them, I'm surrounded by them... I can feel the warmth of Christ coming off of them and I can see His love in their eyes. It's just so cool to see these men who keep their faith despite the amount of persecution there is in India. They truly are inspiring to me.
Oh, I almost forgot. Last night at prayer, Shubum (not sure if I spelled that right haha) spoke about some verse in Matthew. Hera translated as best he could. Apparently Shubum was saying that it's wrong to hit children. Hera turned to me and asked what that verse was about sparing the rod... I told him it was Proverbs 13:24. He then taught them that it is okay to strike children as a disciplinary method. I'm telling you this story for two reasons. First I thought it was hilarious that Shubum taught that because he just didn't want to get hit anymore haha! Second, it was very cool to see Hera lead the group of boys in prayer and a Bible study. Which he does every Sunday after church and every night that Veer is too busy, such as last night. Hera has a heart for God and he inspires me just like those pastors do.
Anyway, I gotta go start the day.
I miss you all almost as much as I am missing cold milk right now!
In Him,
Ethan
Monday, September 13, 2010
Prayer
There are many things to cover, hopefully, I won't forget anything but chances are I will.
First off, On the 11th of September, we had a Gideons convention where all the Presidents of Gideons in Rhajastan came to EMS to meet. We also had all the Beawar pastors and family come. It was really awesome to see so many men of such great faith gathered together in one spot. Though, the number wasn't substancial, the amount of faith was.
Secondly, if you saw my old facebook status you'll know my new name is Ethan Bhaiyya, you probably have no idea what that means though. It translates to "Big Brother Ethan." This makes me really happy. All the orphans and Jeremiah and Tia call me it. Everytime they do, I can't help but smile.
Thirdly, school is going great. I still don't have a regular teaching schedule and am just kind of floating around filling in for teachers but it's still great. I'm getting the hang of it. I also am learning more Hindi each day. And have made the "head bobble" a habit (Indians "bobble" their head from side to side instead of nodding yes). The only thing I fear is coming back and annoying you all cause I can't stop bobbling my head! Haha anywayyyy
Fourthly, the purpose for the blog and reason this blog is simply titled prayer...
Praise the Lord that the Qur'an burning was cancelled, however, consequences still occured for even considering it. An Iranian news station that broadcasts in Kashmir (the northern part of India) reported a story that the Qur'an burning was carried out. Being a highly populated Muslim area, Kashmir's response was not good. Riots broke out in two larger cities, which resulted in: the burning of a cross inside one church, a Christian mission school being completely burned down, police vehicles being set fire to, and 88 deaths. The deaths were not Christians, to my knowledge, however, in order to stop the riots the police had to use force... 88 unspecified people died. A 24/7 curfew has been enforced in both cities but the anger still remains despite the fact that the citizens were informed the Qur'an was never burned. Now, before you start worrying about my well-being, I should tell you that there was no false report in Rhajastan, Veer is highly respected amongst his community, and all the violence has only taken place in those two cities (far north of here). However, prayer is still necessary. I ask you to pray for the Christians in Kashmir, for their safety and the preservation of their ministry. I also ask you to pray for the Christian presence in Iran and other Muslim countries... I do not know if they are in danger, or being persecuted, or anything... but it was an Iranian news channel that said the Qur'an was burned and it resulted in 88 deaths in India alone, so be praying for them. Pray that the violence has stopped for good and that there will be no more outbreaks. Pray for the school that was burned down, that they will find the money to rebuild and be able to continue their ministry without further persecution. Pray! Pray! PRAY!!!
In Him,
Ethan
First off, On the 11th of September, we had a Gideons convention where all the Presidents of Gideons in Rhajastan came to EMS to meet. We also had all the Beawar pastors and family come. It was really awesome to see so many men of such great faith gathered together in one spot. Though, the number wasn't substancial, the amount of faith was.
Secondly, if you saw my old facebook status you'll know my new name is Ethan Bhaiyya, you probably have no idea what that means though. It translates to "Big Brother Ethan." This makes me really happy. All the orphans and Jeremiah and Tia call me it. Everytime they do, I can't help but smile.
Thirdly, school is going great. I still don't have a regular teaching schedule and am just kind of floating around filling in for teachers but it's still great. I'm getting the hang of it. I also am learning more Hindi each day. And have made the "head bobble" a habit (Indians "bobble" their head from side to side instead of nodding yes). The only thing I fear is coming back and annoying you all cause I can't stop bobbling my head! Haha anywayyyy
Fourthly, the purpose for the blog and reason this blog is simply titled prayer...
Praise the Lord that the Qur'an burning was cancelled, however, consequences still occured for even considering it. An Iranian news station that broadcasts in Kashmir (the northern part of India) reported a story that the Qur'an burning was carried out. Being a highly populated Muslim area, Kashmir's response was not good. Riots broke out in two larger cities, which resulted in: the burning of a cross inside one church, a Christian mission school being completely burned down, police vehicles being set fire to, and 88 deaths. The deaths were not Christians, to my knowledge, however, in order to stop the riots the police had to use force... 88 unspecified people died. A 24/7 curfew has been enforced in both cities but the anger still remains despite the fact that the citizens were informed the Qur'an was never burned. Now, before you start worrying about my well-being, I should tell you that there was no false report in Rhajastan, Veer is highly respected amongst his community, and all the violence has only taken place in those two cities (far north of here). However, prayer is still necessary. I ask you to pray for the Christians in Kashmir, for their safety and the preservation of their ministry. I also ask you to pray for the Christian presence in Iran and other Muslim countries... I do not know if they are in danger, or being persecuted, or anything... but it was an Iranian news channel that said the Qur'an was burned and it resulted in 88 deaths in India alone, so be praying for them. Pray that the violence has stopped for good and that there will be no more outbreaks. Pray for the school that was burned down, that they will find the money to rebuild and be able to continue their ministry without further persecution. Pray! Pray! PRAY!!!
In Him,
Ethan
Thursday, September 9, 2010
September 10th, 2010
Hey Everybody!
Everything is going great here! It's been raining a lot which is good because the past 8 years have been very dry for India. Today is "Teacher's Day" at Emmanuel (like teacher appreciation week) so we are putting together a meal for them and Veer has asked me to sing/play them a song on my ukulele. I only know one song, the one that is on facebook, so that's the one I will be singing.
For those of you who know the legendary "Beardsley" I got to see him last night AND not only did I successfully say no to him when he offered me more biscuits, I made HIM have more!!! For those of you who don’t know of him, he is Veer's good friend who is very, very persuasive (aka forceful) with what you eat.
Anyway, I have heard some troubling news from the U.S. I heard there was a tornado near Love Field... I also heard there is flooding in the US. I hope it isn't as bad as the flooding here. Regardless, it will be in my prayers.
Even more troubling, I heard the news of this pastor who wishes to burn a Qur’an tomorrow, on the anniversary of September 11th. This saddens me greatly... Whatever happened to turning the other cheek? Or forgive them Father for they know not what they do? Tomorrow is also one of the biggest Muslim festivals of the year (not because of 9-11 but because of the moon). I know from word of mouth that the retaliation the Muslims will take if their holy book is burned, is not good... "A babbling fool will come to ruin" and so will this pastor. "The mouth of the wicked conceals violence" and so does this pastors words and actions (Proverbs 10). Christians, our command is to LOVE, not to be vengeful. This foolish pastor is only damaging our faith, and our image to the Muslims. Now, the idea the Muslims will have of Christians is that we are vengeful, hateful, and disrespectful people. I know I am rambling but I want to express how this is NOT good. This is NOT of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, I ask for prayer, not for myself, but for this pastor to not do this foolish act... for the safety of the U.S. soldiers in Muslims countries from violent retaliation... and for this act to not be viewed as all Christians... Pray today, and ALL throughout tomorrow.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen."
1 Corinthians 16:24
In Him,
Ethan
Everything is going great here! It's been raining a lot which is good because the past 8 years have been very dry for India. Today is "Teacher's Day" at Emmanuel (like teacher appreciation week) so we are putting together a meal for them and Veer has asked me to sing/play them a song on my ukulele. I only know one song, the one that is on facebook, so that's the one I will be singing.
For those of you who know the legendary "Beardsley" I got to see him last night AND not only did I successfully say no to him when he offered me more biscuits, I made HIM have more!!! For those of you who don’t know of him, he is Veer's good friend who is very, very persuasive (aka forceful) with what you eat.
Anyway, I have heard some troubling news from the U.S. I heard there was a tornado near Love Field... I also heard there is flooding in the US. I hope it isn't as bad as the flooding here. Regardless, it will be in my prayers.
Even more troubling, I heard the news of this pastor who wishes to burn a Qur’an tomorrow, on the anniversary of September 11th. This saddens me greatly... Whatever happened to turning the other cheek? Or forgive them Father for they know not what they do? Tomorrow is also one of the biggest Muslim festivals of the year (not because of 9-11 but because of the moon). I know from word of mouth that the retaliation the Muslims will take if their holy book is burned, is not good... "A babbling fool will come to ruin" and so will this pastor. "The mouth of the wicked conceals violence" and so does this pastors words and actions (Proverbs 10). Christians, our command is to LOVE, not to be vengeful. This foolish pastor is only damaging our faith, and our image to the Muslims. Now, the idea the Muslims will have of Christians is that we are vengeful, hateful, and disrespectful people. I know I am rambling but I want to express how this is NOT good. This is NOT of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, I ask for prayer, not for myself, but for this pastor to not do this foolish act... for the safety of the U.S. soldiers in Muslims countries from violent retaliation... and for this act to not be viewed as all Christians... Pray today, and ALL throughout tomorrow.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen."
1 Corinthians 16:24
In Him,
Ethan
Monday, September 6, 2010
First Post from INDIA
Well, traveling was an experience. I met a lovely girl named Katharine on my 14 hr flight who was from Georgia. This 18 year old was headed to a different orphanage to do the same thing as me. It was really nice to have one last taste of home before being engulfed by India!
The changes here at Emmanuel are countless from my last visit. Things like two buses instead of one, new rooms being built, church is half-way completed, the foundation for Veer's home has been layed, Jeremiah speaks English MUCH better, there are 14 orphans instead of 9, and the list goes on and on.
God has some amazing things planned for this place and I can't believe I get to see/help part of His plan take place. I already have ideas for jobs for the Faith team in January, they are gonna have some funnnnn!
There is so much more to tell... Unfortunately, I still have yet to get some actual sleep and am exhausted. Starting my English Grammar class tomorrow! Watch out you crazy little Indians, "Ethan Sir" is BACK! haha
Okayyyy, I miss YOU terribly, yes YOU.
Love you all,
-Ethan
P.S. Pray for construction of the church and remodeling of the school to go smoothly without any hold-ups.
The changes here at Emmanuel are countless from my last visit. Things like two buses instead of one, new rooms being built, church is half-way completed, the foundation for Veer's home has been layed, Jeremiah speaks English MUCH better, there are 14 orphans instead of 9, and the list goes on and on.
God has some amazing things planned for this place and I can't believe I get to see/help part of His plan take place. I already have ideas for jobs for the Faith team in January, they are gonna have some funnnnn!
There is so much more to tell... Unfortunately, I still have yet to get some actual sleep and am exhausted. Starting my English Grammar class tomorrow! Watch out you crazy little Indians, "Ethan Sir" is BACK! haha
Okayyyy, I miss YOU terribly, yes YOU.
Love you all,
-Ethan
P.S. Pray for construction of the church and remodeling of the school to go smoothly without any hold-ups.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Departing.
Well, the time has finally come.
The pain of leaving my home, family, and friends is masked by the joy of returning to India! Though, I will miss everyone dearly...
My plane takes off at 11:10 today, flying to Chicago, where I will board the plane to New Delhi.
So, I ask you to keep me in your prayers throughout the next two days of travel. Pray for safety and that everything goes smoothly.
I'll post again when I arrive to keep you all updated.
-Ethan
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