On to West Bengal

We said our good byes at the SPICE Hostel and started the journey back to the main road and then north to the State of West Bengal. Our time had a little more flexibility and so we stopped to try and capture on video something of the flavor of life in India as we experienced it in our travels.

It then became clear that we were beyond the time that we could make many more stops and so we pushed on east and then north. We came toward a small development and turned off of the main road. It had rained and so the pot holes ahead of us were filled with water. Our driver did an intricate job of negotiating his way down this country road until we reached the turn to go back to the village that was our destination.

Here the road we would turn onto was too narrow for the vehicle to negotiate and so we all got out to walk the last distance into the village. We were told to wait. Soon people were running toward us from the village. They came to greet us and to escort us into the village. It is very humbling to have people one after another bowing before you and touching your feet. I placed a simple touch of blessing on each of them as they bowed before me.

Then four men arrived with a white sari attached to four poles. there guests were to walk under this drape as we entered the village. Drums were being played and there was singing as we walked back to the site of our next series of services.
Those of you who know me would have enjoyed seeing me step off of this little roadway in order to take the accompanying picture. I lost my balance and eventually landed face down in the field below. I was fine, but I assure you our hosts were greatly concerned for my well being.

When we arrived at the meeting site our feet were washed and then coated with mustard oil. they also did the traditional giving of garlands. We felt very welcomed.

Don Shenk and I both had opportunity to speak in their afternoon service. There was also a good amount of singing and dance. The believers here have taken their traditional dances and now dance before the Lord. It is very nice to watch as they celebrate in worship.

Beside the public service they also had scheduled another Seekers' Conference. I have really enjoyed being part of these and seeing the way that they are teaching new believers and helping to establish them in the faith. Each of the seekers meetings that we attended grew out of the radio ministry they are doing. We were told that there are also many of them growing out of the regular work of the church.

This lady gave me a beautiful picture of the new seekers coming to know Jesus in West Bengal.

Praise God!