Changes Along The Way

Many of you may be aware that there are tensions here in Orissa with animosity being expressed toward Christians.  We were well aware of this as we came and we have not had any difficulties related to it.  There have been threats however for certain areas of ministry for those who are hosts.  Because of this they made a few changes in our activities and schedule while we are here in Orissa.  Another change also developed for a completely different reason.

The first change that was made is that while we were in Cuttack we stayed inside most of the time.  We were picked up and taken to the activity sites and we usually got out of the car after the exterior gate was closed.  We then were returned to our residence in a similar fashion.  We have stayed behind locked gates and have not had freedom to just roam around in the community.  The concern is not to create animosity within the Hindu community.  It is mainly a situation of being wise.

You need to realize that the event we are here for is a registered event for which the local church has police permission to gather and celebrate in the Prayer Conference.  That is not the issue.  Seven people from outside of this community and nation attending this event, however, calls a little more attention to the event.

There have been no calls for concern while we are here.  Our hosts are just being sure that they do not put us or themselves in a difficult situation.  We now have moved north at the time of this writing and there are no restrictions on our movement in this community.

Another change that has taken place relates to part of one of my early blogs.  I mentioned that one of our team members spouse had needed surgery since we started on this trip.  There always was a question about his needing to return home early.  Greg left for home on Friday.  We were able to change all of his tickets to accommodate this.  It was good that he could be part of so many things during the early portion of our journey.  We trust and pray a speedy recovery for his spouse.  Remember them both in prayer.

One further change relates to us going to and staying at the SPICE hostel.  Tension has mounted in that area and so our hosts made provision for us to stay in a hotel and use this as our base while we are in the northern part of Orissa.  From here we will go across the state border into West Bengal for services on Sunday and then return here before heading back to Cuttack on Monday.

Changes come in many ways.  Some we weather easily.  Some bring a bit more concern.  But through whatever the change may be the solid point of our experience in our walk and relationship with Jesus Christ.  His love and presence is constant.  We trust him in all we do, wherever we may be.