Saturday Morning in Bangalore
This morning begins the first day I don't have plans from dawn to dusk, so I'm hoping to catch up on several things...updating this blog being one of the first.
We wrapped up the pastor's conference yesterday with a formal graduation ceremony. They had even located graduation robes for the pastors and those of us who had been instructing. Approximately 60 of the pastors have now finished 5 seminars which have been completed across the past 2 1/2 years that I've been involved with them. They were awarded Certificates in Pastoral Ministry by the Asian Bible College in Hyderabad which has helped design the curriculum used throughout the program.
Since most of these pastors are "Dalits," many of them have never graduated from anything before, so this was a very special day for them. The pastors who live nearby even had family members attend the graduation ceremony.
Our team's day started in typical Indian fashion. We were to be picked up promptly at 8 am...or whenever. Whenever wound up being 9:15, so Truett's last session ended about 10:30 and the graduation began at 11:00. Although we were scheduled to conclude at 1 pm, I leaned over to Joe and said, "We won't be through before 2 pm." I was right! Indian's are keen on protocol and recognizing everything, and then everyone who was asked to provide a word of greeting, pray, or whatever, also found their opportunity to preach a sermon! :-) We all laughed afterwards that while I was the one preaching the commencement message, my sermon was the shortest of the day. Seriously, it was a great event.
Truett's last session was right on target and served as a great capstone to his week of teaching on the real struggles of a pastor and keeping focused on the right priorities, God & family. I am again thankful to my dear friend for serving alongside us in India. It is a blessing to see him at work with these pastors.
While Joe was the "layperson" on this team, no onlookers would have realized that. He also spoke during the commencement and did a wonderful job! I'm told the photos of him in a cap & gown as well as praying over members of the church last Sunday will be the talk of the church back in Georgia.
I always feel as though I'm among friends here in Bangalore, and this trip has been no different. In addition to great conversations with the Operation Mobilization staff here, I continued to receive hugs, inquiries about my family, promises to pray for me, and requests for my e-mail to stay in touch. These pastors are truly the "real deal!" It is an honor that God allows me to invest in their lives in some small way.
I saw Truett and Joe off to the airport about 10:15 last night. I never received any calls, so I must assume they are on their flights heading home which departed here at 2:30 this morning. Let me express my sincere thanks to Truett, Joe, and FBC Cohutta for joining with us in this mission. I have no doubt the eternities of many people will be far better because of your service. Thank You!
Thanks also to everyone for your continued prayers on my behalf! Matthew
We wrapped up the pastor's conference yesterday with a formal graduation ceremony. They had even located graduation robes for the pastors and those of us who had been instructing. Approximately 60 of the pastors have now finished 5 seminars which have been completed across the past 2 1/2 years that I've been involved with them. They were awarded Certificates in Pastoral Ministry by the Asian Bible College in Hyderabad which has helped design the curriculum used throughout the program.
Since most of these pastors are "Dalits," many of them have never graduated from anything before, so this was a very special day for them. The pastors who live nearby even had family members attend the graduation ceremony.
Our team's day started in typical Indian fashion. We were to be picked up promptly at 8 am...or whenever. Whenever wound up being 9:15, so Truett's last session ended about 10:30 and the graduation began at 11:00. Although we were scheduled to conclude at 1 pm, I leaned over to Joe and said, "We won't be through before 2 pm." I was right! Indian's are keen on protocol and recognizing everything, and then everyone who was asked to provide a word of greeting, pray, or whatever, also found their opportunity to preach a sermon! :-) We all laughed afterwards that while I was the one preaching the commencement message, my sermon was the shortest of the day. Seriously, it was a great event.
Truett's last session was right on target and served as a great capstone to his week of teaching on the real struggles of a pastor and keeping focused on the right priorities, God & family. I am again thankful to my dear friend for serving alongside us in India. It is a blessing to see him at work with these pastors.
While Joe was the "layperson" on this team, no onlookers would have realized that. He also spoke during the commencement and did a wonderful job! I'm told the photos of him in a cap & gown as well as praying over members of the church last Sunday will be the talk of the church back in Georgia.
I always feel as though I'm among friends here in Bangalore, and this trip has been no different. In addition to great conversations with the Operation Mobilization staff here, I continued to receive hugs, inquiries about my family, promises to pray for me, and requests for my e-mail to stay in touch. These pastors are truly the "real deal!" It is an honor that God allows me to invest in their lives in some small way.
I saw Truett and Joe off to the airport about 10:15 last night. I never received any calls, so I must assume they are on their flights heading home which departed here at 2:30 this morning. Let me express my sincere thanks to Truett, Joe, and FBC Cohutta for joining with us in this mission. I have no doubt the eternities of many people will be far better because of your service. Thank You!
Thanks also to everyone for your continued prayers on my behalf! Matthew
posted by CUMC Team | 9:50 AM
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