How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach UNLESS THEY ARE SENT? ...So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:14–15a, 17
It's been a whirlwind of activity since returning home from Zambia a few weeks ago. I was privileged to host and "chauffeur" Pastor Raju, from the Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confessions (HCLCN), during his self-funded visit to the U.S. We logged nearly 4,000 miles, drove through twelve states, and visited several CLC congregations, schools, and our ILC high school, college, and seminary, where he preached and gave presentations about Nepal and the Gospel ministry of the HCLCN. Thank you, Lord, for safe travels and abundant blessings on the visit.
Tomorrow (9/30), Pastor Raju and I will fly out from St. Louis on our way to Kathmandu with an extended layover in Istanbul. Pastor Raju is eager to return home to his family and the ministry.
While in Nepal, I will be blessed to attend the graduation service for the fourteen students of the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI) who have successfully completed their course of study. Some will return to the congregations they serve as pastor, and others will return as well-trained church leaders, evangelists, and elders. I will also have the privilege and opportunity to conduct a training seminar for pastors and several leaders of the HCLCN. I am also looking forward to visiting some new areas of Nepal during this visit.
Following the visit to Nepal, Lord willing, I will fly to Chennai, India. If all goes according to plan, I will meet up with CLC Board of Missions chairman, Joel Krafft, at the airport in Chennai on October 20th. We will attend the BELC-CLCI joint pastoral conference and spend a few days visiting the BELC Bible Institute and congregations in the area. Since my Indian visa was revoked five years ago, I have not been able to visit my brothers and sisters in Christ in the CLCI and BELC. I am very excited to see many of them again and to work together in the fields so ripe for harvest.
Pray for the Lord's blessings on all our travels and the immigration process, especially in India. Ask the Lord to bless the preaching, teaching, and learning of the truths of His powerful and saving word.
I have one full day in Kathmandu before my flight home tomorrow (Tuesday, December 17) morning. Ruju and I parted ways yesterday when I flew to Kathmandu, and he returned to his family in Chitwan. We've done this for the past few years, so he doesn't need to spend another three or four days on the road and away from his family and the work. I've been here enough times that I'm comfortable navigating this country and Kathmadu on my own. My typical routine includes visiting a couple of my favorite places to eat and staying at a decent but inexpensive hostel with good Wi-Fi. It's also a plus that the hostel is just a short walk to a small tea and spice shop where I buy Beth's favorite Nepali chili flakes.
This morning, I'm just hanging out at the hostel, making good use of their free Wi-Fi, writing reports for the Board of Missions and the Kinship Committee. Later this afternoon, I will meet with Rajan to discuss the Kinship Cheli Project he directs, which assists and protects young at-risk girls from marginalized tribes and villages in the Himalayan hills outside of Chitwan. And this afternoon, I'll probably slip out and find a few small gifts to bring back for the grandkids.
This visit was about a week shorter than usual due to a couple of additional visits to Liberia and Pakistan that needed to be scheduled. But thanks to Raju's good planning, it was a productive visit that was highlighted by opportunities to preach the Good News at Himalayan-CLC (HCLCN) congregations, teaching a course on the "The Grace of God and the Doctrine of Election" at the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI), leading a study on "Worship" at the HCLCN Pastoral Conference, and meetings to discuss future plans and opportunities. We also had a Pre-Christmas celebration with the HCLCN pastors and HBI students as we considered God's message to the shepherds: "There is born to YOU this day, in the City of David, a SAVIOR, who is CHRIST the LORD!"
In addition to the work (that doesn't really seem like work...more like a privilege!), I always appreciate the blessing of spending time with my dear friends and co-workers, the Bhitrakoti family. The other special blessing is the opportunity to stand in awe of God's beautiful creation with incredible views of the tallest mountains in the world, the Himalayas! It just never gets old!
Praise the Lord for another safe and productive visit to Nepal and HCLCN!
I'm looking forward to being home in a few days and then traveling to Michigan to celebrate our Savior's birth with our grandkids (for the first time) as they use their beautiful voices to proclaim the Good News on Christmas Eve.
Prayers to the LORD for safe and uneventful travels are requested and much appreciated!
Oh...and Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Raju Making Announcements at the HBI
Raju Making Announcements at the HBI
Teaching the at Himalayan Bible Institute
Pastor Raju Welcoming the HCLCN Pastors and HBI Students to the Conference
Pastor JB Delivering the Opening Devotion
Teaching with Raju Translating at the Conference
Lunch wth Raju, Sanju, Rajan, and Anu at the HCLCN Conference
Raju and Sanju
Raju, Sanju, Jordan, and Joshua at Jordan's School Program
