India 2013: We have arrived!
Posted by Jeff on January 14, 2013
I had hoped to post sooner than this, but arriving on the weekend meant getting internet access would take a couple of days. Thankfully, yesterday, I was able to Skype to St. Paul’s to bring greetings from India, thanks to the Principal of SAIACS, Dr. Ian Payne, who let me into his home to use his personal WiFi.
We will be offering the opening session of our Retreat In Daily Life this afternoon. There are over 80 people who have signed up for the retreat, comprising more than 3/4 of the student body. However, because in this culture men must meet with men and women with women, we are not able to meet with all the men who have signed up. There are only two of us men providing spiritual direction for the RDL, and we can only see so many people in a day! Priority has been given to the students taking David Sherbino’s Intro to Spiritual Formation course, and students who are graduating. All women who wish to participate will be welcomed to do so, since we have 3 women directors.
There is great interest in spiritual formation here at SAIACS. We look forward to providing this unique form of pastoral care to the students, as well as equipping them to take these tools into their own congregations to encourage their people in their walk with Christ.
It is warm here; 30 degree days and 15 degree nights are common. We are seeing all sorts of flora and fauna that are uncommon to Canada. We visited the inner city of Bangalore on Sunday, and saw the sea of humanity that one expects to see. Not as many cattle as I had expected, though!
Thanks to everyone reading this who is praying for our team. David, David, Jenn, Cynthia, Lina and I really covet and appreciate your prayerful support.
Katherine said
God bless you as you accompany the participants on their journey. I should add that I am grateful that we have no such gender restrictions here. I have worked with some amazing men AND women over the course of my own journey, and anticipate working with many more. I will keep you in my prayers, for sure!
Ek said
Having missed your Skype call back to your church family at St. Paul’s, due to the flu, I was happy to read your most recent post. You and your team have been surrounded by much prayer and those prayers are being rewarded. On your first day “in action” I pray that your work will be fruitful, that all members of the team will be enriched by the experience, and that this mission outreach will resonate with your friends back home. May God keep everyone healthy and safe throughout the trip.
Jeff said
Katherine, I think the tide is slowly changing here, but it is a slow process. Thanks, both of you, for your prayers!