Lucknow to Motipur

I think it's Thursday; we have had difficulty keeping up with days, hours, but we survived a most interesting over night train ride from Delhi to Lucknow. An adventure to say the very least! We're learning even more meanings of "flexibility," our key word! We had a wonderful breakfast at the Subhan's house (Sheeba's family). We're resorting our bags for the car ride to Motipur, about 5-6 hours on what has been described "interesting" roads. More adventures! Then we'll begin the blanket distribution in Motipur and a number of surrounding villages.

Lucknow has been a pleasant surprise; of course, it's only one million versus 15! Does make a difference! Too bad we won't have more time to explore, but we are visiting the GA office here and enjoying just being with Daniel and the helpers here. So much to learn!

It's been rather ironic not to be able to get online when usually, if you are calling for tech help, you might very well connect with an Indian worker, but here we are.....so this may be our last chance to get anything out on the blog. Looks like we will have two more train rides, one to Agra where we will visit the Taj Mahal, and then from Agra to Delhi for our departure. Not sure we will become really adept at this train business; it's a unique art :).

Janaman, GA director in Delhi, reminded us once again the "power of presence." Everywhere a believer goes, so goes the Holy Spirit, and that light is shed. Where there is great darkness, the contrast is stark. We have already seen some of that darkness. It makes us even more grateful for the ministry here, for our Indian brothers and sisters who are faithfully, sacrificially serving in very difficult circumstances. Life here is hard, and their joy is obviously from the Lord. We are challenged!

It is still so humbling that the very fact that we, or any believer, from a far away country would come here, be with the people, enter their homes, and show care and concern for them makes such a huge impact. It's not because of us; it's just because we are tangible evidence that God cares. Again, the power of presence. And the power of touch. To hold a hand, to offer a hug is huge. Such simple things, but how they can minister. I pray that none of us take that for granted.

Please continue to pray for the team, for safety and health, for energy and strength to be His hands and feet in Motipur. This is Muslim territory; so we need spiritual reinforcement, your prayers, to stand strong and firm and loving. Pray for hearts to be softened and that eyes will be opened to the truth. These people have been held in bondage for so long. We are praying that whatever seeds we can plant will grow, multiply, and be fruitful.

If we can't post more updates, don't worry....just continue to pray!!