A little over a week ago our driver Saliendra's twin nephews were born. However, they were born prematurely, at seven months. Both babies weighed a little over 1kg and were admitted to the intensive care unit at a local hospital. One baby boy seemed stronger than the other one, as he was able to breathe on his own, and after a few days at the hospital, he was discharged. The second baby boy was having a difficult time and was on the ventilator. The last thing I heard was that he was having a brain hemorrhage and was probably going to die. The doctor recommended that they remove him from the ventilator and so they did, two days ago. Yesterday, he died. On top of their loss, their other son was readmitted to the ICU yesterday.
I have been praying for these two babies since I learned of their condition. I am praying that now at least one will survive to become a healthy boy. I can't help but to think, "Had they been born in the States, they probably would have lived." I wish life was more fair....
P and I have been talking and praying about how to respond. No one has asked us to do anything but it is hard to ignore people's loss. The medical bills, I'm sure, are high. We all know how expensive it is to have someone admitted in the ICU for days on end.... I was telling P I didn't understand why the doctor would have discharged the first baby home so early instead of keeping him in the ICU for monitoring a little longer....P thought maybe it's because it's so expensive....I don't know. You can pray for us about how we can best help this family. When money is involved, it can be tricky here in our context, so we're looking for some creative way to help them with their medical bills.....
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
What I feel like I've been learning....
As I have been praying and processing with Jesus over the things that have happened recently, I've been struck by how much the work of making disciples who obey everything that Jesus commanded is really needed here. As I have been in India for a few years now, what I have come to observe is that people are taught to pray, to attend church, and to witness, but when it comes to living a life of obedience to Christ in their daily dealings with their neighbors, finances, pain, injustice, etc. there seems to be a wide gap. As people convert, it seems as though people switch religion but their worldview, the ways they handle difficult situations have not changed. There is a lot of work to be done here.
We learned recently that some of the youths from the church of the young man (I'll call him Bob) who recently committed suicide were seeking to take revenge on the family of the young woman blaming her for his death. Then, we received a phone call asking us to pray because the two families were getting together to talk. Bob's family was asking for compensation and for an apology. The other family was refusing to acknowledge any wrong doing. The situation between the two Christian families were intense and could significantly impact the church and the Bodo community.
I spent a lot of time praying and thinking about this situation. I woke up a few days to spend some quiet time with Jesus before the day got busy, and I felt as though I really needed to write this email and send it to one of our friends who has been one of the main people involved in this situation. We have started working more closely with him and he has been open to our input. I decided to post it so that you have an idea of the kind of challenges and the work that is still needed in our region and through out India. I changed the names of the individuals for privacy sake.
"Dear Gourav,
Cathy called us yesterday and shared with us about the situation between Bob's family (I apologize if I misspelled his name) and Anul's family. We have been praying for this delicate situation and praying that Jesus' love and forgiveness would win the day. How did the conversation go?
I know that you are a well respected person within the Bodo church and that you have influence in various people's lives. May God continue to grant you strength, courage, endurance, and wisdom to know how to navigate through this delicate (and probably not the last one) situation.
I was praying for this situation this morning during my time with Jesus and wanted to share a word with you. I hope it encourages you and perhaps at some point, it might be appropriate to share with one or both of the families. I was reminded of Jesus' commission in Matthew 28:18, "Then, Jesus came to them (the disciples) and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
I was struck again by how Jesus commands us that as we make disciples of all nations that we are to teach them to obey everything that He has commanded us. And, I was remembering how many of the things He taught were not the easiest things to hear, but actually quite difficult. As I was praying and asking, "Lord, in this situation between two Christian families, who profess to know you, what do they need to hear and know?" I was reminded of the passage from Luke 6: 27-36.
"But, I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If you someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
But, love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
I know that these words of Jesus is very difficult to hear during this very emotional and painful time for both families. But, I also feel that it is during these very difficult times that we as disciples and followers of Jesus have the opportunity to make the choice that the world would mock at and think is absolutely ridiculous. I also believe that this is an opportunity for both of the families (or maybe one) to really experience the joys that Jesus has for those who obey Him with a willing heart. I believe that there is a great reward (as Jesus promises) for those who are able to love their enemies.
I don't know whether you feel like this word would be appropriate to share with Bob's family, but I want to encourage you to pray about it. I know that I am speaking from a place where I don't understand all the complexities that are involved so I don't know whether these words are appropriate to share currently. But, I wanted to share them with you so that as you pray and consider how to best care for the families, that they are on your mind too.
I understand that the families might not be ready to forgive and will need time to fully be in such a place. But, I think there is a place where mercy can be extended to one another.
We will continue praying for you and your family Gourav. May God doubly bless you as you seek to do His will and to teach Bodo Christians all that our Lord has taught us."
In prayer,
Rebecca
I was doubly struck why Jesus promises to be with us always. To make disciples of all nations and to teach them to obey everything that He has commanded is a daunting task that requires courage and His spirit. The work is plentiful.....
Soon after I sent the email, P informed me that Gourav's laptop was in need of repair and that he may not have access to email for some time. I trust that it will be read at the right time, if God wants to use it.
We learned recently that some of the youths from the church of the young man (I'll call him Bob) who recently committed suicide were seeking to take revenge on the family of the young woman blaming her for his death. Then, we received a phone call asking us to pray because the two families were getting together to talk. Bob's family was asking for compensation and for an apology. The other family was refusing to acknowledge any wrong doing. The situation between the two Christian families were intense and could significantly impact the church and the Bodo community.
I spent a lot of time praying and thinking about this situation. I woke up a few days to spend some quiet time with Jesus before the day got busy, and I felt as though I really needed to write this email and send it to one of our friends who has been one of the main people involved in this situation. We have started working more closely with him and he has been open to our input. I decided to post it so that you have an idea of the kind of challenges and the work that is still needed in our region and through out India. I changed the names of the individuals for privacy sake.
"Dear Gourav,
Cathy called us yesterday and shared with us about the situation between Bob's family (I apologize if I misspelled his name) and Anul's family. We have been praying for this delicate situation and praying that Jesus' love and forgiveness would win the day. How did the conversation go?
I know that you are a well respected person within the Bodo church and that you have influence in various people's lives. May God continue to grant you strength, courage, endurance, and wisdom to know how to navigate through this delicate (and probably not the last one) situation.
I was praying for this situation this morning during my time with Jesus and wanted to share a word with you. I hope it encourages you and perhaps at some point, it might be appropriate to share with one or both of the families. I was reminded of Jesus' commission in Matthew 28:18, "Then, Jesus came to them (the disciples) and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
I was struck again by how Jesus commands us that as we make disciples of all nations that we are to teach them to obey everything that He has commanded us. And, I was remembering how many of the things He taught were not the easiest things to hear, but actually quite difficult. As I was praying and asking, "Lord, in this situation between two Christian families, who profess to know you, what do they need to hear and know?" I was reminded of the passage from Luke 6: 27-36.
"But, I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If you someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
But, love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
I know that these words of Jesus is very difficult to hear during this very emotional and painful time for both families. But, I also feel that it is during these very difficult times that we as disciples and followers of Jesus have the opportunity to make the choice that the world would mock at and think is absolutely ridiculous. I also believe that this is an opportunity for both of the families (or maybe one) to really experience the joys that Jesus has for those who obey Him with a willing heart. I believe that there is a great reward (as Jesus promises) for those who are able to love their enemies.
I don't know whether you feel like this word would be appropriate to share with Bob's family, but I want to encourage you to pray about it. I know that I am speaking from a place where I don't understand all the complexities that are involved so I don't know whether these words are appropriate to share currently. But, I wanted to share them with you so that as you pray and consider how to best care for the families, that they are on your mind too.
I understand that the families might not be ready to forgive and will need time to fully be in such a place. But, I think there is a place where mercy can be extended to one another.
We will continue praying for you and your family Gourav. May God doubly bless you as you seek to do His will and to teach Bodo Christians all that our Lord has taught us."
In prayer,
Rebecca
I was doubly struck why Jesus promises to be with us always. To make disciples of all nations and to teach them to obey everything that He has commanded is a daunting task that requires courage and His spirit. The work is plentiful.....
Soon after I sent the email, P informed me that Gourav's laptop was in need of repair and that he may not have access to email for some time. I trust that it will be read at the right time, if God wants to use it.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Intense
I can't think of another word to describe our last week and a half back in India. I was thinking just a couple of days ago that we have been back only a week, but within that short time period, we heard of various tragic and horrible happenings to people that we know directly or indirectly. It has been intense.
One of our cohort participants committed suicide. We got a phone call informing us of the news and in a couple of hours P was on the train for the funeral. Funerals happen the day that the person is declared dead because there is no way to preserve the body--at least where we are. In the States people have some time (although not very much) to plan the funeral, but here, that luxury does not exist. Before one has the time to even get over the shock of the news of a loved one's death, they have to bury the dead. P did not make it in time for the funeral but he got there in time to spend some time with "Bob's" family and some of his friends. I think the fact that he made the effort to get there spoke a lot to people, that Bob was important, and that his life was precious. P said that it was difficult to see the grief, particularly in Bob's parents. Just a few years ago, they had buried another son who was murdered in Delhi while working as a driver for a very wealthy family--he and the wealthy family's son were kidnapped and killed.
While at the funeral, P learned that some friends of Bob were talking about taking revenge on the woman's family. (Bob committed suicide after a phone conversation with this woman with whom he had been in and out of relationship for a few years.) I guess they blame her for his death rather than seeing it as a poor choice on Bob's part. Perhaps it is their way of dealing with their anger. I'm not sure I understand their response, but our local friend has been working hard with them to encourage them toward forgiveness and acceptance than to go and inflict more pain. It would be doubly tragic to see believers at each other's throat and behaving just like the unbelievers in this tragic time. I've been praying that God would grant him success in his efforts and that through this event, God's grace would overflow, not the spirit of hopelessness and revenge.
In the same week, I learned that a woman from one of our sister church was raped by an unknown drunk man and almost drowned in a pond. The men in the community found the man, beat him, and later turned him over to the police.
A Nepali m--ary, who is blind, was severely beaten by a group of Buddhists, and left to die. He survived, but his life as well as his family's life has been threatened by the same people.
I'm still trying to make sense of Jyoti's death--not only her death but her choice to inflict so much pain to herself by burning herself.....
And, when these kinds of tragedy hit, there is a way in which I feel like life should just stop, but it doesn't. I still have a toddler who is asking for my attention. There are things around the house to attend to. There are emails, phone calls, grocery shopping, and daily life things that require my attention and action. There are lots of people for whom these events don't affect them personally and their concerns are somewhere else. And of course, there are funny things to laugh about as well as things to rejoice about.... Life feels absurd at times....
Meanwhile, it has caused me to think about how P and I will process these kind of difficult events with our children. The reality is that living here means that our kids will be exposed to death and tragedy much earlier than most kids in the States. I'm sure there will be certain things which will be inappropriate to discuss in front of the kiddos, but the reality of suffering is something that we as a family will need to process together.
When we heard of the news of the m--ary who was severely beaten, P and I said to each other, we need to pray right now. It was during the middle of our breakfast eating time and I told Elijah that we're going to pray because someone is very very hurt. To my surprise, he put his fork down, put his hands together, and we prayed. Then, he proceeded to say, "Bible, Bible. Ah-ya (Ouchie)" I realized that he was remembering the Good Samaritan story, so I went and brought the Children's Bible and repeated the story to him. I am praying that the Holy Spirit would begin cultivating in him a compassionate heart toward those who are hurting and that he would be a person who is able to bring the good news of Jesus to the broken world.
Lord, have mercy on us, sinners.....
One of our cohort participants committed suicide. We got a phone call informing us of the news and in a couple of hours P was on the train for the funeral. Funerals happen the day that the person is declared dead because there is no way to preserve the body--at least where we are. In the States people have some time (although not very much) to plan the funeral, but here, that luxury does not exist. Before one has the time to even get over the shock of the news of a loved one's death, they have to bury the dead. P did not make it in time for the funeral but he got there in time to spend some time with "Bob's" family and some of his friends. I think the fact that he made the effort to get there spoke a lot to people, that Bob was important, and that his life was precious. P said that it was difficult to see the grief, particularly in Bob's parents. Just a few years ago, they had buried another son who was murdered in Delhi while working as a driver for a very wealthy family--he and the wealthy family's son were kidnapped and killed.
While at the funeral, P learned that some friends of Bob were talking about taking revenge on the woman's family. (Bob committed suicide after a phone conversation with this woman with whom he had been in and out of relationship for a few years.) I guess they blame her for his death rather than seeing it as a poor choice on Bob's part. Perhaps it is their way of dealing with their anger. I'm not sure I understand their response, but our local friend has been working hard with them to encourage them toward forgiveness and acceptance than to go and inflict more pain. It would be doubly tragic to see believers at each other's throat and behaving just like the unbelievers in this tragic time. I've been praying that God would grant him success in his efforts and that through this event, God's grace would overflow, not the spirit of hopelessness and revenge.
In the same week, I learned that a woman from one of our sister church was raped by an unknown drunk man and almost drowned in a pond. The men in the community found the man, beat him, and later turned him over to the police.
A Nepali m--ary, who is blind, was severely beaten by a group of Buddhists, and left to die. He survived, but his life as well as his family's life has been threatened by the same people.
I'm still trying to make sense of Jyoti's death--not only her death but her choice to inflict so much pain to herself by burning herself.....
And, when these kinds of tragedy hit, there is a way in which I feel like life should just stop, but it doesn't. I still have a toddler who is asking for my attention. There are things around the house to attend to. There are emails, phone calls, grocery shopping, and daily life things that require my attention and action. There are lots of people for whom these events don't affect them personally and their concerns are somewhere else. And of course, there are funny things to laugh about as well as things to rejoice about.... Life feels absurd at times....
Meanwhile, it has caused me to think about how P and I will process these kind of difficult events with our children. The reality is that living here means that our kids will be exposed to death and tragedy much earlier than most kids in the States. I'm sure there will be certain things which will be inappropriate to discuss in front of the kiddos, but the reality of suffering is something that we as a family will need to process together.
When we heard of the news of the m--ary who was severely beaten, P and I said to each other, we need to pray right now. It was during the middle of our breakfast eating time and I told Elijah that we're going to pray because someone is very very hurt. To my surprise, he put his fork down, put his hands together, and we prayed. Then, he proceeded to say, "Bible, Bible. Ah-ya (Ouchie)" I realized that he was remembering the Good Samaritan story, so I went and brought the Children's Bible and repeated the story to him. I am praying that the Holy Spirit would begin cultivating in him a compassionate heart toward those who are hurting and that he would be a person who is able to bring the good news of Jesus to the broken world.
Lord, have mercy on us, sinners.....
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