church visit.

church visit.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

This morning we went with our friend to visit a church.  This tiny congregation is made up of believers and non-believers who have been reached by the church’s ministry, and their pastor is a man of God who faithfully shepherds his people.

all ready for church.

just a typical drive home — the street is blocked by a performing tight-rope walker.

I am thankful for good health so we could all attend church together as a family.

I am thankful for Martha, sitting close beside me, at long last breathing the same air and smelling the same South Asia smells that I do.

I am thankful for the privilege of worshiping with brothers and sisters who look and talk different from me, but who worship the same God.

I am thankful for men like Pastor P., who have given up comfort and possessions and status in order to take the Good News to people who’ve never heard it.

I am thankful that we worshiped together safely this morning, without anyone coming in and telling us to stop.

I am thankful for those who labored to translate God’s Word into this language.

I am thankful for drums thumping and voices raised high in song.

I am thankful for ceiling fans and cool monsoon breezes.

I am thankful for Arvind, who gave us a ride to church this morning and joined us for dinner afterward.

I am thankful for leftovers and laughter around the lunch table.

So many gifts.