Headed Home!

Well, our blog didn't flow too well because we didn't have reliable internet access for most of the trip. But, we do have much to share and will be loading new posts and photos even after we get home. As I write this, it's 10:12 PM Tuesday and we leave for the airport at about 1 AM on Wednesday. Our flight takes off at 4 AM. We'll fly for a total of 18 hours and arrive at Dulles at about 4 PM.

That means I can kiss my wife, hug my kids, take a shower in my home and sleep in my bed beside my beautiful wife. I'm not looking forward to the trip... but I am looking forward to the result!

In the coming days, as Tim and I wrestle with jet lag, we'll post more thoughts, reactions and photos from our trip. You'll hear about how we were asked to leave one village after we had all the equipment set up, but hadn't yet started the Jesus film. We'll also tell you about showing the film under the courtyard pavilion on the grounds of a Hindu temple on the following night.

There are many stories and we'll share them all but right now we have to finish packing and get to the airport. Please pray for a safe return.

Shirts and Skins - Soccer in the Village

I arrived back at the guest house at 3 o’clock South Asia time yesterday from what has been a long four day journey. The first day we went to a village and visited a few of their little store huts.

I was then invited afterward to go play soccer with some of the kids in the village at the local high school which is nothing more than a couple run down little shacks. Our translator broke us up into teams but as soon as he did the head of the village came out and switched the teams making sure to put me on the other team.

I very quickly discovered why. This was a game of shirts and skins and they wanted to know what a white guy looked like with his shirt off. The field that we played on was nothing short of actually being a slip-in-slide covered in mud. I am not a huge fan of soccer and do not even play it back in the states but this was by far the most fun I have ever had with a soccer ball.

Afterward we presented one of the soccer balls to them as a present.

Nailing Jello to the Wall

When the children of Israel grew tired of waiting for Moses, they cried out to Aaron for a God for something to believe in… (Exodus 32:1-8) … He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. They said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” When I read that verse, I have to stop. God had already shown himself powerful to the Children of Israel in so many ways. Yet they turned their worship toward created things rather than the Creator.

On Tuesday, we spend a significant amount of time visiting two Hindu temples. In each place we saw gods made by human hands that were revered, respected and worshiped by Hindus. That’s strange enough… worshiping created things. But when Tim and I sat… for an extended time with a Swami at the larger temple and tried to follow his explanation of what they believe… it was all over the place.

The swami used a logo for his temple/mission to explain that their goal is to reach a point where they no longer have any personal desires. They are all about helping others and wanting things only for others. The hope to achieve this through… dedication, meditation, selfless service and wisdom. The conversation went on for a long time… Tim asked… “So when do you know that you’ve prayed enough?”

Great question! But no great answer.

We received great hospitality and had an unforgettable experience but left there knowing that there’s no truth in their philosophy. We finished the time by going into the temple with the Swami to see the gods… a statue of a man. I was amazed that they were worshiping a statue of a man. We then had an opportunity to share a simple gospel presentation with them using the evanga-card.

Pretty crazy- to be standing in a Hindu temple, with a swami, sharing Christ. But here’s the strange part. There are many Americans whose thoughts and understanding about how they plan to get to heaven/eternal bliss is just as flimsy as the swamis’….. Their faith is without substance and when you try to figure them out and understand what they really believe…. Or compare it to Truth…. It’s like nailing Jello to a wall.

First Observations

It's hard to believe that as I write this most everyone at home is knocked out cold in their beds. It is also just as difficult to describe everything we have encountered already. Streets are crazy with people on top of and hanging off cars as others walk straight through the middle of the highway. The population is immense and the people's need for Jesus is great.

Even though at times we cannot communicate with them, still large crowds still gather just to look at us. We made a stop yesterday in the outskirts of the city and within 45 seconds over 100 people had come to sit by us and watch us try our hand at cricket.

Everything here is done by manual labor and every possible resource people can get their hands on is used. Buildings are put up and held up by bamboo, and gravel is made by crushing bricks with hammers. Today we will be going to talk to people in tea stalls about the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for us as we continue our trip on this incredible journey.

On the Ground - The Adventure Continues...

Greetings All!

Here's a bit from Tim... Today we arrived in south Asia, and not even dad or I were expecting to see as much as we have already seen. Traffic is horrific and is more like an thrill ride with people constantly honking their horns and driving on on the wrong side of the road.

From Mike... Travel went well and we made it to the guest house fine. Got a bit of rest this morning then went out into the city. Amazing sights, smells and experiences! Walked through a market area and saw an unbelievable variety of shops... produce, furniture, meat, fish (still flopping!), household goods... you name it... someone has a shop and is anxious to sell you their wares. When we walk through these areas it is just like the circus has arrived. It's bad enough to have seven tall white guys walking around but add a video camera and a photographer and everyone is interested.

We were able to talk with a couple of English speaking men about their lives and their faith. One had read some of the Bible but really had no concept of who Jesus is. We talked for a long time... about his life experiences. He ultimately asked me to remember to pray for him. I said, "How about if I pray for you now?" Pretty wild. So on a foot bridge over a busy divided highway with about 30 locals crowded around, I had an opportunity to pray for this guy. Who knows how God might water or fertilize seeds that will be planted this week.

Well, there's much more to share but I need to get some sleep... it's 10:00 PM here and it's been almost 72 hours since we had real sleep. I'm learning that most of the sleeping you do on planes just doesn't count.

Thanks for your ongoing prayer support and encouragement. We have many photos and much video we hope to share but internet connection is a little iffy. We'll try to post more as soon as possible. Perhaps in the morning.

Serving Adventurously, Mike and Tim

Thank the lord food has been provided!

My mother is the best cook in the world, but when it comes to packing snack bags she packs them a little to light for my taste. So I talked to two other women who are snack bag packing experts, our neighbor Mrs. Shires and my grandma. Both came at different times yesterday with a snack bag for dad and I. My brother Ben came in the house not much later and saw all the food spread across the table. His immediate next comment was "I want to go on a missions trip." My sister has been trying to sweet talk me all day into leaving the candies at home with her.

Peparing for Fun

Yesterday, I had a chance to go buy a couple soccer balls for our trip. Our group had decided that it would be cool if we could have a couple soccer balls to take over and just give away. Just being able to play a short game of soccer with some kids will be a great way for us to share the love of Christ.

We did have to deflate them so we could pack them, but I especially am looking forward to pumping them up and kicking them around!

Lifelong Memories

Excitement is building. We're gathering remaining items on our packing list. Our team leaves for South Asia late Saturday evening. I'm so overwhelmed by the many things that need to be brought to closure before the trip that it's hard for me to see beyond this afternoon.

Even in the busyness, I've shared our pre-departure story with several men over the last couple of days. They enjoy hearing the plan and how God is already working... but there's a consistent comment that captures and holds my attention.

"This is an experience that you and your son will share for the rest of your lives."

Remember, I just said that it's difficult for me to see beyond the afternoon with so much to do. But when I do take a breath and look beyond this afternoon to imagine what we'll be doing next week, I get excited. Then, when I extend my glance further I think about sitting with Timothy years from now telling and re-telling the story of our mission adventure in 2010.

I'm sure we'll remember frightening moments, excited moments, humorous moments, embarrassing moments, surprising moments and difficult moments. But what I hope most of all is that we will experience God moments. I hope and pray that Tim and I will experience a real sense of God's hand on this trip, and experience together the wonderful joy of having Him work in and through us!

...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

We all have memories of various events and experiences that have shaped our lives. I'm optimistic about and thankful for the fact that Tim and I will remember this adventure together for the rest of our lives. And I'm already wondering about what mission adventure I'll share with Zach and Ben and what Stacy may share with Hannah in years to come.

New Shoes

Since it is considered polite to take off you shoes upon entering someones house in South Asia, Dad and I decided to get some snazzy new sandals the other day. We thought shoes without laces would make it much easier for us to slip our shoes on and off when we go to met people. The only problem is that we both wear the exact same size shoe and he decided to get the same pair I got. So by the time we get back I wouldn't be surprised if I end up with his shoes and he ends up with mine.

Preparations are underway for our mission trip to South Asia. This is a test blog to keep you updated on our preparation.