India day 11

We are flying! The first flight from Hyderabad to Dubi was probably the worst of my life. I sat on aisle which is usually where I like to be. I was seated next to a woman with a child. The kid was about two years old. She was Indian and did not speak hardly any english. I just smiled and decided to make the most of it. The next several hours were very trying. The child would sleep in her lap or on her tray table. The problem was his length extended beyond her lap and seat. Therefore I traveled with the baby's feet and legs across half of my lap. The baby was a restless sleeper and I was kicked in the leg, stomach, and groin. We actually shared my tray table for the meal, yes both of us ate off the same table. Again I just smiled and tried to be understanding. The real kicker came when the baby would wake up. To keep the child from screaming she would whip it out and nurse the baby. Now I am all for nursing. All three of our kids were nursed. But next to me on a plane with cover up is very uncomfortable!
The next leg is Dubi to JFK New York. This is a LONG flight. It was comfortable though. Brent and I got to share a whole row, four seat together. So we could stretch out and relax. I got to sleep a little and watch several movie.
I hope I can post this when we land and I will once again be on US soil. I love to travel but there is nothing like to feeling and security of being back in the US.
I have really enjoyed this trip. I have learned a lot. I have also met some incredible people. I hope I have shared a little with you of the experience. If you would like to know more and learn some of the details just let me know. The Indian people have a very important aspect of life - Tea Time. I learned this week that no matter how busy you are there is always time to stop and have Tea. I would love to sit down with anyone and just have some Tea while we talk!

india day 10

The last morning. I actually slept very good last night. I got up about 7:30 this morning and relaxed around the room today. I packed everything up and got it all ready to depart this evening. We split up this morning and went to seperate homes. The youth leadership team really wanted us to come to their houses and meet their families. They are some amazing guys that love the Lord.
I got to go with Soloman to his house and meet his mother. We got to share and talk together about ministry and future family. He drove me around on the back of his motorcycle. When we got back to the church we went and did a little bit of shopping. We wrapped up our time with a big lunch at the Dining Hall restuarant. They have the most amazing grilled chicken. It was our team, the youth team, and pastor David and his family. We ate 15 whole chicken between us. It was awesome!
We checked in at the airport and went through all the security. At one of the checkpoint I had to empty my pockets. I had a bag of chili lime sunflower seeds. I don't think they had a clue what they were. He took them out, rubbed them around in his hand, sniffed them, and put them back in the bag. When I got around the corner I threw them away!
Time for the long long long long flight ahead.

India Day 9

Wow! This bed is really starting to hurt. I woke up this morning with a numb arm. We left for the pastor's conference and stopped for breakfast on the side of the road. I watched them cook. It was kinda like an Indian Waffle House outside.

When we got to the village, Brent spoke about prayer and taught them about prayer walking. It was a new concept to almost all of them. We then divided up into groups. My group was me, Spurgeon (a friend from the Baptist Church that goes with us and helps translate), and a pastor I became friends with yesterday. We connected because he drives a Kawasaki too. We met a couple of kids in the street we prayed for then they followed us everywhere. We met a man who was sitting outside. He is 78. I prayed for him in English then the pastor broke out and shared the gospel with him in Telaguge. I then got to pray for three young guys then found out that they were muslim. I was shocked. I guess a big white boy walking down the street is so strange that even they were curious. After the prayer walk the pastor's all can back and shared. It was an amazing time of testimony. I got an opportunity to teach for the next hour or so. Thank you all for praying for me. I know I was nervous but when the time came I really enjoyed it. As we wrapped up the conference it was encouraging to see and hear so many of those in attendance sharing about what they will be taking it back to their churches.

Tonight we met with cooks at the church to learn to make briyane again.  It was a great experience and the food was again wonderful.  Afterward, we sat around with the leaders of the youth ministry at the church. This is a great group of Godly men that have a strong desire to serve e and be used by God.  It was a privilege to sit and talk with them until late in the night about their dreams and questions. As I beginning to look back at the trip and process everything that I have experienced, I am reminded of my favorite verse 1 Thessalonians 2:8. This week we have done a lot of things, but some of my favorite times have been the discussions, meals, and time with families and individuals.  It has been refreshing to see so many people that just want to get to know me and to sit and talk about the things of God.  I think I will miss this part the most.  I know that when I get home, the schedule will start again with a lot of going and coming, the sacrifice is the time to sit with people and understand their life and experiences.  I would love to be able to do this each and every day with the people in our church, to discuss and dream about the great things that God can and will do!  Anyone want to give it a shot?

India Day 8

This morning we got ready to go to the village and lead the pastor’s conference. The schedule and sleeping conditions are starting to take their toll on me. The bed seems to be typical it is a plywood bed with a thin cushion similar to what you would find on patio furniture. I am getting a sore back each night and my shoulder and arm really hurts. It is hot when we go to bed; fortunately we have a fan to move the air. It cools off later in the night and I have to cover up with my towel. I know many of you have asked about my sugar level. I stopped taking my malaria medicine and my level dropped down significantly. It is still not great, but it is more normal for me. My vision has also improved again.

When we arrived at the village I was surprised. My thought of "going to a village" was what I have experienced on past trips to other countries. My expectation was a remote area with a small concentration of people. Instead the population here is so great that the people and structures go on continuously. So we are here and it looks like we are still in the same place. There are 24 pastors and we are teaching them about reverence and trust of scripture, overcoming discouragement, and their role as pastors. It is hot and we are sitting on a concrete floor for the next 6 hours. Lunch is with the pastors as well. There are 16 men sitting around the wall on the floor of a 10 x 8 room. It is sweltering and as usual we are eating with our hands. They are making fun of me because I do not do it right.

On the way back to the church the traffic it bad. It takes us 2 1/2 hours to get back. It is not really bumper to bumper because of the way they drive. There are no real lanes.  Traffic going one direction is on one side and traffic going the other way are on the other side. Sometimes even that rule does not apply. So bad traffic would look more like a log jam. When we arrived at the church the service had already started. I got to preach tonight. Then we went to the church president's house for supper. Tomorrow is our last full day!

India Day 7

Sunday is here.  I have been up much of the night praying about what to speak on.  We load up in the vehicle and drive to the first church. Jeff is going to preach at the first church we stop at.  He is a very gifted communicator and he speaks with such ease in the pulpit.  The church is a small building with the pastor, his wife, two other ladies and 4 children in attendance.  We later found out that there was a funeral where many of the church members were attending.  We left to go to the second church.  I was the preacher. We were running a little behind which was a relief for me.  Most of you know how short I speak anyways. So hurrying up was not a problem.  It was a packed room with about 30 people attending. They wanted to take lots of pictures with us after the service.  The third church we went to was the largest there were 60+ people in the service. Jeff and I each spoke and brought greetings (a big deal in most every service we have been in) Then Brent preached.  After Brent we had the Lord’s Supper.  It was one of the highlights of my trip so far. It was extra special because I knew that in just a few hours Eastside would also be celebrating the Lord’s Supper.   Next they collected the offering and I was asked to pray over the offering.  It was an awesome service.  We returned to the main church where we are staying and learned some of the plans for the rest of the week.  I was asked to teach the youth service tomorrow night. I guess I will be up late tonight studying and searching for the right message.

Tomorrow we will be going to the village about two hours away.  We are leading a pastor’s conference for 40- 50 pastors. I know I will be teaching, but I am not sure what the topics will be.  I think we will get a feel for where they are and what questions they have and then pray for wisdom and guidance to teach.

The end of our day today was special.  We went to Silas and Elizabeth’s house.  Elizabeth taught us to make Briyane tonight. I am anxious to try and cook it when we get home.  The time was also good to get to talk to Silas in his home with his family.  He is an incredible person and has such a heart for God.  My heart broke for them as they shared about trying to have children and seeing doctors.  It has been five years.  We talked about Mother’s day and God’s timing.  I was happy to encourage them, but greatly missed Sherry tonight.  She has such a heart for that area and I know she would have been able to minister to Elizabeth 100 times better than I was capable.   It is amazing how God brings people together even from different sides of the world.

India Day 6

Well today was the big day for the church. Many of the volunteers were up till 3am decorating and then going again at 6 am. Everything kicked off at 10 am. The atmosphere is a lot like the worship time at youth camp, but it is an all day event with the only break for lunch at 3 pm. The major difference is that these people are sitting on hard benches, with no AC, and no big projection system.

The hardest part is communicating. Most people speak English but because of the culture some things make sense to us but don't go over well here. For instance I led the game gorilla - man - gun and I am sure it looked funny, but the participation was zero. Instead I got a lot of puzzled looks. Pastor David was gracious and said it was great, but I feel like I missed it. Preaching is also difficult because during the preaching parts the Americans are asked to use a translator. That makes it had to get into a flow and you really have to watch out for words that are slang that might not translate well.

The highlight of the day for me was the decision time. We got to pray and counsel with many people. One specific lady I prayed with wanted to be baptized. Baptism is a huge step here. Some people take years to follow through with baptism. She wanted me to pray for her husband. He started drinking and stopped going to church. He also flushed their only Bible away.

The day was LONG. We registered over 5000 people. Many decisions and a lot of excitement for the Lord.

India Day 6 1/2

Some of you may be asking what happened to day six.  I promise to upload the missing day soon. The internet availablity is sketchy and yeasterday was a full day. I fell asleep sitting at the table for supper last night. (they do not eat supper until 10 - 11 pm each night) We did have a great day at the youth rally and I cannot wait to share it.  Please pray for me today I found out right before bed last night that I will be preaching at a church this morning. Talk about being stressed out.  My stomach is in knots. I did hear this morning that Bama is beating Florida right  ow, but I do not know who is on the pole!

Sherry - i miss you and hope to be able to call soon.  I hope everything is going well with the kids.  Enjoy the weekend. I love you so so much!

India Day 5

Last night after the concert we sat at the table with a lady who is a state senator in India. She was very curious about American values especially our youth. We talked for a long time and I left feeling as though in comparison we have lost much of the family structure that is core in this culture.

We stayed at the hotel last night since it was late and everyone was tired.  It gave us a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed with a hot shower. I enjoyed it so much I took two showers! (Sherry would be proud) I have not been sleeping very well at night, probably because I do not have anyone to snuggle with.  Once we got to the church I met with Pastor David who wanted to know the details of the games I had come up with.  I have managed to come with three options: Gorilla – Man – Gun, Thumb Wars, and Digits (a hand number game I thought up).  Pastor David was happy and asked if there were anymore.  He would like to have 6 games tomorrow. I have no idea what I will do now.

I had a chance to sit and chat with the gate guard today.  I did not understand much of what he was saying but I shared pictures of Sherry and the kids and I think he told me all about his family.  I then got a great opportunity to pray for him.  We also had a lady that Jeff was able to counsel and pray with.  We helped decorate the church almost all day today in preparation for the youth rally tomorrow.  They estimate between 5000 – 6000 people will be here tomorrow.  The courtyard is covered by a huge tent to seat the overflow outside.

I got to have a great experience today.  A few of the guys let me and Jeff take their motorcycles for a spin.  It was so intense.  The bikes are not real powerful, only 150 or 250 cc, but the traffic is insane here.  They drive on the opposite side of the road. The right of way belongs to biggest vehicle and loudest horn.  There are no traffic laws. The road is filled with everything including: people walking, motorcycles, three wheeled taxi cabs, cars, busses, bicycles, trucks, vans, hand pulled rickshaws, and I have even seen a few wagons being pulled by cows. Scary but oh so fun.

My night is coming to a close now. It is about midnight here.  There are still a lot of people decorating in the church.  I am sitting outside watching an intriguing process.  In the courtyard sit six men in a circle.  Next to them is a stack of about 75 freshly slaughtered lambs.  They are butchering the animals.  Working in pairs, one will quarter the whole lamb and the other will skin the fat and cut up the meat and bones.  They are preparing for the briyani tomorrow. They waste none of the meat.  It was truly fascinating to watch them work.  Pray for us before you go to bed tonight.  It will be dawn here and it is a big day for the church and the city of Hyderabad.  Pray I will get enough rest. Also pray for Brent, he is one of the main speakers tomorrow.

India Day 4

I am physically in India, but tonight I find my mind drifting back to Marianna. When I spoke with Sherry today she told me about a friend and church member, Murray Whiddon. Bro. Murray is fighting cancer and the battle is not going well. I have been praying a lot for both Murray and his wife Phyllis. They have both been so loving towards me and my family. He is an amazing believer and a true servant of Christ. I do not know what their future holds, but I pray they both experience the incredible peace and presence of God.

Today, we began with breakfast at the senior pastor's house. It was a great time to sit and talk about ministry and just share life together. I really enjoy the two men with me on this experience. They both have a heart for people and a desire to be used by God. Later in the day we came to the hotel to get ready for the concert. The concert is a big deal for the church.  There are several hundred people here and many of them are important officials in the city. Everyone has been on edge today because the high court in India was set to make a ruling that involved a 60 year old case over a disputed worship site in another part of the country. This site is claimed by muslims, hindus, and seeks. If I understand right the decision was handed down this afternoon. So far there has not been any major disruption here in Hyderabad.

The music at the concert is incredible. Jeff sang my favorite worship song! I have met so many people that my mind I'd on overload with trying to remember all the names. Afterwards we are having a huge buffet here and getting to stay the night at the hotel. I am excited about the soft bed and hot shower. This is a very nice hotel and would rival some of the finest hotels in the States. However, down the hall from our room on the sixth floor you can look down on a city block of people living in tents, shacks made of scraps, and some just under a tarp. The contrast from where I stand in luxury to the slum below reminds me of the contrast and disparity in this country and really throughout the world. It also reminds me that despite economic situation, cultural background, skin color, family status, or natural talents there is only one common and equalizing truth in this world. We all have a need for a savior. No matter what our differences we all can experience the love and grace of Jesus. I hope you will spend some time today thanking Him for Grace. Thanks for praying for me and join me in lifting up the Whiddon family.

India Day 3 continued

It is about 11:00 at night here. We are fixing to eat supper. There are probably 30 of us in a dining hall. We are at a hotel that is hosting a big church concert tomorrow night. They have been practicing for the past few hours. Jeff and I got a tour of the hotel while we waited. I don't think I have been in a more upscale/modern hotel before.  The food we are going to eat is called bryiani (I think that is how you spell it). It seems to be a very common dish. Everyone eat with their hands which would make those of you who are germaphobes freak out. Fortunately my parents will tell you that I have never had a problem eating with my hands.....

Ok so I ate the Bryiani. It was good. It was a rice that was very spicy and had pieces of lamb and chicken in it. They serve it with something call "roadies" that it kinda like tortillas. I had a full plate and I am now stuffed. We are heading back to the church to sleep on my board.

India Day 3

In India it is 7:00 at night. Which doesn't sound bad, but my body says it is 8:30 in the morning. To top it off I have only napped a little this morning and a little on the plane. Speaking of the plane...when we arrived at 3:00 this morning we went through the immigration line. When it was my turn, there was a problem. I noticed the lady had my passport number written down before I got to the counter. She called a gentleman over who escorted me to a little room and interrogated me for about twenty minutes. They eventually let me go. It was very scary for a little while.

We went to the church and rested for a little while then started meeting people. The one thing culturally I have noticed different from the US is the role church plays in everyday life. We seem to have the approach that church is an important part of our spiritual life. We go to church to learn and build relationships. For most of us church is a segment of our lives.  Here the people I have met so far have a different perspective. Church cannot be separated from their lives. In front of the sanctuary there is a courtyard. Many of the people we have met congregate in this courtyard. They come and go but life seems to revolve around the church. I have met several guys who have taken off work for the upcoming youth event. They are proud and excited. Seems that sometime in America we use any excuse to not be at church. I think we may be missing what community and the "body of Christ" is about.

I am learning to be patient and flexible. The culture here is a lot of hurry up and wait. It goes against my blackberry scheduled lifestyle. Maybe I am here to "be still and know that He is God".

Pray for us that we will get the rest we need. Also pray for me health wise. My sugar is extremely high (383) and I believe it is effecting my vision. I think that it is a side effect of my malaria medication so I stopped taking it to see if it gets better.  One last thing, Saturday, I have to lead a game time at the conference for 5000 -8000 people. I have no idea what I am going to do!

Today I was reminded that I am a fat guy. At least I am bigger than the micro corrals the airlines house you in while you are flying. At one point I had three stewardesses standing in the row in front of me stuffing me from the front while a fourth greased up the arm rails from the rear. And why do they bother putting a back row of the plane? If they would eliminate the back row and use the space to store more drinks then no one would be forced to hunch over and sniff the hair of the person leaning back in your lap, and they could serve more than one 12oz coke per six rows. Of course they would need something bigger than a medicine cup to serve it in.

I think it is funny, but I have had a good day. I have been to a new place and I am focusing on "going with the flow". There are four of us in our team. Me, Brent Allen, Jeff Spooneybarger, and Jeff's nine year old daughter Hannah. We have had a good time so far and are about to board the plane for the overnight trip to Dubia.

Thank you all for the prayers and encouragement. I do not know when I will update or communicate with the outside world again, but I did have a huge hamburger for supper. It will be the last beef I have until I am back in the states!

The Adventure Begins...

Well in the morning I will board a plane to head off to an unknown land.  I think I am packed and I have weighed my luggage about ten times!  I just hope it doesn’t gain weight overnight.  I am still unclear exactly what I will be doing to entire trip.  For those that know me best, it is the unknown and lack of details that will be my greatest challenge in the next few days.  I am told it is part of the culture, but it is outside of my personality.  So more than anything pray for my flexibility.  I have tried to prepare as much as possible and I am anxious about what God will teach me. 

Tomorrow, we leave Pensacola at 11:00 am we arrive in India on Wednesday at 2:00 am.  I will spend over 21 hours in the air.  I hope the people I sit next to are pleasant and smell nice.  Hopefully, I will be able to update this blog often during my adventure.  Maybe I can even put up some pictures too!

Shot in the arm

Today hurt! Not really but there was a slight stick. I got my shots today. The first one was for Hepatitis A and B the other one was for Polio. I must admit I thought Polio was some ancient disease that kids used to get a couple hundred years ago. I guess we just take some things for granted.  Like not having to be educated about some of the illnesses that effects other parts of the world. Sometimes being blessed causes us to forget about the plight of others. I also got medications for Typhoid and Malaria. A few weeks ago my travel visa was approved and now I am medicated. It seems like all that is left is pray and wait.

Open Doors

What an exciting opportunity! I can honestly say I never dreamed of going to India.  If truth be told I am a little scared about going there now.  However, I do not think I have ever had God open doors of opportunity so easily in my life.  When the opportunity was presented I felt that stirring to check into it a little further.  When I shared it with Sherry I thought she would say why would you want to go there…instead she said I think you should go! (maybe she just wants to get rid of me for a few days…HaHa).  I asked a few guys at church to pray with me about it before making a final decision and they replied with encouragement to step out and go.  I wondered about the finances and God has used some incredible people to more than provide.  After years in ministry and many trips I am used to the bumps and glitches that are always present.  The problem is thee have been none! I don’t know what to think about that.  I have the normal concerns: it is far away, will I be able to communicate (no spanisho in Indio so I might have a problemo), will I like the food, will I be safe? the strange thing is everytime I come up with a question or concern, God has a way of answering it or showing me just how insignificant it really is.  So, it is exciting, and scary, and humbling all rolled into one amazing trip.  Please keep praying for me and for Sherry and the kids.  We really need it!

India???

A few weeks ago, I was invited to be a part of a mission trip to India at the end of September. After spending time in prayer and talking it over with Sherry, I decided that God was leading me in this direction. I am amazed by how He presents opportunities and makes the way possible.

The dates of the trip are September 27 through October 6. Our mission team has been asked to partner with Baptist Church Hyderabad for their October 2^nd One Day Youth Retreat which is a large, city-wide outreach the church does each year targeting Indian nationals ages 15 – 30. Each year they have between 8,000 and 10,000 in attendance.   In addition, we will be preaching in multiple churches on Sunday, visiting branch church pastors to pray with them and encourage them, teaching seminars on how to share your testimony, and teaching seminars on how to counsel people making decisions for Christ. We know that God can change lives, including yours, through this mission trip.

We will greatly need your prayer support as we go. Even though I have led multiple mission trips to places like Mexico and Guatemala, this trip is a challenge for me and takes me out of my comfort zone. I will be traveling to a country which I know very little about and have never experienced before, and I will be traveling with people who I have never met. My family will need your prayers as Sherry needs strength to be Mom and Dad to our three energetic children during my absence.

 

Your encouragement is always a blessing to me. Whether you stop and speak while we are passing in the hallway, or you pick up the phone and call me, it does my heart good to know that someone is thinking of me and wanting to encourage me. I cannot tell you how much that means to me. There is a lot of work to be done between now and the time to go, and your encouraging words are greatly appreciated.

I have seen God work in many ways on former mission trips, and I am confident and excited about what He will do on our trip to India. Lives will be changed for many people in the mission field and those back home who have given of themselves to make this trip possible.  Thank you for your love and support!