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Yesterday we completed our final day of the seminar in Khurda. It's hard to believe that our mission is two thirds complete! One more seminar starting tomorrow and then back home to our families!

There is an experience that we had yesterday that I wanted to share with you all, especially since this was the focus of an amazing worship service at Emmanuel last Sunday. On the last day of the seminar we observe the Lord's Supper with our Indian brothers and sisters. Being a part of communion as they observe it has been one of the most rewarding parts of this trip. Each time we ask an Indian pastor to lead the observance while Pastor Arnold and I serve the elements. The Lord's Supper has such a powerful meaning to these believers... many times they were so close to God and communing with Him so intensely that they had to be nudged a bit to even know that we were there to provide the elements. While we passed out the elements they all sang this song... it was the same song we heard in Cuttack during the observance. I've never heard anything like it. It sounded like a beautiful blend of Jewish melody with a distinctively Indian flavor. They sang it perfectly... not one voice was out of tune. When the observance was done, the wife of the pastor who was hosting us led them in a song that sent chills up my spine. This too sounded like an ancient Hebrew melody with an Indian twist. Few times in my life have I felt the very presence of Yahweh so intensely that I felt I could reach out and touch Him. This was one of those times.

Today is a day of rest for us. For seven days we have been pouring ourselves out... first in preaching last Sunday and then six straight days of teaching the seminars in Cuttack and Khurda. On this day we will rest, we will connect with God, and we will let Him rewnew our strength for the week ahead. I am so grateful to God for this experience... it has fanned into flame my passion and commitment to persevere through all the trials that lie ahead for me and my family, and to remain strong in spite of what may come...

I have to end with something that made me smile, also related to music. Before the start of each session the pastors sing a worship song or two. Usually it is acapella, sometimes with bongos to keep rhythm. As we were waiting for the pastors to return from lunch and start the worship song, one of the pastors pulls out a HUGE harmonica and starts playing the melody of one of the Indian worship songs that has now become so familiar to us. It was the most surreal moment... to heard this instrument that in my mind is so strongly associated with the Old West in America, playing an Indian worship song... it reminded me that we are ALL made in God's image, and one day we will all get to enjoy this wonderful blending of every facet of who He really is. It gave me a new understanding of 1 Corinthians 13:12... "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

Blessings my friends...

Pastor Steve