Sunday 30 September 2007

Sunday Blessings


Today a young man called Ujjwal gave the message in church. In his testimony he said he was a drug addict for 10 years.Wanting to kick the habit he went into rehab for a year. It was a very difficult time for him, but he came out of and dedicated his life to God and wants to serve Him.Praise the Lord!



Yesterday I baked brown bread. I used wheat, soya, chickpea,millet flours and Quaker Oates in it. And I threw in our garden honey and Maple Syrup (from Canada) with all the other stuff. Its my own recipe. It turned out really good.We had that with home made tomato soup.I got the picture from the web but my bread looks very similar.


Now I 've got a tandoori chicken in the oven for dinner.Its a spicy roast chicken which you can have with either rice or nan, vegetables , potatoes etc.I got the easy recipe from www.manjumalhi.co.uk her recipies are really good, and easy to make.

Its planting season, so in our garden we will put down potato,onions, garlic, ladyfinger, gourds (lauki, toorai) beans, cauliflower, cabbage,carrots, radish, beets, herbs, (fenugreek, coriander etc.) spinach, mustard and aniseed plus more. We 've already got some stuff in.Tomorrow I will go to buy fertilizers.The above picture was taken earlier this year.

Friday 28 September 2007

Dog Tales

Sheeba is the one on the right

When we ran out of chicken dog food, Sheeba refused to turn vegan. She fussed about the veggie food I was trying to feed her. It was raining so hard I could not go to the poultry shop to get her chicken.So when I fried fish for us I gave her some boneless fish with bread which she enjoyed and rewarded me by killing a little mouse which was getting on my nerves.I had mine-fielded the house with rat poison but it wasn 't taking the bait.So Sheeba had to do the job.Now I 've got her chicken which I have cut up and prepare for her.There was a time I couldn 't even look at raw meat, let alone handle it, now my dogs have made me a butcher.

Isn 't this fellow cute. He the Hutch/Vodafone mascot. I 'd love him for a pet.

Burnt Alive

Dara Singh, 3 others get life in priest murder case
Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: Dara Singh, the man already serving a life sentence for the murder of an Australian missionary and his two sons, was given a further jail term on Saturday for killing a Roman Catholic priest the same year. A court in Orissa sentenced Singh and three others to life for battering to death 35-year-old Arul Doss, a priest of South Indian descent who had been working in the state`s Mayurbhanj district, in September 1999. Eight months earlier, Graham Staines and his children Philip, 10, and Timothy, 8, had died after the jeep in which they were sleeping was set ablaze in a remote village in Orissa by a mob. Singh was first handed a death sentence for killing the three. But in 2005 that was commuted to life in prison after a higher court said there was no evidence to suggest that Singh`s actions alone were directly responsible for the murders. Hindu radical groups, which had complained that tribal people in Orissa were being pressured to convert to Christianity, were blamed at the time for the two attacks. Singh, a Hindu activist, was arrested in early 2000. Staines had spent 30 years working with leprosy patients in Orissa, and his widow, Gladys, stayed in India until July 2004, carrying on his work. She was later awarded one of India`s highest civilian honours. In a press statement she said she has forgiven Dara Singh.

If you can get it ,read this book, Burnt Alive. One of the authors Vishal Mangalwadi is a my friend and brother in Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 1;9,10 the Apostle Paul wrote this ;"We expected to die.But as a result we learned not to rely on ourselves but on God who can raise the dead. and He did deliver us from mortal danger.And we are confident that He will continue to deliver us." (The Message)

Wednesday 26 September 2007

Whispering Heart

Read this on the net thought I 'd share it with everybody.

THE LIVING BIBLE
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant, kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.
Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One day, Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat.
The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now, the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit, a godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly.
He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?
It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.
And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor.
With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.
Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister regains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.
"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"--


Isn 't this something. Although its not easy, specially in my country where we are divided by caste, economic, educational and religious barriers. But it is happening.

Once we invited a group of people from a lower economic background for our Christmas service and a couple (who don 't attend church anyway...they are Easter/Christmas attenders) resented it. We didn 't care.



I came across this quote from a Mumbai socialite living in India not some affluent country-"There is simply too much suffering. So we focus on things we can actually have an impact on, like art and gardening." She really said this.


When I go out ,I come across beggars. It is not good to give alms to everyone.Many of them are able bodied and have made begging a profession.I give to victims of circumstances like the old, handicapped and infirm.There are lots of con beggars (I call them that) and I avoid them.

To discourage con-beggars, I heard my friend, an old Canadian missionary in Chennai tell them,"I can give you money for a meal or two but what will happen after that, try to find work and earn for yourself." She was also very generous.


Last night I saw an HBO movie called Warm Springs. Its based on the life of Franklin D Roosevelt and his struggle against polio.To a physically challenged person like me it was a real inspiration.Kenneth Branaugh played Roosevelt and my favourite Kathy Bates has a role in it too.

I really admire Eleanor Roosevelt, she stood by him, although he was not faithful to her when he was able bodied.

All India is celebrating our Cricket World Cup 20/20 victory. Its special as we beat our arch rivals, Pakistan. We watched the entire match on Monday. It was exciting. We won the trophy after 24 years.

Had lots of rain so its cool.time to plant our winter vegetables.The roses have to be pruned and their roots exposed to the sun.

Sunday 23 September 2007

Sunday Blessings ;On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand All Other Ground Is Sinking Sand

I was trapped in the Slough of Despond


But the Lord drew me out and satisfied me with His goodness.

Thank you friends for praying for me and sending me encouraging words.God has been good to me in helping me work through my tangled emotions.

On Saturday 3 Christian fellowship families visited us at different times of the day.And just chatting with them and having coffee and cookies together was like a healing balm. Everyone likes the coffee I make, its no magic, just the Nescafe ' instant. One of the army wives brought her 20 month old son along and I am like a grandma to the tyke.A real confidence builder!

Had a long talk with my sister and BIL in New Brunswick and they also comforted me, shared their experiences and asked me to be patient.I am feeling so much better now.

For lunch today I made a pan chicken roast with chicken rice, Dal ,poppadoms, yogurt , chapatis etc.And for supper I will make a banana stir fry with fresh coconut.

Today there is a Hindu religious street carnival (pre Dushshera mela) in one part of the city. But the sky is overcast . Hope the rain doesn 't spoil the fun.Our groundskeeper left early as he has to set up a road-side stall of games and toys for his landlord.
Mom has anounced that she going to watch the finals of Indian Idol tonight.The fight is between two young men from North East India.

Friday 21 September 2007

Friday Meeting

The meeting had a negative result. I was the only one who took the side of the AG church. They are so desperate to get a place to hold their services and our church board is treating them with suspicion. They are listening to the advice of lawyers who don 't understand the ways of God.

I have decided to attend the AG church services, to show my support for them.

Later on somebody started a Bible study on the Holy Spirit but I was too upset and depressed to stay on and participate.

Pray for me I am feeling very down and depressed. What is God trying to teach me?

Thursday 20 September 2007

Fill My Cup Lord

Here 's a picture of our church cup and saucer, I think its an antique.

Yesterday I had a lengthy discussion about leasing our church hall to other churches. And I was advised to keep this on the back burner till the city authorities renew our land lease and church trust registration. It will take about 2-3 months.


I tried to match my wits against 4 legal eagles because I really want the AG church to share our hall as they have no place to go.But one has to submit to legal red tape.


I was really very depressed after the meeting.And Pastor Daniel of the AG church was also very disappointed when I broke the news to him on the telephone.An hour later a local Charismatic Church also approached us for hiring our hall for their worship and I had to tell both groups that our hands are tied till we wrap up our legal procedure.


Renting the hall would bring us much needed revenue which would enable us to continue our development work which has come to a virtual standstill.And the AG church was willing to paint the sanctuary and clean our campus of grass and bushes and decorate the hall etc.Apart from this we were looking forward to having fellowship with them.


It seems the Lord is teaching me how to be patient and submit to His will, not to lean on my own understanding but trust Him no matter how upsetting it may be. I have to learn how to wait.Living in this instant gratification world one loses touch with reality.


So please pray that our lease may be renewed quickly and our trust registration may be completed.Very urgent prayer matters.

Pray for me I feel like puny David in King Saul 's armour.I need to exert my faith and put aside personal feelings and emotions.

Wednesday 19 September 2007

First Family Politics

The Chinese first couple in Washington

The American first couple in Beijing

Found these really funny pictures . Sino-American Family politics.
Can almost hear the Chinese Premier say,"Don 't touch my girl'.


Last night the Lord reminded me to censor what kind of comedy shows I watch on TV through this verse from the Bible.

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral, or impure, or who is covetous, has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.Therefore do not associate with them."

(St. Paul 's letter to the Ephesians 5;4-7)

A lot of content on the comedy shows is off color and in poor taste, its pretty disgusting..

In the Garden

Getting the grass and undergrowth cleaned from our campus is pretty hard work.

I want lay a paved road on our property to make things easier.



Its very hot and humid and a lot of electricity trouble , so I 'm unable to come online for a long period.


Yesterday I made home made garlic bread and vegetable soup which left me rather hot, but it was good.These days we are getting our campus grass and bushes cleaned which is very time consuming and expensive as the jungle over grows during the monsoon.
I think Sheeba is on heat .I just cannot get a bridegroom for her, A suitable boy ( liked that novel by Vikram Seth) And even if she had puppies I wouldn 't be able to part with a single one and make my house go to the dogs.

Monday 17 September 2007

Blogaddict

61%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Not bad I should say.Blogging has added a lot to my life.But sometimes I feel like a frog in the cyber world as opposed to a frog in a well.Which has resulted in a huge Internet bill which I really can 't afford.Gotta slow down.

A request to my Indian blog readers. Please can you suggest ways to keep the bill down. I subscribe to a BSNL home connection.Does YouTube increase the bill?

Sunday Confessions

Insecurity and an inferiority complex can lead to a mental bloc paranoia, mistrust and unreasonable behaviour, .I 've also indulged in it , but God has set me free from it and I witnessed others going through the pangs yesterday. I had to be a toe stomper and a peace-maker.

Please pray for a situation in church where people are afraid of sharing our campus with the AG church.On Friday Sept 21st we will have business meeting with both church leaders and our lawyer to draw up a lease contract. Pray for the Holy Spirit to rule over the meeting.

I 'm planning to serve sherbet and cake to give a sweet flavour to the summit. Ha...ha...ha.

Thank you friends for telling that Word Verification is really worth the fuss.I am much more patient with it.

A BIG THANK YOU TO DONETTA who nominated me for the You Make me Smile Award.

Saturday 15 September 2007

Word Verified


Thank You Carol-Ann for supplying the information.You 've taken a load off my mind.I always thought Bill Gates was playing a joke on us.

Friday 14 September 2007

Tell Me Why?

Please tell me why there are WORD VERIFICATION options on some blogs? They slow me down and frustrate me at times. I feel like one of Miss Jane Goodall 's pets.

Are they meant to check our IQ levels, or alphabet recognition skills ?I remember my Kindergarten teacher, a formidable Anglo-Indian lady called Miss Hogg (straight out of the movie Matilda, no just kidding). The Hoggs lived near our house and they had a real tiger skin displayed in their living room.We had a deer trophy in our living room, but the moths got it.My Dad was a hunter. I have his gun, it actually belongs to my grandfather who killed a lion with it. Its a story I have to tell.

Anyway to get back to my query.What is the purpose behind WV?They stress my out.Really. Like some aliens from MIB expecting me to know their language or crack their code.They are not even words to us, so why verify them.

The meeting with the AG church pastors did not turn out very good as some people were quite harsh with them. But they answered all their questions very graciously. I support the AG church and will do my best to accommodate them. Please pray for this. I know God will bless us through them.

Sigh...life is not smooth, lots of conflict bumps in the road.Please pray.

Today the fasting for the month of Ramzan (Ramadan)commenced.It was the first fast for our Muslim maid , Khairoon. She is an old widow lady, slow and not very bright, but very faithful loyal and honest, some what like Jeeves that 's her real asset.I offered to make her a pre-dawn breakfast but she declined as she had brought her food (she sleeps in Aunt S 's room). But for the breaking of her fast I made vadas (lentil patties) and tea.She will not keep the 40 day fast,but only the 5 day fast, symbolic I guess.

Thursday 13 September 2007

Making Music


I must share this really funny music story. Years ago when we had our music group and choir, we used to sing in church services and programs.We used to play the guitar, drums, bass,Indian instruments like the tabla, sitar, flute and harmonium.One of our friends (an absent minded psychology student)couldn't sing but just about managed to play the accordion.

S0 for one of our church programmes I asked him to accompany us with his old accordion and I would play the guitar.We practised two or three songs that we had to sing,and I told everybody the sequence we would sing them in.
When our time came we organized ourselves in front and began song number one.After a few seconds I noticed S was playing a completely different tune on his accordion oblivious to what the choir was singing.As discretely as possible I edged up to him and asked him to change to the song we were currently singing. "Oh really" he smiled and nodded his head clearly enjoying the music, but he could not switch to the correct music.He played the wrong song through out much to my chagrin, and nobody could do a thing about it.It seemed the singers drowned out the accordion because the audience appreciated our song.Thank goodness we were not performing on Indian Idol or something!

Tuesday 11 September 2007

Pie Jesu

9/11 is a day not only to remember those who lost their lives in that particular tragedy but everyone all over the world who has been affected by senseless terrorism. And none of us has escaped that.

I read in a newspaper that India stands second in the list of terrorist casuality toll.

Jesus gave His life on the cross to pay the price for our sins.We just have to accept Him into our hearts to receive God 's forgiveness.

Watch the following video Pie Jesu and receive the love of Jesus in your heart.

Latin
Pie Jesu
Qui tollis peccata mundi
Dona eis requiem
Angus Dei
Dona eis
Dina eis requiem sempiternam

English
Merciful Jesus
Who takes away the sins of the world
Grant them rest
Lanb of God
Grant them everlasting rest

Sunday Blessings

Had a good worship service in church. A college student from the North East state of Mizoram gave a talk in Hindi.Hindi, (our national language) is foreign to the Mizos, but now the younger generation is learning it.After the service I congratulated the young man at his brave attempt.

Afterwards we had a committee meeting to discuss the renting of the church hall to the AG church. Some people raised doubts mainly fear of the unknown and misunderstandings. But we clarified our positive position and encouraged everyone to be willing to take risks and step out of our comfort zone.On Friday, before our Bible meeting we will meet with the Pastors of the AG church to discuss the details.



Went shopping yesterday and on the way back had rasta ka khana- paani poori which are tiny semolina and flour puffs filled with spicy water.Good for digestion.I also got take away dosas (rice pancakes with potato filling with lentil stew and chutney} for dinner.
I found the following piece by Dr Bob Moorehead in an email and I want to make it my prayer and goal.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED
I am a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
I have the Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.
I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.
I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)
By Dr. Bob Moorehead

Friday 7 September 2007

Inspiration

My friend JoAnn from Holland has blessed me with the Bloggers Community Award.I am so humbled.You my friends make my day. Thank you JoAnn.

Saw this amazing story on World Evangelism. Its not only encourages people facing physical challenges but also shows the beautiful relationship between father and son


This story wants me want to go on and overcome my disabilities as best I can.Thank you Patrick Hughes and Dad.

Feeling a sense of loss at the death of Luciano Pavarotti. A legend he was.
Yesterday 's time at the district court was uneventful as the opposite party had to do all the work. We just discussed things with our lawyer. When the lights went out I borrowed a bamboo hand fan and fanned all the grey haired legals in the small office as it was so hot and humid.No Boston Legal or l.A. Law place this was.

On the way home I visited a family living in a financially tight situation because the young husband and wife won 't work. they are living off her retired, widowed mother 's pension.They are irresponsible sloths, they both are academically challenged but they can do blue collared jobs, which we have tried to provide for them, but won 't make a start. They have two small children who go to elementary school. I feel so bad for them.The man and wife treat the old lady very badly and abuse her, she is so helpless she can 't do a thing about it. We help her in whatever way we can. We provided refuge and medical help etc. to her. I took her some clothes and cookies for the children.

A short while ago the Pastors of the AG church visited us, they want to rent out church hall for their services.They are very good people and we hope we can work out the details with them.

Wednesday 5 September 2007

Saint of the Gutters -



Reminds me of the words of Jesus from the Gospel of St Matthew chapter 25.
"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Enter you who are blessed by my Father! Take what 's coming to you in this kingdom.It 's been ready for you since the world 's foundation.And here is why;
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me '.
"Then those 'sheep ' are going to say,"Master, what are you talking about?When did we ever see you hungry and feed you,thirsty and give you a drink?And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you? Then the King will say,"I am telling you the solemn truth.Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored,that was me-you did it to me." (The Message)

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, who died on 5 September, 1997, was popularly known as the "saint of the gutters" for her extraordinary love and dedication to the poor, the homeless and sick people.Today is her tenth death anniversary She received several national and international awards for her dedicated service during her lifetime. They include Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, the Magsaysay Award in 1962, the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize in 1971, the John F. Kennedy International Award in 1971 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.In October 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Teresa, taking her to the final step before she could be declared a saint. The beatification acclaimed the popular nun to be called the Blessed Teresa of Kolkata.

Few years ago I visited the local Mother Teresa Home which is a malnutrition center, with my friend , Shei from Oxford. We were really touched by the dedication and service of the sisters there looking after seriously ill children , some of them were retarded and abandoned by their families.Many destitute parents who cannot look after their children leave them in the care of the home and after they recover being fed and nourished they take them home.Others are adopted by good families.Thousands of lives have been saved.
I plan to visit the home again and take gifts for the children.The kids are so loving they just run to you and hug you.
The Sisters of Charity work in 135 countries around the world.

Teachers Day

Today Sept. 5th is celebrated as Teachers Day . It has been chosen as it the birthday of Dr S Radhakrishnan the second President of India, who was a great teacher .




It is a teachers appreciation day.A day to have fun with your teachers. In most schools normal classes are suspended and the students relax with their teachers. They bring them cards, flowers and gifts.The upper class schools organize parties and gifts for the academics.Many social organizations and government bodies give away teacher awards

On the left you can see pictures of our visit to a small elementary village school owned by some wealthy Muslim friends.They have given a Christian name to the school, as it has more value and popularity.They have employed Christian teachers in their school too.In the above photo L-R Me, Annie (our friend, and coordinator of the school)niece Mahima , her Mom and my sister Anjali, in the front is Annie 's daughter, Meena.

Tuesday 4 September 2007

Hands on - Henna










This is henna art time. Indian women like to apply henna on the hands during festivals , weddings and other special occasions but not everyone.You have to be very patient for the whole operation.
Powdered henna can be bought from the shops but you can prepare your own by making a paste of henna leaves and adding,sugar, lemon ,oil and tea in it.












Here are some pictures of Mahima who was visiting from Canada last year, getting her hands hennaed. Today she starts school.

Mahima had a lot of fun getting her hands done.


You can get henna on your legs, arms and other body parts.

Nani (grandma) has a go at applying henna on Mahima 's hands.






These are some professionally done hands.(Above)


Today is the Hindu festival of Janamashtimi, the birthday of the Hindu deity Krishna. People are celebrating by decorating their homes and temples. A special 24 hour fast is kept which is broken at mid-night.People make special sweets and food.They have religious and social gatherings where pooja (worship) is offered to Krishna.


This morning I made some homemade peanut butter. I put in our own honey ,made by our garden bees and roasted sesame seeds in it.This is much better than the store bought jars.I also made a South Indian sweet dish called payasam, with milk, dry fruit spices, sugar vermicelli etc. Now I 'm going to make a macaroni casserole. Of course for lunch we had Dal, rice veggies and chapatis with salad etc.


They are relaxing the curfew in the sensitive areas for a few hours each day so the people can go out and buy provisions .But processions and rallies are not permitted.In the midst of all this the members of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) who are devoted to Krishna worship tried to take out a charriot (rath) procession. They got into a scuffle with the police when they were stopped.


ANOTHER TOPIC


Several stray cats visit our large campus and Sheeba is really not their friend. She will never do this.


Sunday 2 September 2007

Riots

On Friday night there was trouble in the old Muslim dominated areas of the city,under the jurisdiction of six police stations.

Seems to be politically motivated.Somebody found a torn up copy of a religious book inside a mosque. The media is not allowed to reveal the name of the religious book, but my Mom heard a TV reporter say it the Sikh holy book.There was rioting in the old city and when the police tried to control the situation they were attacked by mobs and they even raided a police station.

A curfew was clamped in various parts of the city on Saturday and all educational institutions were closed. The situation is better and I suppose the curfew was relaxed today.I 'm not sure if the schools will re-open tomorrow. I 'm glad I had bought my groceries on Friday.

On Oct 31, 1984, our then Prime Minister, Indra Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. Massive riots broke out all over North India.Sikhs were being slaughtered and their property looted and burnt.

The government controlled TV had newly arrived in our city and news was highly censored.When we heard about the rioting in our city, my mom and I decided to catch a live glimpse of it.With this purpose in mind we walked down our street with a man servant in tow. Just a short distance we saw Sikh shops being burnt and looted and people carrying off stolen stuff on cycle trolleys.Suddenly a police jeep appeared and gave us a stern warning to retreat home ,our servant being in greater danger of being arrested than us. This was the closest I got to a rioting scene.I was a university student then..People flocked to our house to watch TV, as it was very rare .TV watching used to be a social event.

Allahabad is a very peaceful town,but when politics turns bad anything can happen.

Our church court case hearing is on Sept 6th.The opponents sent a man to make inquires yesterday, but I asked him to speak to our lawyer They are in a tizzy as they cannot prove our land belongs to them.



We had a good church service and communion.


For Sunday lunch I made fish in tamarind sauce with rice.It was a river fish called rohu or carp.