Wednesday 18 February 2009

Weekend

Last weekend I went to a prayer meeting at the Bible College.
It was the culmination of 3 days of fasting and prayer
before the launching of a new project.
Believers from all main denominations got together for prayer.
There was preaching of the Word, worship
and prayer.

The meeting lasted two and a half hours longer than expected.
Sitting on the hard un-padded bench I felt sorry for these
mothers with infants.

This little girl right next to me fell asleep on her mom 's knee.
And when she got hungry, mom covered herself with her sari and nursed her! The kids were so quiet and patient. it seemed older people
like me were wriggling in their seats.
_________________________

Last week there was a wedding in our neighbourhood.
These are people from a lower economic group and having no place
to hold their reception they had it across the street on the pavement.
I took a photo of the dinner buffet
outside my gate.
Could have gate-crashed!!!

16 Fertilize my soul:

Teresa said...

Amrita,
I like your new background. The photo of Mt. Rushmore was funny! What a lovely example of patience in those mothers and children. I don't know of anyone that actually fasts here - it's not taught in our churches anymore it seems. Perhaps you could blog about how it is taught there?
teresa

Felisol said...

Dear Amrita,
Three days of fast. Did you also take part in that.
It must be a mighty sacrifice.
Wonderful meetings where the mothers can bring their children.
I remember from my childhood in the Pentecost Church, we were there my brother, my cousins and others.
It might last till half elevenish, but we actually had fun.
The church was our second home, and only rarely did we get any scolding, even though I often deserved it.
We loved and tolerated in a way rare in today's society.
We were not sent out to another room, we were welcome in the fellowship.
Thanks for a good reminder of times gone.
From Felisol

Sita said...

Hey Girl,
I hear ya...in TT we used to have meetings that went on..and on...as youth, we always could ways to amuse ourselves though...at this age, it might be kinda hard esp. on wooden benches...we in the west could take an example of the importance of fasting and prayer esp. in this age...do take care..
Love, Sita

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Amrita :)

Fasting is good not only spiritually but also from the health point of view. But to fast for 3 days really calls for a great determination and strong will.

To bring children to such prayer meetings is good because it will be a training for them right from their young age. Of course,for mothers to bring very small children and to take care of them while participating in prayers and sermons is quite a tough job. These mothers are to be congratulated and surely God will bless them.

The people conducting the wedding may be poor but they are doing it in great style.

Many thanks for sharing this interesting and inspiring post with photos.

Have a nice day :)

Annette said...

I have fasted for people who are sick and I felt great doing it! Isnt it wonderful when people from different faiths can come together and know they are all there for the same reason, the love for the Lord!! I have been to 1 Indian wedding and they are just stunning, the colors are so bright, I found it to be a very neat experience I am sorry about the lost of friend, but you know in heaven he is well and feeling great! but I feel for his wife and children and will pray for them.
I think you should have went to the wedding, when ever a celebration is in call for, people find a place to celebrate and those people did. Thank you for sharing your world with me!
Hugs
Annette

LisaShaw said...

Thank you for your prayers on my blog for my healing my friend. God bless you.

Deare Diary said...

Amrita,
I have been to revivals like that before. When God is blessing, time flies by. It is amazing how God will move when we fast and pray. He honors our sacrifice. I enjoyed this post.
Judy

Pia said...

hi amrita. i'm so glad to be back blogging. this is just quick announcement. i have a new web addy. i also have a giveaway - my first ever. hope to see you there. =D

Julia Dutta said...

Amrita,
How very lucky! You know what I have decided that perhaps I am the most wicked in God's world. Although I had planned to spend a year doing Gods work, I have resorted to doing nothing! I will never move Amrita! I need Gods grace badly :(
Julia

John Cowart said...

When I teach I want the folks to leave hungry for more rather than anxious to get it over and get home.

Rushmore looks better than ever before.

We had a few people "gatecrash" our daughter's wedding; they added to the party. Next time go; bet you'll be welcomed.

John Cowart said...

PS: Fasting is one of the things the Lord told us to do in secret. I'm good at that. Just take a look at any photo of me. You'd never guess how much I fast!

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

What a lovely blog ye have! And it is fascinating to get a glimpse of life in a different culture. We have many doctors in our city from India and their clinics are decorated in such a beautiful style. I think one of the cutest things is to see a doctor in a sari with a white lab coat over it! Both their new role and their homeland is honored!

David Edward said...

your prayers make a difference
I will pray for your country today as I drive, and for you, as I cook my bean soup. God bless you sister!

the new song is "Who let the saints out?"

Michelle said...

I love reading your stories. It's so different than it is here.
3 days of fasting is a long time.
It is interesting how your neighbor had their reception right on the pavement.

Kimmie said...

My family was praying for your meetings...so glad they went well!

Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted

Amrita said...

Thank you friends for your comments. I really enjoy reading what people think in different cultures.

Religious fasting is very common in India.
Our Hindu friends have all kinds of fasts.Don 't ask me how many...they can pick any festival or day of the week dedicated to a diety and observe a fast.

The Muslims have their Ramadan and other minor fasts.

Lent fasting is popular among Christians.Others fast on Fridays or Saturdays.
I have fasted looking for particular answers to prayer and have received them too.A family disaster was averted when both Anju, Prem and I fasted one day a week and prayed. The Lord was gracious to us.

The mission I have received nourishment and disciplining in (UESI)holds regular fasting days to pray for our country and outreach.On the main national holidays we either have fasting and prayer days or an outreach program.

John I love your comment. You are just holding fast.

Hi Dame Penniwig, you are such a creative lady. Thank you for the header i got from your blog.