Work in progress

In my reading through the One Year Bible

I have come to the Book of Ezra where the Jews returned

to Jerusalem to rebuild the ruined temple.

I found this old painting from the Illustrated Bible

I find quite a bit of similarity between the workmen of centuries past and our men-manual labour, using rudimentary instruments.

Like the Jews faced a lot of opposition

and spiritual oppression from their enemies

we also face that on a daily basis.

But as the Lord granted the nation of Israel success,

He will help us finish our task.

A lot of vegetation has to be cleared.

Huge trees with tangled up roots.

We can 't cut the trees but the roots have to be

curtailed otherwise they will break through the new wall

and weaken it.

Sheeba on an inspection round.

The wall behind this man is very old and weak.

The lower part was built by the British.

Namrita and her sons boarded the train this morning.

I called her on her cell phone at 9pm

and she said everything was fine

and the boys were abed in their berths.

They are comfortable in their air conditioned

coach.I am not calling her too much as

she has to pay to receive the call.

She told me that the train is

running on time which is good news.

This is a 100 year old photo of Namrita

flanked by Mom and Pop

and me at the back.

I fixed these ancient photos in these vintage hand carved

photo frames from Kashmir.

Namrita (on top) with Mum and Dad.

(L-R) Namrita, Nam and I the day after her wedding,

I had a Bohemian style of dressing then.

again Nam and I.

The whole day I was very busy and its late night.

The train arrives at 9.30 am.

(In the past two days temperature has dipped

down to the 60s and 50s.

Quite cold for us.)

Have a good day friends.

Sunday Blessings - Ripe Harvest

I took these pictures on a trip to the brick kilns.
These are channa or black gram lentil fields.
You can see the kiln chimneys in the distance.

It had rained that day and
the sky was cloudy.

The fields reminded me of the Lord of the Harvest.

The fields are ripe unto harvest, we need to pray for and assist

in the work of the harvesters.

Below are pictures of a reach out group we have

in Rajendra 's home

Pastor Shay with wife Sunila.

Rampal preaching

2nd from the left is Gudiya, Rajendra' s wife.

Their daughter Chandi

(official name Shristi which means Creation

or New Creation)

turned 5 on Dec 16th

The Pastor 's wife gifted Chandi with her

birthday dress.

We arrived early and Sunila

dressed up Chandi.

They had a little birthday celebration for her. Many believers and their

non-Christian family and friends were invited.

It became an occasion of witness as

we sang worship songs and

a Pastor and a Bishop gave short messages

and several people prayed.
They served us a simple meal of chickpea curry or chole

and bhaturas,( somewhat like Mexican tortillas,)rice and salad

and birthday cake.

Chandi with her cousin.

When I go to their house, the boys come running

to me shake my hand and

say "Praise the name of Jesus". (Jai Masih ki)

and I return that greeting.

Their parents are not Christians

but the children go to a kids Bible club.

Cakes are very special and sacred in India.

Having a cake to celebrate means

you are someone.

Chandi 's cousins, Granny and parents.

I am reading Dr J Vernon McGee 's book,

RUTH, The Romance of Redemption.

Ruth and Esther are my favorite women of the Bible

and I identify with them in some ways.

The story of Ruth the maid from Moab is a powerful and

passionate portrayal of pure love-

the redemptive love of God.

Just as Boaz became Ruth 's kinsman redeemer,

Jesus is my kinsman redeemer.

God became man to save me from sin.

That is what Christmas is all about.

She stood breast high amid the corn

Clasped by the golden light of morn

Like the sweetheart of the son

Who many a glowing kiss had won

On her cheeks an autumn flush

Deeply ripened-such a blush

In the midst of brown was born

Like red poppies growing with corn

Round dark eyes her tresses fell

Which were blackest none could tell

But long lashes veiled a light

And her hat with shady brim

Made her tressy forehead dim

Thus she stood amid the stocks

Praising God with sweetest looks

"Sure",I said ,"Heaven did not mean

Where I reap thou should 'st but glean

Lay thy sheaf adown and come

Share my harvest and my home".

(Joseph Parker -The People 's Bible)