Today we went to church with our friends. I was able to attend their worship service in Hindi. I only stayed for the music and then joined the children’s area where my friend was serving.
I really enjoyed the Hindi worship even though I had no idea what they were singing. It was probably some of the most genuine worship I have experienced. I know at one point they were singing a song to the King, because I heard the name Rajah. They were lifting their hands in the air and smiling. Some of them were even dancing a little. But they were truly dancing for the one true God, quite the transition from last night’s dancing. I teared up watching them, desiring to worship with sincerity, and the joy that they do every Sunday. We… I…take for granted the gift we have been given in worshipping with our church family and singing praises unto the Lord. These people truly know what it means to walk in darkness and find the light. The know firsthand what persecution is like…. and they love God with their all.
The other cool thing I observed was the men worshipping with such enthusiasm. The women were also joyful, but the men were most expressive. I loved seeing men be the spiritual leaders in worship, and for all of the children present to see them worshipping God. I think sometimes (not all of the time) it is flipped in America. You see men more reserved and private about their worship, and the women more open and expressive. It was really special to see it in reverse.
Lyla was also watching and observing everyone. She also danced a little. However, she was most interested in the snacks that the little kids around us were eating. What can I say…the girl loves some food!
After the music portion of worship, Lyla and I slipped downstairs (3 flights of steps) to the children’s area. They sang songs, did crafts, and shared a Bible story through puppets. Lyla had a big time. But again, I think snack was her favorite part.
She is the one in the purple in the back.
After church Lyla and I had lunch and took a good Sunday afternoon nap. Then we got of the house by riding with a friend while she did some shopping. Shopping in India is so fun, but also dangerous. Everything is so inexpensive… so I feel the need to buy it.
Don’t tell Scott, but I bought a few little items. 🙂
Good night! I hope to sleep tonight, Navratri seems especially loud!
Day 2 of Navratri is about purification… (taken from guide)
The second ‘Navadurga’ is Brahma- charini, the goddess of purity and austerity. According to the myths about this goddess, she did a lot of penance and prayer so that she could become the wife of Shiva. Since she was so devout, her wish was granted. People believe that she also helps her devotees to obtain what they desire through piety and austerities. Devotees, particularly women, are encouraged to follow her example of piety and purity. The goddess is worshipped in the space dedicated on the previous day.
Many who are spiritually seeking are longing for purity. Many Hindus think of sin as ‘impurity’. How might this affect how they understand the gospel? What do we need to do to receive purification from Christ? Search your own heart for unconfessed sins, then pray that Hindus would know the cleansing power of forgiveness in Jesus. In a culture where it is often difficult to confess sin and be truly open before others, pray that people would be willing to open their hearts to Jesus and be humble before others about their sin. There is also a lack of culturally appropriate counseling, and due to gossip, many people are unable to share with anyone about their hurts and hidden sins. Pray for the Lord to send laborers to help with these needs.
This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:5-9
Prayer Points:
Praise God for the cleansing power of his blood!
Pray that Hindus would come to know the only One who cleanses us from impurity and frees us from the bondage of sin and karma.
Pray for more openness and confession in the lives of devotees of Jesus in the Hindu World.
Pray for more culturally appropriate counseling and inner healing ministries.
Pray for the unreached Hindu people group – the Yadavs.
Yadavs are a caste comprising of milkmen, cowherds, cattle breeders and laborers. There are approximately 55,471,000 Yadav spread all over India and Southern Nepal. Yadavs may also be businessmen, teachers, doctors, engineers and political leaders. More recently, Yadavs have become politically influential in India, and those that were landowners are often very wealthy. Yadavs are often devotees of the god Krishna. Pray for more workers to reach out to this vast unreached people group.