If you haven't been watching the news and maybe specifically CNN-type channels or keeping up on internet news sources, you probably have gotten only passive accounts of what's been going on in India. I started watching on Wednesday afternoon, had to drive somewhere and did not hear any of the radio outlets talking at all about what was happening in India [including NPR, KCBS, KGO].
I think it's safe to say that since we were just in India... and ate lunch at the Taj Mahal Hotel just last week, the events have been very surreal. We walked in the square right in front of the hotel where the Gateway of India is. Mike got fooled twice by street salesmen selling baloons alongside the bay in front of the hotel. We also had an opportunity to spend our 2 days after our time at BFM in Singapore. But instead we opted to take in more of India and spend it in Mumbai.
For a few years, I've felt like God has been wanting us to be in India. But I can't say that I knew why, in what capacity and even where exactly in India. So this trip was very much of a listening trip. We listened to pastors share about their struggles. We listened to the heart and passion of the Bishop. We listened to Dalits share their perspective of life from the bottom of the caste system.
But our bigger work might be listening to what God has for us after this time in India. I'm not much under the sway of superstition or overly active in stitching together events to say "Look at what God did!" But I sense that the recent attacks in India are confirmation that we need to continue our relationship/partnership with our friends in India.
Because of the rather light security in the airport, I joked that India wasn't going to get hit by terrorists. But it seems like there are a few signs that point to more activity in the future… mind you I’m just learning about the political environment in India…
- More terrorist cells finding refuge in Pakistan;
- Traditionally and historically tense relationship between India and Pakistan;
- India’s strong relationship with the West including the US and Great Britain;
- Increasing persecution by Muslim groups of anything connected to the West, including Christians and those outside playing a role to support work among Indian Christians; and
- Increasing persecution of Dalit [low caste] Christians by Hindu Militants.
And as I ponder/pray/listen, I sense God has a reason for us to be there during this season in history. I won’t presume yet that Dave will be leading civil rights marches through New Delhi or that Kalam will be the forerunner in empowering low caste families to live healthily turning the tide of oppressive generational patterns. Or that we’ll bear some of the physical pain that our friends are enduring. But, hey, I wouldn’t put that by God either. Dave has the political passion/fortitude and Kalam has the heart and insight. And I have some spare limbs. And I know a few more who have limbs to spare – Billy.
But I do presume that God is showing us what is going on in this part of the world and it would be a travesty if we don’t continue down the rabbit hole, to see what God sees and to see what he’s doing. I think that much is safe to say.
I know this is kinda cheese… but writing the last sentence reminded me of this exchange between Neo and Morpheus [The Matrix]:
Morpheus: I imagine that right now, you're feeling a bit like Alice. Hmm? Tumbling down the rabbit hole?
Neo: You could say that.
Morpheus: I see it in your eyes. You have the look of a man who accepts what he sees because he is expecting to wake up. Ironically, that's not far from the truth. Do you believe in fate, Neo?
Neo: No.
Morpheus: Why not?
Neo: Because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life.
Morpheus: I know *exactly* what you mean. Let me tell you why you're here. You're here because you know something. What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad. It is this feeling that has brought you to me. Do you know what I'm talking about?
More reflections to come… thanks for listening [reading].
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