May 1, 2004

Hello friends!

Peace to you in the name of Christ!

The month of April began with a powerful journey through Holy Week. As the week progressed, we moved closer to the cross and closer once again to feeling the depth of God’s love. Immanuel Church offered services each day, culminating in a three-hour Holy Friday service. Even though this was not a state holiday, it was powerful to witness people come for Friday worship in the heat of the summer sun. There were so many worshippers that a tent was erected outside the sanctuary to accommodate everyone. That Friday evening, as we were in our apartment, we were especially moved to hear simultaneously the Muslim call to prayer from a Mosque around the corner, chanting from a Catholic procession on the street below and to smell incense burning in our Hindu neighbor’s apartment next door. We continue to be humbled by the diverse ways people worship. Easter day was a day full of worship celebration along with a community musical concert that evening by the Cochin Minstrels, an excellent choir made up of members from Ernakulam churches.

The beginning of April marks the summer season in India, and therefore many of the normal routines and activities change until June 1, when school begins again. This month we were teachers for vacation Bible school, both at Immanuel Church and also at the YWCA. It was a challenging and growing time for us as we co-taught children from ages 8 to 14 on current social issues such as poverty, racism, and gender while studying some of the Old Testament prophets. As usual, the kids were also great teachers. Their enthusiasm and willingness to ask difficult questions made it a fruitful week for us.

This past week the Immanuel Youth and other church volunteers have been back at the Karunalayam Children’s Home to finish the painting project started in March. The group from First Presbyterian-Fort Worth helped complete the kitchen, dining hall, and girls’ bedroom, and this week we have attempted to complete the upstairs rooms and the entrance hall. With one more day to go, it is hoped the work will be complete before the children arrive back from holiday on May 3. In recent weeks the home has purchased a water filter, which will save on fuel costs to boil the water to make it safe for drinking, and repaired much-needed fans within the classrooms. It is indeed a challenge to manage and maintain a residential facility for 95 children!

Recently, a three-member delegation from India visited Grace Presbytery. We pray that many Grace churches are now even more connected through the partnership. Currently, Achan Thomas John is also visiting. Thomas serves as a pastor in the North Kerala Diocese, is the chairman of the Karunalayam Children’s Home Committee, and is also connected to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Joining Hands for Hunger program and Young Adult Volunteer program. His visit to Texas is yet another link between the church in India and Texas. If you are interested in learning more about the partnership or would like to become more involved, contact the Grace Presbytery office.

On May 1 we welcome the Reverend T.I. James and his family to Ernakulam to begin their ministry at Immanuel Church. We very much look forward to serving alongside Achan James and continuing our friendship that began in Texas. Please pray for Achan James and his family as they settle in to their new life in the midst of Immanuel Church.

We look forward to another busy month ahead, and expectantly await the rains that come in June. Blessings and peace to all, and thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf,

Adrian and Julie