June 1, 2004

Dear Friends,

May was a significant month for India in light of the national political elections. Orchestrating elections in the largest democracy in the world involved careful organization, creative campaigning, and at times intense community demonstration. It was an interesting learning experience for us as we listened intently to conversation surrounding the election. The “India Shining” campaign of the ruling BJP party proved highly unpopular to the millions who could see little evidence of light within their lives. The election result proved to be a shock in light of original predictions, with the Congress party claiming victory. It was a reminder for us of the privilege of exercising one’s right to vote, and the power that the people have within the democratic process.

Two particular stories touched us deeply. During a morning devotion one of the men spoke of how hard the people of his community worked the land for nothing in return. He reflected emotionally that even the promise of fruit coming from hard labor on cursed ground (Gen. 3:17) seemed to be a forgotten promise in his community! Was God with them in their toil?

Another reflection told the story of members of a Dalit community who had recently been awarded financial compensation through the courts for the loss of their land. The money was sent to the local authorities for distribution. As members of the community went to claim their compensation, many were arrested and detained in the local prison. Legal documents confirming the rights to the award were collected during the arrest, and have since been lost! Many of those arrested remain in prison at the time of writing.

These stories remind us that the voices of many of our brothers and sisters across the world, and across the community in which we all live, go unheard. May our ears, our hearts, and our hearts be open to those who need to share and find support in the telling of their stories. Achan Thomas John is the India coordinator for the PC(USA) Joining Hands Against Hunger program. If you are interested in learning more about this worldwide program, visit their site on the PC(USA)’s Worldwide Ministries Division Web site here.

As our time in India draws to a close this August, we are looking ahead to what is next. Adrian has been accepted to work toward his PhD at the University of Edinburgh School of Divinity in Scotland. This new season in our lives will bring much cooler temperatures and quick accessibility to Adrian’s family, who all reside in England and Scotland. Julie is pursuing work as a pastor within the Church of Scotland. We are excited about this new venture, and ask for your prayers as we anticipate a transition from India, back to the United States, and then on to Scotland.

We will return to Texas in mid-August so that we can visit friends and speak to churches throughout the presbytery about our experiences in India. If you are interested in having us come to your church, contact Jeff Finch at the Grace Presbytery office, or send us an email.

Blessings and Peace

Adrian and Julie