February 7, 2006

Dear Friends,

It has been a busy fall with travel and ministry throughout the region. In October, Tom was in Mizoram, India, to teach in the master’s of theology program at Aizawl Theological College perched in the beautiful Lushai hills of northeast India between Burma and Bangladesh. This is the home of the Mizo people, who first welcomed Welsh missionaries in 1891. Since then, Christian faith and culture in Mizoram have become inextricably intertwined. This integration was spurred by the great spiritual awakening of Wales in 1904 and spread to Mizoram in 1906 when revival not only deepened faith, it inspired praise and worship to the beat of the tribal drum, spirit dancing, and the composing of hymnody to the poetic structure and meter of the Mizos.

Socially and politically, the connectional framework of Presbyterianism helped to unite the tribes, which brought an end to 30 years of warfare between the Mizos and the government of India. Today, to meet the spiritual and practical needs of the people, Mizo society is organized in and through the churches.

Sundays are set aside for worship services morning, noon, and night, and nearly all the businesses and restaurants shut down. Church members begin to gather about half an hour early to sing and dance to the Mizo beat and hymns. By the time services start, sanctuaries are generally full even up to the balconies.

While there, Tom preached in small villages as well as in the capital city of Aizawl. In one church, revival was in full swing and chairs had to be set up outside. Some even gathered on the roof to peer in from the upper windows. It may be truism that no one ever complains about a sermon being too short: not in Mizoram. Upon recognizing Tom at the Aizawl airport, a guard mentioned to one of the Aizawl faculty that he had heard Tom preach and though he enjoyed his message, he wished he had preached longer.

At the December synod meeting in Aizawl, Tom represented the Presbyterian Church of Singapore. He gathered with pastors, missionaries, and representatives of churches from across India as well as other international guests and church representatives invited to the Synod.

The choir was 500 strong, with a full orchestra. We were awestruck by the beauty and power of the music. Impressive as well was their prayer ministry. Every day from 4:00-8:00 a.m., groups fill the huge church simply to pray, which may help explain the incredible mission outreach of the church that supports 28 full-time missionaries and gives partial support to hundreds of others.

On arriving back from Korea, Tom flew the next day to Malaysia to give a series of talks at the Seminari Theologi Malaysia on maturity and ministry. This was a way to renew ties with former students from Trinity who now work in Malaysia.

In a follow-up to our last newsletter, while in Cambodia last June, Tom met a Christian man suffering from paralysis who had been reduced to living in a small tent due to his home’s destruction in a storm. His neighbors had dismissed his plight as a curse for becoming a Christian. Since returning to Singapore, we have been working to remedy the situation. Please join us in rejoicing that Mao now has a roof over his head and his neighbors have seen the goodness of God’s love in difficult times.

Judy continues to teach English as a second language and leads the international Bible study group of some 40-50 women. Her experience with cancer treatment has continued to be a source of healing and care for those in similar situations. Recently we met with a student’s wife diagnosed with breast cancer. Not only was she anxious about the cancer but struggling with how friends had backed away from her following the diagnosis. Judy’s presence and wisdom were a real comfort and help.

Joe was home for Christmas from Davidson, and we enjoyed his appreciation of family that only a time of separation brings. We only had him home for a couple of weeks before he had to return to the States to play for the Davidson orchestra. Keep Joe in prayer; last week he injured his eye and though it appears no permanent damage was done he was in the infirmary for nearly a week and had to miss some classes.

Paul and Emma both had parts in a local production of “Narnia.” It was fun, but also a lot of work. Paul awaits news about his college applications. So far so good, but he still awaits replies from a couple of schools. Emma continues her interests in drama and music at school and regularly attends a dance group.

May this new year be a blessing to you all.

From the Harveys
Tom, Judy, Joe, Paul, and Emma

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 126