The merging of two paths!

26 years ago I wondered this land amidst the temples, the places of worship and the deep spirituality of this country and came upon the words of Jesus in the gospel of John.  The ministry has gone a bit rough, and everyone was taking off on him and Jesus asked 'do you guys want to leave as well?'.  And Peter responds 'where will we go, no one else has given us the words of eternal life'.  As a young man trying to figure out my way through life those words pierced my heart and I knew from then on I would forever be a follower of Jesus Christ - as I felt much like Peter did.

26 years ago something else happened in this land.  A ministry began under the direction of a man with vision, and the result has been thousands of people coming to know the same truth that I discovered while journeying here.  This work has been impacting the villages here in eastern India and God has been doing an amazing work. 

This week those 2 paths merged, as I am back in India and have had the chance to spend 3 days meeting the pastors of some of those churches - and have had the opportunity to hear their stories, encourage them, pray with them, hear about some incredible hardships they've gone through - and to gaze into the absolute joy and delight I see in their eyes as they lead these churches here.  Amazing to think our journeying together to this week in some way began all those years ago.

As a young 22 year old I wanted to come back to India the day I left, always thought God would bring me back here -struggled at times with why He didn't and why He left me in Winnipeg (yes it's a great city, but not one I had thought I'd be in years ago!!).  But God is so kind, merciful, and faithful.  His timing is not always our timing - but it's the perfect timing.  I have encountered individuals and churches and villages I may not have otherwise - I've seen God do some amazing things I may not have otherwise.  So God's incredible faithfulness has again been on full display for me as I have seen the blessings He's poured out on me by bringing me back when He did!

Had the privilege of being in and sharing with the folks at Carey Baptist Church in Kolkata this morning - a church that is over 200 years old.  I am staying in a house that is over 200 years old, dating back to the time the British were here.   Rather astonishing as I think on that.  During my travels here I read a biography on Carey as well as reading a book on the history of India.  To then walk in these buildings and places that have been described in this book is rather awe inspiring.  It was rather an honor to stand in the pulpit today of where William Carey preached (yes that's the picture!), and think of the amazing ministry this man had here so many years ago - and to visit that ministry today that is still carrying on. 

Off to Bangladesh early tomorrow morning - but I think before that will have to be one more walk through the streets of Kolkata - might be another thing you wish to put on your bucket list!!