Well here I sit in the Kolkata airport awaiting a flight in the middle of the night that will take me to Frankfurt and onwards to Winnipeg. Oh Kolkata, the City of Joy! I’m not sure there is a more fascinating city on the face of the planet, as I find myself marveling at the streets on every corner I turn down, struggling to understand how does one explain this city to those who have never been there.
And I don’t know how to begin to explain the myriad of emotions that have accompanied my trip back to this fascinating land. And as I write this I think I must be quite tired as it’s been quite an intense, hectic few weeks. I say tired because as I boarded the plane in Dhaka this afternoon, before we were even off the ground, from a few rows back came some of the loudest, intense snoring I had heard in a long time. It just went on and on and I just couldn’t stop laughing. The poor stewardess was trying to give the safety routine before takeoff and she was fighting back a laugh as she was shouting over the sounds of snoring. And I just couldn’t stop laughing – so yes I was thinking, man I must be tired. Sure hope the guys not on my overnight flight to Frankfurt!
But yes the emotions – what I have all encountered in the last few weeks – how do I capture it in a few short thoughts? I have sat with the persecuted church (the very ones we read about in The Voice of the Martyrs), I’ve sat in villages where the name of Jesus has never been heard, I’ve shared with individuals who are so new to the faith from such different backgrounds, that they know virtually nothing of Scripture and who Jesus is. I have received incredibly humbling hospitality. I have stared at a memorial to a young man martyred for proclaiming the gospel, I have seen absolute joy and delight shine from the eyes of those who the world would say have nothing, but who have been chosen to proclaim the wisdom the world sees as foolishness. And in spite of some intense opposition are doing so with a joy that is so beautiful and refreshing. I have sat with those who have such a passion for the gospel and the lost that I have felt rather weak in my own proclamation of truth. I have shared close fellowship with these individuals realizing a fresh the beauty of the body of Christ – those from every tongue, tribe, language and nation – made as one through the cross.
I have walked some of the most fascinating streets on God’s planet, eaten some of the tastiest food on the planet, walked and driven amongst some of the most wonderful creation. Time and time again as I’ve just taken in the sights, sounds and smell of the city streets here, I have reflected on how quiet and uneventful Winnipeg and my own street will appear upon returning.
God has been kind enough to take me to places that were so special to me 22 years ago. This week I was in northern Bangladesh – very close to an area that 26 years ago I walked through the rice fields with my backpack on my way out of Bangladesh headed for India. He has taken me to the Howrah train station and across the Howrah bridge – a bridge I walked across with such fondness 26 years ago (the place of City of Joy for those of you familiar with that book). Simply walking through the streets of Kolkata again, sipping a cold Limca (a local soft drink) from one of the little street vendors has been a delight, as was the evening we stopped outside at an outdoor truck stop drinking chai and indulging in the local deep fried snacks, taking in the warmth of the evening.
God has been kind enough to bring me back and allow me to meet some of the church in the very countries that played such a huge role in my own discipleship. All of this reminding me that God has been so faithful over the past 26 years. It was here that He encountered me and revealed His truth to me so clearly – and in His kindness He brought me back – reminding me that God is so faithful and has proved that over and over again in all those years.
Seems I could probably write for a long time on some of these thoughts but I wish to not bore you, plus a plane to Frankfurt is waiting. But if you are interested do stay tuned, as I’m sure many more thoughts will continue to emerge as I come back to Winnipeg and carry on my journal – probably from a Starbucks. That is one thing I sure do look forward to – a huge cup of that good, bold coffee!!
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