Happy New Year!!

Hello beloveds,

Happy New Year!!!! Its 2009 here in India. And Christy, Ann and I managed to sleep through it. Even with fireworks outside, a bumping club downstaris, and a loudspeaker amplified church service across the street going on at the same time. That is how tired we are. Its a good tired. God has shown us amazing and mindblowing things here.

Yesterday, we visited a home for "destitutes". These are the people in the true margins of society. The elderly, the mentally disabled, the physically disabled, those in need of psyciatric care. There was so much love and compassion here for these men and women who are so often forgotten or swept under the rug of society. Gilgal is truly a God kissed place. I left emotionally drained in response to the outpouring of love and the faithfulness of the staff and the
neverchanging provision of our Father.

Also yesterday, we jumped into the role of management consultants for CVs non profit organization. We are editing books, pushing out newsletters, helping with budget forecasts, and building models and processes that will help the organization grow. This is missions. Missions doesnt have to be living in a tent going days and weeks without showers. Weve been discussing amongst ourselves how God is raising up our generation with a different vision and tangible professional skills that work towards building His kingdom, even here in the developing world. There is such a need for skilled hands to work and beautiful feet to bring the Gospel. And we feel blessed that even in our own limited capacities, God goes before us, and provides a way for us to bless others here for His glory. And through this, our hearts and minds, our very lives, are being molded into something fragrant and beautiful to our loving Father.