Chai With Leonard

THE WORLD'S GREATEST ELECTIONS

2009-03-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Of course I do mean that! India is having its general elections in just a few weeks time. With a population of over one billion India is the world's LARGEST democracy. And so, logically, our elections are the world's largest. And perhaps the world's most confusing and complex. We are a multi-party democracy unlike the USA with its two major parties, the Republicans and Democrats. Oh no, here we have many "major" parties and scores of important regional parties and several other parties based on ideologies, religion, economics, caste and what not. Ballot forms (balloting is now all done by electronic machines) have a multitude of names as each constitutency seems to be contested by a dozen or more candidates. Campaigning is based on issues that effect local voters - The price of rice, the building of a Temple, the promise of freebies, and so on. Well there is also the GROWING middle class voter who is looking for a better way of life and for him the issues deal with global economics, the environment, justice, equality and so on. But it is a mixed bag whether you talk about issues or candidates or parties.

And meanwhile the campaigning goes on. One word to describe it? MAYHEM. Grand mayhem. You can look at it from any perspective. For me it is at times great entertainment - accusations and counter accusations, sometimes petty, sometimes serious. Preposterous charges levelled against opponents. Frustrating slogans and counter slogans. All the makings for either a top notch comedy film or the opposite genre of real horror. But at times for me the campaigning is saddening as I see what some possible outcomes could be - a greater focus on one religion, a return to a closed society, or a future marked by chaos.

BUT THEN AGAIN, I look up and I am heartened by what I see, and allow me to list these, please. FIRST, I see democracy at work and not communism or a non-people oriented system. We are a FREE PEOPLE and no doubt about that. Thank God for that same democratic base and that same freedom allows me to preach the Gospel loud and clear on television and through other media, and allows me to worship my Lord in the manner I choose. That IS heartening is it not?

SECOND, This is not our first elections for we have been having them since we became independent in 1947. Yes elections may be mayhem and chaotic but when the dust has settled the country plunges forward through whatever government is chosen and whatever system is put in place. And in a bumbling and fumbling way we remain a democracy; we have moved ahead economically to become a serious world player; we lead the world in computer software technology; our doctors and nurses are highly sought after world wide; and we have NEVER had a revolution or martial law. Isn't that something to boast about? Sure, and I am proud of it.

THIRD and most importantly, over all of this, over the whole scenario is the reality, and my belief, that there is a Sovereign God watching and guiding the universe through His Loving power. He is aware of the affairs of nations be it India or the USA or the UK. He has His own agenda and time schedule. He knows best! No, this is not just resignation on my part, a Que Sera Sera attitude, whatever will be will be! No, and rather, this is a recognition of my God's love and care over all His creation and the realisation that being part of His Kingdom on earth, the Body of His Son Jesus Christ, He has me, and all His children, under His watchful, loving eyes. He is there for us. He is there for our nation. He is the Lord of all. And that includes my country, India.

And so on election day I will go to the polling booth and cast my vote, exercising my democratic right and privelege. I will do so after praying about it. And I will do so thanking the Lord of the nations, that He is God over all. He is Lord over even my country, Indi

To VALENTINE or not to VALENTINE

2009-02-14T04:15:00.000-08:00

Strange title is it not? Grammatically incorrect. But I am working on this blog on Valentine's Day, 2009. And I am watching the news. All over India there have been some incidents of protests and demostrations AGAINST the observance of this day of love and affection. And since we are a vibrant democracy there have also been demonstrations IN FAVOR of the occassion. Some anti-Valentine demonstrations turned ugly while some pro-Valentine demonstrations were humorous and unique - like mailing thousands of pieces of PINK feminine underwear to one of the more well known anti-Valentine leaders. So back to the question, to Valentine or not to Valentine?

As a teacher of cross culturalism and anthropology, and through experience, and above all through studying the Scriptures, we know that no one culture is superior to another. Not even an advanced, modern, neo-technological culture like that of the west. On the other hand, certain components of culture may be evil and even inherently wicked - like ritual temple prostitution, etc. Similarly there may be some forms of celebration on Valentine's Day that could be ungodly in nature. Christians should make decisions based on whether the LOrd will be glorified through our Valentine's Day - or any other such occassion's - celebrations.

At the same time I rejoice that the Lord has, first, created us as creatures with the ability to choose, and then, second, guides us through His Holy Spirit that we can make correct choices. In all of those cultural areas where perhaps doubt creeps in, the Glory of God principle is best: Choose those cultural activities that would glorify the Lord. So whether it is Valentlne's Day - or any other such celebration - we should seek to bring Glory to His Name.

Well how did I celebrate Valentine's Day? Actually we celebrated it the NEXT day (and finished up this blog after the celebration). We had a special Church service; roses were given to all couples present; we sang some traditional marriage songs; and I preached a special sermon on love, focusing on the thought that for us Christians every day should be Valentine's Day, as we daily share our love, which is the love of Christ in us, with others.

We had a good time this Valentine's Day. Hope you did too.

Till our next chai time blessings! Leonard and Pam

LOST LUGGAGE - Lesson in Simplicity

2009-02-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Pam and I arrived in Chennai on Jan. 16, after changing planes four times, running to catch our flights both at St. Louis and Chicago. Bad weather - no, foul weather - no, horrible weather - made us run to catch flights in both those places. We made it all okay, but one piece of baggage did not. It stayed back in Chicago. Daily phone calls, long distance communication,desperate emails, got no results till six days later the airline declared it lost. First there was extreme frustration as we tried to recollect all that was valuable in the lost baggage. But then we began to realise that we could actually do without ALL the suitcase contained and we could even get duplicate copies of important documents that were in the baggage. Though we would have been compensated for what was lost, yet its REAL value (not the monetary value) began to appear as not so valuable after all. Clothes were in there but I had other clothes. So with toiletries and books and so on. Suddenly it appeared that we had too much of things and could live with less. And it dawned on me that in many parts of the world people are burdened with an excess of things or stuff that they could easily live without. The apostle Paul said we should be content with what we have. Jesus, in the parable of the lilies of the field, said that our Heavenly Father would take care of our needs. Needs not wants.If Christians the world over learned to live with less then all the excess could be used to help those who are truly in want, those refugees and displaced persons, those who have had economic reversals, and those who live in abject poverty, I was humbled as I contemplated these things and realised that even without the lost luggage I was still truly blessed.

Then, a week after our arrival, the luggage was found and delivered to us. My attitude changed to rejoicing. I thanked God for the lost baggage and eagerly checked my "valuables'. Yet, the cotemplation continued, "I could simplify my life - I can do without some things."I am trying to follow that now. Its February and time for TV studio recordings, and evangelistic travels and college teaching. We need prayer for all of this and prayer that we would keep our lives uncluttered by excess things."Thank you Lord for what you have given us.

"Lord, teach us to be satisfied people, not yearn constantly for more."

Till our next chai time Leonard and Pam say Bye and Blessings.

INDO-PAK Friendship - Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All Men

2008-12-30T14:10:00.000-08:00

In my last blog I spoke about the terroist attacks in the city of Mumbai, India. I referred to it as an evil act, by evil people. It was an evil act of cowardice for most of the over one hundred people killed were innocent folk. It was an evil act fuelled by hatred and deep seated bitterness. How should we react to such situations, especially since we too love our country and are deeply hurt when we see the devastation and destruction wrought against it? Should we retaliate with vengeful thoughts or plan destructive actions?

On a beautiful Sunday evening last month, in Indianapolis, I stood before about 40 Pakistanis. I stood there to break the Word of God to them. We sang together (or rather they sang for my Urdu and Hindi is non-existent); we prayed together; we even ate together (delightful Indian and Pakistani cuisines). No vindictive comments nor nasty remarks. We were simply brothers and sisters together in Jesus. We were bound to one another by the common salvation brought to all men through Jesus. And because of Jesus we were all part of ONE family and belonged TOGETHER in the Kingdom of God. And at the end of the evening we shook hands and we embraced. And all this is only because of Jesus - the PRINCE OF PEACE.

More than two thousand years ago the angel declared on that night when Jesus was born - Peace on Earth . . . Goodwill to all men. . . And indeed when men come under the blood of Jesus through faith in Him and obedience to His Word, then Indian - Pakistani friendship is possible. And further too - American - Iraqi, or Arab - Jewish brotherhood. Seems a pipe dream? Absolutely not for though it sounds both simple and simplistic yet it is real and Pam and I experienced it that Sunday evening in Indianapolis.

The New Year is upon us, a whole year of living - 2009. In our individual lives and church living and in all the contexts of life, let us THINK in terms of peace and ACT in peace. It can happen as we allow the peace of God flood us first. As we have peace WITH God and then peace IN us then we can promote peace, as much as possible, AROUND us. May His peace overwhelm you in this new year.

Till next time - Leonard

TERROR IN INDIA - Muslim terrorists attack Mumbai

2008-12-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

An evil act by evil men in an evil world. That was my definition for the terrorist acts on 9-11. And I think that holds true even now. A former student of mine asked me by email as to WHY India's financial capital of Mumbai (formerly BOMBAY) was the target of the Muslim terrorists. There was no need for an elaborate answer as to the pros and cons and for analyses and speculations about it. The political and religous and even amateur gurus have had their say and are still philosophizing on what happened. The questions seem perpetual - what happened, why did it happen, will it happen again, and on and on. But underlying it all is one fact that is so often overlooked by the world in general. There is sin in our world and as long as men are in bondage to that sin then evil acts will continue.

Is that oversimplification of such a terrible incident? Or is it spiritualizing it so that the reality becomes more bearable? Absolutely not. It was real. It was devastating. It was suffering. It was DEATH.

For three days Mumbai burned. Its two largest hotels were turned into shambles. Its small Jewish community were almost obliterated. Foreign tourists enjoying India's famed cuisines in restaurants were shot to death. Innocent passers by were gunned down. Brave commandos were brutally sprayed by AK 47 firings. And over 150 people were left dead.

Just a number for the newspapers - 150 or more dead. But behind the figures there are women who were made widows and children left homeless. And a rabbi's baby suddenly left in an alien country with no parents. That is the tragedy of terrorism. The tragedy of sudden bloodshed in unexpected places.

Blame the politicians or blame the historians. Take your pick. Only one answer makes it all clear. Though it seems so trite to say so, the bottom line is that the Peace that Jesus came to earth to bring is NOT in the lives of the majority of the world's population. Its the Christmas Season, the season of joy and peace. Where there is no peace and no joy and no fulfillment of the Lord's agenda there will be violence and bloodshed. There will be no peace.

Pray with us for our beloved land of India. Pray for the city of Mumbai. Pray for peace in our country and elsewhere. Pray that the Lord of Peace and His Message of Peace be speedily proclaimed around the earth.

Till our next chai time. Leonard

Children who love Jesus

2008-11-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

Pam and I arrived in the USA on Oct. 24, late in the evening. Less than 48 hours later I was in the pulpit of Cornerstone Christian Church in Brownsburg, IN, preaching the morning service for their Missions Fair Sunday. What an excellently arranged event - so full of evidence that this was a church that has a heart for missions and is serious about world evangelism. And what a lovely and warm and sincere welcome we received. Jet lag was forgotten as we basked in great Christian fellowship. And then somthing happened. No, nothing negative. A great demonstration of love took place, a demonstration by children who love Jesus. A young Sunday School teacher gave us an envelope which was kind of heavy. You know why? It was filled with bills and coins amounting to $ 99 plus. Donated for the work of the Kingdom in India through SWE, by fourth and fifth graders. And our hearts filled with an almost tearful joy. Children who love Jesus and therefore love His Kingdom, and again therefore love their neighbors and further, therefore, are concerned about their salvation. Thank you fourth and fifth graders of Cornerstone Church and thank you Cornerstone brethren.

Incidentally, I spent a week in Manila, Phillippines from Oct. 13 to 18, teaching at one of my alma maters, Manila Bible Seminary, a seminar course on ASIAN THEOLOGY. This was a Master's level course and I had good students and a lovely time. Returned to India, spent just two days there and then on to the USA and those wonderful folk at Cornerstone.

You can contact me through my cell phone number: 417 621 5374. We will be around for a couple of months and then get back to India. I have an assignment at the National Missionary Convention at Tulsa, OK, sharing in a workshop there. Come visit our booth there.

Till we meet for chai (tea) again. Leonard

RIVER JORDAN WATER IN INDIA

2008-10-07T23:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, water from the River Jordan in Israel did get to India - via a two liter plastic bottle that originally contained either Pepsi or Coke or some other soft drink! One of our faithful church members had gone on a packaged tour of the Holy Land and come back with souvenirs that included mud from the Dead Sea, water from the Jordan and pebbles from Jerusalem. Good reminders of an enjoyable trip. But she had other ideas for these souvenirs, good ideas. She and her husband come from a village about 50 miles from Chennai and they donated a piece of ancestral land there for a church building. I was asked to break ground for the laying of the foundation stone and so rather early one morning, last week, Pam and I drove to the village for the ceremony. A goodly crowd had gathered indcluding Hindus. I turned the earth with a shovel; bricks were laid in a shallow pit over which the memorial stone would be placed, and water poured in to settle the bricks. Then appeared the Jordan water. I had no idea that she had brougnt this water from Israel and had a purpose for it. But with great ceremony I poured the water into the pit with appropriate comments and then

threw the pebbles from Jerusalem in. But what would the Hindus think? Invoking magic or claiming a miracle? So in my little exhortation I spoke of how the Jordan water was mingled with India water from the village well - in the way that Jesus the Son of God mingled with humanity becoming thereby the Savior of all mankind, regarless of who they were. The non-Christians were wide-eyed as they listened. We prayed for the project to proceed well and dedicated

the plot and the building to come to the Glory of God and to the extension of His Kingdom in that village. I emphasised that that place would be for the village a center of love - the love of Jesus radiating to all the inhabitants there through the Christians who would serve Him in that place.

So that is how River Jordan water came to an Indian village.

- Leonard

Christian Persecution - Orissa, India

2008-09-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Church in Orissa has suffered greatly for the cause of Christ over the last few weeks. It began without much warning. Frenzied mobs rampaging through Christian villages setting churches and Christian schools on fire, demolishing houses and ransacking orphanages while the residents hid in the nearby wood. Orissa is also the state where Australian missionary, Graham Staines, was burned to death with his two small sons, while they slept in their locked jeep; set afire by an anti-Christian crowd. This time the first victim was a young Catholic nun, caught in her school which was burned to the ground. Reports of other deaths soon came in - of pastors being beaten so badly that they died of their wounds; of churches being desecrated and burned to a crisp; and of houses being demolished and burned. what caused this outrage and suffering to Christians?

A leader of the same rabid Hindu group that masterminded and executed the murder of Graham Staines was murdered and his death was wrongly and falsely attributed to Christians. Well delivered speeches psyched the Hindu crowds who went on rampages through Christian areas. Particularly targeted were Catholic institutions. The law eventually caused the violence to subside but the rumors continue and it could all start again and suddenly. PRAY for the Christians in Orissa.

Jesus said, In this world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world (John 16: 33). Yes, persecution will come but we need to pray for and encourage those who are victimised. Pray for the Christians in Orissa to know God's presence with them in very real ways.

Pam and I were on a preaching trip last week not too far from where all this happened but we were in no danger at any time. Our hope and trust is in Him. Pray that even through these difficult times that Jesus will be proclaimed as Lord.

Leonard

THE INDIAN TRICOLOR - Its our flag

2008-08-13T02:21:00.000-07:00

That's our flag! And a surge of patriotic adrenalin pours into every Indian breast when we see our flag flutter and wave in the breeze over our vast subcontinent. That's our flag and we feel great pride as we see its three colors blaze out the message that we are the world's largest democracy. That's our flag pronouncing our nation as a free and independent country, a nation that blends both its ancient heritages and its modern sophistications into a whole that appeals to its billion plus populaton.

August 15 is our National Independence Day and it is our nation's 61 st. anniversary. In 1947 India gained its independence from Great Britain and self rule began. The great symbol of our freedom and independence and nationalism is the Flag that we fondly call the TRICOLOR.

The flag has three colors in it - saffron on top (NOT orange), white in the middle with a blue 24 spoked wheel in its center, and green at the bottom. The color saffron represents courage, sacrifice and renunciation. White of course is for purity and truth while green symbolises life, faith and chivalry. The center wheel is in blue and is a replica of a wheel on the ancient ASHOKA PILLAR from the period of an ancient king and its 24 spokes are indicative of the eight fold path of right living (right morals, right thoughts, right speech, etc.) advocated by the teacher Buddha in his eight-fold path teaching.

So, we look forward to Aug 15th and celebrating India's 61st anniversary. Our local church will raise the flag as we sing our national anthem. We are free! We are democratic! And we can thank our Sovereign Lord for making all this happen.

Till we share with chai next time, this is Leonard.

Bomb Blasts Rock Indian Cities

2008-08-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you are aware that over the last two weeks India has been victim to terrorist attacks. The terrorist attack closest to us was in Bangalore, India's most hi-tech city. Bangalore is home to the R&D centers of major computer software manufacturers from all over the world. The bombs were planted in strategic areas, particularly where IT centers are located.

The next day Ahmedabad, located in the highly industrialized state of Gujarat, rocked to the blasts of numerous bombs killing several people and injuring scores of others. This was followed by terrorist attacks in Surat, a city near Ahmedabad and noted for its processing of diamonds.
Over twenty bombs were found and defused.

Terrorism has come to India's urban centers and the intent is to cause the maximum amount of carnage. In our own city of Chennai, with a population of over 7 million, a plot to bomb a major overpass in the city was discovered and foiled. I drive on that overpass constantly especially when I go to the TV recording studio.

Terrorism is an evil act by evil men in an evil society. So, what do we do when the reality of terrorism hits close to home? We pray for safety and security. We pray for those misled and misguided who carry out such attacks. We carry on doing what the Lord requires of us, proclaiming Him as Lord and promoting His Kingdom.

The Eternal God is our refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms. Deut. 33: 27

Leonard

SHARING IN ANDHRA STATE

2008-07-27T06:47:00.001-07:00

It is wonderful to have friends and colleagues in ministry who can help, encourage and motivate. Our closest friends in ministry in India are EMRYS and USHA REES. We recently spent a day at their place in the neighboring state of ANDHRA. On July 19, the David and Lois Rees Memorial Hospital, located in a small village called YERPEDU, honored the late Lois Rees with a full day preaching meeting. The hospital staff planned and conducted the entire program beautifully. The emphasis was on God's love and how Lois Rees lived and practised His love. I was the guest speaker and Pam and I had a great time of fellowship and sharing and returned to Chennai uplifted and blessed.

The Reeses work concentrates on providing care, cure and relief to those afflicted by HIV/AIDS which is highly prevalent in the region for multiple reasons. The Rees' hospital has a multi-dimensional ministry geared to combat this devastating problem. Searching out those afflicted with HIV /AIDS is quite a task due to culture. Then comes testing by authorised people, followed by treatment and counselling. However, the most moving images we saw were those of little children - lovable innocent children who contracted HIV/AIDS through their parents. What a glorious work! What a day of sharing with hospital staff and HIV/AIDS patients! More power to Emrys and Usha as they labor in love amongst these people.

Why do we count Emrys and Usha Rees as such close friends and colleagues? Well, we have all been together in ministry for years. Emrys was a foundational help as we began the Madras School of Evangelism in the Seventies. They understand the intricacies and problems we face in ministry, for they too share similar situations. They always - ALWAYS - encourage us and our families have spent a lot of time together. Our children grew up with each other and we thank God for the close friendship they share. The Rees Family - We are blessed to have them as friends.

Leonard

The Swedish Connection

2008-07-13T04:46:00.000-07:00

We never know how far our efforts to promote God's Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel can go. Certainly we are to consider the 'ends of the earth' as a goal for reaching out to people. Recently we got an email - a sad, desperate email - from Sweden. Our TV program, THE DIVINE CONNECTION, is now online in its English/Telegu format at Subhaarvarthatv.com and can be seen anywhere in the world. This young man, in trouble with the law, having problems in his relationship with a girlfriend, and obviously desperately in need of the Lord's love and redemption, contacted us with an SOS "Pray for me". Of course we did that and also replied to him to await the Lord's doing in all of this. What a joy to know the power of technology - satellites, internet and computers can be used to proclaim the Good News of Jesus - and what a responsibility! Pray for us and this young man.

Incidentally, the young man was an Indian living in Sweden.

Leonard

Travelling

2008-06-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Leonard and Pam are on their way to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Our prayer is that this will be a fruitful trip and that they will be able to make contact with viewers of the TV program.

A sad day

2008-06-16T07:29:00.001-07:00

Today was a very sad day for us. Our pet dog passed away after being hit by a car about a week ago. She was aged for a dog - 15 1/2 years old, which in human years is about 105 years. She was only a mongrel with no pedigree, but we loved her. She had been ailing for several months getting periodic seizures. She had cataract in both eyes and had lost some teeth, but she was our pet. Well loved and cared for especially by Pam. She was a bilingual dog- she understood clearly when we spoke to her in English and others spoke to her in Tamil. She was the best watchdog on the whole street and in this was appreciated by all our neighbours. She was our sentry whenever we left town and no security guard could have matched her watchfulness.

We contacted a couple of vets who predicted that her end was inevitable and nothing could be done for her. But she was our pet and it was a sorrowful time as we buried her in our backyard. Her name was Pebbles for as a puppy her white skin had brown "pebbles" all over it. Over the years the pebbles became patches but she was always Pebbles to us.

Pam is taking it badly. Pray for her. Pray for us.

Leonard

Online with the Gospel- Technology for Christ

2008-06-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

All things to all men . . . so that by all means I might save some.

So wrote the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 9: 22. So we harness technology for the cause of the Gospel, so men and women across the globe could hear and know of the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ. What better way than to use that icon of modern technology, the internet?

SWE's TV broadcast THE DIVINE CONNECTION, designed to reach non-Christians for Christ, is now online. The English/Telegu version is on the internet via Subhavaarthatv.com and you can view it on Sunday at 8.00- 8.30 pm IST. Indian Standard Time is about 9 1/2 hours ahead of EDT in the USA. Check it out and see how we want to be relevant.

Relevancy is needed to reach the people of today's world. Relevancy in the methodology we use for this task. Relevancy in the communication we use. Relevancy in our attitudes to modern trends and changes. The Gospel does have inherent relevant qualities, for the Lord of the Gospel is the Unchanging Jesus and the Good News is for all men, even those of today's world.

Leonard

Cricket Mania

2008-06-05T03:57:00.000-07:00

India is such a diverse country, but there is one thing that unifies us. Cricket!!!

It is Cricket mania here in India. Professional Cricket has taken over the old classical game of Cricket. Major cities now have their home teams - ours being the CHENNAI SUPER KINGS . Yes, we have a logo and everything.

The tournament that ended this week created a frenzy comparable to the World Series or the NBA Playoffs with one exception - here about a billion people got involved, with the teams representing eight of India's major cities - including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. There were gaudy uniforms, cheerleaders (from the US), pre-game shows and all kinds of hoopla. The crowds loved it. Unfortunately, Chennai lost in the finals on Sunday. It was a great final with the outcome decided on the last ball of the match. Well, there is always next season.

Crowds are India's trademark. And 'crowds' of people here need Jesus. Television reaches crowds. Both channels we broadcast on reach millions of potential viewers and most of them are non-Christians. Pray for us as we reach out to the 'crowds'.

On a different note, Margaret at our Home for the Aged celebrated her 95th birthday last week. What a blessed age. She desires to reach 100 years. The Lord knows about that, we told her.

Leonard

The Butcher

2008-05-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since we have posted. Leonard has been busy preaching, preparing TV programs, responding to our viewers and doing all the other things that come with Kingdom work. So, this is Pam posting.

I am constantly amazed at how God uses the mundane things in our lives to show us how He works. I was so encouraged this week that I have to share it with you.

High food costs are here in India as well, and we are trying to cope the best we can. Normally, I shop at the grocery store, but because of increased prices decided to shop at the source itself. So, I asked Leonard to stop at the butcher on his way home from the office. Well, you know how Leonard loves to talk. He starts up a conversation with the butcher and tells him how he has been travelling recently, etc. The man looks at him and says "You are on TV. On the Tamilzan channel." Leonard was shocked! The butcher proceeds to say that he watches the program. Here is the God part. The butcher is a Muslim.

Please continue to pray for our work, especially the Divine Connection. Encounters like this tell us that the Lord is working.

Pam

Back home in Chennai

2008-04-28T08:36:00.001-07:00

We are now back in Chennai after a fruitful trip to Hyderabad. To fill everyone in........ Hyderabad is the capital of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the tech cities of India (nicknamed Cyberabad!). More importantly, it is the home of SUBHAAVARTHA TV, a 24 hour Telegu language channel. The Divine Connection, our TV Broadcast, is aired on this channel every Sunday from 8 to 8.30 p.m. (repeated at 1.00 p.m. on Mondays).

The Telegu responses continue to pour in and we thank the Lord for giving us a Telegu worker to handle these responses. She translates the letters and emails into English, I respond, then she translates my responses back into Telugu. It is a time consuming process, but we thank God for the numerous responses we receive. The opportunities abound to spread God's Word in India and we are grateful to be used by Him in the Telegu language group as well.

We accomplished what we went for, to meet the channel's management and to check out the distinct Telegu culture which will help us in production of The Divine Connection. We returned home noting once again the tremendous contrast India is - ancient and modern, developing world and hi-tech, poor and rich, and above all non -Christian and Christian.
Leonard

On the road - yes again!

2008-04-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Leonard and Pam left for Hyderabad this weekend to meet with the television network that broadcasts the Divine Connection in Telugu. The Divine Connection is broadcast in three languages namely, English, Tamil and Telugu. Our prayer is that this will be a fruitful trip and that the Lord will be glorified in all their conversations with this network.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

Telegu Translation:

Back home

2008-04-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

It is good to be back in Chennai after a long trip all the way to North East India. Preaching at the Conference to nearly 1,500 people was a wonderful experience. It was very exciting to see the audience willing to worship outdoors under the scorching sun and thunder storms that passed through all during one service. I especially found the people very caring and hospitable, so different from India's cities where it is one crazy run around.

Since we were so far north, we took a couple of extra days to visit Darjeeling. Waking up at 3:30 a.m. to get ready to see the sunrise over the Himalayan Mountains was an incredible experience. We then took a bus trip into Gangtok, Sikkim. Driving along a river that is used for white water rafting was very pretty. Just enjoying the beautiful mountains was wonderful. We visited the Institute of Tibetology which was very interesting, especially since Leonard teaches World Religions courses. Incidentally, India has the largest Tibetan population outside Tibet. On that particular day, there was a lot of unrest because of protests due to the Tibetan/Chinese conflict. Please pray that God would hear the cries of these people.
Pam

PS. The links in the text will give background information about the locations mentioned. In addition, National Geographic has done a lovely job describing the area. They have the most beautiful pictures. Enjoy! http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/photos/india0611/himalayas/himalayas_gallery.html

On the road again

2008-04-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

Leonard and Pam are flying right now from Chennai to Guwahati. Leonard is preaching in the Shillong area (about 100 mile drive from Guwahati). Please pray for them as they continue working for His Kingdom.

Here is a little information about the area: Shillong is in the state of Meghalaya. The state of Meghalaya is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. The word "Meghalaya" in Sanskrit literally means "The Abode of Clouds". Meghalaya is a hilly strip in the eastern part of the country about 300 km long (east-west) and 100 km wide, with a total area of about 22,429 km. The state is bounded on the north by state of Assam and by Bangladesh on the south. The capital is Shillong. Tribal peoples make up the majority of Meghalaya's population. The Khasis are the largest group, followed by the Garos.

Kenneth Charles Crago

2008-03-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Kenneth C. Crago, 82, of Indianapolis, passed away March 27, 2008. He was born April 2, 1925 in Huntington Co., IN to Charles and Mable Sharpe Crago. Mr. Crago graduated from Huntington High School and Tri-State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He was a veteran of the US Navy serving during WWII on the submarine USS Gato. He worked for RL Schutt & Co. and for the State Highway Department as a civil engineer for many years, retiring in 1994. Ken was a member of East 91st Street Christian Church. He was a longtime forwarding agent and coordinator for Strategic World Evangelism in Chennai, India for 20 years. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 30 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Rd. with funeral services Monday at 10:30 a.m. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Bertie; daughters, Cristy (Jerry) Wheeler and Ann (Brian) Gioe; grandchildren, Emily and Tom Wheeler, and Jon and Laura Gioe. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Crago; sisters, Stella Eppard, Dora Hite, Rosella Miller, and Edna Paul. Memorial contributions may be made to Strategic World Evangelism, P.O. Box 361136, Indianapolis, IN 46236 and/ or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9135 N. Meridian St., Suite B-4, Indianapolis, IN 46209.

Visitation: Fishers - Castleton Chapel, Sunday March 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Service: Fishers-Castleton Chapel, Monday March 31, at 10:30

It is Easter

2008-03-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

A blessed Easter to all of you from the sunny land of Chennai, though it has been raining today.

Just want to share with you a conversation amongst our three precious grandkids whom we will refer to as grandchild No. 1 (9 years old) GC 2. (7 years old) and GC 3. (4 years old). This took place while their mother was driving them home. Our daughter, Tina emailed this to us. The eldest and youngest are boys and the middle one is a girl.

GC2: I'm embarassed, I always do things wrong.
Everyone says, "Everyone makes mistakes" but, mum never does anything wrong.

GC1: Yes, she does. Remember, when she got stuck in the tar (black top).

GC2: So, I don't know if I want to go to heaven.

GC3 : Where is heaven?

GC3: On which cloud is Jesus?

GC2 : I want to go to heaven, but I haven't done all the stuff I have to do yet.

GC 2: I do not know how to get to heaven.

GC3: You have to get baptized.

GC3 : What does being baptized mean?

GC2 : I do not know if I asked Him into my heart!

GC2: I don't think I'm ready to make that decision yet. I'm going to die before that.

GC3: He (God) takes your brain. Your brain is like squash.

GC1: When you die, your body lasts for 9 years then it is just bone.

GC1: If you get baptized, but do not ask Jesus into your heart you're going to hell.
If you ask Jesus into your heart then you do not know that the decision is
If you ask Jesus into your heart and you're baptized the answer is always yes.
Asking Jesus is the most important.

GC1: You can ask Him right now if you want to.

GC 3: Is Jesus watching from the clouds?

GC2: How come Jesus did not do anything wrong?

GC1: It's your decision if you go to heaven or hell.

GC3: I think you have to be baptized to get to heaven.

It is always a joy to have communication with our grand children and it has become more special with all the high tech way of communicating although we are thousands of miles away from them.

God Bless.

Leonard

Let's celebrate

2008-03-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Two events took place last week in India. The first was an international event - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - which occurred on March 8. There were celebrations all over India marked by special seminars and conferences and even sports programmes. But one significant event was the flying of a modern AIR INDIA Boeing plane from Chennai to Colombo by an all women crew. The pilot and navigator, and cabin crew and others were all of the female gender and they did a magnificent job, flying very skillfully to Colombo and then turning around and returning to Chennai.

India has had women pilots for years and a gal in our congregation was a trainee pilot at one time. But this was an ALL women crew and that was significant. Thus a third world country like India leads in the bid for women to be treated equally with men.

The other celebration was on February 13. This was a local, Chennai phenomenon known commonly as BUS DAY. Local colleges choose a particular day and a particular bus route that passes by their college, and then identify its driver and conductor and for a full day treat them as VIPs. They are given gifts and refreshments while the students take over the bus, decorating (rather overdecorating it) with cheap colored streamers and balloons an what not. They then board and overload the bus, sitting on its roof or hanging from the windows. The crew, despite the celebrations in their honor, are often overwhelmed and appear as prisoners of the overly exuberant students. They are made to drive down Chennai's crowded avenues with the students bellowing out common film songs to the accompaniment of rather dubious drumming. The whole scenario is a conglomeration of chaos, cacophony, confusion, as well as expressions of goodwill, charity and love. Bus days are welcomed by students but dreaded by the bus crews and others. Bus days are fun filled for some while creating headaches for others.

Celebrations are good and the Bible does call for and validates a lot of celebration. In heaven there is rejoicing over the sinner who repents. Let's keep that a constant celebration as we work for the conversion of those whose lives need to connect to the Savior. May we continue in this faithfully while the celebrations in Heaven keep going on!

Changing India

2008-02-29T04:06:00.000-08:00

Colorful, right? But what are they? These are fibre optic cables being laid at the side of all our main streets here in Chennai. India is changing rapidly. Hi-tech is the order of the day. These fibre optic cables will enhance transmission of power at high speeds with less impediment. Disappearing rapidly is the India of the past with its primitive infra structures. Well, at least in the vast urban areas of India. Fibre optic cables, satellite televison, millions of cell phones being used, online banking and other services, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins. Yes, there is change. Of course, there is the old India in the villages and rural areas, but there too the changes are coming though much slower.

Today our Finance Minister (Secretary of Finance) announced this year's budget. Economic growth is at 8.8%. But in spite of all this there are still vast areas of poverty and social inequalities. Complete change can only come when the internal matches the external. When hearts change due to the unchanging message of an unchanging God - He who is Lord of all.

I did two recordings for the TV broadcasts today and the studio manager asked me to help him with an in-house program. They asked me (asked compellingly) to do a seven part series on prayer so that non-Christians, those of other religions, could understand what prayer to the Living God means. So, I have already started preparing - What is prayer, Who does the praying, To whom do we pray, Why should we pray, etc. What an opportunity to witness about not only the power of prayer, but also about the One who hears and answers prayer, the unchanging Lord of the Universe. So pray for us as these opportunites come and as we continue to work for His Kingdom.

Bye now.

Leonard

Some sightseeing

2008-02-20T06:37:00.000-08:00

Soon after the preaching we took a short side trip to an ancient archaeological site, Agrasen ki Baoli. The accompanying pictures show the thousand-year-old stepwell. You have to descend five floors to get to the bottom. What a strange feeling it was to stand admidst those magnificent ruins which, in a way, seem to immortalize time, and yet be surrounded by modern high-rise buildings. A unique blending of old and new. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrsen_ki_baoli

Instant Preaching

2008-02-19T13:03:00.001-08:00

You're on! Well those were not the words actually used but something similar to that. Pam and I were in New Delhi (about 2000 miles from Chennai) on Feb. 10, enroute to Kulpahar Mission's annual board meeting. As usual we stayed at the YWCA, and while we were there learned about a church service that is held in the basement of the adjacent building. We decided to worship there and met the preacher and shared pleasantries with him. While descending to the basement he told me, "You have the message." Of course I did, is not the Word of God the message to the world? Is not Jesus the Living Word of God to the nations? But what the preacher meant was, 'I want you to preach.' What should I have done? Refused? Said I was not prepared? He invited me out of courtesy and respect, and had I not dedicated my life to proclaiming God's Word! So, I agreed. I hurriedly penned some words on an index card (Pam always carries some with her) praying for the Lord's guidance as to what text to use . When the time came I preached the message in English which was then translated into Hindi. I preached on Acts I : 8, on RECEIVING POWER TO BE HIS WITNESSES.
That's what ministry is all about - the Lord providing opportunities to proclaim His Word. We plan and strategize and program but the Lord so often goes beyond all of that. And so on trains and planes and street corners (I did that when I was younger) or in shopping areas the opportunity would come. There are needy people all over and the Lord knows who they are. There are abundant opportunities all around and may we be faithful to respond.
Pray that we would ALWAYS be ready to proclaim His Word and proclaim Him as Lord.

Leonard

On the road

2008-02-11T16:33:00.001-08:00

Leonard and Pam are traveling to Kulpahar Kid's Mission this week. Last we heard, they were on a train from New Delhi to Jhansi. They still have to take a car ride to Kulpahar. Please pray as they continue their journey.

From Kentucky to Chennai

2008-01-27T10:29:00.000-08:00

The last couple weeks have been busy. We welcomed the visit of friends and partners in ministry from Kentucky.

Three very gracious men who were

an encouragement to both Pam and myself.

Although their time was brief, they were able to tour the Home for the Aged as well as lunch with our residents. Our oldest resident is 95, and next in line is our proud 91 year old.

Our next stop was the tiny commercial studio that produces our TV broadcasts. We now have two broadcasts in three languages. One is in English/Tamil, and the other is in English/Telegu. Pam and I are so blessed by the telephone calls and emails we receive after each broadcast. Our cell phone rings continuously right after each program. Most request prayer but there are deep questions as well.

Their timing was perfect. They were also able to attend the opening ceremony of the 16th All India Convention of the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. I believe they enjoyed that, even though a few hours later (at 4:00 AM) we took them to the airport to begin their journey back to KY.

So, come visit us. We would love to share India and our ministry with you. Maybe, we'll even have some chai.

Till later,

Leonard

BUBBLING OVER

2008-01-19T05:56:00.000-08:00

This little chorus is old, its ancient really. "Its bubbling, its bubbling its bubbling in my soul. There's singing and laughter since Jesus made me whole. . ." That is the way the life in Christ should be. Yes there will be adversity and troubles and myriads of problems - but in our soul the joy of the Lord (and His peace) should be bubbling over.

It was "bubbling time" in our South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, on Jan. 15, with the PONGAL festival. The main symbol (and active element) of the festival is a rice pot bubbling over with cooked rice. The day is often rent with cries of PONGALLA PONGAL, a kind of greeting cum announcement/declaration of prosperity and fertility and good crops. Its both religious and cultural and of course social. A good PONGAL celebration means a good year ahead.

It bubbled over for Pam and me this past week - overflowing blessings in the very presence of trials. While driving down Chennai's most important road called ANNA SALAI, a heavily laden cargo three-wheeler, coming out of a side street hit us on the left (passenger's side) badly denting the door, jamming the window and damaging the mudguard. First blessing, Pam was not hurt at all though she could, and should have been. Second, the major eyewitnesses were two traffic cops, who immediately declared my innocence! Third, (and this is amazing) while a small curious crowd gathered, one man came up to me and greeted me exuberantly. "I know you", he said. "I watch your TV program regularly and I am blessed by it." Gone was my trauma and my being disraught over the accident. He and his wife were thrilled to meet me and I was likewise thrilled to share with them. And then the fourth blessing. We all had to move over to the police station - papers to sign, reports to be given and recorded, etc.- and there a cop asks me what I do. I told him I was a preacher. Lo and behold, (and this is the fourth blessing in a few hours) he proclaims he too is a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, a baptized servant of the Lord. He takes over and the formalities become a breeze and he even accompanies us to our car sharing with us the Lord's goodness. Yes there were problems but yet the Lord's goodness to us bubbled over.

May your life be a "bubbling over" with His love and goodness. PONGALLA PONGAL!

Till our next chai session - the Lord loves you.

Welcome 2008 - From India

2008-01-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

What a contrast - flying out of JFK with snow flurries all around and arriving in Chennai in the midst of a monsoon rain. Monsoons in India are a vital part of living, a necessity that might inconvenience you and frustrate you but yet so welcome as it is a promise of new life and good things to come. A failed monsoon means drought and lesser crops and even famine and death. A good monsoon spells green paddy (rice) fields and brimming water reservoirs. The day we arrived - Jan. 4 - was wet, and we were greeted by flooded streets and a terribly leaking bedroom (yes our bedroom leaks like a sieve and the floor accumulates water and the walls are damp and chill) yet it was still a time to thank the God of all Creation for the promise of a bountiful year ahead.

That's the way it is even with our ministry. We were greeted by good news from the TV producers. A letter informed us that our TV Broadcast, The Divine Connection, which is a bi-lingual (English and Tamil) presentation is now being aired on yet another channel and translated into yet another language. We are now on Sunday nights on a channel called SUBHAVAARTHA (try pronouncing that !) and this time it is translated into the Telegu language. Praise God! Proclamation of His Word continues. Responses keep coming in. Its part of what God wants us to do.

Oh, incidentally, this afternoon we had REAL Chai in my office - tea with sugar and cream in delicate china cups.

Next time then.

Leonard

Cheerio 2007!

2007-12-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is my first post on this blog and I'm wondering why I did not become a blogger much earlier. It is due to the wise and gentle prompting of a lovely lady, Gloria M. from Lakeside Christian Church, KY that got me going and here I am.

Chai with Leonard - Now, what does that mean? CHAI is a Hindi word for TEA, yes the tea we drink. India is dotted with "Tea Shops" where not just tea is served but also good advice and grand fellowship. Tea Time in India is usually in mid-afternoon when families and friends and even strangers pause in the midst of a day's work and sit down (or stand together) sipping hot tea (of course with cream and sugar, how else!) and share together in good conversation and of course grand fellowship. Chai with Leonard aims at just that - I want to share with you in conversation on what's happening in our lives, in our work, in our ministry, in our Kingdom involvement.

And right now its the end of the year - literally. Cold here in the USA but in a few days, three to be more or less exact, we will be back in warmer climes, as we journey back to India. We know what awaits us - work for the Kingdom. We have to re-enter Indian living after a rather challenging four months in the States, especially health challenges. A damaged knee started it (I now know what a MENISCUS is. Its the cartilage thing behind the knee). Adult (read that as senior citizen) chicken pox followed. Then came three days of darkness, cold food and no heat, as we survived a Missouri ice storm. But that was followed by the joys of Christmas with family and the sure prospects of blessings in the New Year.

2008 will be equally challenging but in a different way. Challenges for the Kingdom. Let's keep talking about this in these tea time chats. Will let you know when I will be on again. But for now let me get back to my tea and say, Cheerio! By the way that is British English for Bye, see you later!

Its me, Leonard