Shooting Stars

"The only alternative to a desperate faith is despair; faith holds on and prevails." --selected

About a week or so ago I wandered out to the rooftop porch and laid down on my back, face to the night, gazing at the glittering sky. After a brief peaceful moment, Haddie, 7, and Sammy, 5, discovered my oasis and laid down on either side of me, an Alisha sandwich of sorts.

"Auntie, what are you doing?"
"Just looking for shooting stars."
"Can we join?"
"Sure."

All three of us peered at the vast black canopy above our small frames. About a minute went by...

"How long will it take?"
"Um, I'm not sure. Shooting stars are kinda unpredictable."
"Oh... let's pray for one."

I nodded as Haddie prayed rapid fire, "Dear God, please let us see a shooting star. Amen."

A couple more minutes, then-

"Why is God not answering us?"
"Maybe He wants to teach us something."
"Like what?"
"Faith?"

I'd like to say that at the moment we all beheld the most astounding shooting star, but it didn't happen. Haddie  got bored and ran back inside. Sammy started to fall asleep. Could God have given us one? Of course. Why He didn't, I don't know. Maybe he wanted to teach us faith. Or maybe He just wanted us to rest in his presence and let that be enough.

Lately at school, I've been bombarded with sticker requests. Literally dozens of kids surround me, outstretched hands, "Teacher, stickers!?" Since that fateful day of handing out those smileys, the kids assume I'm some sort of sticker slot machine. Because of this, I don't always give them out now, my sticker outflow has dwindled somewhat.

Actually, I'm ashamed to admit that sometimes I do the same thing with Abba. Asking him for things aren't necessarily bad, stickers are by no means a bad thing, but a realization struck me. I'd rather have these kids run over to me because they just like hanging out with me, rather than looking to get something from me all the time. I like to surprise them with stickers when they least expect it. Simply because. I think God wants the same of us. He wants us to run over to him simply to be with him, just to smile at him. He wants trusting hearts.

I admire Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response to Nebuchadnezzar, the fiery consequence looming black clouds in the backdrop, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."

EVEN IF HE DOESN'T...

We were born into a battle. I don't mean to sound trite, but life does't always make sense. Just today at the school's construction site, a brick wall toppled on several of the workers-- these guys are all in Bible training. Two of them are critically injured. There is more to this physical universe that meets the eye. "Finally brothers, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies against the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities in the unseen world..." (Eph.6:10-12)Even when we don't understand things, our Abba simply requires us to trust. If only it was that simple. But maybe the more I knew his heart, the more I'd be able to respond like those three men of faith.

Shooting stars are falling whether we see them or not. In the meantime, I'll keep my gaze to the sky.

At a glance

"If you are going to live in radical obedience to Christ, we will need the church to do it. We will need to show one another how to give liberally, go urgently, and live dangerously..." -Radical, David Platt

So, a lot has been happening... too much to fill you all in on everything so I've decided to give you quick snapshots of life in one sentence summaries...

-new installation of "smartboards" at school calls for re-painting of several classrooms, I painted a life-size Tinkerbell flying in all her fairy glory- students love it!
-practicing a Bollywood dance with fellow teachers for the annual day, if sweat was collected, I'm pretty sure I'd fill one of the Great Lakes
-there's something about hopping on the back of motorcyle at a moment's notice and taking off down a dirt road, gets me every time- I really should consider buying one of those for my own use- I'd tear up the countryside, make my own Motorcycle Diaries of sorts
-dinnertime has become something like The Waltons and it's pretty much awesome- 8 kids, 5 adults, and a partridge in a peartree (maybe I should have said monkey in a mango tree?)
-prayer times with the Lord have been like wrestling matches lately...
-two episodes of vomited rice from Sammy in one day, I got to witness this first hand
-big brown pig crossing the road yesterday, clogged traffic for a solid minute
-orange sunsets have been looking more and more like sherbert in the summertime
-a cricket was jumping in the sink when a lizard came and ate it for snacktime, Micah (who's 3) and I had a discovery channel moment together
-after dinner coffee with great friends of faith equals awesome late night discussion
-pineapple tastes better in India, take my word for it, or don't- come here and try it for yourself

love and miss you guys,
Lish

Full Moon in the Afternoon

Well, pretty sure this covers my embarrassing moment for the month...

...At school, went for a normal run to the bathroom, unfortunately, I still haven't been able to get the door to lock...

Yep, you guessed it, mid-squat another teacher walked in on me, full moon brightly shining.

She stood there, shocked at the sight. I froze, unsure whether to pull up or turn around-- so I just made a small yelp sound "Eahhh"and criss-cross covered myself, very cartoon-like.

It's a good thing God blessed me with a sense of humor. Most of the teachers heard about the episode later that afternoon. Glad to provide a laugh...sorta. *sheepish grin

Where I Belong

*great song by Cory Asbury... (thanks Doug for letting me borrow your iPod and run down the battery) :) 


"Where I Belong"
Your presence is all I’m longing for here in the secret place
Your nearness is all I’m waiting for here in the quiet place, here in the secret place

My soul waits for you alone
Like the watchmen wait for dawn
Here I’ve finally found the place
Where we’ll meet, Lord, face to face

I’ve finally found where I belong, I’ve finally found where I belong, In Your presence
I’ve finally found where I belong, to be with You, to be with You

I am my Beloved’s and He is mine, so come into Your garden and take delight in me
Take delight in me (x2)

Delight in me, Delight in me
Delight in me, Delight in me

Here in Your presence, God, I find my rest
Here in Your presence, God.

it's simple. pray.

Hey guys,

Just wanted to send out a prayer need. The next two weeks Bethesda Integrated School is preparing for their annual day program-- an outdoor end of the year show of dance, speeches, music, etc... all 350 of the kids attend and all of those kids parents attend as well, so they've been emphasizing to me that it's a pretty big deal. I've been given the responsibility of preparing English speeches for the kids to memorize and a drama/dance/skit. (for my Springhill friends, it's kind of similar to end of the week big rally, only I'm pretty sure duct tape man won't make an appearance) Anyhow, if you could please pray for wisdom, creativity, and that hearts would be moved towards Christ. This is a great opportunity to reach many families!

I've chosen a song by David Crowder Band called "Birmingham (We are Safe)"--- from his latest album. (awesome song, actually, the whole album is solid, here's my little plug for DCB, check it out) Please pray that the love of Jesus would shine through it all. Thanks friends, it would mean so much.

Love love and love some more,
Lish

"Vijayawada Sound-off"

*in addition to teaching at Bethesda Integrated School, the Bandi's have given me multiple opportunites to speak and/or sing at meetings/churches, and now have asked me to write articles for their magazine which gets distributed all throughout India. Humbling privilege. I just wanted to remind my team of support- hey guys, we are doing this together. God is making His name famous throughout India. Please continue to pray. I love you and am so thankful for each of you. (the following is an article which will be published in the Love in Action Fellowship magazine describing a recent meeting in the city of Vijayawada)

"Vijayawada Sound-off"

The evening breeze drifted warm air across the crowds. Humidity clung as sweat rolled down the thousands of faces gathered. Despite the heat, still they came. This gathering was for one purpose, one cause; to see the name of Jesus Christ lifted high.

Vijayawada, set in the hillsides of southeast India, is a busy city filled with over one hundred thousand people.  Just the other day I was strolling the streets downtown observing the whir of activity that surrounded me. Beggars crouch, hunched over their mats, palms outstretched in hopes of a hand-out. Motorbikes zoom past, leaving trails of dust. Vendors shout the best prices for their latest gadgets. The harvest is ripe. What better place to come and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. That is precisely what LAF ministries set out to do, and that is exactly what was accomplished.

The evening kicked off with various singers. The message, the songs, all in praise to our Creator, were heard not only among the crowds gathered but also throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. The sound system proved strong throughout the night, resonating the music and message in clear tones. Perhaps too clear…

Near the end of the evening, while Anil Kant and his daughter were performing, flashing blue lights outside the grounds approached. The police drove up and demanded we minimize the volume. We had sound permits, but apparently these men wanted to prove their own authority. Not wanting to cause a scene or disrupt the meeting, knobs turned and the volume adjusted. But as soon as they drove away, the volume was turned right back to its previous volume.

We will not keep silent.

The police swiftly turned around and reprimanded us again. We complied. They left. We turned the music back up.

We will not back down.

It went on like this for about the last 20 minutes of the program. Down, up, down, up. A tug-of-war battle of sound. Even so, nothing could keep us from proclaiming the good news of Christ.

Paul says in Romans that those who follow Christ will face persecution. There is no “if you face persecution,” only a promise that we will face it. When you face persecution, stand strong. The Vijayawada program set out to make the name of Jesus known throughout the city and despite many obstacles, despite sound restrictions, despite the heat, The Love in Action Fellowship stood its ground and will continue to keep fighting the good fight of faith. We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let’s press on together. 

the girl in the bright pink dress

The bright pink dress caught my eye as she peeked around the shambled hut. I’m not sure what it was, an outhouse, an old shed maybe, either way it doesn’t really matter. What caught my attention was this shy girl staring dead straight at me with those dark brown, almond eyes. I waved a friendly hand and smiled. Usually this simple gesture draws many kids right to me. Fascinated by my light skin and brown hair they grab my hand and shake it, or reach up to pinch my cheek, always bombarding me with questions, “What is your name? Where country are you from? Do you like India?”  As we drew closer, I waited for her similar eager response. Nothing.  And then to my surprise, she recoiled.

Puzzled by this reaction, and feeling a small tinge of rejection,  I ventured forward, following my group. Squinting my eyes in the bright sun, I looked down at the path, uneven with stones, my flip flops kicking up dust. Then it occurred to me.

How was it for Jesus, walking this earth, coming face to face with his very creations, yet having them reject him. Recoil from him. I cannot even begin to fathom the compassion he felt towards them and still feels towards us. These were his children, the very work of his hands. The very life he breathed into existence. The beautifully intricate designs he sculpted, painted, and primed for his love. Rejecting him. Spitting upon him. Mocking him. "Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. 'Hail, King of the Jews!' they mocked and slapped him across the face..." (John 19:1)

How many times do we still do this?

The hungry guy along the side of the road. The neighbor we know having marriage problems. The friend needing a listening ear. Do we even see them? Or do we continue to slap him across the face because we need to rush to our next meeting. Hurry through the drive-thru. Ignore the call because there’s far more “important” things to do.  I’ve heard it said that the opposite of love is not hate, but selfishness. Whether you're from America, India, wearing a bright pink dress or a turban, we are all marked by his fingerprints.

I’m not trying to simplify a solution. I don’t have this all worked out, nor am I even close to getting this love like Jesus thing down, but that girl along the village road made me wonder. Do I realize who I am coming face to face with each day? 

Oh, Lord, let me not pass you by.

"Then a despised Samaritan came along and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds..." Luke 11:33-34

Who is God to you?

*In a land home to thousands of "gods", I thought it would be interesting to find out the students thoughts on this and help me better understand their perspective. In a class of 12, one student wrote about Jesus. Encouraged by his words, thought I'd pass it along in hopes it may encourage you...

Q: Who is God to you?

"I love my God because my God gave everything. If I do prayer, he gives ear. He is only my life. My God's name is Jesus. I like my Jesus. He was born on December 25th. After he died they kept in some den and they close the door. In 3rd day, my Jesus came from den for we know that our God is very great. I will go to church. I will sing God songs. I will read Bible. If I died, I will go to heaven and also God will be with me. Thank you, Alisha mad'am, for giving God's topic."
-Jadam Raviteja, 6th class

*please pray for these kids to come to know Jesus and his love for each of them

I kicked it's bum...

*last week I had the 6th and 7th graders write a story about an animal encounter... the following two stories are keepers

"Once when I am seeing a TV, I saw a man riding a horse. I came outside and saw a water buffalow. I thought that, I can ride on a buffalow! I sat on it and kicked its bum with sticks (it was tethered to a post). When I kicked it, it take me a ride around the post very fastly and threw me down (showing me stars in morning). I got a hurt. Then I thought, we can ride on a horse, but not a buffalow..."
-Dileep, 7th class

"Once I went to a village. There I saw a cute puppy. Its name is Snowfie. It was so pure white and looks very cute. When I hold the dog it pour toilet on me. Then I got angry..."
-RoseLeena, 7th class

Thumbs Up

Mumbai. 

Just spent the last 3 days in this vast, over-populated, heart-pounding city. Sometimes I wish I could keep a scrolling camera rolling for all of you to see and experience everything right along with me. Better yet, fly you over here so you could share the journey with me in person. But if there's one moment to share in the many dazzling pictures exposed thus far, the one I'm about to describe would be it.

...we piled in the compact car, all 6 of us. The more the merrier- must be India's transportation motto. Thankful I'm not one classified as claustrophobic. It was around 11pm at night, but this city spins like a scratched techno song stuck mid-beat. Zooming in heavy traffic, cell phones vibrate, beeping taxi cars on alert, I squished my face against the window- streetlights illuminated my wide-eyed wonderment. We were on our way to visit Pastor Isaiah's home. I had no idea what to expect.

Let me rewind a few scenes. The meetings in Mumbai were over. Every evening for the past three nights, large crowds gathered to hear music, a message, and hopefully encounter Christ for the first time. Many believers attended and were encouraged in the faith. Many Hindus wandered in from the nearby markets and were stirred. It's hard to describe how God moves with such limited vocabulary but from a foreigners perspective, it's not so much about the words (I do not understand Telugu or Hindi)-- it's a constant state of observation.  The way they raise their hands in desperation, the way the women bow, covering their heads in respect during prayer, the way they serve one another, withholding nothing. Their unhindered devotion speaks far louder.

One such woman served us, the team, dinner after the services each evening. As she graciously heaped rice and curries upon our tin plates, she never stopped smiling. This was no half-hearted smile, but one beaming display of pearls. At first I thought she was just super nervous. But she conducted herself with confidence. Then I thought maybe she was just inexplicably, stupidly happy. But her actions were deeper than that. At one point, I almost wanted to shake her and say, "Woman, give those cheeks a rest!" Instead I found myself shaking my head at the foolish thought, pressed my hands together as customary and verbalized a sincere, "Thank you, sister," then followed the others as we piled into the car...

After a few quick turns we slowed down a dark street. My stomach somersaulted. Where were we? Finally the car pulled to a stop. Car doors swung opened. Stretching my cramped legs, I stood up to find myself in Mumbai's slums. Wait, this is where the pastor lived?

Previously on "Streets of Mumbai" (sorry, I couldn't resist) anyhow, the first day I met Pastor Isaiah he shared his testimony with me. One of my favorite things to do when I meet fellow believers here is to ask them their testimony. Even if they speak little English, they recognize that word and light up at the prospect of sharing their story of how they came to know Jesus. I knew he had suffered much, moving to Mumbai and church planting is by no means, an easy task, but coming to live in the slums? Somehow I missed that part.

Following the others we wandered through the narrow corridors, careful to watch my step as to not fall into the open sewage drain directly below the flat stones that balanced my frame. Stray cats licked their paws. Low-lit television sets flickered dim, linen bed sheets hung in doorways swayed. The smell of pee interlaced with spices and chai wafted through the air. The narrow maze finally led us to a low door-frame and a warm light within. We arrived and who was there to greet us other than- yes, smiley herself.

This woman was Pastor Isaiah's wife.

With that beaming grin she invited us inside their home. No bigger than a large walk-in closet, it housed one twin size bed, a mini-fridge, a tall cabinet of dishes above a camping stove, and square sink basin for washing to the immediate left of the door. She extended her hands, ushering us to the bed to sit and rest. Then in one quick movement she had out glass cups and a two-liter bottle of Thumbs Up, aka cola. "Cool drinks" such as soda are a prized treat in India. To be offered a cool drink is a generous gift. And here she was, extending to us out of the little that she had, the ultimate gesture of hospitality.

I find myself, even now, ashamed, humbled, speechless.

This woman portrays a joy so brilliant, so beautiful I sat there on that small twin bed blinking away hot tears at  the sight of it. Like staring into a bright sunrise over the ocean, her expression, her demeanor too much for my limited vision. I have experienced the joy of knowing Christ, yes, but I long and pray that one day I may illuminate the depth of joyful beauty within that this woman does. She was drenched in His light.

"Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God is his kindness has done through the churches... they are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor, but they are also filled with ABUNDANT JOY, which has overflowed in rich generosity... you know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, 9