Christmas Week

Greetings from India. We trust you had a Merry Christmas, and wish you a happy New Year. You have been in our thoughts this past week as we think of all of you at home and of all the things you must be doing in relation to the holiday season. Over this Christmas week we have been kept busy attending many Christmas events. One such event came as a surprise, as many things do here, on Christmas afternoon. Shane and I were chillin in our room when Jess came and explained that the head of Police, who is a devout Christian, was throwing a Christmas party and he wanted our church to sing some carols. They wanted our team to help out. Natasha and Shane didn't feel inclined to sing so Jess and I went along. We had been teaching them some Christmas songs so we used them, and they did a great job.

This week some of us were introduced more in depth to transportation by rickshaw. There are many different kinds. Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws, which have many variations. On Monday night Kush and I visited a village church with our Pastor/host Dad. It took a little over an hour to travel and in that hour we experience many different things. We got to ride a normal cycle rickshaw with room for four people as well as a single person cycle rickshaw in which we fit all three of us on it. Similarly we rode some auto rickshaws where there was ample room, but also had to try out the back seat which consists of a shallow bench and a small place to put your feet. We hung on with all we had and prayed that we wouldn't get rear-ended.

We are picking up a few phrases and words in Hindi. Key word, few. Our host Moms are teaching us a bit here and there as well as other people we interact with. After one of the Christmas events we were standing around drinking coffee and this little boy came up to me and asked me something in Hindi but I didn't hear what he said so I asked him what his name is, in Hindi and he immediately turned and ran away! My friend told me he was trying to test me to see if I knew anything. It's fun to use the phrases that we know because it always surprises people and they ask if we know Hindi and we tell them, no just a few words.

This Sunday we will help out with the start of a weekly youth service at the church here at PTL. Jess and I are playing and singing with the worship team.

Praises:
We are all in good health other than the runny nose which some of us still have.
We are getting involved with different programs here.

Requests:
Relations between Pakistan and India.
Persecuted church in parts of India, and the leaders in those areas.
Continue to have good health and stay "solid" ;)

Peace,
Austin

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with His people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Rom. 12:12-13