Trekking up a mountain to another Nepalese temple, flower pants dragging in the dirt, crunching on a hard coffee candy, praying… I feel so alive.
This month is very unique. We do life with professional Nepalese musicians, who are also ministers. I literally laughed out loud, when “Papa” introduced us to a PANCHO, a Nepalese essential oil (I’m a hardcore oil enthusiast).
For ministry, we travel to different church fellowships to encourage our brothers and sisters. Each team member preaches 2-3 sermons a week. After lunch, we hike (we did over 8 miles, rolling hills yesterday), visit monuments, and experience Nepalese culture. In my free time, I’m receiving guitar lessons on relative chords and fingerings, timing, playing along to percussion, and music theory. The Lord’s favor is upon us.
Today, we met for a church gathering in a room measuring no more than 8×10 feet. Our team took up most of the space. Embarrassed, we shoved our massive day packs under a plastic chair, in the corner of the room.
Pastor Amos greeted us with hot tea and we sat on the floor, crossed legs (important), to hear his testimony. When he was finished sharing, I plunked around on a guitar and my team sang along. About 45 minutes passed and some church members began to show up.
When the service began, the room exploded with praise and worship. They were loud. REALLY LOUD. My heart was so touched. While we sang and clapped, a small Hindu boy with bright red wax plastered on his forehead, kept running to the barred window to listen and dance along. Agitated, his mother dragged him away. But he escaped her grasp and came to the window again. His mother picked him up this time. But he came again. And again. I didn’t see him after that. But I know the joy of the Lord was captivating him.
After worship, the leader opened up space for mediation and listening prayer. In this silence, I pictured the little boy running up again to the window. Jesus swung open the door and grabbed his little hand. He brought him into the room and plopped him onto his lap. He handed him a tambourine and the little boy laughed and sang along. What a sweet image of the Father’s love!
His love is attractive.
It compels.
It invites.
In the heart of Hindu and Buddhist country, it’s easy to get discouraged. There are men and women, children, even dogs wearing bendis. Monks parade around the streets. Temples and idols invade every street corner.
But today reminded me, that Jesus is still so alive. The sweet fragrance of His name is undeniable. Stronger than all the incense offered up to false gods.
He causes hearts to exalt in jubilation.
And little boys to run towards the sounds of Heaven.
