Hello friends!
The following videos are for your enjoyment!
1) Kampong Thom, Cambodia - the sweet children at the Shelter of Love Center, an orphanage in Cambodia, sing a song in Khmer (their native language) at a church service. These children are amazing, and I'm blessed for having been able to spend time with them in August 2008. I hope to visit them again someday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmiRJxV7R2U
2) Chitwan jungle, Nepal - the view through this jungle was so beautiful, I had to capture some of it on video.....while riding an elephant! It was slightly cold that morning, but we came across some deer you can see in the video. The recording was done before the elephant decided to bugle and runaway to find it's buddies.....yes, I said runaway. Ha! Someone else from the trip has that on video, so for the meanwhile, you can take in this gorgeous landscape of Nepal's jungle near India.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnyGmdF88Mg
3) Chitwan hotel in the jungle, Nepal - for those of you who know him, the man known as "The Sherpa" was on our trip to Nepal. A man with a heart to serve the Lord, but also a man who knows no fear - especially when it comes to fire apparently. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you, The Sherpa.....Nepal edition.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHCUK_c8zWI
Enjoy!
<><
KB
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
In the wake of Nepal
It's been almost a week since coming home from Nepal and this morning I got up to start my day like I do everyday, and I still have to catch myself not looking for the "Taj" brand of bottled water next to the sink to brush my teeth. It's ok to use the water from the faucet. In fact, the first night I returned home from Nepal and hopped into my own bed (which I love dearly), it was almost a little difficult falling asleep after being used to sleeping in the cold air, unknown sheets, and animals making noises outside (yes, this means the tons of stray dogs roaming Kathmandu as well).
For the first time, I felt a glimpse of what it meant to actually have the reverse culture shock.....after just a short 8 days, I found myself no longer use to the comforts I'd come to know and love in the US. You see, for the last 8 days, I'd gotten up and not been distracted by vanity once. Sure, I'd put make up on here and there, try to get my clothes to match, and well, just go about the day thinking of what lies ahead. This didn't feel different but it was....why? Because in Nepal, no one else cared about vanity either. Furthermore, the people of Nepal are more concerned about where their next meal will come from and where are they going to sleep that night.
For 8 days, I roamed the Nepali landscape with an awesome team of nine other individuals who are all committed to serving God in their best capacity. With all different personalities, it became more evident as to why God hand picked each one of us. The days went by too fast, but the lessons we all learned from the Nepali people - and from each other, will last a lifetime. If you asked me why I grew such an affinity for the country of Nepal, I couldn't give you a straight answer. The only answer I can offer is that God put me there, and the enemy fought to keep me from going a multitude of times. Actually, even up on returning, the enemy is fighting like crazy to keep Nepal out of my mind and trying to keep me focused on my weaknesses and circumstances in my own life beyond my control.
As I look out the window on the 38th floor of the downtown Houston sky scrapper in which I work, I think how clean Houston looks in comparison to Kathmandu. The smog I generally complain about seems like a simple collection of dust and nothing more. It looks beautiful outside, however, my mind doesn't seem to want to leave Nepal. It almost seems like in a couple hours I will be called to go downstairs and hop in the van with the team (with Rupak driving of course) and be shuttled off to our next village, our next destination, our next church full of Hindus to share the love of Jesus Christ.
I'll drive down the road in my red Mitsubishi coup and expect a full siege of Nepali Tata (it's a brand) trucks to come sailing at my vehicle and turn at the last minute as though we were driving along the mountains. Some might say post-traumatic stress disorder, ha, but I call it a unique type of homesickness.
More importantly, what is God telling me in this? I've been wrestling with this question since being home, and I do believe it takes some time to process. However, what I do know is this: there is more joy in having less. Now, for the the folks who get their joy or hope out of the next expensive sports car they buy, the next boat they wish for, the next cute guy or girl they date who could be the "one", the hair cut we can't live without, or even the fancy dinner you think you owe yourself.....I know this is a harsh reality to swallow, but there is actually more joy in having less. Chasing after the "next best thing" or the "bigger better deal" will always leave you exhausted.....why? Because there is always going to be something better and/or bigger out there to do, or have.
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Matthew 19:24, NIV
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Mark 10:25, NIV
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Luke 18:25, NIV
Now, I don't have a seminary degree, but what I do know is that if it says this three times in the bible, it might be worth paying attention to - there aren't any unimportant words in God's word. It's all used for rebuking and teaching (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV).
Furthermore, God spoke to me a lot about joy. While I've felt sort of joyless in some ways over the last few months, God showed me something big about joy while in Nepal. You see, the majority of mission trips I've been on (and there are two international mission trips I've been on before Nepal), I strikingly notice that aside from the locals circumstances and poverty, they have incredible joy. Joy that anyone would want, and that joy usually comes from Christ. On the flip side, I'm encouraged by their joy, but strongly impacted by all the sorrow around me. Nepal was different for me in that sense. While I noticed locals again having joy, the last few days of the trip, I also noticed that I too was the one who had the same joy despite everything going on. Certainly not equating my circumstances with those of the Nepalis, but what I had mistaken for a numbness to poverty was actually a resounding well of joy. Joy that I had prayed for, and joy that I had prayed would be infectious to others. God is so good!!!
The trip to Nepal was one of the best trips I have ever been on, and would certainly go again. I await an opportunity to go back, to hug Bishwa and Ramila after having such a tearful and bittersweet good-bye. I await to go back and wander through all the mountaineering shops after having dinner at Fire and Ice; I await the opportunity to share my Savior - the love of my life - Jesus Christ, with these sweet Nepali people; I await to go to my 2nd Nepali Christian concert in the middle of nowhere at the foot of a Hindu temple; I await my second time to canoe through the Chitwan forest and ride a run-a-way elephant through a forest and sporadically placed rhinos; I await my second time to share the testimony God has given me to a church full of eager Nepali Christians who love Jesus like I do; I await my second time to see Mount Everest from afar as my airplane lands at Kathmandu International Airport.
If you ever are granted the chance, go to Nepal. Share Jesus Christ with these sweet people - many of which have yet to hear His great name, the name above all names. Go. Just go. Get on a plane and go. Take warm clothes, buy some bottled water, and go. In the words of Tim Hughes, we must go. Praying for you and where God is leading you to share His love in His name.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4vu-MNTYQE
Blessings,
K
For the first time, I felt a glimpse of what it meant to actually have the reverse culture shock.....after just a short 8 days, I found myself no longer use to the comforts I'd come to know and love in the US. You see, for the last 8 days, I'd gotten up and not been distracted by vanity once. Sure, I'd put make up on here and there, try to get my clothes to match, and well, just go about the day thinking of what lies ahead. This didn't feel different but it was....why? Because in Nepal, no one else cared about vanity either. Furthermore, the people of Nepal are more concerned about where their next meal will come from and where are they going to sleep that night.
For 8 days, I roamed the Nepali landscape with an awesome team of nine other individuals who are all committed to serving God in their best capacity. With all different personalities, it became more evident as to why God hand picked each one of us. The days went by too fast, but the lessons we all learned from the Nepali people - and from each other, will last a lifetime. If you asked me why I grew such an affinity for the country of Nepal, I couldn't give you a straight answer. The only answer I can offer is that God put me there, and the enemy fought to keep me from going a multitude of times. Actually, even up on returning, the enemy is fighting like crazy to keep Nepal out of my mind and trying to keep me focused on my weaknesses and circumstances in my own life beyond my control.
As I look out the window on the 38th floor of the downtown Houston sky scrapper in which I work, I think how clean Houston looks in comparison to Kathmandu. The smog I generally complain about seems like a simple collection of dust and nothing more. It looks beautiful outside, however, my mind doesn't seem to want to leave Nepal. It almost seems like in a couple hours I will be called to go downstairs and hop in the van with the team (with Rupak driving of course) and be shuttled off to our next village, our next destination, our next church full of Hindus to share the love of Jesus Christ.
I'll drive down the road in my red Mitsubishi coup and expect a full siege of Nepali Tata (it's a brand) trucks to come sailing at my vehicle and turn at the last minute as though we were driving along the mountains. Some might say post-traumatic stress disorder, ha, but I call it a unique type of homesickness.
More importantly, what is God telling me in this? I've been wrestling with this question since being home, and I do believe it takes some time to process. However, what I do know is this: there is more joy in having less. Now, for the the folks who get their joy or hope out of the next expensive sports car they buy, the next boat they wish for, the next cute guy or girl they date who could be the "one", the hair cut we can't live without, or even the fancy dinner you think you owe yourself.....I know this is a harsh reality to swallow, but there is actually more joy in having less. Chasing after the "next best thing" or the "bigger better deal" will always leave you exhausted.....why? Because there is always going to be something better and/or bigger out there to do, or have.
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Matthew 19:24, NIV
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Mark 10:25, NIV
Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. - Luke 18:25, NIV
Now, I don't have a seminary degree, but what I do know is that if it says this three times in the bible, it might be worth paying attention to - there aren't any unimportant words in God's word. It's all used for rebuking and teaching (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV).
Furthermore, God spoke to me a lot about joy. While I've felt sort of joyless in some ways over the last few months, God showed me something big about joy while in Nepal. You see, the majority of mission trips I've been on (and there are two international mission trips I've been on before Nepal), I strikingly notice that aside from the locals circumstances and poverty, they have incredible joy. Joy that anyone would want, and that joy usually comes from Christ. On the flip side, I'm encouraged by their joy, but strongly impacted by all the sorrow around me. Nepal was different for me in that sense. While I noticed locals again having joy, the last few days of the trip, I also noticed that I too was the one who had the same joy despite everything going on. Certainly not equating my circumstances with those of the Nepalis, but what I had mistaken for a numbness to poverty was actually a resounding well of joy. Joy that I had prayed for, and joy that I had prayed would be infectious to others. God is so good!!!
The trip to Nepal was one of the best trips I have ever been on, and would certainly go again. I await an opportunity to go back, to hug Bishwa and Ramila after having such a tearful and bittersweet good-bye. I await to go back and wander through all the mountaineering shops after having dinner at Fire and Ice; I await the opportunity to share my Savior - the love of my life - Jesus Christ, with these sweet Nepali people; I await to go to my 2nd Nepali Christian concert in the middle of nowhere at the foot of a Hindu temple; I await my second time to canoe through the Chitwan forest and ride a run-a-way elephant through a forest and sporadically placed rhinos; I await my second time to share the testimony God has given me to a church full of eager Nepali Christians who love Jesus like I do; I await my second time to see Mount Everest from afar as my airplane lands at Kathmandu International Airport.
If you ever are granted the chance, go to Nepal. Share Jesus Christ with these sweet people - many of which have yet to hear His great name, the name above all names. Go. Just go. Get on a plane and go. Take warm clothes, buy some bottled water, and go. In the words of Tim Hughes, we must go. Praying for you and where God is leading you to share His love in His name.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4vu-MNTYQE
Blessings,
K
Thursday, January 21, 2010
NEPAL: Day 7
Hey everyone!
As for today, this was probably one of the more emotional days of the trip.....and I'm not sure I can even put it into words. Ironically, we weren't doing any major ministry activities like sharing the Evangecube with people or teaching VBS, or even doing any pastoral training....but a gripping reality hit all of us pretty hard.
You see, in the Hindu religion, there are different caste systems (aka classes, like middle class, lower class, etc. - and which caste you are born into, is the one you stay in for life....so its rather oppressive). Anyhow, we went to this Hindu temple which is considered one of the "holiest" temples for the Hindu religion....outside it, is a "holy" river with cement platforms along the riverbed. There was a ton of trash in the river (as is the case with most rivers in Nepal) and kids playing in the river, with monkeys infected with disease running everywhere near and in the river. On the cement platforms, the Hindu people were burning bodies. Yes, bodies, human bodies, I'm not joking. If you haven't ever smelt a burning dead human body, you don't want to, its vile.....and this was how the Hindu people depart and "honor" their dead. The children or spouse would wear all white as a sign of mourning, and as soon as the body is dead, they have to take it to the holy river to cremate the body immediately, so no autopsy or anything, straight to the crematory for immediate burning. These "families" would hoist their alleged loved one on to this cement platform on a bed of hay, pretty much naked, put wet hay on top of them and burn them. The longer the body burned, apparently the more pleasing it is to the "god of death" they recognize....they claim the aroma pleases one of their 33,000,000 gods. No, I didn't miss quote that, they have 33,000,000 gods.
As our team watched this ritual, many were crying out of sorrow for these people....to watch such incredibly satanic acts take place. While these families were burning bodies of their loved ones, which you could plainly see body parts on fire just a mere 50 feet away.... there were kids playing in the water, people washing clothes, spectators watching this, and various people around the temples selling snacks for people to watch the burning of the bodies like a disgusting freak show. It had the appearance of a circus.....who snacks on pringles while watching their mother or father, or spouse, be burned just hours after death??! How incredibly evil does it get I ask.....in fact, if they mistakenly start burning their family member - as in, if they pass out instead of die, and the family member "wakes up" when the burning commences, the family has to stone the loved one to death or just leave them burning, or shun them and leave them at the temple river. Why you ask? Because the Hindu religion it brings the family bad luck to stop the burning once it starts.....just sick I tell you. Our team stopped and prayed out loud by the river, we claimed that our God is the God of this city....and we are on our knees for these people. We were overwhelmed, having so much sorrow for how lost the people have become....but we know our God is greater. He is good, and His plan is perfect, and He hears our prayer. We know God is at work in the hearts of these people, and we renounced Hinduism in Jesus name.....commanded satan to flee from this city, and for Jesus to be recognized as the Savior of Nepal....and we are confident this will happen.
On a lighter note, we saw Everest today!! Truly beautiful.....there just aren't words to describe it. Evidently, Everest is so high (altitude) it can't keep snow on the very top most of the time. Crazy!! It was just gorgeous, and we have tons of pics! We also had dinner at Ramilla and Bishwa's house tonight, which was amazing. They are incredible people, such amazing missionaries here in Nepal.....born and raised Nepalis, with incredible commitment to Christ. Please pray for their ministry, for the people here to continue to learn about CHrist. As I left the temple, many of us look around and see SO many Hindus easily recognized by the red dot on their foreheads.....and I realize what a HUGE "Everest-like" task Bishwa and Ramilla have in front of them with their ministry, reaching these people for Jesus. But they are here, standing in the gap, no matter how challenging the task.....they are here for God, one God, our God, a God of love and grace....facing the frontlines of the enemy each day, paddling upstream against the current. I have learned so much from them, and still so much to learn. Such humble people, who are devoted to His word.
This will probably be the last email I send from Nepal, so I thank you for taking this journey with us. Your support and prayers have been instrumental in us being here, and there aren't words to thank you for all of it. Thank you for caring about Nepal, and His ministry here, and also for taking time to humble yourself and truly pray for us - and His sheep here in Nepal. Your prayers are heard, and we thank you from our hearts. Can't wait to see y'all back in the USA, and we all have SO much more to share if and when you have time. I truly encourage you to ask our team members about this experience, and share it with others....God uses the testimony of His work for His glory! See you soon!! Signing off for the last time from Nepal.....
Blessings,
Kristina
As for today, this was probably one of the more emotional days of the trip.....and I'm not sure I can even put it into words. Ironically, we weren't doing any major ministry activities like sharing the Evangecube with people or teaching VBS, or even doing any pastoral training....but a gripping reality hit all of us pretty hard.
You see, in the Hindu religion, there are different caste systems (aka classes, like middle class, lower class, etc. - and which caste you are born into, is the one you stay in for life....so its rather oppressive). Anyhow, we went to this Hindu temple which is considered one of the "holiest" temples for the Hindu religion....outside it, is a "holy" river with cement platforms along the riverbed. There was a ton of trash in the river (as is the case with most rivers in Nepal) and kids playing in the river, with monkeys infected with disease running everywhere near and in the river. On the cement platforms, the Hindu people were burning bodies. Yes, bodies, human bodies, I'm not joking. If you haven't ever smelt a burning dead human body, you don't want to, its vile.....and this was how the Hindu people depart and "honor" their dead. The children or spouse would wear all white as a sign of mourning, and as soon as the body is dead, they have to take it to the holy river to cremate the body immediately, so no autopsy or anything, straight to the crematory for immediate burning. These "families" would hoist their alleged loved one on to this cement platform on a bed of hay, pretty much naked, put wet hay on top of them and burn them. The longer the body burned, apparently the more pleasing it is to the "god of death" they recognize....they claim the aroma pleases one of their 33,000,000 gods. No, I didn't miss quote that, they have 33,000,000 gods.
As our team watched this ritual, many were crying out of sorrow for these people....to watch such incredibly satanic acts take place. While these families were burning bodies of their loved ones, which you could plainly see body parts on fire just a mere 50 feet away.... there were kids playing in the water, people washing clothes, spectators watching this, and various people around the temples selling snacks for people to watch the burning of the bodies like a disgusting freak show. It had the appearance of a circus.....who snacks on pringles while watching their mother or father, or spouse, be burned just hours after death??! How incredibly evil does it get I ask.....in fact, if they mistakenly start burning their family member - as in, if they pass out instead of die, and the family member "wakes up" when the burning commences, the family has to stone the loved one to death or just leave them burning, or shun them and leave them at the temple river. Why you ask? Because the Hindu religion it brings the family bad luck to stop the burning once it starts.....just sick I tell you. Our team stopped and prayed out loud by the river, we claimed that our God is the God of this city....and we are on our knees for these people. We were overwhelmed, having so much sorrow for how lost the people have become....but we know our God is greater. He is good, and His plan is perfect, and He hears our prayer. We know God is at work in the hearts of these people, and we renounced Hinduism in Jesus name.....commanded satan to flee from this city, and for Jesus to be recognized as the Savior of Nepal....and we are confident this will happen.
On a lighter note, we saw Everest today!! Truly beautiful.....there just aren't words to describe it. Evidently, Everest is so high (altitude) it can't keep snow on the very top most of the time. Crazy!! It was just gorgeous, and we have tons of pics! We also had dinner at Ramilla and Bishwa's house tonight, which was amazing. They are incredible people, such amazing missionaries here in Nepal.....born and raised Nepalis, with incredible commitment to Christ. Please pray for their ministry, for the people here to continue to learn about CHrist. As I left the temple, many of us look around and see SO many Hindus easily recognized by the red dot on their foreheads.....and I realize what a HUGE "Everest-like" task Bishwa and Ramilla have in front of them with their ministry, reaching these people for Jesus. But they are here, standing in the gap, no matter how challenging the task.....they are here for God, one God, our God, a God of love and grace....facing the frontlines of the enemy each day, paddling upstream against the current. I have learned so much from them, and still so much to learn. Such humble people, who are devoted to His word.
This will probably be the last email I send from Nepal, so I thank you for taking this journey with us. Your support and prayers have been instrumental in us being here, and there aren't words to thank you for all of it. Thank you for caring about Nepal, and His ministry here, and also for taking time to humble yourself and truly pray for us - and His sheep here in Nepal. Your prayers are heard, and we thank you from our hearts. Can't wait to see y'all back in the USA, and we all have SO much more to share if and when you have time. I truly encourage you to ask our team members about this experience, and share it with others....God uses the testimony of His work for His glory! See you soon!! Signing off for the last time from Nepal.....
Blessings,
Kristina
NEPAL: Day 5 & 6
Hey everyone!
Ok, so we are back in Kathmandu, Nepal.....we drove back, the 5 hour drive, today. It actually ended up taking longer because its a two lane road and the driving is terrible, so there was an accident on the road, but we're fine and about to go to bed.
On Day 5, we were actually supposed to head back to the church, however, the Maoists held a strike and we were unable to cross a bridge to get to the church. We were very sad, however, we trust that there was a reason for the blockage - and God was protecting us again. In lieu, we went on a canoe boat ride down this random river in the middle of nowhere which had loads of crocodiles in it. We saw tons of them on the river banks, as well as a ton of water buffalo and elephants. Yes, wild elephants, it was crazy!! A few times we thought the boat would tip over, but we did not capsize! Also, the bridge we had to get back to the car was 4 strips of bamboo across the river and we had to walk on it with no railing.....not kidding.....it was intense! lol No one fell in, but we did have to be VERY careful.
Later that night, we watched a sunset over the river as many of us reflected on what went on at the church and how we felt about not being able to get to the church that morning due to the Maoist protests. Many of us have had our perspectives changed and challenged in a multitude of ways, predominantly regarding our view of how we regard joy - and joyous living. It truly is more joyful to have less. Less as in, less material wealth and less material possessions. There is so much joy in giving away what we have. Hence the quote, "it's ok to have nice things as long as nice things don't have you." We all acknowledged (even with the help of the local Nepalis) that its so easy in the US to allow our material possessions to own us, or even to define our terms of success as material accumulation or status climbing at the office (of in our careers). However, it simply is not about that - it's actually not about us at all. Joy is about being in the center of His will, and using what we have to serve Him with all of our being. The scripture about how it is easier for a wealthy man to enter through the eye of a needle on a camel than to enter heaven - has come up a few times.
Furthermore, Day 6 was meant to be a touristy type day. We began the morning by riding elephants on an elephant safari. (this is so rhinos and other animals do not charge us, as charging us on elephants is not as likely as it is if we were on jeeps) THe jungle was absolutely beautiful.....breathtaking doesn't do it justice. I took the moment to look around and absorb God's creation, feeling totally blessed and in awe of what He has made. We saw a number of rhinos, spotted deer, wild boar, and random birds. On my elephants was Julie, Terry, and Bishwal (Ramilla and Bishwa's 10 year old son). Our elephant actually ran away.....no, I didn't stutter, it ran away. lol It wasn't funny at the time, and Julie has some of it on video, but the elephant took off and stopped listening to its trainer and ran off. It was bugle-ing the whole time (making the elephant noise) and just hauling on through the trees and mowing down plants, evidently to catch u with 2 of its friends who also took off towards each other. Can't ever say I rode a run-a-way elephant before, but now I can! lol It was for a good 4 minutes......I was fine until I realized the trainer was freaking out and had no control, lol, then I realized this was no joke....and got nervous, then we were ok!
After the crazy elephant rides, we met for lunch to discuss the future of Christianity in Nepal and also how the trip has impacted us. So many great insights, and maybe even a few long term missionaries may be coming out of this trip. The bridge between New Life Nepal and each of us has strengthened and leaving will be a sad day. Ramilla and Bishwa are truly gifted missionaries. They truly have an anointing on their mission here in Nepal, and building churches has been a huge tool for our Lord here. Christianity is very much alive here, and growing rapidly, with many young pastors and women very eager to learn about God and how to run a church. They need our help.
Tomorrow we head to Mount Everest! :-) It's been a long day, please continue to pray for us and the mission set here in Nepal, and all the seeds that have been sown. We are praying for those in Haiti, as we have learned of the news....and we are very sad to hear of it. We are also praying for you, and feel your prayers. Your messages and support have been so encouraging to us here. Thank you so much, and hopefully I will write again tomorrow!
Blessings,
KB
Ok, so we are back in Kathmandu, Nepal.....we drove back, the 5 hour drive, today. It actually ended up taking longer because its a two lane road and the driving is terrible, so there was an accident on the road, but we're fine and about to go to bed.
On Day 5, we were actually supposed to head back to the church, however, the Maoists held a strike and we were unable to cross a bridge to get to the church. We were very sad, however, we trust that there was a reason for the blockage - and God was protecting us again. In lieu, we went on a canoe boat ride down this random river in the middle of nowhere which had loads of crocodiles in it. We saw tons of them on the river banks, as well as a ton of water buffalo and elephants. Yes, wild elephants, it was crazy!! A few times we thought the boat would tip over, but we did not capsize! Also, the bridge we had to get back to the car was 4 strips of bamboo across the river and we had to walk on it with no railing.....not kidding.....it was intense! lol No one fell in, but we did have to be VERY careful.
Later that night, we watched a sunset over the river as many of us reflected on what went on at the church and how we felt about not being able to get to the church that morning due to the Maoist protests. Many of us have had our perspectives changed and challenged in a multitude of ways, predominantly regarding our view of how we regard joy - and joyous living. It truly is more joyful to have less. Less as in, less material wealth and less material possessions. There is so much joy in giving away what we have. Hence the quote, "it's ok to have nice things as long as nice things don't have you." We all acknowledged (even with the help of the local Nepalis) that its so easy in the US to allow our material possessions to own us, or even to define our terms of success as material accumulation or status climbing at the office (of in our careers). However, it simply is not about that - it's actually not about us at all. Joy is about being in the center of His will, and using what we have to serve Him with all of our being. The scripture about how it is easier for a wealthy man to enter through the eye of a needle on a camel than to enter heaven - has come up a few times.
Furthermore, Day 6 was meant to be a touristy type day. We began the morning by riding elephants on an elephant safari. (this is so rhinos and other animals do not charge us, as charging us on elephants is not as likely as it is if we were on jeeps) THe jungle was absolutely beautiful.....breathtaking doesn't do it justice. I took the moment to look around and absorb God's creation, feeling totally blessed and in awe of what He has made. We saw a number of rhinos, spotted deer, wild boar, and random birds. On my elephants was Julie, Terry, and Bishwal (Ramilla and Bishwa's 10 year old son). Our elephant actually ran away.....no, I didn't stutter, it ran away. lol It wasn't funny at the time, and Julie has some of it on video, but the elephant took off and stopped listening to its trainer and ran off. It was bugle-ing the whole time (making the elephant noise) and just hauling on through the trees and mowing down plants, evidently to catch u with 2 of its friends who also took off towards each other. Can't ever say I rode a run-a-way elephant before, but now I can! lol It was for a good 4 minutes......I was fine until I realized the trainer was freaking out and had no control, lol, then I realized this was no joke....and got nervous, then we were ok!
After the crazy elephant rides, we met for lunch to discuss the future of Christianity in Nepal and also how the trip has impacted us. So many great insights, and maybe even a few long term missionaries may be coming out of this trip. The bridge between New Life Nepal and each of us has strengthened and leaving will be a sad day. Ramilla and Bishwa are truly gifted missionaries. They truly have an anointing on their mission here in Nepal, and building churches has been a huge tool for our Lord here. Christianity is very much alive here, and growing rapidly, with many young pastors and women very eager to learn about God and how to run a church. They need our help.
Tomorrow we head to Mount Everest! :-) It's been a long day, please continue to pray for us and the mission set here in Nepal, and all the seeds that have been sown. We are praying for those in Haiti, as we have learned of the news....and we are very sad to hear of it. We are also praying for you, and feel your prayers. Your messages and support have been so encouraging to us here. Thank you so much, and hopefully I will write again tomorrow!
Blessings,
KB
NEPAL: Day 3 & 4
Jamaisee! (hello greeting for Christians in Nepali)
Sorry I haven't had a chance to write until now, we haven't had Internet access for the last couple days. Even as I write this now, I'm in a rickety cyber cafe with a terribly slow connection and there is a goat in here - no joke!
Day 3 was amazing!! The guys focused a lot on the pastoral training, as pastors have been traveling for hours to come learn about how to teach and raise up leaders in their church. It's been so awesome to see God at work in such young leaders for Christ!! Bishwa told us today that there are over 400 plus churches established in New Life Nepal over the last couple years, and the numbers is only growing. Growing churches means there is a huge need for pastoral training..... and they are SO very happy we are here, which is so encouraging!
Also, the clinic has drawn attention with the doctor having seen over 150 patients since being here in Nepal....its remarkable! So many Hindu women and children have come from miles around to see the doctor on the team, and in their waiting time, we share God's word with them. In fact, on Day 3 we were coloring pages in a book while waiting for them to see the doctor and many of the women and myself engaged in small talk, since some of them new English. They were asking me questions about my family, where I was from, etc. So when Bishwa walked by, I asked if he could translate for me - so I shared my testimony with the women. I don't know why, but I just felt led to share it. Then I asked SHawn if he would take the women through the Evagecube steps, which he did.... we prayed together, and two of the Hindu women accepted Christ into their hearts!!! Praise the Lord!! THey were such sweet women, so please pray for Teela and Sunita (both married women) who are our new sisters in Christ! :-)
Day 4 was just amazing! We shared the gospel with more Hindu women, and I know some more accepted Christ, but not sure how many. Never before, have I been in such a situation where you have so many opportunities to share the gospel with masses of people of a different faith - in their home country. It's truly remarkable.... and I feel so used by God. Everyone on the team has brought something incredibly valuable by teaching or medical knowledge, or simply playing with kids or sharing their testimony, God is using them in huge ways.
Last night, Shawn and Brady got up in front of a concert - where about 10 Christians invited their Hindu friends...about 300 people showed up!!!! 90 percent were Hindu.....and Shawn gave an invitation at the end, and people were coming to Christ! Praise the Lord!! Just a short 3 years ago, a concert like that would have been illegal. Also, towards the middle of Shawn's talk, the police showed up.....instead of being afraid, many of us were just praying for the police to open their hearts to Christ. It was absolutely one of the most amazing experiences of my life, to be right there on the frontlines sharing God's word in the face of risk. AMAZING! We told Shawn he would not have to be worried about getting stoned because we took all the rocks, lol. What an opportunity, and the concert was held right in front of a Hindu temple!
We have been intense in prayer, however, we are feeling a degree of spiritual warfare, so please keep praying for us. In fact, we are stuck right now in Daldale due to a transportation strike. Go figure! Maoists are not wanting to let people through a local township. Anyhow, there is SOOOO much more I could share, but not so much time at the moment! We are going into the jungle tonight, so not sure when I can write again, but truly - thank you so much for your prayers, you are true blessing!
PS - there are so many humorous stories to share also! :-)
<><
Kristina
Sorry I haven't had a chance to write until now, we haven't had Internet access for the last couple days. Even as I write this now, I'm in a rickety cyber cafe with a terribly slow connection and there is a goat in here - no joke!
Day 3 was amazing!! The guys focused a lot on the pastoral training, as pastors have been traveling for hours to come learn about how to teach and raise up leaders in their church. It's been so awesome to see God at work in such young leaders for Christ!! Bishwa told us today that there are over 400 plus churches established in New Life Nepal over the last couple years, and the numbers is only growing. Growing churches means there is a huge need for pastoral training..... and they are SO very happy we are here, which is so encouraging!
Also, the clinic has drawn attention with the doctor having seen over 150 patients since being here in Nepal....its remarkable! So many Hindu women and children have come from miles around to see the doctor on the team, and in their waiting time, we share God's word with them. In fact, on Day 3 we were coloring pages in a book while waiting for them to see the doctor and many of the women and myself engaged in small talk, since some of them new English. They were asking me questions about my family, where I was from, etc. So when Bishwa walked by, I asked if he could translate for me - so I shared my testimony with the women. I don't know why, but I just felt led to share it. Then I asked SHawn if he would take the women through the Evagecube steps, which he did.... we prayed together, and two of the Hindu women accepted Christ into their hearts!!! Praise the Lord!! THey were such sweet women, so please pray for Teela and Sunita (both married women) who are our new sisters in Christ! :-)
Day 4 was just amazing! We shared the gospel with more Hindu women, and I know some more accepted Christ, but not sure how many. Never before, have I been in such a situation where you have so many opportunities to share the gospel with masses of people of a different faith - in their home country. It's truly remarkable.... and I feel so used by God. Everyone on the team has brought something incredibly valuable by teaching or medical knowledge, or simply playing with kids or sharing their testimony, God is using them in huge ways.
Last night, Shawn and Brady got up in front of a concert - where about 10 Christians invited their Hindu friends...about 300 people showed up!!!! 90 percent were Hindu.....and Shawn gave an invitation at the end, and people were coming to Christ! Praise the Lord!! Just a short 3 years ago, a concert like that would have been illegal. Also, towards the middle of Shawn's talk, the police showed up.....instead of being afraid, many of us were just praying for the police to open their hearts to Christ. It was absolutely one of the most amazing experiences of my life, to be right there on the frontlines sharing God's word in the face of risk. AMAZING! We told Shawn he would not have to be worried about getting stoned because we took all the rocks, lol. What an opportunity, and the concert was held right in front of a Hindu temple!
We have been intense in prayer, however, we are feeling a degree of spiritual warfare, so please keep praying for us. In fact, we are stuck right now in Daldale due to a transportation strike. Go figure! Maoists are not wanting to let people through a local township. Anyhow, there is SOOOO much more I could share, but not so much time at the moment! We are going into the jungle tonight, so not sure when I can write again, but truly - thank you so much for your prayers, you are true blessing!
PS - there are so many humorous stories to share also! :-)
<><
Kristina
NEPAL: Day 2
Hey friends and family!
Wow, what a very long day!! We caught a bus this morning at 6am to go out in the country, just 30 miles from the Chinese border to do teaching and run a medical clinic for the Nepalis in the area. The day ended up being a mini-bible conference for women and learning pastors, while simultaneously running a clinic. They are such sweet people, and very excited for us to be here. Many of the kids were allowed to take the day off from school to come see us. Learning pastors walked 7-8 hours just to learn how to talk to their congregations about prayer and how to run a bible study. Many patients also walked just as far to be administered health care. THere is a transportation strike going on here right now, so any vehicles on the road other than tourist vehicles are subject to actions of protest (such as throwing rocks, or other hostility), so everyone must walk to their destinations right now.
The teaching went well!! Shawn, Brady, Derek, Jon, and Danny did amazing jobs! Ironically, Danny's message was on faith and discussed the verse about having faith as small as a mustard seed....and at lunch, the greens on our plate were from mustard type plants! Instead of teaching, I was asked to share my testimony with the whole group. A little nervous, I just submitted and asked for God to speak through me - and hopefully get me out of the way from Him doing His work! :-) It went well, and I mainly emphasized being a new creation in Christ and how Christ came for me, and each person there, and what that means. Please pray that it was able to sow seeds in their hearts!
The clinic was running at full tilt, in fact, several of the cases were pretty severe. First case, Dr. Bradley and Bekah saw this young 8 year old Nepali girl who walked 4-5 hours because someone told her and her sister that she could be "fixed" or healed. She evidently had a ruptured appendix, which abscessed and has been that way for 3 months. I'm told usually patients with this condition cannot live like this or even walk, but she was able to move around a bit, and not play with the other kids. The doctor mentioned that it may eventually cause her to be infertile, which is heartbreaking news at age 8. Another case was this husband, his wife, and their only 18 month old son. However, yes, he was 18 months old, but if you saw him, you would think he is only 4 months old. The child has some sort of development disorder or syndrome that will not let his body advance in age. Watching this precious father hold his son and care for him was truly heartbreaking....I am not married, or am I married, but I cannot imagine the challenge that comes when you realize your only son has such a condition. The hope you have for him to grow, play, become educated, and have a family screeching to halt with challenge. Though they spoke no English, they had asked us (motioned) for us to pray for them, so we did.... the father held the child up as we laid hands on him and prayed, and prayed for their faith in God's character to be strengthen, and not weakened during such a time with their precious son. Another family arrived from far away with their 5 year old son who had epilepsy. They did not know what epilepsy was, or why their son would shake, and thought he was dying. Although there isn't much they were able to do for them, they prescribed some medication and were able to provide the family with a diagnosis. Bekah and the doctor saw so much more, and so many more miracles they can tell you about upon return.
On a separate note, we were able to play games with many of the kids, which was so fun! Stickers and kickball were a hit! :-) It amazed me how with no English, these people were asking us to pray for them, even without translation. They had no idea what we were praying over them, but you could see their confidence in prayer - and that God uses prayer to accomplish His will. It truly warmed my heart, and I felt honored to pray for many of them.
Well, I must run, we are to get up early tomorrow to travel 5 hours away to another village to teach and run a clinic. Coincidentally South this time, very close to the Indian border. Driving back tonight was gorgeous. The mountains are scattered with lights from houses on the mountains and looking up, you can't tell where the stars begin and the lights end. And yes, it is COLD at night and we have no heaters! ;-) Please keep praying! We can feel your prayers and please know it is like each of you are here with us!
Blessings,
Kristina
Wow, what a very long day!! We caught a bus this morning at 6am to go out in the country, just 30 miles from the Chinese border to do teaching and run a medical clinic for the Nepalis in the area. The day ended up being a mini-bible conference for women and learning pastors, while simultaneously running a clinic. They are such sweet people, and very excited for us to be here. Many of the kids were allowed to take the day off from school to come see us. Learning pastors walked 7-8 hours just to learn how to talk to their congregations about prayer and how to run a bible study. Many patients also walked just as far to be administered health care. THere is a transportation strike going on here right now, so any vehicles on the road other than tourist vehicles are subject to actions of protest (such as throwing rocks, or other hostility), so everyone must walk to their destinations right now.
The teaching went well!! Shawn, Brady, Derek, Jon, and Danny did amazing jobs! Ironically, Danny's message was on faith and discussed the verse about having faith as small as a mustard seed....and at lunch, the greens on our plate were from mustard type plants! Instead of teaching, I was asked to share my testimony with the whole group. A little nervous, I just submitted and asked for God to speak through me - and hopefully get me out of the way from Him doing His work! :-) It went well, and I mainly emphasized being a new creation in Christ and how Christ came for me, and each person there, and what that means. Please pray that it was able to sow seeds in their hearts!
The clinic was running at full tilt, in fact, several of the cases were pretty severe. First case, Dr. Bradley and Bekah saw this young 8 year old Nepali girl who walked 4-5 hours because someone told her and her sister that she could be "fixed" or healed. She evidently had a ruptured appendix, which abscessed and has been that way for 3 months. I'm told usually patients with this condition cannot live like this or even walk, but she was able to move around a bit, and not play with the other kids. The doctor mentioned that it may eventually cause her to be infertile, which is heartbreaking news at age 8. Another case was this husband, his wife, and their only 18 month old son. However, yes, he was 18 months old, but if you saw him, you would think he is only 4 months old. The child has some sort of development disorder or syndrome that will not let his body advance in age. Watching this precious father hold his son and care for him was truly heartbreaking....I am not married, or am I married, but I cannot imagine the challenge that comes when you realize your only son has such a condition. The hope you have for him to grow, play, become educated, and have a family screeching to halt with challenge. Though they spoke no English, they had asked us (motioned) for us to pray for them, so we did.... the father held the child up as we laid hands on him and prayed, and prayed for their faith in God's character to be strengthen, and not weakened during such a time with their precious son. Another family arrived from far away with their 5 year old son who had epilepsy. They did not know what epilepsy was, or why their son would shake, and thought he was dying. Although there isn't much they were able to do for them, they prescribed some medication and were able to provide the family with a diagnosis. Bekah and the doctor saw so much more, and so many more miracles they can tell you about upon return.
On a separate note, we were able to play games with many of the kids, which was so fun! Stickers and kickball were a hit! :-) It amazed me how with no English, these people were asking us to pray for them, even without translation. They had no idea what we were praying over them, but you could see their confidence in prayer - and that God uses prayer to accomplish His will. It truly warmed my heart, and I felt honored to pray for many of them.
Well, I must run, we are to get up early tomorrow to travel 5 hours away to another village to teach and run a clinic. Coincidentally South this time, very close to the Indian border. Driving back tonight was gorgeous. The mountains are scattered with lights from houses on the mountains and looking up, you can't tell where the stars begin and the lights end. And yes, it is COLD at night and we have no heaters! ;-) Please keep praying! We can feel your prayers and please know it is like each of you are here with us!
Blessings,
Kristina
NEPAL: Day 1
Hey y'all!
Well, we arrived safe and sound! We are currently finishing up the first day at our hotel right now. We are exhausted! We arrived earlier today. As we approached Kathmandu on the airplane, we flew right next to the Himalayan mountain range. There just aren't words to describe how incredibly beautiful it is.... we saw Mount Everest from afar, as well as several other smaller peaks. Truly breathtaking to see the highest peak in the world, towering over the city you are staying in....all the glory to God. I was so tempted to find a place to sit and just be in awe over the beauty He created all around us. We took plenty of pics, and will be taking a flight closer to the mountain later in the week.
Now for the ministry.....this week is packed! We'll need your prayers as many of us will be teaching lessons to all different ages of Nepalis from 10 am to 5 pm....that's a LONG day of teaching! So, we will need lots of prayers.....this is especially intimidating to someone like myself who has only taught once or twice before! Please pray that God uses me to reach His sweet people here, as well as the rest of our team. We have so many truly gifted people on this team, definitely all picked by Him. Tomorrow we head to Longasama (sp?) which is 4 hours away and near the Chinese border. Please pray for safe travels, and for God to truly give us the words He wants us to speak for His glory. The other half of the team will be focused on medical efforts and administering medical treatment to primarily children, and most likely also the parents.
On another note, we all hiked around the city after arriving....surprisingly, we weren't all that tired. We hiked all the way up to a main temple in the city, which was indeed a hike - up a ton of stairs. There are a TON of stray dogs roaming the streets, and also a lot of stray monkeys wandering around. There aren't too many beggars, but still plenty noticeable. This country is incredibly poor, and incredibly polluted. A heavy cloud of smog lays over the city making it difficult to see the mountains at certain times. Hinduism and Buddhism is radically rampant, and some of the locals have no fear in approaching you trying to brand you with the infamous red Hindu dot on your forehead which is a sign of blessing and worship to their God - all of which, we have been able to safely avoid. Please pray for the hearts of these people to be open.... We prayed at the top of the temple for the city of Kathmandu, and I found myself being incredibly grateful for the Son of God, Jesus and that I'm able to know Him. God is so good, and I felt such a heart felt compassion for these people.
We did a little shopping so far, there are a TON of outdoors/hiking stores here for the climbers heading to Everest. Lots of good deals and everything is cheap here. The team says hello and sends their love! They are so grateful for the messages you send! :-) Bishwa and Ramilla, the couple who has been pastoring and church planting here (who are locals) have been praying for you all as well. (They informed us they have been praying for our friends and family long before we arrived! Very sweet!) Anyhow, tomorrow is an early morning and a very busy day out in West Nepal. Please know you are such a blessing to us, and your prayers mean the world to us while we are here. I know He is using you where you are!
Blessings,
Kristina
PS - The weather here is GORGEOUS!!
Well, we arrived safe and sound! We are currently finishing up the first day at our hotel right now. We are exhausted! We arrived earlier today. As we approached Kathmandu on the airplane, we flew right next to the Himalayan mountain range. There just aren't words to describe how incredibly beautiful it is.... we saw Mount Everest from afar, as well as several other smaller peaks. Truly breathtaking to see the highest peak in the world, towering over the city you are staying in....all the glory to God. I was so tempted to find a place to sit and just be in awe over the beauty He created all around us. We took plenty of pics, and will be taking a flight closer to the mountain later in the week.
Now for the ministry.....this week is packed! We'll need your prayers as many of us will be teaching lessons to all different ages of Nepalis from 10 am to 5 pm....that's a LONG day of teaching! So, we will need lots of prayers.....this is especially intimidating to someone like myself who has only taught once or twice before! Please pray that God uses me to reach His sweet people here, as well as the rest of our team. We have so many truly gifted people on this team, definitely all picked by Him. Tomorrow we head to Longasama (sp?) which is 4 hours away and near the Chinese border. Please pray for safe travels, and for God to truly give us the words He wants us to speak for His glory. The other half of the team will be focused on medical efforts and administering medical treatment to primarily children, and most likely also the parents.
On another note, we all hiked around the city after arriving....surprisingly, we weren't all that tired. We hiked all the way up to a main temple in the city, which was indeed a hike - up a ton of stairs. There are a TON of stray dogs roaming the streets, and also a lot of stray monkeys wandering around. There aren't too many beggars, but still plenty noticeable. This country is incredibly poor, and incredibly polluted. A heavy cloud of smog lays over the city making it difficult to see the mountains at certain times. Hinduism and Buddhism is radically rampant, and some of the locals have no fear in approaching you trying to brand you with the infamous red Hindu dot on your forehead which is a sign of blessing and worship to their God - all of which, we have been able to safely avoid. Please pray for the hearts of these people to be open.... We prayed at the top of the temple for the city of Kathmandu, and I found myself being incredibly grateful for the Son of God, Jesus and that I'm able to know Him. God is so good, and I felt such a heart felt compassion for these people.
We did a little shopping so far, there are a TON of outdoors/hiking stores here for the climbers heading to Everest. Lots of good deals and everything is cheap here. The team says hello and sends their love! They are so grateful for the messages you send! :-) Bishwa and Ramilla, the couple who has been pastoring and church planting here (who are locals) have been praying for you all as well. (They informed us they have been praying for our friends and family long before we arrived! Very sweet!) Anyhow, tomorrow is an early morning and a very busy day out in West Nepal. Please know you are such a blessing to us, and your prayers mean the world to us while we are here. I know He is using you where you are!
Blessings,
Kristina
PS - The weather here is GORGEOUS!!
NEPAL: Lay-Over in Singapore
Hello friends and family!
If you are receiving this e-mail, it is because someone on the Second
Baptist Church Nepal mission team has requested for you to receive our
team updates. :-)
You are kindly welcome to respond, as I *should* be able to deliver
the messages to respective team members. I'm not sure of the Internet
connection in Nepal, or if my iPhone will work, but we'll find out!
It does not cost anything for you to e-mail messages to the team
members, as I get them on my phone for no charge.
Now, down to the good stuff! We are indeed in Singapore! Praise the
Lord! It's been a long journey so far, and still 5 more hours in the
lay-over and one more flight to go. We all just took a shower, and
feel refreshed! A lot of us are already tired, as the last flight was
20 hours! lol So please pray for us to have energy, to be energized,
and with minimal fatigue.
In flight, many of us have been studying our bible lessons as a number
of us will be teaching once we arrive at the churches in Nepal.
Myself and Derek will be teaching on prayer, and then I will be
teaching separately on "How to share your faith" to a group of
Nepalis... please pray that it is Him teaching them, and not me, I
just want to be His humble vessel in the field. The rest of the team
will be teaching on various topics as well. Danny will be teaching
the gathered pastors in Nepal on many pastoral training topics. I
believe we are also heading to the clinic the next day to administer
medical needs and play with the local kids.
It's been such a long journey so far, and many of us were discussing
how God has already been working in many of us in a vast number of
ways - and we aren't even there yet! lol For me personally, God is
teaching me a lot about being in a season of joy and also trusting Him
for everything. So many of the lessons we are teaching have ended up
being so personal to us, which makes the lessons fresh for us to give
to those who are hungry to learn from Him.
On a more humorous note, many of us are in a delirium from no sleep,
lol, and even as I write this I hope it makes sense! They have these
awesome little luggage "smart cart" type things here, so some us
decided to race.... exactly, a sleep deprived crowd, anything seems
fun at 3 am in Singapore! lol
Well, in closing for this short message, I sincerely appreciate you
joining us in this journey and committing to pray for us. We are all
praying for you while we are here, and know God is so big - He works
through the unexpected, and has a soft spot in His heart for the
least, the last, and the lost. Please pray the hearts of the Nepali
people are open to hearing of His love and grace. You are a blessing
to us! Thank you and hope to write again soon!
Blessings,
Kristina
ps - please forward this on to any who may not be on the list, the
Internet connection is acting up, so it's not letting me send to the
group I had made to receive these updates. :-) Thank you!!
If you are receiving this e-mail, it is because someone on the Second
Baptist Church Nepal mission team has requested for you to receive our
team updates. :-)
You are kindly welcome to respond, as I *should* be able to deliver
the messages to respective team members. I'm not sure of the Internet
connection in Nepal, or if my iPhone will work, but we'll find out!
It does not cost anything for you to e-mail messages to the team
members, as I get them on my phone for no charge.
Now, down to the good stuff! We are indeed in Singapore! Praise the
Lord! It's been a long journey so far, and still 5 more hours in the
lay-over and one more flight to go. We all just took a shower, and
feel refreshed! A lot of us are already tired, as the last flight was
20 hours! lol So please pray for us to have energy, to be energized,
and with minimal fatigue.
In flight, many of us have been studying our bible lessons as a number
of us will be teaching once we arrive at the churches in Nepal.
Myself and Derek will be teaching on prayer, and then I will be
teaching separately on "How to share your faith" to a group of
Nepalis... please pray that it is Him teaching them, and not me, I
just want to be His humble vessel in the field. The rest of the team
will be teaching on various topics as well. Danny will be teaching
the gathered pastors in Nepal on many pastoral training topics. I
believe we are also heading to the clinic the next day to administer
medical needs and play with the local kids.
It's been such a long journey so far, and many of us were discussing
how God has already been working in many of us in a vast number of
ways - and we aren't even there yet! lol For me personally, God is
teaching me a lot about being in a season of joy and also trusting Him
for everything. So many of the lessons we are teaching have ended up
being so personal to us, which makes the lessons fresh for us to give
to those who are hungry to learn from Him.
On a more humorous note, many of us are in a delirium from no sleep,
lol, and even as I write this I hope it makes sense! They have these
awesome little luggage "smart cart" type things here, so some us
decided to race.... exactly, a sleep deprived crowd, anything seems
fun at 3 am in Singapore! lol
Well, in closing for this short message, I sincerely appreciate you
joining us in this journey and committing to pray for us. We are all
praying for you while we are here, and know God is so big - He works
through the unexpected, and has a soft spot in His heart for the
least, the last, and the lost. Please pray the hearts of the Nepali
people are open to hearing of His love and grace. You are a blessing
to us! Thank you and hope to write again soon!
Blessings,
Kristina
ps - please forward this on to any who may not be on the list, the
Internet connection is acting up, so it's not letting me send to the
group I had made to receive these updates. :-) Thank you!!
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