Adopt A Village

This is the story of a small village that I visited this past spring in India

Home and happy

It's been a good trip but also great to be home. We got back on Friday evening and were happy to do it without event.

To wrap up our time in India we spent our final day visiting families whose life has been touched by the ministry of IBCM. We visited several homes that certainly leave a lasting impression (one on the top of my head... blast those Indian made door ways!) Many of these homes were smaller than the average bedroom in Canada and yet there seemed to be nothing missing. However, we made a quick stop at the "sleeping god temple" (emphasis on quick) in the afternoon and there we found tremendous hollowness. I was hoping to catch some last video to show the tragedy of parents introducing their children to the fear-driven, dedication of idol worship... it's hard not to feel absolutely torn to pieces when you see countless children with heads shaved praying to silent statues of stone. The heaviness is over whelming! But the camera was rebelling in the 40+ degree heat after being in the air conditioned vehicle and I couldn't get it to de-fog so I simply showed Dad a few of the quick notable sights and we made a quick exit (we really had the overwhelming feeling of not belonging there.)

What a contrast when we arrived back at the IBCM office to spend a few last moments praying and visiting with our friends there. It's amazing to be on the opposite side of the globe and feel so at home. It was hard to leave this place... and we had a little confusion doing so! Now we are truly prepared for the amazing race! Time was quickly passing and it had come time to make our way to the train station to catch our train back to Chennai. We arrived 20 minutes early only to have the attendant tell us the train that was pulling away was our train. Naturally we made the diving save getting on to a random car on what we later discovered to be the WRONG TRAIN! It was somewhat frustrating as our Indian accomplice quickly disappeared, trying to figure out the mess (I think we would have liked to help as there was a lot of logic in the process... but it's India... everything works out in the end and we knew this deep down!) Next we were jumping out at a random, tiny station without a soul around. In trying to sort out the mess Thomas called our buddies who have dropped us off to pick us up again at this station so we could try again. It was amazing how fast they made the 10 km round trip! And though we got in the vehicle with only 5 minutes to spare our train was there waiting (and left about 20 minutes late... now THAT's the India I know... the 20 minute early departure really didn't make a lot of sense to me!) So with pastors lining the path pointing us to the correct car we ran to our places and made an efficient entry. On the way home!

We arrived in Chennai bright an early the next morning to catch a couple Z's, shower and organize for our trip home. We had a couple hours to kill and a few rupees (Indian currency) to unload so we went for pizza and hit a couple key shopping locations. It was a lot of fun buy some last minute gifts for some very deserving people... and while they thought we were purchasing for us it was so much fun to surprise them by giving them to our awesome hosts.

After a tearful good-bye at the airport we were off and on our way back to Bangkok. We travelled through the night and arrived just after 5 am. Just enough time to take a quick shower and nap and then make a quick tour of the city. We had a great day with "Song" the mysterious herbal drug toting, karaoke singing, Thai taxi driver. He was something else... we had a lot of fun! While he continually offered his strange, Vick's vapo-rub smelling energy drug we thought it best to just head back to the hotel to get some sleep. So we sang some Elvis classics together and made our way back to our room near the airport. After sleeping away the rest of the afternoon we enjoyed some amazing Thai food. While not all the sea creatures were identifiable in my stir-fry it sure was good (and surprisingly enough it kicked my sweat threshold into a whole new level... I didn't know there was one beyond "surviving 45 degree C heat" level.)

Bright and early we reached the airport to what we thought was a delayed flight... which would mean we would miss all our connections and likely be home a day later. However, we were thrilled to discover (but very disappointed for those who were on that flight) the flight that was delayed was the identical flight from the day before (I'm so glad now that I screwed up my flights and had to change that one... we were originally supposed to fly out on that flight that was delayed 26 hours!) So we were ushered to the check-in desk where we said good-bye to our bags and embarked on the long trip home. And it's good to be home!

On Monday I'm going to do my best to fill in the gaps with some pictures (though I sense there's a mountain waiting for me at the office.) Come back again to check it out or you can check out these links to a few of the pictures I've posted on Facebook.

India - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48030&l=c828b&id=521527164
Cambodia - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47169&l=d96d8&id=521527164
Bangkok - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47167&l=bea85&id=521527164

Well I guess the rest of the world is going to wake up any moment! See you...

Wrapping Up

Our time here in India is quickly coming to a close which is certainly bitter sweet. Yesterday was such a fantastic day that I wish I could send for you all and we could just stay here. We spent a better part of the day with one of IBCM’s newest full time staff members - Pastor Ebenezer. What an amazing story Eby has. He once was a successful professor teaching computer science at a college nearby. However, the when Lord called him into ministry and he did not hesitate to sacrifice his job and security. If only I could describe to you the joy in his eyes I think you could feel his story with me. We laughed and laughed together… and as with many of the staff here in India we quickly felt, “of one heart.”
Eby took us to visit a gypsy village just outside Trichy and what an experience that was. What a contrast in atmosphere. The village was made up of dozens of little 12’ x 18’ (as we reflected we tried to guess their size and they were probably much smaller) that were built many years ago by the Indian government. In order to qualify to live in one you needed a family of at least 7. Eby told us that many contained up to 11 people in them. I’ve got tons of video to show you of both hopelessness of their situation (many are trapped in superstition and oppressive false religion) and tremendous hopefulness. The follow up program there was more of a spontaneous dance party… and had I not felt obligated to do my job of collecting resources to tell this story I would have certainly joined in (Mennonite or not the Spirit in this place was undeniable and very difficult to resist!)
We wrapped up the day by spending time with Pastor Prassad (one of our most key senior staff) and his family. Again it’s like we’ve travelled 10,000 miles only to find ourselves at home. We shared many laughs and heart felt moments. The children of the follow up program that he leads had also waited a couple hours for our arrival (as is typical for India we were very late… we just go when and where we’re told.) We listened to songs, memory verses and testimonies of how God is transforming lives and answering prayers. Pastor Prassad’s daughter shared about the work the youth she and the other youth of the church were doing in a neighboring village. She share how the Lord was watching over them as they were confronted by Hindu fundamentalists with large stones in hand (one of which was the father of one of the children in the program). Their intention was to beat them but immediately this little boy ran to his father and asked him to stop. He shared with him what these youth were doing in his life and the father put down his rock and came to listen. Needless to say the father shortly after was transformed and is now a member of that church! If only I could tell you each story… they are really countless.
Today we have just one more program to visit. I hope to capture some video at one of the local Hindu temples and then we’ll load up and take a night train to Chennai. From there we’ll fly on to Bangkok where we have a 23 ½ hour layover before making the trip home. I don’t think I’ll have opportunity to update you again till I get home on Friday. May God bless you all till then.

Next Update From India

It was sure good to get a good night’s sleep last night! The past couple days we’ve certainly been on the go. We spent Friday and Saturday seeing the ministry in Chennai and it’s hard to imagine that we really only started in this city a couple years ago. The momentum is tremendous.
Our time began on Friday with a youth event. And as is typical, the house packed out. I think they were expecting about 100 young people but 277 showed up by the time the program got into full swing. What a blessing to hear their testimonies and share with them in a time of worship.
On Saturday we began the day by attending a pastors meeting. Dad took the opportunity to get behind the mic and shared a neat illustration that really connected with the pastors. He asked them to imagine that they were a vehicle. What vehicle would they be? A motorcycle, rickshaw, car… He shared how he had a license to drive a motorcycle. It is a good, convenient and easy vehicle to navigate the busy Indian streets. However, it will only carry a few passengers (2 in Canada and 5 or so in India). Because the pastors chose a Mercedes Benz to be the vehicle that Dad would represent he spent some time imagining with them that he would go for a drive. A car like this would be prefect capacity for his family. When he asked the family where would we drive to we replied heaven. As he shared he noted what he imagined Jesus would say if he arrived at heaven’s gate with his car load. He imagined Jesus taking his license and saying, “I see you have a license to drive a bus, why did you come with only a car.” At this the pastors became very excited and said that then they would like to drive a train instead. What vision!
We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting follow-up programs and met some of the most precious children. While we have visited countless follow-up programs already it really doesn’t get old. Even though at times we’ve been very hot and very tired our hearts are always filled with joy when we see what is happening among the children of India (I had to pick up some more video tape because I can’t resist filming every moment!)
Bright and early on Sunday morning we jumped into the vehicle to head to the Thanjure area to speak at a church there as well as visit the village of Budalur (the birthplace of the ministry.) However, word got out about our travels and I think we visited nearly every conceivable church along the way! It was really good for a laugh… but by the end of the day we were VERY tired but still VERY blessed.
It was really great to introduce my Dad to some of my best friends: Pastor Paul Perinbaum, Pastor Antony Muthu and their families. It felt like home to be in their small church in Budalur again. I really love these people. Words can’t describe the enthusiasm of the children there either. What a great evening!
After we were thoroughly blessed we drove on to Trichy to spend the night there. The newly weds (Antony and Emery) joined us on the ride. They sure are a cute couple… perhaps it was the sub-zero temperature we kept the vehicle at or else they were just very happy to cuddle… I had fun teasing Emery a little about where they’d sleep and what we’d feed them when they came to Canada (her family has insisted that we stay in very nice hotels while we are here and so far they have been paying for everything… very awkward… but we have our ways of getting even!)
So that brings us till this morning. On the agenda is a Trichy pastor’s fellowship meeting as well as some follow-up programs. I’m also hoping to get done some of the critical things I came for and document some of the incredible stories of the people impacted by this ministry.
Hope to share again soon!

Pictures of Bankok and Cambodia

Hi - Terri here. If you're looking for pictures, Steve had some trouble uploading them to the blog, but was able to post them in facebook. The following links should (no promises!) take you to two albums - one for Bankok and one for Cambodia. Click on the first picture to get a better look. Enjoy :)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47169&l=d96d8&id=521527164

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47167&l=bea85&id=521527164

Arrived In India

It was exactly the reception I had anticipated and hoped for. Thomas (one of the IBCM staff) ran out and lifted me off the ground... what a guy. It's so good to be among these special friends and now to share them with my Dad.

I guess it's been a couple days (and all quite full) so I've got some updating to do. Wednesday evening we said goodbye to the Crosscurrent team and our Cambodian staff. It was so good to spend time together with them. We decided to head back to Bangkok via Phnom Phen. Both Ray and I had some connections that we wanted to make while we were here in Cambodia so we took advantage of the couple extra hours we had in Phnom Phen before our flights took off. I had the opportunity of getting together with a missionary family through an obscure connection (they were children of a friend of Terri's, parent's, neighbors... did you follow that?) John & Sheryl Roberts have been serving primary in a teaching capacity at a Christian school in Phnom Phen over the past 5 or so years. While the connection seemed obscure it's amazing how connected you can feel to people you don't know. I really wish we could have spent more than a couple hours with them... what a great family (their 10th child is due in just 2 weeks?)

We took in a sobering sight in PP as we visited a high school that the Khmer Rouge turned into a prison/torture facility during their time in power. While they've done a lot to make it less intense there a still physical remnants of the legacy of the facility. What a dark time in history.

We finally had an opportunity to eat some authentic Khmer food too... I think Kalyan was afraid to deviate from pretty tame, Americanized food. We stared at the menu and then let the waiter choose our meals and they were awesome. Dad took better notes than I but I remember a Cambodian Red Curry soup and a Stir Fry in a curry/peanut sauce... fantastic!!!

Then it was back to Bangkok and in the morning to India. However... it's getting late and tomorrow's another full day... more updates in the morning (or evening to you!)

Wednesday's News

We slept a lot later today. I guess our late night chat put on schedule to wake up at just before 5. I excitedly when downstairs in hopes that I would get a good, fast internet connection but today, nothing. That’s a bit of a disappointment but I guess that means you’ll get a two for one day soon.
Yesterday was another really good day. We started off the day by heading out of Battambong into the rural areas where a training program for approximately 100 young people was taking place. CCI here in Cambodia has a really great working relationship and partnership with an organization called Child Evangelism Fellowship. When we arrive the staff from CEF were doing an awesome job of teach these young people how to communicate the gospel to children through songs and dances and other things. Apparently they too were excited about working together and they asked if we could help them get camping programs started in the Phnom Phen (capital city/province) area.
Immediately you could see something great was going on the in room as there were huge smiles on everyone’s faces and they attentively listened to what the leaders had to say. We also got an opportunity to share some brief words of encouragement with them. That was good for a laugh as I think a couple of the things I shared kind of got lost in translation… but we all had a good laugh.
Along the way (about a 45 minute drive) we had a great opportunity to speak with Kalyan and ask her many of the questions that we have about the country and it’s history. She also shared with us bits and pieces of the family’s testimony and how they came to faith. As it turns out Kalyan’s dad, when he was much younger and before he came to know Christ, served in the Cambodian military. That meant when the Khmer Rouge came into power he was forced into carrying out many of the atrocities of the holocaust here in Cambodia in the 1970’s. I asked if he ever shares his story (guessing that it probably carries a lot of weight) and she said no. She mentioned that she only came to learn of this fact just a couple years ago and she said that it is obviously a difficult topic to discuss. I guess it explains some of the heaviness that you can see in his eyes… you know how difficult it is at times to live with the mistakes we make. I couldn’t imagine carrying that burden even though we know through Christ we can find forgiveness forgiving ourselves can be a long and painful process. I guess another challenge within the Cambodian culture is that many of these things are dealt with by pushing them deep, never talking about them, in essence the strategy is to just forget about it.
After a good morning and a beautiful drive through fields of lotus flowers we returned to Battambong to make a quick stop in the market place and spend some time with the Crosscurrent students. Today we will go to the training program here in Battambong and perhaps go looking for the local remenant of the Killing Fields. We also need to relocate hotels (ours has no vacancy) and maybe, just maybe the next one will have a good internet connection. I’ll cross my fingers.

Tuesday's Entry

It’s amazing how refreshing sleeping till 3 am can be. What is it about travelling that does this to me. Perhaps someday throughout my travels I will achieve super-human ability to simply not need to sleep. In brief, we are having a fantastic and productive time here in Cambodia. It’s great to love and feel so intimately connected what you “do.” I’ve felt very alive and productive over the past few days… if only I could figure out the way to have a keener sense of this back home.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to share words of encouragement with most of the pastors presently involved in the ministry here in Cambodia and a number of others who will be involved in the season to come. I spend some special time with Samoeun, a pastor that my small group at youth is partnering with to do ministry among children here in Cambodia. I asked him to share with me some of the burdens he carries as a pastor in this country. I sense he was certainly one, who much like us, wants to desperately to see change in his country but feels somewhat helpless to accomplish something of significance. In our hearts we know there is great wisdom in investing in children but yet it is so hard to see these children continually wounded and their futures slowly stolen from them. He shared how the people of his village were very poor and often had to travel some distance to find work to feed their families. Often parents would take there children away from the things that would give hope for their future. Things like school, community and most importantly spiritual guidance because of the necessity to search for work (it doesn’t seem to me like many of the people in the villages have regular jobs but rather bounce from odd job to odd job). This pastor wishes he could offer more that would permit the children to stay at home to receive education and discipleship. But for now he strives to teach the children to love and support their parents (which has been a real challenge). He is seeing promising change in his village. And we know that as spiritual change comes to many of these communities we will also see change to the physical circumstances. It was a blessing to close our time together in prayer for the challenges he faces.
It’s been really great to share this adventure with my Dad and I feel so cool cruising through the crowded Asian streets on the back of a moto taxi with him. We had some fun snapping pictures of each other and only wish we could have better captured the scene. I also love the little victories of travel like flagging down your own moto taxi and successfully getting to where you want to go without the help of a local (and then only paying double fare instead of quadruple - you often get charged a little more for being a “big guy.”)
Today we will take part in the counsellor training sessions and I’d bet by the time I get this posted I’ll have a few short details about that event. Sorry again that there is no pictures… the internet connection we have here is very slow and somewhat unreliable. But there will be pictures. Perhaps we can upload a bunch once we get to India and have better internet access (although Antony informed us of our itinerary last night and it looks like we will keep “on the move.”)

Sorry no pictures yet

This is good for a laugh… Right now, it’s just after 4 in the morning and Dad and I are ready for the day. Already we’ve probably been up for a couple hours and figured we’d get productive! (Got to take advantage of every moment right? Especially when you‘ve travelled this far and you don‘t have to many of them). Unfortunately I wasted a bunch of time trying to connect to the internet. Yesterday we had a strong signal for wireless internet (which we were blown away by) but today it seems to have faded. Instead I’ll type out a little bit to upload at a late time.
The past couple days have been a real blessing. We very had a smooth trip - although we were a little nervous in Minneapolis when we heard rumour that the flight was over booked by 33 seats. When we checked in at Grand Forks they told us that they couldn’t give us our seat assignments for that flight but we would get them when we got to Minneapolis. I guess what they really meant was that they needed a little more time to figure out how to get everyone on the plane. With just a few minutes to spare they finally called our name to board the plane (after pretty much all the other 400 passengers got on… I couldn’t believe there were still seats left… and I was very grateful for who ever opted for the $750 travel voucher that they were offering for those who were willing to be bumped.)
After spending the night in a hotel in Bangkok we jumped in a taxi and made our way to the border. It seemed that our driver was too familiar with the route or area because I think we were kind of lost a couple times. However, when we arrived there were lots of people willing to help… but you got the faint impression that the info was not going to be free… and it wasn’t. While I had been told you didn’t need the help of an “agent” we reluctantly accepted the help of some very friendly guys who help us get our details in order to cross the border. It’d would be kind of nice to figure out what the real story behind these guys was. We did appreciate their help… and it might have even been worth what it cost… but I know that not everyone’s story aligned. Luckily I didn’t get us in too much trouble by trying to figure out the process (the solution seems to be give everyone money and they go away.) I was very glad to have Kalyan’s (our Cambodian director) phone number and she was able to translate via some guys cell phone and clarify why I owed each person what I did… it seems there was many hard working people behind the scenes making our border crossing simple and safe. It certainly is good for a laugh now… but I know someone out there is making VERY good money off Joes like us and unfortunately I don’t even think it was any of the guys who were helping us.
How to describe what we’ve seen so far… I know Dad has mentioned many times he wishes that he could take some video with his eyes to share with everyone back home. But then we realize it’s the sounds and smells and every that really paints the picture. It’s been so good to see it in person. As we drove I couldn’t help but imagine people walking down the road to “retreat locations” under the Khmer Rouge in the 70’s. Seeing the landscape really brings the stories alive. Certainly you can see the effects of the atrocity all around in the culture and in the eyes of people. You wonder how a beautiful country like this could be so far behind but when you think of a whole generation of intellectuals and business people being wiped out it sort of makes sense.
There’s some light in the midst of this darkness and it was certainly present at the 5 follow-up programs we visited on Sunday. How incredible! On our way home Ray simply said, “I so glad I came.” Me too! I also remember him leaning over and saying this is what we’ve worked so hard for and immediately I got a little sweaty in the eye balls. Sometimes it’s kind of discouraging to do behind the scenes work for what you know is a very effective effort but WHAT A BLESSING to see what your team members are doing on the front lines. It’s so refreshing to see first hand what so many of you have invested in. God is truly blessing and multiplying it.
The day a little adventure, which I really love! A flat tire! Of course in the mid of no where on a dusty village road. Dad, the crazy joker, pulls out his CAA card and offers it to Kalyan in case they have need. While a flat tire isn’t a big deal… not being able to get it off became a bit of a bigger deal. But while we were in the middle of nowhere we weren’t half a kilometer from the nearest tire repair shop. God always provides… and that was good for a laugh.
But what can I say about the follow-up programs. Words can’t really express… they were fantastic!!! We really had a great time (but wished we could have stayed a bit longer). Some we small gatherings beside a house or church while other’s we huge gatherings under the palm trees. But to see hope being given to those most willing to accept it was indescribable. It was a good day!
I spent some of my time interviewing pastors and getting their stories on video tape so that we can share them more effectively with everyone back home. I’m looking forward to putting some of these projects together… maybe it will help you all share in some of the blessing.
Well, I should probably get prepped for the day (or take a nap).
It's 12 hours later and I finally got a working internet connection. Today's pastor's meeting went great and I even got to meet the pastor that my small group at youth is sponsoring. So it was a great day... I'll write more about it tomorrow at 4 am. ha ha

Baking in the Cambodian Cooker

Hi Everyone,

We have arrived in Cambodia today and settled in. We've had supper with Kalyan Tith (our Cambodian director), her family and the Cross Current students and had a wonderful evening. We've got a full day ahead with church and several visits to follow-up programs.

This morning we woke up in Bangkok to find ourselves surrounded by some beautiful Thai architecture. My dad and I went exploring (since we couldn't sleep anyway) and found a neat Buddhist temple just across a small canal from our hotel. The trip from Bangkok was semi-adventurous and pretty non eventful. As to be expected everything cost us probably twice what it should and the "police" were satisfied with a $4 "service charge"... what a joke!

I just noticed that there's a easy access slot for a usb key on this computer and I'll do my best to update you with some pictures tomorrow. However, for now, I think I'll hit the hay (I've been working hard to get on to a "local sleep schedule" and am very ready to crash!)

More Adventure On The Way

In just a couple days I will be "On The Road Again?" One of the many highlights is that I'll be travelling with my dad... call it training for the next amazing race. The itinerary includes a bit of Cambodia, India and a brief stay in Thailand. Many of which will be done amazing race style - meaning, we're not exactly sure how to get to each point along the way... but we've got some good info and... how hard could it be?

Hurray... the blog shall have news once again.

Home Safe and Sound

Everyone's back, happy and healthy... I'll see if Terri will brave the blog technology and update you herself with pictures and stories.

A brief phone call from India

Around noon Terri gave me a quick call (she found a 2rps/minute phone... about $1 CDN for 20 min). It was good to hear from her and all is well. Alexander (our staff from Belize) did have an infection in his foot that needed some medical attention (the real reason Ter found the phone... just confirming the treatment was sufficient with a doc back home). Nothing serious, but every once in a while you get a feeling like you'd like a second opinion.

Apparently the Antony Samy wedding was quite interesting. Ter described it as somewhat choatic with lots of videographers running around. She said it would have been enough to send a Canadian bride off in tears but apparently all the Indians were thrilled... go figure... what a different world. I'm looking forward to seeing all this footage.

The team has returned to Chennai and is preparing to come home. I guess it's less than 24 hrs and they'll get on the plane (YIPEE). Sounded like most were going to stop by an IBCM pastor's prayer meeting and then make a stop in the market place to gather some Indian memories. Hmmm less than 24 hrs (fly safe pilots... don't have any nervous breakdowns... maybe it's not good to stay caught up with airline news!)

As for the Zacharias' back home... we have still only eaten Kraft Dinner once and have not eaten out at all... The house may look a little like a bomb went off but that will be remedied tonight before I spend Saturday in the city (Missionsfest) and then pick up Ter from the airport on Sunday night (YIPEE x2).

They must be keeping busy

I spoke to Terri briefly this morning and things are going very well. Unfortunately there's not a lot of info yet... Terri mentioned that she was going to have to tell us when she gets home. It's all going very well. It sounds like everyone is healthy, happy and keeping very busy.

Again, I'll do my best to pass on info as it comes.

Safe and Sound

Hello All!

Just to let you know the team all has arrived in India safe and sound. I had a short phone conversation with Terri late last night and they had a big day ahead with a large pastor's meeting in the plans. She was hoping that the team would have opportunity to do some emailing the next day (which would be tonight... or later). I'll do my best to keep you up to date.

Mr Mom?

Surprise!!! Something new today!!!

What a great Christmas we had (yeah, I'm late for even that). But it was good. As the kids get older it just gets more and more fun.

I'll be brief... lest I start and not finish yet another post.

Upcoming...

Terri's heading to India... so hopefully you can expect pictures over the next weeks (I know I am). That means I get to play the role of Mr. Mom (now you all know what you can pray for... me or the kids???) I'm so excited that Ter will have the opportunity to return to India and enjoy the fruit of the ministry as well as contribute to the many events and programs on the itinerary.

Looking back...

Over the past weeks we've been so blessed... Personally and as a ministry. Some highlights have been reconnecting with my friend and co-worker Alex Perez from Belize Camping Experience. And just this past week getting to connect once again with Reaksa Himm - survivor of the Cambodian killing fields. I'd encourage everyone to read his story... it really puts the subject of forgiveness into new perspective.