June 2000

Dear Saints and Aints.

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee Shalom.

One would be hard pressed to add to this all-encompassing blessing coming from God himself for His people. And hence I shall content myself with simply wishing it to be yours.

Looking out from my window the sight is reminiscent of a parody on the Hallelujah Chorus: “And it shall rain forever and ever, Vancouver! Vancouver!” But the comforting thought is that the clouds don’t eat the blue sky and the sun – only hide it for some time. And long after the clouds are gone they will still be there and again we will look up into the blue sky and laugh and let the warm rays of the sun caress us.

My life went a bit for a roller coaster experience when at the end of January the Indian Government refused to extend my tourist visa and gave me 10 days to leave India. Since February 1st I spent three weeks in Manila, Philippines, three weeks in Germany and have been in Canada since March 13th. The reason for my long silence is simply that I did not know what to write, as I did not even know what to think.

If my exile is a self-inflicted wound, as some saints probably will wonder, then God certainly placed me in a “premier medical facility” to look after me. I lack nothing and feel hedged about on all sides by the care and concern of God - exhibited by the saints. I begin to look upon it as a Sabbatical, a time for reflection and mental and spiritual recuperation.

Before I even knew I was in need of a temporary sanctuary, a friend from Manila offered Yohan and me an all expenses paid visit to the Philippines. While still there waiting for a visa to India, my brother sent an e-mail from Germany offering me a stay there till I would get a visa. So, Yohan and I spent three weeks in Manila and I spent another three weeks alone in Germany before coming to Canada. I could have stayed longer in both places but you know the saying: “Fish and guests begin to stink after three days.”

Till now I had a number of meetings in British Columbia and a fun-packed two weeks in Saskatchewan where I had some 14 meetings plus some other engagements. Since the end of March I already drove some 16,000 km. I enjoy driving. I enjoy to minister.

The reports from India are very encouraging. Almost daily I get an e-mail from Bapu, Yohan’s secretary about what’s going on. Yohan’s willingness to write is only marginally overshadowed by his willingness to go to a dentist. But he has finally come into his own and taken control of every aspect of the Society and homes. I stand vindicated in my choice of a successor. Bapu writes: “The Boss works very hard. He is up early – to me a miracle in the magnitude of Elijah calling fire from heaven – and sees to everything.” The office is finally, finally completed and so are the Gym/chapel and the school toilets and a host of other things. Through a gift from a friend, Yohan managed to buy a pickup truck for hauling food etc. Of course, he is not alone. He has a good board of directors and a good staff. It is satisfying for me to know I worked myself out of a job.
Of course I miss my kids, the home, my wonderful friends and India. Most of the time my homesickness is but a dull ache but sometimes -- I bury my head in the comfort of my own arms and – cry. I had planned on reapplying for a visa in September but was asked by the Overseas Missions Department to delay my return till after the fall. Since they have bent backwards to help me over all these years it is but a small thing to wait another 3 months. Please make my visa your prayers. I have been in India 28 years and, in a real way, it is my home. I have put my life into the lives of these kids and my love for India is beyond questioning.  I trained leaders, passed on leadership to others, and have been loyal in presenting India always lovingly and always favorably. I did apply some years ago for Citizenship, but my request was denied.  Nevertheless, my dream is to end my days there among those I love.

Yet at the same time I believe that God, whom I love deeply and sincerely, has a plan and purpose in all this. Though foolish as it may seem, I am one of those to whom meaningless activity is more palatable than meaningful - seeming - inactivity. I find Milton’s “They also serve who only stand and wait,” hard to accept. Reading, which in the past, except during Bible College, was a pastime activity now has come to the fore as - The activity …

Somebody remarked: “I find TV very educational. When my wife switches on the TV, I go into the other room and read a good book.” This is how I spend much of my time now – reading good books.

I guess to most people a book on Theology, the Creeds, Heresies, the Church Fathers and Reformers must seem dull; to me it is fascinating reading. In them I see again the awesome love of God, the pulsating heart of Christianity and the magnificent gift of grace expressed in this marvel called salvation. I again see the wonderful freedom I have to serve and love God without the nagging fears that my sins provoke. I am again overwhelmed with the Power of the Gospel and the awesome power of the Word of God. It has become fashionable to make light of the “Sword of the Spirit” as our offensive weapon against the forces of darkness but who dare make light of the Power of the Spirit of God that wields it?

I find a renewed understanding of the Battle in which we are involved. We are all in the forefront of this battle; we all face the same enemy though in different guises to suit his purpose; we all have available the same amour of God and we all have available the same Power – the Spirit of God and the Word of God. And these are available whoever we are and wherever we are and whenever we are in need of them. We only need again to renew our commitment not to a “gospel of power” but - to the Power of the Gospel.

I am free to put my whole heart into the work of God not bothering about what seems insignificant to some or of great value to others. I feel free to go anywhere God asks me to go and do anything God asks me to do – empty handed, not qualified, not good, not strong, fearful yet – courageous - because I know, He will supply, when the time comes, the power and means to accomplish His enterprise in which he asked me to be involved.

In the light of the above my tears brought about by homesickness helped to clean my eyes to again see the wonders of our inheritance in Christ – the Pearl of great Price which to possess - we surrender all.

My love for you, my fellow saints, comes not only because we travel the same road but also from a deep appreciation for all you have meant to me over all these years; it springs from the comfort I find in your presence, from your generosity that made Prem Sewa and all that it stands for possible. If monuments are needed I would like to erect a monument to your love. But even without having one of stone or metal, the smiles, the happy and fruitful lives of the many you helped, the souls that will be in Heaven, will be an everlasting monument to you. My love is yours for all this and so is my -- I thank you.

In His great love.

Saint Francis, Yohan and Kids.