December 2004

Dear Saints and Aints.

Shalom.

With Christmas but around the corner it is time to send a letter of thanx to you and to wish you well. May the bountiful blessings of our God be yours this Christmas!

It seems the world goes mad at Christmas. In both East and West Christmas trees and “ho-ho” chanting Santa Clauses are everywhere in evidence. Christmas stars of all sizes and shapes and colors sit precariously on rooftops or, more sensibly, hang from slim wires over the front door. Some airlines, not wanting to be left out, hang mistletoe over their counters – so you can kiss your luggage good bye ...

In the churches also, where most of this probably originated, it is a time of – decoration, recitations and celebrations. No doubt, missionaries are remembered specially at this time of the year and are frequently recipients of an extra portion of “Christmas Spirit” – also no doubt, very much appreciated. Yet, I believe, at Christmas – missions - not just benevolence towards missionaries - should be in focus. The greatest mission’s event in the history of the world took place on Christmas: “God sent His Son into the world ...” When you reflect on that you must come to agree with me: Christmas and Missions are synonymous.

For us, Christmas revolves around the kids. Yohan always manages to make sure the kids have some small gifts and a good chicken dinner; though it is not that otherwise they are starving ... Also the staff arranges an evening of fun and skits and games. For me it is but another day.

The end of the year is also a time of reflection, of heart-searching, of looking back and reassessment. Personally, the past few months since my return have been a rather difficult, interesting and challenging time – yet a time of positive changes, changes which I should have made long before. But, maybe, these were not possible without the vast amount of prayer I poured out to God during my furlough - a time of closeness I had not experienced for a long time. Prayer became a felt need, a need that a little child expresses when suddenly it rushes up to mother for no other reason than to be with her. God responded to me with a “presence” that made me feel that Adam and Eve, walking with Him in the Garden in the cool of the evening, had nothing that at those times was not mine. It was to me and still is a gift that makes any other gift, however precious it may seem – trivial, inconsequential. F. W. Faber penned the following which so beautifully express my own thoughts.

“Only to sit and think of God,
Oh what a joy it is!
To think the thought, to breathe the Name;
Earth has no higher bliss.”

No doubt! Considering our difficult financial situation, many might mockingly laugh at my claim to being close to God, and to my constant affirmation of faith in God, an affirmation I have no problem making. And others, no doubt, will ask, “Where now is your God?”

But consider this! Job, in the midst of his troubles (compared to him I have none), burst out, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him!” The three Hebrews in the book of Daniel who, (common usage to the contrary), were not “children”, told Nebuchadnezzar politely but firmly, “Our God can rescue us out of your hands, Oh King! But if not - it makes no difference.” In the book of Hebrews ... “men, (which includes the women) of whom the world was not worthy”, is applied to those “who did not receive what was promised ...”

From their perspective, a perspective I share, not getting from God what we ask for is of comparative small concern. It only limits the scope of our service for Him and even death only terminates that service. Nothing else! Trust in God is not dependent on what He gives but -- Who He is. That trust, considering the person and nature of our God, no circumstances can shake. And that trust I reaffirm! Nevertheless, I believe that God in His time will answer our prayer for help and our claim to His promises.

Our home, regardless of our present financial difficulties is still a miracle of God’s grace, care and love. We built this place with kids, village kids – without proper training, educational background and no skills in administration. Unless God had been with us we would long since have been wiped off the face of the earth.

When God placed me here He knew me! I had no intentions of starting a home for poor kids – that job was thrust upon me by God who played on my soft heart that wants to alleviate pain and needs. He knew I am not good; He knew I am not qualified; He knew I have no head for money or administration but – in His wisdom He chose me. And without boasting – my only boast is that I know God – I have worked hard; I have worried; I have been afraid; I have cried often; I have struggled; I have poured out my life for these kids; I have not spared myself – not for thanx or approbation (in that case I worked in vain) but to show God “I am thrilled and honored beyond words that you chose me.”

But now is a time for change in the working of our Institution; the haphazard way of doing things now ends. We invited the services of a Consultant, Dr. Rajkumar of Rainbow Christian Academy, a good friend of mine, to help us a) Strengthening the capacity of the staff, their skills in administration and management of the Institutions. b) Developing systems and procedures for effective financial and personnel management. c) Working towards the future sustainability of the Institution. d) On job training and handling difficult situations concerning the staff and public relations. e) A core team has been formed consisting of Yohan, Reshma and Bapu to strategically plan for the future. It is a long process and hopefully will be completed by the end of January.

After my return to India in July, I confessed to Bapu and Dilip, (our young pastor): “I need help with my personal problems.” For somebody like me who always had to show himself brave, strong, and in control, it was a humbling experience. But these two young men and others rallied themselves around me and did just that.

Maybe it is time to confess to you - I need your help! Our kids need your help! Humility lies not in telling the world you are simple, ignorant, weak and sinful – that is reality – but to acknowledge to your friends – I need help!

The backbone of missions is the church and the saints. Without you our homes would not exist! I dare not take this satisfaction away from you – you have acquitted yourselves well: In helping, in caring and loving. For this I thank you!
We had Sandra Gill the director of the Pentecostal Assemblies Women’s Ministry and three other ladies for a short visit – a visit we very much enjoyed and was beneficial and encouraging. Another two Canadian friends also visited us.

Our guestrooms and our hearts are open – we invite you!

In His great love

Frank