Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity.
They seem more afraid of life than death.
  - James F. Byrnes

Dear Saints and Aints.

Shalom.

Home again. As of 17th July – home again…

I step out into the pouring rain; time to wake up the kids. The clarion call to rise and shine must issue forth in the proximity of the dorms and not from the cozy comfort of an easy chair or worse still from underneath a warm blanket… My philosophy about leadership qualities brings no cheer to me this morning as I make the short walk to the dorms trying to avoid the bigger puddles and rivulets of water on the road. Of course, rejecting the use of an umbrella – the kids have none – I am soaked quickly and thoroughly.  It is barely after 5 am

The chirping of birds perched in the trees lining the road makes me morosely wonder if the poets’ celebration of and fascination with such sounds in the early morning is not a highly overrated experience. And so, I continue in the same frame of mind, is the bell-like laughter of a happy kid penetrating the curtain of rain.
I have a headache.

As more and more kids issue forth from their nesting places, the “Good morning Bhaisahib” increase in numbers. By the time I reach my house again I suffer from a minor case of lock-jaw having answered them all. Moving among the kids, I occasionally place my hand on the head of one of the little fellows and tussle his hair. In spite of my mood I grin; they all have a crew cut and tussle might not apply – maybe just rearranging the bristles...

Unmindful of the rain I stand on the playground drinking in the scene. The rain and the darkness limit my view but the eyes of my mind, having drunk it in so often, supply what the darkness denies me – the place as I perceive it. Headache or no headache, I am always moved by the sights and the sounds of this living entity called “Kalpana Bhavan” – the House of Imagination.

My dream to prove the Lord, the God of Elijah has found its fulfillment in this place; my trust in the Lord the God of Elijah has been vindicated here. True, faith demands courage; courage which is not a synonym for risk-taking. After all, stepping out unto the hand of God, though unseen it be, is not taking a risk but a sensible course of action. I proved this in this place.

At the General Conference in Toronto, Brian Rutten echoed my own thoughts and feelings when, indirectly, he spoke out against the proliferation of new schemes and programs to propagate the Gospel. A new program is introduced with fanfares at the funeral of the last one which didn’t work.  It is not the proliferation of programs and schemes but the commitment of men and women who, moved by the Spirit of God, go out and share their heart not the program guidelines. The people who are committed neither need them nor use them. Let the God of Elijah return in our midst not as the Rubber Stamp to endorse our schemes but as the One who directs the activities of those who love Him. Yes, the world still needs and always will need dreamers the center of whose dream is the vindication of the Lord the God of Elijah Who then – vindicates them.

Neither do we need any more glossy magazines; nor do we need any more retreats in five-star hotels to pray and let the saints pay; neither do we need prayer conferences - just prayers – people getting together without agenda, without fanfares – just to pray for us or for whomever the Spirit of God brings to mind. Prayers might not always get us what we want but certainly will make us contented with what we have.

The kids, all assembled on the playground, are ready for their bath. The rain is the pre-soak … Still lost in thought I stand there considering our place with the prayer of the assembled kids as background noise. It really didn’t take much to build this place huge though it might be. Certainly no genius, no great skills, no guidance from glossy magazines, no help from fancy programs just – God letting me and the kids putter around - with a little bit of hard work and stick-to-ity thrown in.

 By the same token it really doesn’t take much to keep it running. Sure, like in any organization we have some people who are a pain – in an unspecified location - but otherwise the place almost runs itself. If everybody does his part it is almost embarrassingly easy. As our facilities improve it will get even easier. Bapu doesn’t need anybody to help him run the place – just money to run it.

While Bapu and I were in Canada, Yohan did a great job remodeling the kitchen, getting a well dug and managed a host of other important jobs. It is encouraging to see the way the place shapes up. But he frequently worked 16 hours a day… By the way Priya, his wife, delivered a healthy baby girl on the 13th of August.

It is also encouraging the way Bapu and Yohan are shaping up. Bapu was thrilled with his visit to Canada and I was impressed how this little boy who came in half pants and a towel, who never seen a train or plane has grown up and finally, overcoming the obstacle of getting a visa found his way to Canada where he acquitted himself well. I do trust when he will come alone next time on our behalf, he will be well received. Bapu joined a Bible College course which, when completed will give him a Bachelor in Theology.

With Bapu and Yohan around all the important jobs are done without me. As far as they are concerned my most important job is just being here.

The kids reflect this attitude. The first day back the little fellows mobbed me; their joy at seeing me was obvious with smiles questioning the reality of what they saw. Yes, the old man is back!

The college boys are happy as they started the academic year with new clothes, shoes and a cycle – courtesy of the old man – courtesy of you who made it possible for the old man to do so. It will help their self-image to look good and maybe even produce better academic results. Our 10th graders are next in line. Last academic year all our 10th graders passed; this year we will push for better marks.

In a couple of weeks we should have the computer Institute set up with 50 good quality computers. Right now 12 boys are studying for a Government sponsored computer exam and will be issued a certificate in basic computer knowledge from the Government.

We also received the gift of an LCD projector etc. and set it up in the dining hall for the kids to watch movies etc. on Saturday nights or during school holidays.

I trust my time spent in Canada proved a blessing to those I met. It certainly proved a blessing to Bapu and me. Jack Keys, the BC Missions Rep and Dawn Steinke from the BC District Office who arranged my itinerary were incredibly helpful and caring. Gillian Rumney, Program Officer, ERDO - Emergency Relief & Development Overseas, makes old Job look like a very impatient man, in constantly accommodating my pleas for help. These three fall into a category between angels and archangels… My thanks also to all the pastors and missions’ committee members and church members I met who were kind and helpful beyond words. I am humbled by all of you for your care and concern for me and those who are mine. Bapu sends his special greetings!

 Many Thanx! May the Lord, the God of Elijah be your portion! 

Frank, Bapu and Yohan.