e r i c . s p a n g l e r

Back Home!

I'm home safe!  Thanks for joining me via this blog.  I took this photo in Latur, India.  I think this man was reading the printed version of this website.  ;)

I'd like to strongly testify to God's gracious provision of protection during these last couple of weeks.  There were at least two specific times when I was almost hit as a pedestrian . . . and our ride into central India was surely accompanied by a legion of angels.  Also, I had almost NO physical/stomach problems which is really amazing.  I give God all the praise!  Finally, each day I sensed the presence of Jesus, and was able to speak to a stewardess about Him just last night on the last leg of the trip home from Chicago.  :)

Last Day in India

Today after a great breakfast of fried egg, chapati, and chai from Ujwala (Pastor Shirish's wife), Shirish, Anhishek (their son) and I hopped in a Rickshaw and went over to see Pastor Vijay (see yesterday's post:  Vijay's wife was tragically killed last week).
I had the privilege of sharing some scripture and praying for Vijay, his son Praveen, along with several family and friends.  We were together about 45 minutes or so.  Please take a moment and Pray for Vijay (on the left in the photo; right is his son Praveen).

Right now I'm at the Ahaley's flat (Shirish, Ujwala, Caruna, and Abhishek).  It is about 5pm here, nearly 3:30am in Washington.  My body has adjusted to this time zone, and soon will undergo the 12 hour shift again.  As I look out the back door, I see several men busy in the Hindu temple next door.   I'll just stop for a second and pray for them...

After our visit this morning with  Vijay, we visited a couple other places in Andheri... then we took a local train to Bandra (Andheri and Bandra are both suburbs of Mumbai).  Below are a few shots I took.

Here everyone is waiting for the train, which comes every few mintues.  The total line is over 100km from the north part of Mumbai to the south.  When the train comes, one must be ready!  There's a push to get on and off, and room is tight.  At rush hour, many ride on top... though it is illegal.

Next shot I took leaning out of the train door looking toward the engine:

Finally, the last shot is at the Bandra station.

24 Feb - Occasions For Prayer

I've just arrived back in Mumbai after being away for the weekend. Tonight I'm filled with mixed emotions: joy at the thought of being with my precious family back in Washington soon along with a very wonderful church called Lakeside; and not a little pain at once again saying "good-bye" to these incredibly dear brothers and sisters in Jesus, along with a land and people that I love. An occasion to pray.

There's no doubt about my call to follow Jesus where ever He directs. I think it is less about the where. Being here these days reminds me that I still have much; SO much to learn about what following Him and living inside the abundant life really means. An occasion to pray.

It was great this evening to have Lakeside in mind with affection and ownership as an 'under-shepherd.' I interceded for our gatherings--though the day was at an end here. An occasion to pray.

Tonight over a bit of ice cream, Pastor Shirish gave me some tragic news. Last Thursday after I left town, one of our pastor's wife was killed. Vijay and his wife Grace were on the way home from a prayer meeting, when they were halfway across a road and a truck hit Grace. She died within hours. Please breathe a prayer for Vijay and the rest of the family. I know him well, and he is a good friend. An occasion to pray.

Confronting the brevity of life compels me to live for the things that last forever, the things that never die. Yet one more occasion to pray! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Incredible Chaos!

With over 15 million people, Mumbai, India is a very busy place!

Unfolding

What is His plan for you?  For me?  How wonderfully He unfolds His ways before us as we open our eyes to the world all around us.  My eyes, heart, and hands have been reopened these recent days in a number of ways.  I think the look on this boy's face says much about the life he knows.

This song by "Out of the Grey" has been high on my play list this last week.  It's titled "Unfolding."

This small stretch of sky is my horizon
The extent of all my hopeful dreams
Yet I yearn to go beyond perceptions
And see inside some other lives unfolding

So I stretch my eyes above the rooftops
In circling the world of circumstance
I see a sea of faces, each is so significant
A multitude of hopes and dreams unfolding

Chorus
Open my eyes, open my heart
Open these hands that hold us apart
Open up a way for me to see
The grandeur of the grander scheme unfolding

So I stretch my mind and try to understand
How you could hold each soul inside Your plan
Oh Father, grant me faith to see my part in history
Touching others with Your love unfolding

A Morning In Latur

Last Sunday morning, as Latur was waking up...

Along For The Ride ...

I hope that some of you have felt a little part of this short trip of mine.  In one sense, my family is always with me, as I think about them and pray for them daily.  I measure my experiences by how I think Virginia would feel about it, etc.  Yesterday Caruna and I talked about how good it would be for her to see my girls again (they met when we were here in India as a family 9 years ago or so.  I also met a young many named Sam, and since he was Andrew's age and has similar interests, I thought how great it would be for Andrew to connect with Sam.  I gave him Andrew's e-mail...

My church has been with me as well.  Daily I'm thinking about my Lakeside staff and family.  I'm refreshed and confirmed in my call to serve alongside such precious people ... and wish I could share the India I love so much with the Lakeside I love so much.  Some day, Lord willing!

I took this photo of the woman on the way from Latur to Pune on Monday.

The next photo is of Pastor Samuel preaching at a place called Retibundar.  There's an extraordinary story to tell about this place, but if you look closely you'll see a part of the story.  They are a group of very, very poor people, many of which have been wonderfully saved by Jesus and have incredible joy.  Visiting there last night (Tuesday night) was definitely a high point for me of this trip.

Back In Pune

Hey!

I'm back in Pune, and have a little better internet for just a couple of minutes.  Thought I'd post two of my better photos from this past weekend.

This first photo is of a little girl that was closely watching me as I took photos of the service yesterday.

I should tell you that she did give me a big smile... I think the look in her eyes here is compelling.

I really like this lower shot; somehow I caught her face right between the hands of the woman behind her...

Of course, her face is framed by some other hands as well...

-E

Pray For Ritesh

I've just had an amazing experience that I wanted to share with you.

I've been wondering about making a difference for Jesus here in India.

It is 2am Washington time, but here in India it is the middle of the afternoon.  I'm traveling back toward Mumbai (will stop again in Pune tonight) with my very good friends Pastor Samuel, Pastor Shirish, Shirish's wife Ujwala, and their sweet daughter Caruna.  We"re back on the road after stopping at a roadside dhaba (cafe).

A young boy (perhaps about 17) served us, and after some time I could tell by the tone of the conversation and the few words in Hindi that I know that Samuel and Shirish were sharing Jesus with this young man named Ritesh (prounounced Ri -teesh).  I began to pray and sensed a tender moment with the Holy Spirit present.  As we left, Caruna ran to the car for a small tract about the Savior.

While Shirish was speaking to him, Samuel leaned over to me to explain that Ritesh was an orphan, having lost both parents when he was five.  He goes to school in the morning, and then works all afternoon and evening (probably for very little pay).  A few minutes later as Shirish explained more, I learned that Ritesh had never ever heard about Jesus.  Never even heard the name. Shirish asked if he had ever seen a croos or some church, to which Ritesh replied "No."  When asked why these things were so,, he said, "No one has ever told me about this Jesus."

He can't say that any more!

On a busy road, some 150 km from Pune, India, God used our simple stop for food to make His son's name known to Ritesh.

-E 19 Feb 08

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Night in Latur, India (Sunday)

It's night here in India. I've just finished my Sunday, and now am thinking about and praying for my favorite church (Lakeside) whose gatherings are just under way.

I can hear the horns and autorickshaws and trucks on the road outside my room. The fans and a/c are running full, trying to cool off my room ... The breeze also serves to keep away mosquitos while I sleep.

I visited some potential sites for building a place of worship for Samuel... He has a big vision, but very few resources. Three of us talked in the cooling night air about what could be. I asked, "Samuel, what does Jesus want His church to look like in Latur? How can we help?"

There are so many needs in India. And nearly every need is urgent. It is heart wrenching not to be able to help immediately. I prayed fervently for a woman whose husband left her 17 years ago...her son is not a believer, and not living at home; Samuel told me that her relatives have many larger Hindu idols in their home. She has left her home area to come and cook and care for the Anukamp home children. As I prayed for her, I could feel her hands, shoulders, and head shaking beneath the hand I had place upon her.

A little over a year ago Samuel told me that if the other pastors he supervised had motorbikes, they could start some new bible studies that may eventually lead to planting churches. Several of us (Mitch, Ron, Thad, Jessica and I) raised enough money for three motorbikes. Samuel told me today that there are now 7 new points of ministry as a result!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

17 Feb - My Sunday Morning

Last night after arrival in Latur we visited the Anukamp home; the small home that Pastor Samuel rents in order to house 5 boys, one assistant pastor and a house mother/cook. Over 50 children come every day for a cup of milk, a buscuit, to do some of their studies, and to learn about Jesus (only the five boys live there).

I was up early today, as is my custom anyway on Sunday. There was no hot water initially, but eventually it came and that bucket bath was refreshing. Had some time to pray and prepare for teaching this morning. Some different prep is necessary, in order to adapt both for cultural issues, and also for the translation (I'll say a thought, it will be translated, and so on). It's a big deal when a guest comes to town, so we're having a service in two locations, and a meal following. I don't like the fuss made over me; I try to use it as an opportunity to speak for and pass Jesus' love along.

It's already quite warm here, and the electricity has been out for a couple of hours (common).

Open my eyes, Lord, to the grandeur of the grander scheme unfolding.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Saturday Travel

I'm on the way from Pune to Latur, riding in the back of something like a Land Cruiser. India's countryside is remarkable; and with the economic diversity, beautiful people, and mysterious spirituality, it is easy to understand why the ministry of tourism has chosen 'Incredible India as it's slogan.

I learned about an amazing ministry this morning from Supt. Shirish. I've met Raju David on a number of occasions. Shirish told me that Raju's ministry has expanded and has planted many house churches. In one of the larger locations, over 200 are gathering each week. Every Friday many come together for fasting prayer meeting, and literally spend from 3pm to 6pm on their knees seeking the Lord.

By lunch we learned that we had taken a wrong turn, adding 100 km (or more) to our journey. I'm still enjoying the view. Lots of oxcarts pulling sugarcane now.

Raju also oversees a ministry for street children who would otherwide be begging. Because of this ministry, they get a little food and go to school. Supt. Shirish says things are very difficult. I'm hoping to see those children early next week...

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Mumbai Traffic!

Just a quick little video clip of traveling in the traffic here...

15 Feb 2pm Travelog

On the road now.  Everytime I see such poverty it never fails touch me deeply, overwhelm me, and compel me to respond. This experience is nearly eclipsed by the very same feelings about riding with a hired driver on Indian roads.  The response to poverty often includes a prayer of thanksgiving that God is opening my eyes.  The response to the driving is simply to close my eyes.

I see trucks with the words "Horn Please" and "Goods Carrier," motorcycles, autorickshaws, cars of every size, people,  people, people; crooked buses...

Pastor Shirish, Ujwala, and their daughter Caruna are with me.  They've been good friends for a long time now.

In Pune by 4AM PST.  Will speak at a Bible Study tonight.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Friday 15 Feb Travelog

This morning I woke and heard the Imam's call to prayer for Muslims.  A little later I was standing at the front desk talking to my Hindu friend Rajeesh and noticed the guard while holding his shotgun, stop and face the idol at the doorway, touch his forehead and then mouth a prayer.  During breakfast I too prayed, and I'm now sitting with my Bible open before me.

Often here I pick up on what I believe is a harsh tone used by those in authority or higher on the list.  Those angry words are usually directed at people who are cleaning or who have seemingly menial work.  I think I pick up on it because I know the caste system still exists in India, even if outlawed, and because I cannot understand the language so the tones stand out more.  Unfortunately, I'm also reminded of the tone in my own voice at times, conveying something I wished I had not.

I'm on the road soon to central India.  More later...

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The View From The Room: What Do You See?

As I look out my window, what do I see? 

You're sleeping at home.  It's 1:30am in Washington as I write.  Here it is just 3pm.

I've stayed in this hotel many times... nearly every time I come to India I spent at least one night here.  The first visit I was really glad for this hotel, because it felt like a little bit of safety from a very strange and somewhat threatening place.  As I've grown to understand India and her culture, I don't feel nearly as threatened.  From this place, however, one can see so much activity.  There's a business courtyard on one side; people come out for breaks and talk while stray dogs wander past them. 

In the back there's a neighborhood of buildings that spill over toward the eastern side, where a slum used to be.  I remember several years ago looking out at the tin covered roofs that housed hundreds of people.  Buildings have since replaced the slums, and I wonder where those people were displaced to.  Looking out the front side there's a very busy (even dangerous) road where traffic moves in every direction. 

Below, near an adjacent building there are laborers making just a small, barely affordable living cleaning up the trash after construction. 

Today, on the way to church to speak to some pastors, I walked by some 'rag pickers' -slum dwellers who pick up scraps of recyclable goods in hopes of selling for enough money to buy a little food.  Children walk and play seemingly unattended on the busy road.  Some of them have come to a daycare our church used to have here.

So, I look out the window and what do I really see?
People I don't know, or do I see me?

Mumbai Intersection

I took this video clip early this afternoon as I was driving with my friend Pastor Shirish to the church.  This is the intersection at "Goldspot Signal" not far from the church.  About halfway through the clip Shirish mentions children that attend the school at the church.  You'll see several in uniform walking along... and between them on the ground you'll notice some street children.

My Favorite Part

I love the privillege of preaching, and take it very seriously. But apart from the amazing experience of worshipping our indescribable God on Sunday, I think my favorite part is seeing you, Lakeside! Even here in India, I am thinking of you.

I've just had a nice shower after nearly 40 hours of travel. Driving through the streets while this city sleeps is amazing. But neither are my favorite parts.

Once I passed immigration, customs, and exchanged some money, I came to my favorite part: I step into a sea of Indian faces and my heart is charged: I'm back!
Slowly I scan them, glancing down at the names they hold written on pages...then I see him wave from a few rows back... Mera Mitwa, Mera Bhai (my friend and brother) Pastor Shirish. I hug him, but he doesn't let go: this is our favorite part. :)

Greetings from Andheri (one area of Mumbai)

-Pstr E Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Arrival in Mumbai

After 2 extra hours on the plane at the gate in London thanks to the fog, I've arrived safely in Mumbai about 2am local time. I'm hoping to post this as I land. It will require another 60-90 minutes to get through immigration, customs, and then to the hotel. We've flown near Istanbul, Tehran, and then over Karachi (Pakistan).

Thanks 4 praying for me! Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Somewhere Over the Atlantic

OK, I know it's probably not the best idea to try this but my curiosity is getting the best of me and I can't sleep. I'm going to try posting this in flight. The map says that were at 38,000 ft, about 2 hours and 18 minutes from London. I never tire of the incredible experience of flight, whether it's the long haul or the short hop. Flying is amazing.

And somehow in my spirit I know that being with Jesus is even more amazing.

I'm listening to some of my favorite songs...

"Though some know me well, still nobody knows me like You. Walking in Your presence is where I want to be, You've said in Your word that You would lead me. Yes I love You, Oh I really love You --I'll go anywhere as long as I know You'll be there."

All these people sleeping around me don't realize the miracle of flight that is happening ... Nor the moment of worship I've just had. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

I'm Off!

I'm here at gate A6 this morning, waiting for my first flight out of SeaTac.  Starting out on this little journey has already made me realize how thankful I am to be a part of a community of faith.  Lakeside is a great place, and I'm grateful that God has graciously called us to serve there.  It's been easy to quickly grow to love our church (the people ... not the building!  :)  )

I'm missing my family already too.  I was made to be connected to others!

Will check in more later...

My Sunday

4:34am - Arrive at Lakeside
4:45am - Drink coffee, pray, revue message, unlock and lights on
8:30am  - Great 1st Gathering
10am    - Great 2nd Gathering!
12:45pm - 30 min powernap
1:30.  - Virginia's Awesome banana pancakes
2:00  -  Snuggle with Bethany near fireplace
3:00pm. - Finish packing
5:30pm. - Family prayertime
6:00pm. -  'Shuttle' arrives
7:30pm. -  Moons Over My Hammy (Ask Bekah)
10:05pm. -  Lites out in my hotel room!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Planet India

I'm taking this book with me when I leave Sunday evening.  On the back jacket:

• India is the world's fourth-largest economy.
• By 2034, India will be the most populous country on Earth, with 1.6 billion people.
• India's middle class is already larger than the entire population of the United States.
• One out of three of the world's malnourished children live in India.
• India is home to the biggest youth population on earth:  600 million people are under the age of 25.
• 72,000,000 cell phones will be sold in India in 2007.
• India just edged past the United States to become the second-most-preferred destination for foreign direct investment after China.
• In 1991, Indians purchased 15,000 automobiles; in 2007, they are expected to purchase 10 million.
• By 2008, India's total pool of qualified graduates will be more than twice as large as China's.
• By 2015, an estimated 3.5 million white-collar U.S. jobs will be offshored.
• India is the largest arms importer in the developing world.
• American corporations expect to earn $20 to $40 billion from the civilian nuclear agreement with India.
• In 2007, there were 2.2 million Indian Americans, a number expected to double every decade.
• Twenty-nine percent of India's population speaks English--that's 350 million people.

Jonah Prayer

I'll finish up a three part series on Jonah this coming Sunday.  Last week, as we considered Jonah's prayer in chapter 2, I suggested that we all consider writing our own prayer of thanksgiving and praise for God's deliverance (Jonah's prayer really points to another prayer he prayed...).  A friend in the congregation wrote her prayer this week, and gave me permission to share it.  Thanks Ann!

My “Jonah Prayer”

I remember the day I called to you, Lord.
I felt so alone in my heart.
But I heard that if I called, you would answer -
And you did!

I felt so far from you,
I didn’t know if you were even real.
I felt myself drowning in confusion
As though a thick fog had enveloped me.

Oh, on the outside I worked hard to look “ok”,
Even “perfect” at times.
Yet in my heart I was dying, drifting -
Further from you, further from the truth.

I know now that you never left my side.
You sent angels into my life.
When I thought all was lost, I heard your name.
Through your Word - your truth - I found you.
I reached out and you embraced me,
Dear Jesus!

In my worldly ways and pursuit of perfection
I lost sight of the only perfect life.
But I turned and found you -
Surrendered my life to you.
I am saved in you and you alone!
I am yours, Lord God!
Love, Ann

Time Zones

At left, you can see a clock for India and for Thailand... I've placed them there for reference during my upcoming travel to India and Thailand.  I'll be posting more regularly, so if you're interested check back often.  I'm to leave Monday early.

Through JFK to the UK, then to Mumbai arriving early AM Wednesday (just after lunch here at home in WA).

:)

Back 2 Basics, and $1 a Cup Sumatra!!!

Here's a story about Starbucks, with commentary suggesting that the company is slipping because it has moved too far from what it did best: coffee.  Starbucks is going to close some stores, and shift back to basics.

I thought this story has something to say to the church.  Maybe there are things we were never really supposed to be doing... we've tried to be something we're not...  Time to shift back to basics?

I could REALLY dig it if Sumatra was a buck a cup!

Rebranding Ad #3

Third of three 'rebranding' ads:

Rebranding Ad #2

Second of three...

Rebranding Ad #1

Part of a collaborative assignment to think differently about Jesus (concept only, the website is non-existent).