Lots of Info....(Updated 3/5/08)

Wow. I have had such a wonderful time here in Bhaktapur. I have been so welcomed by everyone here and hate to leave on Wednesday. There are so many things I want to share. I got the chance to preach this morning at church. Pastor David translated. We talked about how God is love and as His children we are called to love one another (1 John 4:7-12, 16-21), then in Luke 6:27-36 we discussed the practical ways we can love. Luke 6 can be a difficult passage to apply to our lives because it tells us to love our enemies, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat or spitefully use you. But if GodHimself is kind and merciful to the ungrateful and wicked, then we should be likewise. In Mark 6: 14-29 we see the opposite way to respond to people. Herodias held a grudge against John the Baptist and desires to kill him because he preached the truth. Actually she ended up having him killed. The Bible tells us to forgive as we have also been forgiven. To put on love (Colossians 3:13) and to be slow to anger (James 1:19). If we hate our brother, we are a murderer and eternal life is not in us (1 John 3: 15). Then I gave an example of an opportunity I had to be very very angry. And in fact I was at first. My grandmother Margie gave me her an my papaw Charles' wedding and engagement rings (Papaw Charles passed away when I was 2). So you can imagine how I felt when she gave me the rings. Very honored. Well to make a long story short, they were stolen from me. And I had an opportunity to store unforgiveness and hate in my heart. But like Romans 12: 14-24 says: I must overcome evil with good, and not let evil overcome me. God calls us to be holy and perfect as He is and if we can follow the principals in Luke 6: 27-36, we show the world that we are sons and daughters of the Most High. As Psalm 121 says, we must look to God, our Maker for help to maintain a life of love. About 4 persons received Christ today. God is good.
So now I am going to give a short overview of my week here:
Sunday was when I arrived at the Children's Home. I was shown around the home and then brought to the church to see. That night Brother Rick preached a message about being a father and not just a teacher. Then he left to go back to Kathmandu with Mrs. Beverly because she was feeling sick.
Monday we visited the children's school and talked with their principal. I took pictures that I hope to upload soon. Then I preached in a home group about how to honor God with our lives. The passage is mainly from 1 Peter 1:13-4 :1-2. Jesus knew His purpose in life (Luke 4:43) and we need to make sure of ours (2 Peter 1:10). We traveled to the ancient city in Bhaktapur and climbed up 3 floors of stairs to reach a small room where the believer lived. There were 4 people (excluding myself, Pastor David and Sony, and their daughter Salome.) On the way home from this was when the little children were following us screaming 'Hello! One rupie!"
Tuesday was awesome because we showed the Jesus Film in the mountains! We traveled by 'bus' on a bumpy road. The scenery was so beautiful. It boy was it cold. Pastor David recently got a projector with screen and speakers so it was a nice setup. He played one of Bethany's DVD's. It was a live recording of Jonathan singing "To Deserve" and the entire church at Bethany North. I felt at home when he played our music there in the mountains of Nepal. Sony read the children there about David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17. It was funny because the moment I got my Bible out to read as Pastor David and others were setting up, all of the children ran to see what I was reading. So i thought 'Hey, why not read them a story?' After the story, the film started and lasted about 2 hours. Pastor David gave The Gospel Message and about 25 people got saved. The Jesus Film is taken directly from Luke.
Wednesday we traveled to the place David and Sony have named 'Prayer mountain.' God gave Sony a dream to pray on the mountain, so once every month, they make the trip. Pastor David, Sony, their friedn Nirijan and myself took a taxi way up into the mountains. It reminded me so much of Thailand. It was beautiful!! So, we got to the top of the mountain and prayed. Then that evening we had a group study on Hebrews 6. And I particularly like verse 13. Check it out!! This reminds me of God's character and the fact that He is steady, and faithful so I can trust Him with everything!!!
Thursday we showed the Jesus Film at the children's school. There was such a big turnout. Many people came and sat on the benches we provided for them. People were standing behind the gates watching the movie, as well as others who were viewing the movie through their apartment windows. It was beautiful under the stars. I will upload a photo so you can see. Many people got saved and some came to church today and got saved!!! YAY!
Ok....I will write more later. Right now I am going to play with the children!! They are going to teach me a Nepali dance!! Love yall
Friday- I went to the Indian Embassay to apply for an Indian Visa (long story). After that process, we had a home group study. I preached from Psalms 116:18, Romans 12:1-2, and 1 John 2: 15-17. I truly enjoy teaching God's Word and consider it an honor to be able to in Nepal.
Saturday was church and after the service, Sony and Sanju taught me a Nepali dance. HAHA me, a dancer!? Who would of thought! I had a wonderful time being there with the girls and Sony. Sanju braided my hair and I did their's in a french braid! After hanging out, we went upstairs to the top floor balcony outside and lit a fire. We all sat around the fire and ate snacks. We talked and played and they even made me and the girls show them the dance I just learned!! HA. After that we all watched the story of Moses. I felt sucha part of their family there as I sat with the children on the floor. Saturday was a great day for me.
Sunday I walked with the children to school. Then we had a home group study at Kalpana's home. Kalpana is 19 years old and a strong believer. I believe God is going to use her and her two brothers to reach the youth in Bhaktapur. Ok, so this home group was an awesome experience because a new believer came to study with us (she just got saved at church the day before!!). I had the priveledge of teaching about Jesus and the cross, and sin. All of these things were new to her. She even asked 'What is sin?' Oh man this was such a joy. Pastor David and Sony were teaching her before the study started about the basics of Christianity. Then I taught from 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21 about how we are Christ's representatives. When I first heard this passage of scripture it was being preached by Brother Brad Williams and we were at a prison revival. I was changed from hearing I was Christ's ambassador. Then we looked at ROmans 10: 9-15, Col. 3: 15-17, and Matthew 28:19. We had a home group at night as well.