THE WORLD'S GREATEST ELECTIONS

Of course I do mean that! India is having its general elections in just a few weeks time. With a population of over one billion India is the world's LARGEST democracy. And so, logically, our elections are the world's largest. And perhaps the world's most confusing and complex. We are a multi-party democracy unlike the USA with its two major parties, the Republicans and Democrats. Oh no, here we have many "major" parties and scores of important regional parties and several other parties based on ideologies, religion, economics, caste and what not. Ballot forms (balloting is now all done by electronic machines) have a multitude of names as each constitutency seems to be contested by a dozen or more candidates. Campaigning is based on issues that effect local voters - The price of rice, the building of a Temple, the promise of freebies, and so on. Well there is also the GROWING middle class voter who is looking for a better way of life and for him the issues deal with global economics, the environment, justice, equality and so on. But it is a mixed bag whether you talk about issues or candidates or parties.

And meanwhile the campaigning goes on. One word to describe it? MAYHEM. Grand mayhem. You can look at it from any perspective. For me it is at times great entertainment - accusations and counter accusations, sometimes petty, sometimes serious. Preposterous charges levelled against opponents. Frustrating slogans and counter slogans. All the makings for either a top notch comedy film or the opposite genre of real horror. But at times for me the campaigning is saddening as I see what some possible outcomes could be - a greater focus on one religion, a return to a closed society, or a future marked by chaos.

BUT THEN AGAIN, I look up and I am heartened by what I see, and allow me to list these, please. FIRST, I see democracy at work and not communism or a non-people oriented system. We are a FREE PEOPLE and no doubt about that. Thank God for that same democratic base and that same freedom allows me to preach the Gospel loud and clear on television and through other media, and allows me to worship my Lord in the manner I choose. That IS heartening is it not?

SECOND, This is not our first elections for we have been having them since we became independent in 1947. Yes elections may be mayhem and chaotic but when the dust has settled the country plunges forward through whatever government is chosen and whatever system is put in place. And in a bumbling and fumbling way we remain a democracy; we have moved ahead economically to become a serious world player; we lead the world in computer software technology; our doctors and nurses are highly sought after world wide; and we have NEVER had a revolution or martial law. Isn't that something to boast about? Sure, and I am proud of it.

THIRD and most importantly, over all of this, over the whole scenario is the reality, and my belief, that there is a Sovereign God watching and guiding the universe through His Loving power. He is aware of the affairs of nations be it India or the USA or the UK. He has His own agenda and time schedule. He knows best! No, this is not just resignation on my part, a Que Sera Sera attitude, whatever will be will be! No, and rather, this is a recognition of my God's love and care over all His creation and the realisation that being part of His Kingdom on earth, the Body of His Son Jesus Christ, He has me, and all His children, under His watchful, loving eyes. He is there for us. He is there for our nation. He is the Lord of all. And that includes my country, India.

And so on election day I will go to the polling booth and cast my vote, exercising my democratic right and privelege. I will do so after praying about it. And I will do so thanking the Lord of the nations, that He is God over all. He is Lord over even my country, Indi

To VALENTINE or not to VALENTINE

Strange title is it not? Grammatically incorrect. But I am working on this blog on Valentine's Day, 2009. And I am watching the news. All over India there have been some incidents of protests and demostrations AGAINST the observance of this day of love and affection. And since we are a vibrant democracy there have also been demonstrations IN FAVOR of the occassion. Some anti-Valentine demonstrations turned ugly while some pro-Valentine demonstrations were humorous and unique - like mailing thousands of pieces of PINK feminine underwear to one of the more well known anti-Valentine leaders. So back to the question, to Valentine or not to Valentine?

As a teacher of cross culturalism and anthropology, and through experience, and above all through studying the Scriptures, we know that no one culture is superior to another. Not even an advanced, modern, neo-technological culture like that of the west. On the other hand, certain components of culture may be evil and even inherently wicked - like ritual temple prostitution, etc. Similarly there may be some forms of celebration on Valentine's Day that could be ungodly in nature. Christians should make decisions based on whether the LOrd will be glorified through our Valentine's Day - or any other such occassion's - celebrations.

At the same time I rejoice that the Lord has, first, created us as creatures with the ability to choose, and then, second, guides us through His Holy Spirit that we can make correct choices. In all of those cultural areas where perhaps doubt creeps in, the Glory of God principle is best: Choose those cultural activities that would glorify the Lord. So whether it is Valentlne's Day - or any other such celebration - we should seek to bring Glory to His Name.

Well how did I celebrate Valentine's Day? Actually we celebrated it the NEXT day (and finished up this blog after the celebration). We had a special Church service; roses were given to all couples present; we sang some traditional marriage songs; and I preached a special sermon on love, focusing on the thought that for us Christians every day should be Valentine's Day, as we daily share our love, which is the love of Christ in us, with others.

We had a good time this Valentine's Day. Hope you did too.

Till our next chai time blessings! Leonard and Pam

LOST LUGGAGE - Lesson in Simplicity

Pam and I arrived in Chennai on Jan. 16, after changing planes four times, running to catch our flights both at St. Louis and Chicago. Bad weather - no, foul weather - no, horrible weather - made us run to catch flights in both those places. We made it all okay, but one piece of baggage did not. It stayed back in Chicago. Daily phone calls, long distance communication,desperate emails, got no results till six days later the airline declared it lost. First there was extreme frustration as we tried to recollect all that was valuable in the lost baggage. But then we began to realise that we could actually do without ALL the suitcase contained and we could even get duplicate copies of important documents that were in the baggage. Though we would have been compensated for what was lost, yet its REAL value (not the monetary value) began to appear as not so valuable after all. Clothes were in there but I had other clothes. So with toiletries and books and so on. Suddenly it appeared that we had too much of things and could live with less. And it dawned on me that in many parts of the world people are burdened with an excess of things or stuff that they could easily live without. The apostle Paul said we should be content with what we have. Jesus, in the parable of the lilies of the field, said that our Heavenly Father would take care of our needs. Needs not wants.If Christians the world over learned to live with less then all the excess could be used to help those who are truly in want, those refugees and displaced persons, those who have had economic reversals, and those who live in abject poverty, I was humbled as I contemplated these things and realised that even without the lost luggage I was still truly blessed.

Then, a week after our arrival, the luggage was found and delivered to us. My attitude changed to rejoicing. I thanked God for the lost baggage and eagerly checked my "valuables'. Yet, the cotemplation continued, "I could simplify my life - I can do without some things."I am trying to follow that now. Its February and time for TV studio recordings, and evangelistic travels and college teaching. We need prayer for all of this and prayer that we would keep our lives uncluttered by excess things."Thank you Lord for what you have given us.

"Lord, teach us to be satisfied people, not yearn constantly for more."

Till our next chai time Leonard and Pam say Bye and Blessings.

INDO-PAK Friendship - Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All Men

In my last blog I spoke about the terroist attacks in the city of Mumbai, India. I referred to it as an evil act, by evil people. It was an evil act of cowardice for most of the over one hundred people killed were innocent folk. It was an evil act fuelled by hatred and deep seated bitterness. How should we react to such situations, especially since we too love our country and are deeply hurt when we see the devastation and destruction wrought against it? Should we retaliate with vengeful thoughts or plan destructive actions?


On a beautiful Sunday evening last month, in Indianapolis, I stood before about 40 Pakistanis. I stood there to break the Word of God to them. We sang together (or rather they sang for my Urdu and Hindi is non-existent); we prayed together; we even ate together (delightful Indian and Pakistani cuisines). No vindictive comments nor nasty remarks. We were simply brothers and sisters together in Jesus. We were bound to one another by the common salvation brought to all men through Jesus. And because of Jesus we were all part of ONE family and belonged TOGETHER in the Kingdom of God. And at the end of the evening we shook hands and we embraced. And all this is only because of Jesus - the PRINCE OF PEACE.


More than two thousand years ago the angel declared on that night when Jesus was born - Peace on Earth . . . Goodwill to all men. . . And indeed when men come under the blood of Jesus through faith in Him and obedience to His Word, then Indian - Pakistani friendship is possible. And further too - American - Iraqi, or Arab - Jewish brotherhood. Seems a pipe dream? Absolutely not for though it sounds both simple and simplistic yet it is real and Pam and I experienced it that Sunday evening in Indianapolis.


The New Year is upon us, a whole year of living - 2009. In our individual lives and church living and in all the contexts of life, let us THINK in terms of peace and ACT in peace. It can happen as we allow the peace of God flood us first. As we have peace WITH God and then peace IN us then we can promote peace, as much as possible, AROUND us. May His peace overwhelm you in this new year.


Till next time - Leonard

TERROR IN INDIA - Muslim terrorists attack Mumbai

An evil act by evil men in an evil world. That was my definition for the terrorist acts on 9-11. And I think that holds true even now. A former student of mine asked me by email as to WHY India's financial capital of Mumbai (formerly BOMBAY) was the target of the Muslim terrorists. There was no need for an elaborate answer as to the pros and cons and for analyses and speculations about it. The political and religous and even amateur gurus have had their say and are still philosophizing on what happened. The questions seem perpetual - what happened, why did it happen, will it happen again, and on and on. But underlying it all is one fact that is so often overlooked by the world in general. There is sin in our world and as long as men are in bondage to that sin then evil acts will continue.

Is that oversimplification of such a terrible incident? Or is it spiritualizing it so that the reality becomes more bearable? Absolutely not. It was real. It was devastating. It was suffering. It was DEATH.

For three days Mumbai burned. Its two largest hotels were turned into shambles. Its small Jewish community were almost obliterated. Foreign tourists enjoying India's famed cuisines in restaurants were shot to death. Innocent passers by were gunned down. Brave commandos were brutally sprayed by AK 47 firings. And over 150 people were left dead.

Just a number for the newspapers - 150 or more dead. But behind the figures there are women who were made widows and children left homeless. And a rabbi's baby suddenly left in an alien country with no parents. That is the tragedy of terrorism. The tragedy of sudden bloodshed in unexpected places.

Blame the politicians or blame the historians. Take your pick. Only one answer makes it all clear. Though it seems so trite to say so, the bottom line is that the Peace that Jesus came to earth to bring is NOT in the lives of the majority of the world's population. Its the Christmas Season, the season of joy and peace. Where there is no peace and no joy and no fulfillment of the Lord's agenda there will be violence and bloodshed. There will be no peace.

Pray with us for our beloved land of India. Pray for the city of Mumbai. Pray for peace in our country and elsewhere. Pray that the Lord of Peace and His Message of Peace be speedily proclaimed around the earth.

Till our next chai time. Leonard

Children who love Jesus

Pam and I arrived in the USA on Oct. 24, late in the evening. Less than 48 hours later I was in the pulpit of Cornerstone Christian Church in Brownsburg, IN, preaching the morning service for their Missions Fair Sunday. What an excellently arranged event - so full of evidence that this was a church that has a heart for missions and is serious about world evangelism. And what a lovely and warm and sincere welcome we received. Jet lag was forgotten as we basked in great Christian fellowship. And then somthing happened. No, nothing negative. A great demonstration of love took place, a demonstration by children who love Jesus. A young Sunday School teacher gave us an envelope which was kind of heavy. You know why? It was filled with bills and coins amounting to $ 99 plus. Donated for the work of the Kingdom in India through SWE, by fourth and fifth graders. And our hearts filled with an almost tearful joy. Children who love Jesus and therefore love His Kingdom, and again therefore love their neighbors and further, therefore, are concerned about their salvation. Thank you fourth and fifth graders of Cornerstone Church and thank you Cornerstone brethren.

Incidentally, I spent a week in Manila, Phillippines from Oct. 13 to 18, teaching at one of my alma maters, Manila Bible Seminary, a seminar course on ASIAN THEOLOGY. This was a Master's level course and I had good students and a lovely time. Returned to India, spent just two days there and then on to the USA and those wonderful folk at Cornerstone.

You can contact me through my cell phone number: 417 621 5374. We will be around for a couple of months and then get back to India. I have an assignment at the National Missionary Convention at Tulsa, OK, sharing in a workshop there. Come visit our booth there.

Till we meet for chai (tea) again. Leonard

RIVER JORDAN WATER IN INDIA

Yes, water from the River Jordan in Israel did get to India - via a two liter plastic bottle that originally contained either Pepsi or Coke or some other soft drink! One of our faithful church members had gone on a packaged tour of the Holy Land and come back with souvenirs that included mud from the Dead Sea, water from the Jordan and pebbles from Jerusalem. Good reminders of an enjoyable trip. But she had other ideas for these souvenirs, good ideas. She and her husband come from a village about 50 miles from Chennai and they donated a piece of ancestral land there for a church building. I was asked to break ground for the laying of the foundation stone and so rather early one morning, last week, Pam and I drove to the village for the ceremony. A goodly crowd had gathered indcluding Hindus. I turned the earth with a shovel; bricks were laid in a shallow pit over which the memorial stone would be placed, and water poured in to settle the bricks. Then appeared the Jordan water. I had no idea that she had brougnt this water from Israel and had a purpose for it. But with great ceremony I poured the water into the pit with appropriate comments and then


threw the pebbles from Jerusalem in. But what would the Hindus think? Invoking magic or claiming a miracle? So in my little exhortation I spoke of how the Jordan water was mingled with India water from the village well - in the way that Jesus the Son of God mingled with humanity becoming thereby the Savior of all mankind, regarless of who they were. The non-Christians were wide-eyed as they listened. We prayed for the project to proceed well and dedicated

the plot and the building to come to the Glory of God and to the extension of His Kingdom in that village. I emphasised that that place would be for the village a center of love - the love of Jesus radiating to all the inhabitants there through the Christians who would serve Him in that place.

So that is how River Jordan water came to an Indian village.

- Leonard