March 2006 Archives
Asia - India, Spring 2006
I wanted to send a quick update to let you know how my first line-up went. As you all know I came to Chennai, India on January 12th to start the advanced preparation work for the ships visit. My team consisting of two Germans and one Dutchie got an apartment and worked little our hearts away for 3 months. The ship finally arrived on April 11th; watching her sail into port was an unforgettable moment! I watched in awe as 350 Douloids waived their national flags in excitement. On the quayside, the Doulos was welcomed by numerous TV crews, radio stations and all sorts of media! As I gazed upon the ship I noticed 5 people wearing t-shirts with the letters N - A - O - M - I....(see picture!) I felt so special and knew all the hard work was definitely worth it! I stepped on board and was met with countless hugs and smiles! I was overcome with emotion and couldn't hold back the tears (some thing's never change!)! It was great to be back "home."
The ship stayed in Chennai for 4 weeks; which is twice as long as an average port visit...lucky me! These four weeks were very intense and a great challenge! We faced much opposition from the port authorities and from anti-Christian groups. Nevertheless, we proceeded with caution partnering with local churches and other Christian organizations. We welcomed over 100,000 people to the bookshop! The locals really maximized on their visit, bringing a picnic (meaning rice and curry!) along with them to eat on the decks of the ship. This is something we have never seen before. In addition to the bookshop visitors, we also hosted over 14,000 people for onboard programs! As for onshore ministry, by the end of the four weeks we had sent teams to 59 different churches, 173 daily ministry teams (visiting orphanages, medical camps, slums etc.), 8 teams for overnight ministry, 6 teams for two weeks of ministry away from the ship, in addition to all this, we also welcomed 80 local volunteers to work on the ship for two weeks. These by the way, were all my responsibilities! Needless to say, my multi- taking skills were definitely utilized! By God's grace it was all completed successfully.
Though these four weeks were stretching, I know that I will look back on my time in India with fond memories and will be grateful for the once in a lifetime experience! As for now, I am exhausted and trying to recuperate.Thank you for your prayers!
By the way, I wanted to keep this update brief, but there is so much that I have experienced here in India that I would love to share. It is just impossible to put it all in...so if you have questions or are interested in hearing more, please send me an email.
-Naomi