Pray, Partner and Pergi….to

BIHAR, INDIA 2008

TEAM MEMBERS

Cecilia Choong, Pat Shum, Suzie Lo, Steven Cheah & Ps. Reynold Lim

 

MISSION SCHEDULE

 

26th May-Mon:

We left for Singapore at 6.50 p.m. with a total of 12 baggage and slightly overweight. Flew to Kolkata and arrived late at night. It was a relief to arrive late for there was not much traffic on the road.

 

27^th May-Tue:

Ps. Kumar met us from Chennai. We spent the day shopping, walking around and eating. Do you know Kolkata has underground train transportation? In the evening we boarded 2 taxis to the train station for our journey to Bihar. There was a hassle over the porters who tried to jump at the opportunity of earning a few rupees. In the end with the help from the Chennai team members, we carried our own “barang-barang.” Each of us had a sleeping berth to rest for the night.

28^th May-Wed:

On arrival at Katihar station, we were delayed. Due to a change in the school programme, we rushed to Purnea City school after breakfast. The number of students expected was 163. The theme for the programme was “Jesus-the Light of the World.” The children were entertained with a song, gospel trick and message, games, craft and gifts. In the evening the mother’s programme kicked off. The response was overwhelming and these mothers dressed in their best, colourful saris.

Most went home happy with at least a stalk of flower craft they had made. For the 3 of us ladies, we slept under the open starry night in the “million star” hotel. It was so exhilarating and unforgettable with the wind blowing, and the stillness around us that gave a magical touch to those moments on the roof top.

 

Taking a session with the children at Ranipathra School

 

29^th May-Thur:

We stayed at the Ranipathra Mission Guest house that was built by the generous contribution of the Harvest Christian Assembly group of churches. In the morning, we did the school programme, and early evening, the mothers’ programme. This was the first time ever inviting the mothers to come, so we were glad to see them turn up. The Fellowship Dinner was prepared by our CBC chef, sister Pat. Everyone enjoyed the nasi lemak, assam fish, hard boiled eggs, chicken curry and cucumber salad.  

 

30^th May-Fri:

Teaching Programme for Church Planters and Teachers was facilitated by Ps. Kumar and Ps. Reynold. Estimated 100 people turned up. We presented 2 song items. Each of us was given a plaque by The Harvest Apostolic Ministry. Gifts were distributed for everyone at the end of the session.

 

31^st May-Sat:

The Mission Base owned a generator due to the unpredictable electrical supply. The weather was hot during this Summer time; temperatures could reach as high as 40°c. When the fans stopped, mosquitoes would start attacking us while we slept. That’s how I ended up with “star studded” legs. Today, we set off for another school – the latest addition, in Falka. This was far from where we stayed and they have an enrollment of 116 students. The same programmes were carried out. When the mothers came, they brought along many children - their own and their neighbours’ also. So, we had to do a separate, unplanned programme for the children.

 

1^st Jun-Sun:

Wherever we may be, on Sundays, all believers gathered to worship. Ps. Reynold shared on “Faithfulness.” It was a very moving experience to sense the presence of the Lord in the midst of us. The first fruits of the mango trees planted in Purnea City school were plucked and packed to be brought back to CBC. Ps. Kumar left for Patna, capital city of Bihar state.

 

2^nd Jun-Mon:

Set off for Barthantola village about 2 hours ride by jeep. Ps. Reynold was given the privilege to officially open the church building that was funded by CBC. While the adults listened to the sermon, the children had a separate programme, under the shade of bamboo trees. They were entertained with songs, gospel trick and message, sweets and balloons. Most of these village children seldom set eyes on foreigners; hence, we were quite an attraction, including the gifts that were given out.

 

3^rd Jun-Tue

The Teachers’ Training Programme was facilitated by Sister Cecilia. It was done in a

workshop style. They truly appreciated what they had learned and shared. We took a group photo at the end of the session. In the evening we bade farewell and left for Kolkata.

 

Teachers from the 3 schools in Falka, Ranipathra and Purnea with CBC Team

 

4th June-Wed:

In Kolkata, we had good meals at Chinese restaurants. Some of us did last minute shopping. About 3 hours before our flight, we set off for the airport. The traffic was unusually heavy and chaotic. To our shock we found out there was going to be a 2 day strike by the public transport system in Kolkata. Petrol stations were forced to close due to the protest against the price hike. It took about one and half hours to arrive. What an experience! To add to that, the other members who were in a van, had to flag a cab when it ran out of petrol! We thank God for taking us out in the nick of time before the full scale strike starts on Thursday!

 

5th Jun-Thur:

Touched down in KLIA safely. All thanks be to God! Matthew 21:22 says: “and whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”  This statement is powerful and real, time and again when I experience the Lord’s faithfulness in answering my requests, small or big. As 2008 began I knew I would go to Bihar again. However, during one of my conversations and prayers, I specifically told the Lord regarding the date. I would surely go if the date would coincide with the school holiday. It was indeed pushed forward to 26^th May, my wedding anniversary. I thought I was better prepared this time, but there are always elements of surprises in life .The city of Kolkata never failed to leave a sobering memory with her kaleidoscopic and congested humanity. The air that we breathed, the sights that met the eyes, the noises that fell on our ears and so on, formed a picture that had not changed for all these years in my life. 22 million human beings crowded this “City of Joy.”

 

As we travelled to the remote places, villages in Bihar, the sights that greeted us were slightly different. Poverty was still felt, but the natural beauty of God’s creation unfolded before our eyes. I am always mesmerised by the greeneries that sustains the lives around them. By God’s grace and mercy He constantly ensures rain and sunshine be provided. Although His creatures turn their backs to worship other gods, He still loves them. How great and faithful is our God! Ps. Reynold’s sermon on “faithfulness” was appropriate and timely for the local believers. A few of the faithful ones are still serving and that moved my heart so deeply. What motivates them to stay and serve? I was humbled. It was encouraging to visit the school in Falka and also the church in Barthantola. I noticed the new additions and improvements even in the roads that were connecting these remote places. Prayers answered. Hallelujah!  As a body of Christ, regardless where or who we may be, let’s continue to pray, partner and pergi!

Suzie Lo

Head of Children’s Ministry, attending CBC - SS2 Centre

 

BIHAR FLOODS

Jessie emailed on August 31, 2008, a prayer alert and appeal, regarding the Bihar flood catastrophe written by her husband, Pastor Kumar, from Chennai.

 

Just a quick note to bring to your attention, the Floods in Bihar!  As you are aware of, Bihar is one of our key mission fields and we do have a lot of workers and believers there!

 

Bihar is experiencing the worst floods that it has seen in the last 52 years!  It is not like the usual annual flood that it gets.  It has already killed 50 plus people and about 3.5 million people are displaced without homes.  300,000 plus houses are washed away and it is announced by the Prime Minister of India as a National Disaster.  The Chief Minister of Bihar said in the Television Interview that it is not just a flood ... it is a catastrophe!  It is still raining and the flood waters are continuing to enter new areas.  This is not just due to rain, but also due to the "recourse" of a river in Bihar, resulting due to the damage of a dam in Nepal!  So, the water continues to flood new areas!  It has touched more than 15 districts (remember, each district has about 2 to 3 million people.)  Flood warning and alert has been given in all the 3 districts that we are working in ARARIA, KATIHAR and PURNEA. See above photo of the flood covered house. 300,000 homes like this have been washed out by the floods! 

 

Please pray for the 25 plus missionaries of our Ministry, 40 plus native workers (church planters ) and the 3000 plus believers in Bihar. The initial news that we gather is that some of our believers have lost their homes. The Government's relief work is very slow!  Pray for the situation.   

 

Remember Bihar in your Congregation Prayers!

 

Blessings

Pastor Kumar