Sunday Worship in Katmandu

We began our day with worship at the only Tibetan Christian church in the Swayambhu region of Katmandu. The pastor is Kel-Sang and he also pastors 2 other fellowships around the valley. Church is held in the pastors home and when we arrived there were about 5 other believers along with pastor Ke-Sang present. When the service started the children from the orphanage came in along with a few other believers. In all total there were 9 adults and 18 children at worship. They welcomed us as guests and then everyone introduced themselves including the children. Pastor Kel-Sang played the Tibetan guitar and we sang several worship songs. One of the songs they sang in three different languages, Tibetan, Nepalese, and English. At one point the offering was taken and then I was given the opportunity to preach with a translator. I shared with them "why God allows problems in the life of believers." After the preaching we took prayer requests and we all prayed together at the same time and then the pastor closed the prayer time. We were then served Nepali tea and some cookies. What a great worship experience!

                                                                                                   

We had lunch with a couple of the believers at a Tibetan owned restaurant. And then we headed on to try and engage some people with the Gospel. We went to a Stupa nearby where mostly Tibetan Buddhists would be going through the rituals of their faith in order to recieve karma, blessings, and cleansing from Buddha. Stupa's are imposing temples that dominate the area. They are difficult to describe but are holy to the Tibetan Buddhists. This particular one is known in the city as the "Monkey Temple" because there are lots of monkeys in the area. We had an opportunity to share tracts with some of the people and did a lot of prayer walking.  I think one of the best ways to describe the people of Tibet is they are in darkness and in need of the Light of the World. Pray for the darkness to be dispelled!

Bo had to do some orientation for some people who had arrived for the summer so we took a taxi back to the hotel to rest for a few hours. The taxi ride is indescribable but I have video for your enjoyment when we return.

One of the highlights for us was dinner at Bo and Summer's house that evening. Summer cooked mashed potatoes, fried okra, fried chicken, and cornbread. We felt right at home and my stomach was having a party!!! What a way to end the day! Tomorrow will be a long day with a full schedule! 

Until tomorrow!

Nepal 2009 Guest Bloggers Matt and a little bit of Brad

Today was a great day.  With our fearless leader sidelined with sickness, Brad and I had to venture out alone.  We began with going to a local monastery to talk with one of the Tibetan Buddhist monks that Bo had built a relationship with.  When we walked into the monastery, it was surreal.  There were hundreds of worshippers their, sitting in front of a golden statue reciting their mantras.  We went to an adjoining room and sat around a table when another monk joined us.  It was not Bo’s friend but a visiting monk from Hong Kong.  It didn’t take us long to see that this monk was really advanced in his position in the Buddhist hierarchy. He spoke flawless English and then we noticed his picture was on the wall.  These pictures are generally reserved for key leaders and this was no exception.

 

We spoke for two hours, sipped tea and had a really great conversation.  He was very hospitable and eager to share with us the teachings of Buddha and to learn more about Christianity.  When we began our conversation, he mentioned that the two faiths were essentially the same.  After we had an opportunity to explain the Gospel, he could see that they were indeed very different.  He taught that people are all good and simply had to remove the evil things from our lives to achieve Enlightenment.  Buddha offered no help, he simply showed the way.  Almost like a hidden treasure underneath a pile of garbage.  Once the garbage was removed, we could know our true selves.  We told him the Bible taught that were we flawed and fallen.  We were wrecked by sin and needed God to save us.  This could not be done on our own merit, but was rather an act of God’s grace given through Jesus.  The monk had many good questions, and we agreed to each take a deeper look at Buddha and Jesus respectively. 

 

After our meeting, we were really pumped about the opportunity and headed to Swayambhu.  Swayambhu is a Buddhist and Hindu temple on top of a mountain overlooking the Kathmandu valley.  It was quite a hike to the top.  I am glad Bo was winded as well so I didn’t feel like such a wimp when I was breathing hard when we reached the top.  It was a great view but really heart-breaking to see these people bow before man-made images.  The desired to give sincere worship but sought created things rather than the Creator.  We had lunch at a small shop with a Tibetan Buddhist lady.  Bo said she was a woman of peace.  This is someone who was not a believer but open to the conversation.  He referred to her as “the Tibetan Ms. Barbara.”  It was a good description.  She was very sweet and a very good cook.  We talked with her for almost an hour and she is hopefully going to meet us at church this morning.

 

On the way down from the temple we had tea with another Buddhist friend of Bo’s.  He teaches English and has had many conversations with Bo concerning the Gospel.  We enjoyed each other’s company before we had to leave to meet the pastor of the only Tibetan Christian church in the Swayambhu region of Kathmandu.

 

The pastor of this fellowship has an incredible testimony.  His name is Kel-Sang.  His passion for Christ is contagious.  Kel-Sang also runs an orphanage that has 17 children.  We played games, sang songs and had a great time with the children.  The older children spoke English so they were able to interpret for us.  We were also reminded why kids in America don’t play “Red-Rover” any longer when one of the children was almost decapitated.  Tibetan Christians make up 0.02% of the population of Kathmandu and part of Kel-Sang’s vision is to continue to adopt these unwanted children and disciple them to make an impact for Christ as they grow older.

Friday 5/29 NEPAL!

Our day began early because Matt, Brad, and I are still trying to get on local time. Bo met us at the hotel and we walked to his home which is about 30 minutes away (my Dr. would be proud). Bo wanted us to see what Katmanduh and the people are really like. It was eye-opening. We saw Hindus, Nepali's, Buddhist, Tibet Buddhist Monks, monkeys (yes, real monkeys) and the streets are crowded with locals selling their wares. Did I mention cars, trucks, and motorcycles in abundance? 

We spent the morning listening to Bo and his team leader, Ryan Parks share with us their passion, goals, and strategy for reaching the Tibetan Buddhist. We will share more details about the Tibetan Buddhist when I get home. We also had the privilege of visiting with Summer, Sophia, and Isabella. What a sweet family!

Lunch was at the "Lazy Gringo".  I rode on the back of Ryan's motorcycle from Bo's house. It was like being in a real video game as we honked (the horn is invaluable, kinda of like a seat belt back home) and dodged our way past trucks, cars, other motorcycles, bicycles, children and adults en route to lunch.  More about that later as well. A great mea! 

After lunch we met with some national believers, one the Pastor of a local church, at a Buddhist Stupa. A Stupa is a holy place for Buddhists. We observed hundreds of Tibetan Buddhists zealous and committed to a faith which provides little or no hope for this life or the life to come. 

We ended the day over another meal with the Team leader, his family, the nationals, six college students who had just arrived for two months, and a journeyman.

I was reminded of the 1st commandment which says "Thou shalt have no other gods before me". I wonder how many times I have made other things my god and broken God's first commandment.

I was also reminded of the words in the beginning of the Great Commission, "Go into all the world". I can see and hear it more clearly today!

Until tomorrow!

We Made It!

We are in Katmandu. We arrived around 2:30pm on Thursday May 28th. It was quite an experience and trip so far. We left Munich and it took us only 6 hours and 45 minutes to get to Delhi India. We had a layover in Delhi for a little more than 5 hours. The only problem was Delhi's airport is the anti-thesis of Munich. Munich is very much up to date and seems to be very new. Delhi on the other hand was quite different. In their defense they are in the middle of constructing a new airport and it will be much improved. We had to stay in an area of the airport that was separated from the main terminal because we did not have boarding passes for our last leg of the trip. We did finally manage to get our boarding passes, had lunch at the SubWay airport and then boarded our plane for the final part of our trip. Unfortunately the air conditioning was not functioning properly and we were on the plane for at least an hour. It felt like a sauna. We did not complain out loud and our flight was only 30 minutes later than planned.

Bo met us at the airport then took us to our hotel. We showered, (well deserved since it has been since Monday night) and then Bo, Summer, Sopia, and Isabella picked us up and we ate pizza at Fire and Ice. We were joined by the other missionaries working in Nepal, Ryan and Kristen. They have twins Gracie, and Keane. Isabella slept the whole time and Sophia is precious. 

I cannot describe what the town of Katmandu is like nor what driving in the city is like. Maybe we will be abel to put pics on soon if not then we will show some when we return. 

Well, we are beat, jet lagged and plain ready for a good night's sleep horizontally. Until tomorrow!

Paul

Wednesday in Munich

We arrived in Munich around 8:30am Munich time. We are 7 hours ahead of Kentucky Central time. Our flight was smooth but long. We watched several movies including "the Mall Cop" and "Marley and Me". As soon as we arrived in Munich we took the train into the city center known as the Marienplatz. The attraction is the Glockenspiel and you can read more at this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathaus-Glockenspiel. The city of Munich is beautiful, very green and lush. The weather is probably 68 degrees with little or no humidity. We have about 5 hours until we board the plane for the next leg of our journey. We will spend another 8 hours in flight to Delhi and then another 2 hours or a little less to Katmanduh. Our sleep and time are messed up so maybe we can catch up on the next flight. Thanks for your prayers.

Headed to NEPAL!

We (Matt, Brad, and I) leave today for our Mission to Nepal. I hope to be able to blog regularly about our trip and keep an update on our experience. Thanks to all of you who have been praying and we continue to covet your prayers. I believe Nepal is about 10 and a half hours ahead of Central time. I am not sure what day it will be when we arrive. We have a couple of long flights, one to Munich and another to Delhi before we arrive in Katmanduh. Here is a portion of one of my favorite Psalms, the 34th. 

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
      Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
 ⁹ Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
      for those who fear him will have all they need.
 ¹⁰ Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
      but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

God is good all the time.

Louisville, Charlotte, Munich, Delhi and on to Katmanduh

I have shared with you before that I will be leaving for Nepal soon along with Matt Mason and Brad Erickson. We will be in the air for a long time and on the ground in Munich for an extended period prior to arriving in Katmanduh. I am looking for some good books to read en route. What say you? Email me at pstrahan@fbcowb.org or leave a comment. What have you read lately? I tend to read books that deal with ministry. I need to broaden my reading and I need help! I hope to have the ability to blog about our trip while we are there or at least twitter.

Must There Be A Title?

• Thanks to everyone who was involved in focus groups!
• Learned a lot about our church and myself as we had George Bullard in for the weekend.
• We now must process what we learned and how to implement the findings.
• I am encouraged and refreshed through the process.

• Next Tuesday Matt Mason, Brad Erickson, and I leave for Nepal, pray for us!
• Pray for our families as we are away. I will miss my 19th wedding anniversary. I love you Leigh Ann!
• Pray also for Bo, Summer, Sopia, and Isabella that we will be an ecouragement to them.

• I am glad fastpitch softball is done. Pitching dominates this sport especially when you are first learning the game.

• Learning about the immanence of God! (For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.) Colossians 1:16-17

I liked it and thought you might!

Don Davis is pastor of FBC Alexandria VA. He writes a journal(like a blog) and in April this was his entry. I identify with much of what he said and added some of my own thoughts in parenthesis.

Strictly Off the Record

I am still in a confessional mood coming off Sunday’s sermon and my comments about playing the board game, Monopoly.  Confession is good for the soul, they say, but bad for the reputation.

 

Here are some things you may have already suspected.  Don’t hold me to any of this.  In fact, delete after reading, please.

 

–        Theologically I am neither Calvinist nor charismatic, fundamentalist, moderate or liberal.  Just a Baptist Christian with a little mix of all the above. (My Dad was Baptist and my Mom was Pentecost)

 

–        Pastoring churches is the only job I have ever had (except for appliance salesman at Montgomery Ward my senior year of high school). (I've had several jobs including Jewelry store manager)

 

–        I love Tyler Perry movies that feature Madea!

 

–        No, I don’t actually read all of the books that I mention in my sermons.  Who has the time?  But I do read book reviews in magazines and online.(ditto)

 

–        I never learned to type in high school.  This explains why my e-mail replies (if you get one at all) are so short and to the point.

 

–        Yes, I do occasionally repeat sermons.  Some of these are from Danville days, but updated and freshened.  Almost all my messages now are new ones, written specifically for First Baptist Church Alexandria.(ditto and finding out most of my old ones need to become sacrifices on an altar)

 

–        I am the least mechanically - minded person you know.(me too, and my father-in-law can do anything)

 

–        My recurring nightmare: it’s the end of the school semester and I realize that I haven’t been attending class for weeks and have no idea what the final exam is asking.  I had the dream again last night.

 

–        My biggest addiction: Hubbs Peanuts.(reeses, butterfinger, etc. do you see a chocolate pattern?)

 

–        I have a real phobia about snakes!

 

–        I admire and respect each of my predecessors at FBCA.  I envy Vernon Davis his intellect and long tenure, Jay Wolf his incredible people skills, Gary Hollingsworth his easy, relaxed personality and John Compton his administration ability.  Every pastor has his own unique gifts, though, and I can only be who I am. (I Cor. 3:4-7) (ditto)

 

–        I still fear that old high school or college girlfriends will one day re-surface with caches of my poetry and embarrass me clear out of town. (no worries here, I can't write poetry)

 

–        My favorite musical play is Les Miserables and the last time I saw it, at the Signature Theatre in Shirlington, I literally sobbed from the overture to the final curtain.(the Music Man)

 

–        My wife is a better Christian than I am.  Kinder, more sensitive and grace-filled.(double ditto, and I am guessing probably true for every preacher and man whose married)

 

–        I wish that I was as quick - witted and funny as my son.(I wish I were creative)

 

–        If I were President of the United States the first thing I would do is mandate that every man, woman and child take remedial courses in US history and the Constitution, putting into context the day in which we live.

 

–        Audrey scared me the other day when she threatened to have Sinatra’s “I Did it My Way” played at my funeral.  Don’t let her do that.

 

–        Pastoring this church is the only job I’ll ever want.  It fulfills the vision God gave me when a teen-ager (Vision? Hey: guess I’m more charismatic than I thought.) 

 

There now, I feel better getting all of that off my chest.  Sometimes I just need to talk.  Don’t you?

Thanks Pastor Don for being transparent. 

Baseball and Movies!

• NAIA college baseball regionals begin this week and my Alma Mater is hosting one of the regionals. William Carey University (College when I played) in Hattiesburg Mississippi is seeded number 2 in the regional with a record of 33-20. The number 5 seed in the regional is Brescia University 33-22. Ironic and interesting. Our Recreation Minister, Wes Dunn, is a former Brescia player. Go Saders!

• My wife and I saw "The Soloist" last weekend. I give it 3.5 stars because it was a true story. Very inspiring however,  I give the producers 1/2 star for inserting 2 vulgar words which added nothing to the movie. As a matter of fact, it did more harm than good in my opinion.

• One of my all time favorite classic movies "Witness For The Prosecution." If you haven't seen  it, I would suggest you rent it. A great court room drama with a very surprise ending.

Empty Me

"Empty Me" is the title of a song written and sung by Chris Sligh. He is a singer/song writer who was a finalist on American Idol a few seasons ago. The song was nominated this year for a Dove Award. I share the lyrics it to simply say this is what God has been saying to me in my time alone with Him. The chorus has really spoken to me and maybe it will to you.

I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright 
To see how it gets in the blood. 
And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride 
And found a little is not quite enough. 
I know how I can stray 
And how fast my heart could change. 

Empty me of the selfishness inside 
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride 
And any foolish thing my heart holds to 
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you. 

I've had just enough of the quick buys of the best lies 
To know how prodigals can be drawn away. 
I know how I can stray 
And how fast my heart could change. 

Empty me of the selfishness inside 
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride 
And any foolish thing my heart holds to 
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you. 

Cause everything is a lesser thing 
Compared to you, compared to you. 
Cause everything is a lesser thing 
Compared to you. So, I surrender all! 

Empty me of the selfishness inside 
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride 
Empty me of the selfishness inside 
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride 
And any foolish thing my heart holds to 
Lord empty me of me so I can be 
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you. 
Oh, filled with you. 
Empty me.

A Monday Morning Medley!

• I am enjoying the fellowship of Whitesville Baptist Church this week. Pray for their church, their Pastor Jonathan Baker, Wendy and his family! A beautiful and  sweet family and did I mention they are from MISSISSIPPI!
• The Swine Flu.....how concerned are you and what are you doing about it?
• I woke up one morning this past week and was led to Psalm 43. What a good read!
• We had a good time with my In-laws over the weekend but my girls never want them to leave. I am glad they love their Grandparents. Unfortunately, I never knew mine but Heaven awaits.
• I will ask again.... Does anyone know when the Chick-Fil-A is going to begin construction on Fredrica Street?
• I am still pulling for Danny Gokey on AI. I really liked Matt and Chris as well.