A Pilgrim’s Passage to India

The abridged journal of Dennis Ryle

attending the

World Convention of Churches of Christ Global Gathering,

Damoh, India, 12th -14th January 2017

&

a Global Mission Partners sponsored visit to

Partnership Projects with Churches of Christ in Western India

15th – 22nd January 2017

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Table of Contents

Shaping Up................................................................................................................................... 3

Getting There............................................................................................................................... 4

Orienting ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Damoh – the World Gathers ....................................................................................................... 7

Shrigonda Girls Shine ................................................................................................................. 16

Ashwood – creating vision......................................................................................................... 17

Baramati Boys Home Centennial Celebrations ......................................................................... 20

Gnyan Sampada Residential School ......................................................................................... 21

Mumbai Slum Churches ............................................................................................................ 24

Departing ................................................................................................................................... 27

Appendices

Appendix I ................................................................................................................................. 28

Appendix II ................................................................................................................................ 32

Appendix III ............................................................................................................................... 34

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Shaping up

Monday 9th January 2017

There is plenty to tax my natural disposition to anxiety right now.

I have triple checked the first three legs of the budget plane fare that still leaves

some questions unanswered. Online check in is not available. Will checked luggage go

all the way through, or will I have to collect and recheck it in transit?

Will I be able to get local currency in view of the current cash crisis due to the Indian

government’s decision to demonetise all but the smaller notes in an effort to combat

graft and corruption?

Will my credit and debit cards work? I have heard that ATMs are not reliable.

Will the convoluted hotel booking system in which I have become entangled sort

itself out in my favour?

Will the whole venture go pear-shaped in ways I haven’t imagined?

How do I calm my family’s anxiety without revealing my own?

Yet against this is the anticipation and expectancy of something new – it carries something of

the challenges of a pathway inviting openness to change and new experiences. It also carries

a task related to servant leadership as I vicariously represent those of the Wembley Downs

church community who have invested in this venture in various ways. In fact, filtering these

primeval anxieties through Alexander Shaia’s Quadratos discourse offers the perfect

opportunity to reframe them and reign them in – particularly the pathways that wind through

invitation to transformation and new learning and mature service. Who knows that the path

that stumbles unexpectedly and ecstatically onto an experience of joyful union may not

occur? Apart from various e-books I've downloaded for the journey, I’m taking a hard copy of

Newell’s A New Harmony, current reading for my peer reading group. It will tap into inner

integrating energy and form something of a gathering counterpoint to many of the

conversations I anticipate will take place over the ensuing days. Newell’s quest to seek and

articulate the singularity to which both east and west can give expression will contrast with

many of the more traditional stances that may be evident at the gathering in Damoh. This too

signals another quest – to rediscover that which unites siblings-in-Christ on the spectrum of

churches that differ by emphasis, culture and historical identity across the Stone-Campbell

movement.

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Getting there

Tuesday, 10th January, 2017

A 3 am start for Perth airport. My personable young taxi driver is excited I am going to India.

He is heading back there in two weeks, to the Punjab, for a family wedding. He has just

completed 3 years’ study in Australia and will soon move to Sydney. Apparently, it is cold in

Delhi right now, and it has even snowed in parts! Good heads up!

My inflight choice of movie is Last Cab to Darwin which uses outback laconic Ocker avoidance

and humour to address the thorny issues of euthanasia. I am reading almost simultaneously

Newell’s chapter on awakening to see how things divided are ultimately united. Like sleeping

beauty, we are called to be awakened to this reality. The themes of Last Cab seemed to

illustrate this reality, both through the main narrative and the sub-stories of the supporting

and disparate characters.

It is a smooth transition at Sydney from domestic to international. I am hassled getting

through Border Control due to a forgotten water bottle and the fact that I had not removed

the wrist watch I rarely wear. It is a bit hot and crowded in the terminal here. The comfort of

Changi calls!

We board a super jumbo courtesy Singapore Airlines – classy as on previous occasions. I am

summoned before boarding and requested to take an exit row seat. Disadvantages? You are

asked to take on a particular role should emergency evacuation be necessary. No window and

convoluted tray and screen access. Advantages? Personal attention to carryon luggage

storage, first served at meals and tons of leg room (the winner as far as I’m concerned). A

very comfortable 7-hour flight followed by a room for a six-hour sleep at Changi Airport.

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Orienting

Wednesday, 11th January, 2016

Refreshed from my sleep at Changi, I join a largely Indian crowd in “cattle-class” for the final

leg, possibly the worst seat and access space right in the centre of the middle row. I feel a

little culturally alienated as the pungent aroma of spice and curry arose around me. Each of

the young men on either side of me, however, are most solicitous, helping me with unfamiliar

entertainment technology and sharing their biscuits. It just so happens that the chapter of

Newell I am reading deals with a re-membering of things divided and the rediscovery of

ancient unity.

All this contrasts with the disintegrative effect of the grinding bureaucracy that becomes

evident after landing as we deal with security, customs and the maddening post-

demonetisation experience of money exchange. The Bank of India booth at the airport has

run low on cash – in fact they point me out as the last in the queue that they will be able to

serve. Those behind me are dismissed and told to try elsewhere. I manage to get about

$AU60 worth of local money, the most allowed.

It is not hard to find a taxi with touts shouting from their booths. I plunge in and hope for the

best, landing a well-kept modern taxi for a $AU26 one hour, 15 km long ride to the hotel. It is

a baptism into the chaos which is India. I deflect the expected question, “Is this your first trip

to India?” by responding, “I have friends here that I am expecting to meet at the hotel.”

Nevertheless, I find the traffic amazing, self-created multiple lanes spread across three

marked lanes, pressing forward by inches, leaning on horns.

Heavy Delhi Traffic

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Hawker selling melon slices

Warned of Western guilt reactions, I atypically stone-wall beggars and hawkers, some as

young as four or five, who come tapping at my car window, making use of the stalled traffic. I

am surprised at how non-reactive I can be. My attention is drawn again to the traffic. I don’t

think I will ever complain about people misusing roundabouts again. Shut your eyes and

barge through seems to be the rule here. Yet the traffic gets where it is intending. It

reminded me of Newell’s observation that things chaotically find their purpose in an eventual

unitive pattern!

The Royal Plaza Delhi, just hasn’t caught up with the IT revolution, although it has a business

suite with free Wi-Fi on the ninth floor – a small room that was in constant use by local

executives in black suits. As far as I can tell, I’m the only non-Indian around right now. The

rest of the Australian contingent is yet to arrive, and I am keen to locate them. The customer

service manager, Kalpana (Hindi for “imagination”), promises to inform me when they arrive.

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Thursday, 12th January, 2017

4:00 am. Silly me, still operating on Perth time and waiting impatiently for a 6:30 am

rendezvous with my party having met them briefly the night before. They included fellow

Sandgropers Graham & Freda Carslake and Des and Lyn Croot. When I approach the desk to

see if they have checked out, the incredulous clerk informs me of the actual time. There is not

much for me to do but change the time setting on my phone and sit in the opulent lobby and

wait. It’s very busy as staff chatter and guests arrive and depart. Delhi, like New York, I

suppose, never sleeps.

It is a swifter trip by bus to the airport in the morning fog, even though delayed by troops

practicing for Independence Day parades. Security check delays (the search for an elusive pair

of scissors) mean I have to run for the plane. At Jabalpur, we are greeted by two 14 seater

coasters and some cars for a three-hour trip to Damoh – a tight squeeze for forty people.

Westerners are generally wider than the average Indian and bus seats reflect this fact! Martin

Robinson rides with us. See Appendix II for his workshop paper). He is hoping to visit for the

first time his early childhood home in Kolkata (then known as Calcutta) while in India. Rural

roads are as chaotic as the traffic in Delhi, and possibly more dangerous with blind bends and

crest overtaking with countless near misses. Drivers never seem ruffled however and cope

with it all with a placid calmness. Cows and other animals, and an unending variety of people,

meander along the roads, adding to the interest. We stop to feed a large troupe of monkeys.

Two flat tires within five minutes on one bus inevitably delay our convoy.

We arrive at the Central India Christian Mission (CICM) compound in Damoh to the rhythm of

a red-uniformed drum band and sari-wearing women waiting to place garlands around our

necks. World Convention President Dr Ajai Lall welcomes us warmly and we are duly

registered.

Never tiring keepers of the dormitory keys

Once assigned our dormitories, we begin to explore the campus, which comprises a hospital,

nurses training college and quarters, children’s home, leadership development centre and

cafeteria. The compound is walled with an armed guard at the gate. Organisers ask us not to

leave the compound in order to preserve peace in the town, as apparently sectarian

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resentment can rise with the least provocation. We hear stories of police raids on an official’s

home on the pretext of unfounded allegations from opponents of the presence of a Christian

ministry, even though the town benefits from the hospital. Married couples, however, are

billeted at hotels in the town to and from which they are transported at the beginning and

end of each day.

The opening ceremony is a spectacle that matches any previous World Convention gathering I

had attended. The effect is even greater because of the remote location and the difficulty of

pulling such a gathering together. A large cavernous tent that seats more than 3000 offers

two entrances, one for overseas guests (honoured by front row seating) and another for

Indian nationals. An elaborate sound stage with state of the art video equipment (including a

drone camera) completes the scene. We overseas guests receive another warm welcome as

we tread the red carpet strewn with rose petals scattered by two lines of about 60 tealight-

candle bearing young women.

The night tells of representatives from 26 (eventually 29) countries and 21 Indian provinces,

and the parade of banners depicting each nation and state sets the tone for the Gathering’s

opening exercises that include cultural song and dance and a rousing rendition of “How Great

Thou Art.” Seldom am I moved to tears, but they flow from some deep place within as a

gentle Hindi welcome dance unfolds. I suspect I am touched by a profound awareness of

Newell’s allusion to the search for singularity and Shaia’s pointing to it in John’s Gospel,

particularly the high priestly prayer of Jesus that “they be one.”

Part of the Opening Night crowd

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I add a summary of the Opening Session by World Convention Executive Director, Gary

Holloway:

The 19th Global Gathering of the World Convention has begun in Damoh, India! The staff of Central India Christian Mission (CICM), other ministries in Damoh, and many volunteers have worked tirelessly to transform the campus of CICM into a welcoming place for over 3000 visitors. The hospitality of the Indian Christians has been overwhelming, from the gracious welcoming ceremony each person received, to the accommodation, and excellent food.

The Gathering began Thursday evening, January 12, with a plenary session held in a beautifully appointed tent, lit by chandeliers, with a large banner behind the stage with the theme, “God Breaks Down Walls to Build Bridges.” The parade of flags from the 26 countries and 21 Indian states of those present began the Gathering, accompanied by the song, “He Reigns.” Hosts Indu and Ajai Lall welcomed the attendees, followed by a traditional welcome dance by students from the Nursing School. Government and ecumenical guests gave greetings, followed by citations presented to Robert K. Welsh of the United States, Lyndsay and Lorraine Jacobs of New Zealand, and Leonard W. Thompson of India.

After lively singing, led by Indians, Ajai Lall spoke on the assembly theme, identifying three walls that Jesus came to tear down: the wall between head and heart, the wall between faith and action, and the wall between traditionalism and truth. Brent Liebezeit of Nelson, New Zealand, was the second speaker of the night, giving a rousing call to remember that Jesus is God with us. He ended with a call to allow Jesus to lead us into a revolution that takes us beyond borders to tear down walls of guilt, shame, and failure.

Dr Ajai & Mrs Indu Lall

Brent Liebezeit

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The traditional President’s Dinner follows. I am carried by the largely Indian crowd to the tents where they are to eat. Someone quickly ushers me away to the cafeteria where overseas guests are being served. Thus begins a subversive movement on my part and several others to mix with the locals whenever and wherever possible. There seems to be an apprehension amongst our hosts directed partly to protection of ourselves and partly to protection of the reputation of the campus. In order to achieve this a kind of informal separation seems to be in play – not strictly enforced but guided. Certainly, on the occasions when I seek to mix at the back of the tent, I am asked for my business card or contact details several times, and I am circumspect about this having previously received numerous requests for support and assistance from unknown causes on the Indian sub-continent. Many however, simply want to take a selfie with a non-Indian visitor, and we oblige many times over the coming days. On reflection, I think there is also concern that our western

constitutions might not handle an Indian diet unless carefully managed, hence the

separate dining facilities.

Damoh Campus Map

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Friday, 13th January, 2017

We awaken Friday to a chant over the loudspeakers. In my waking stupor, I imagine it to be

our hosts’ summons to begin the day. I eventually become aware of the mosque across the

main road just outside the compound. I listen more carefully and it is indeed a muezzin’s call

to prayer. It seems more tuneful than I have heard previously in other places. Following

breakfast in the cafeteria, Friday’s program gets under way in the big tent. Gary Holloway

summarises Friday thus:

“Jah masih ki!”

That’s the Hindi phrase all participants learned on the second day of the Global Gathering. It means, “Praise the Lord!”

And there was much to give praise for on Friday of the Gathering. The day began with a plenary session with speakers Jeff Fife of Brazil and Andrzej Bajenski of Poland. Fife urged those present to build bridges to those who do not know Jesus and bridges among Christians. “To build bridges, we must have a servant spirit.” Bajenski had a brilliant twist on the Gathering theme, reminding us that there is a good wall, the wall that surrounds the New Jerusalem, with gates that admit the holy people of God into his Presence.

The afternoon provided three concurrent sessions for women, men, and youth. At the Global Women Connecting meeting, Sheela Lall challenged those present to unite to break walls of darkness, hurt, and fear. Abhineeta Matney presented The Skipping Stone ministry as the service project of Global Women Connecting. David Eubanks and Brent Liebezeit spoke to an overflow crowd of youth. Drawing from the story of the woman at the well (John 4), Dave Stewart showed how Jesus educated the Disciples in love. David Henry urged social change brought through seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Late afternoon brought workshops focusing on unity and mission throughout the world. Before the evening session, there was a cultural program of traditional Indian dance. Evening worship included recognition of long-serving ministers to India. Denford Chizanga brought a message of peace with God in the midst of storms from Mark 4.

Usha Rees called those present to bridge to others in love, saying “Stop judging how far people still have to go, and start celebrating how far they have come.”

A full day of blessing. “Jah masih ki!”

Andrzej Bajenski

Denford Chizanga Usha Rees

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Saturday, 14th January, 2017 Gary Holloway obliges once more:

Saturday morning began with a greeting from Ajay Singh, the state minister, who was honoured for his protection of the Christian minority in India. This was followed by a joyful presentation in song and dance by children from the children’s home in Damoh.

Radical love seemed to be the theme for our morning session, Josh Howard called us all to a renewed Restoration Movement that restored radical love, radical generosity, and radical unity.

LeRoy Lawson followed with a reminder that God translated his love into body language through the incarnation and he asks us to

embody that same love. With Jesus as the bridge to God, Lawson asked us to be the ramp that leads others to the bridge.

At noon, several persecuted Christians from different areas of India gave their testimony to a small group of us from outside India. One woman told of the attack where she was repeatedly raped and her husband was killed. A man told of being beaten unconscious, only to wake in the hospital to find his wife had been murdered. All because they would not renounce their Christianity. There was even testimony from a man who once persecuted Christians, then became one himself, and now plants churches in northern India. Such stories of faith moved us to tears and to prayers thanking God for the courage of these believers.

Afternoon were the second sessions of the youth, men’s and women’s fellowships. In the evening, after a marvellous cultural program of Indian dance, Cynthia Peacock gave a greeting for the Mennonite World Council.

Josh Howard

LeRoy Lawson

Cynthia Peacock

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Then Dave Ferguson reimagined the Prodigal Son story, helping us to feel the Prodigal’s fear of rejection by family and neighbours. He then invited us to be churches that say, “In this place there will be no rejection,” and who back up that claim by feeling it, telling it, and living it.

The picture of a jigsaw puzzle was used by Oscar Muriu of Nigeria to reveal the apostle Paul’s teaching on gifts and unity from 1 Corinthians 12. Just as the puzzle pieces must be different for there to be a picture, so God has given different gifts to each part of the church. This forces us to work together to be the beautiful picture God paints. Muriu brilliantly applied this to the local, national, continental, and worldwide expressions of church. Each has a gift from God. that must be used to benefit all.

A day of great blessing. A day of unity. A day of love.

Oscar Muriu’s contribution generates some discussion amongst the Australian delegation as

we wonder what our particular gift to the global church might be. We talk of pragmatic, can-

do, discerning, straight-talking support with our partner churches in the ten countries we

serve with. We also look at the “wise fool” metaphor which seems a good fit for our (at

times) laconic, larrikin style. It is an interesting challenge to contemplate the “body of Christ”

metaphor beyond the bounds of the local congregation.

Dave Ferguson

Oscar Muriu

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Sunday, 15th January, 2017

7 am departure from Damoh for 11:30 am flight to Delhi. Airline rescheduling means we,

along with many others, miss the climax of the Global Gathering, including communion. No

matter, it was a miracle that the Indian organisers could pull the whole thing off.

Here is Gary Holloway’s summation of what we missed:

“Dhanyavaad”

That’s the Hindi word that sums up the final day of the Global Gathering.

Dhanyavaad means “thank you.”

And there was much to be thankful for on the last day. We worshipped with the local church on this Sunday, with lively singing, insightful preaching, and heart-felt farewells.

Ajai Lall, the President of the Global Gathering, explained the corruption, increased costs, and extortion from the media that made it impossible to have the Gathering in New Delhi as originally planned. The move to Damoh seemed like a series of impossible tasks—finding rooms for the 3258 who registered, providing meals, and creating meeting spaces. But by grace and the hard work of Indu Lall, Lashi Howard, the staff of Central India Christian Mission, and others, God worked the miracle of Damoh. The preacher for the morning, Jeff Vines, told stories showing how only Jesus can explain suffering, meet the deepest desires of the heart, and do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

As is usual in our Global Gatherings, the highlight was communing through the Lord’s Supper with Christians from 29 nations and 21 states of India. Our worship was followed by a fellowship meal provided by the Damoh congregation.

Final impressions. Being met with drums and garlands when first arriving. The amazement at the quality of the preparations made for us. Meals where Christ was shared among the nations. The smiles, handshakes, and photo sessions with our Indian brothers and sisters. Encouraging words in music and sermons. A clear call to tear down walls and build bridges.

At the end of each Global Gathering, attendees will call it “the best.” But the Gathering in Damoh was without doubt a turning point in making us truly a World Convention.

So, to our God, we say dhanyavaad.

(See Appendix I for a more complete summary of the Damoh gathering)

Again, there is much of interest out on the road - wondering cows, hordes of monkeys, a

string of about twenty camels. Curious kids waving at these strange white apparitions riding a

bus.

Back at the hotel, our group of 13 preparing

for the Global Mission Partners visitation of

Australia- India partnership projects in

Maharashtra decides to dine out, spurning

the hotel summoned taxis for a fleet of

tuktuks.

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After some negotiating and bartering we decide three tuktuks will be enough for a 3-km

journey. I end up riding shotgun – both ways - with three on a back seat designed for two

(thin) people. It is a novel experience to be leaning out, knuckles dragging on the ground with

Delhi traffic whizzing by. Never again! The Veda restaurant served a nice Veda dun aloo with

garlic naan at a very good price. Another hair-raising shotgun ride on a tuktuk back to the

hotel.

A teaser for the days to come

I have tried to locate a group photo of our team but as usual, it’s like herding cats, so here are

nine of the thirteen taken at the Baramati Boy’s Home Centennial celebrations. The women

had their saris made up overnight while at Daund. They bought the material under the

guidance of Shalini Pawar while the blokes went train watching. This is their first airing.

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Monday, 16th January, 2017

This is the Australian team which is travelling under the guidance of Global Mission Partners:

John Gilmore – Executive Director of Global Mission Partners and team leader. I have

known John and his family since our ministry in Canberra, before he trained for

ministry and then in South Australia some years later as we served on various state

committees. It was good to touch base again.

Bruce and Pat Greig – from Victoria, veterans of leading delegations to many World

Conventions.

Lindsay and Chris Parker – from Naracoorte, South Australia. Chris worked as a

volunteer at Baramati many years before. She and Lindsay are keen to meet their

sponsored child at Shrigonda.

Janet Woodlock – National Co-Ordinator of Churches of Christ in Australia.

Sarah Hallam from New South Wales

Val Zerna – Communication & Promotions, Global Mission Partners, South Australia

Barbara Steen, Liz Lloyd, Lorraine Wollmer and Gayle Skinner from Victoria

Me – the only Sandgroper on this leg!

Another early morning ride to Delhi Airport to catch a plane to Jabalpur, then we hop on a

coaster for the two-hour ride to Daund where Ashwood Memorial Hospital prepares to host

us. Our arrival at the hospital seems daunting, with the total hospital staff and Dr Philemon

Pawar waiting to receive us with garlands. This will be the first of many receptions wherever

we go. By the time we leave Daund we will have been garlanded and gifted on six different

occasions. Today, we are twice more welcomed and garlanded at the Shrigonda school and

Girls’ Home where 54 residents dance and sing while we sit at high table. The complex has

recently celebrated its centenary. The

school and complex that includes the

Shrigonda church has been a presence

in the district for over 100 years. Anita is

in charge; she is a lawyer specialising in

child protection and is nominal mother

in charge. The definition of orphan is

likely to be broadened with new

government regulations, thus

broadening eligibility for intake. We

consider that this work plays an

important role in protection against

child marriage and human trafficking.

Some of the Shrigonda welcome party

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Tuesday, 17th January, 2017

This morning begins with a transfer from last night’s billet at a nearby technical college and

retreat centre to Ashwood in the new ambulance (yes, ten of us can just fit). After breakfast

al fresco at the Pawar home, we embark on a tour of the hospital, including ward rounds. We

are introduced to patients and staff who care for them, including those in the neonatal ward

and delivery room. Pharmacy, admin, pathology and operating theatre are all included in the

rounds.

General ward

Dedicated efficiency with available resources and a capacity for practical vision stand out,

along with compassionate care for the most vulnerable, including patients from a hills tribe

refused by other hospitals because of thieving and pickpocketing. Patients follow a carded

system of eligibility for subsidy from the self-supporting hospital charity. Capital works are

mooted and are in fact unveiled at a ceremony a few hours later.

Community Centre for HIV Outpatients

First, however, we are conducted to the hospital’s community centre for HIV outpatients.

About 80 men and women, the centre’s clients, greet us. It is a formal welcome with

garlands, singing, testimonials and speeches. I lose count of the number of patients who

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stand to tell a story of being abandoned by family and community until the hospital stepped

in. Many still live with HIV, but are managing well under the hospital’s outreach program.

Everyone greets us personally as the session draws to a close.

The ceremony that follows is to dedicate the doctors’ bungalow and guest rooms that have

been freshly renovated and to unveil the plans for Ashwood’s redevelopment.

It is a formal ceremony with visiting dignitaries from parliament, local government, industry

and churches (including, I notice, an imam). We are the first to use the dedicated guest

rooms. There are about two hours of speeches, mostly in Marathi. The weather is humid and

it is difficult to sustain attention, guests on the dais that we are. However, we are each

presented with a bouquet, a woollen shawl, and a souvenir mug with an engraved photo of

yesterday’s welcome.

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Later, we are welcomed again by the church associated with Ashwood at a quickly convened

church service. There are hymns in Marathi, brief self-intros by the members of the team, a

presentation to John and another garlanding for us. After the doxology, a group of musicians

play and sing an old traditional festive song, common to Marathi culture and often used to

bring crowds together for evangelistic follow-through. Afterwards at tea served at the

Pawar’s, I meet a doctor and his wife whose son is a surgeon at Royal Perth Hospital and we

exchange contact details.

Before this, some of us spend an hour at the

nearby railway junction videoing trains and

mixing with the locals. Sorting out those

genuinely wanting to greet these strange

westerners and those seeking baksheesh is a

challenge. One young fellow is insisting that I

key my number into his phone so I can assist

him in coming to Australia to work. (I’m sure

I mis-keyed). My French “Je ne comprends

pas” keeps others at bay. A dad and his

young son have no English but are pointing

to the sky and saying something that sounds

like “God”. I point at the sky and say “One

God!” They smile and nod. I am reminded

again of Newell’s search for the binding

singularity.

Daund Railway Station

Ashwood Church of Christ

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Wednesday 18th January 2017

A wedding party next door is in full swing following a very full day at Baramati Boys Home. A

ninety-minute road trip got us there. It was a centenary celebration and it seems all of

Baramati turned out. We trod the red carpet and were welcomed as honourable guests. The

formal proceedings lasted two hours, with the mayor Shri Yogesh Jagtap, who had attended

classes there as a non-boarder. He was lavish in his praise, and though cherishing his Hindu

heritage seeks to follow the way of Christ. I have now met several Hindus who testify

similarly. A one hour break for lunch at the Church of Christ pavilion across the way preceded

the rest of the program where the ‘old boys’ got up one by one to reminisce. Although they

spoke in Marathi, it was easy to see the affection they had for their place of upbringing and

for one another. The younger men were anxious that the superintendent/headmaster still

remembered them. He was obviously affected, formal as he was, by such a display of esteem.

Some large baboons appeared on the

dais taking on the manner of

honoured guests. A pack of four dogs

chased them off. The speaker didn’t

bat an eyelid; he just kept on

reminiscing. All through these long

proceedings (5 hours total), the boys

had sat silently, outlasting many of the

adults present who had started to

leave. At the close of proceedings our

party left to dedicate the new bunks in

the dormitories, provided by funds

from Australian churches. For 100 years, the boys have slept on the dining room floor; I think

some are a little uncertain about the bunks, but the Indian government’s regulations for

childcare and protection are now quite firm and must be strictly adhered to.

Several of the boys escorted us, nevertheless obviously excited

about their new beds. The bunks were crowded together

because the boys still wanted to sleep in close proximity to each

other. In the meantime, music had cranked up and the remaining

boys and guests had taken over the dais for energetic Bollywood

dancing. Six boys managed to persuade me into copying their

moves and when they deemed my style suitable they dragged

me up onto the stage to perform with them. And that’s why I am

exhausted. The wedding music has stopped – it’s only the all-

night trains and platform announcements across the way to

contend with now. We have prepared for an early start to

Nagpur in the morning.

Boys show off their new bunks

Upstaging the speeches at Baramati Boys Home Centennial

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Thursday 19th January 2017.

A two-hour road trip, a one-hour plane ride, and another two-hour road trip finds us at Lasina

near Yavatmal, the eastern end of Maharashtra, open fertile country, still crowded, but a

little less hectic. We stop at a family restaurant for lunch. A number of young men sit at the

trestles opposite and recite the Koran until their mullah begins a prayer chant over a

loudspeaker, thus halting our table conversation. All this happens as we eat mutton masada

and garlic naan. We learn that the group is from a nearby school (madrassa) and this is the

day the restaurant donates a weekly free meal.

Onward to the Gnyan Sampada Residential School (see Appendix III) where we are

introduced, quartered, fed and entertained. The children, lower to mid primary age, are most

hospitable, greeting us seriously and enthusiastically with an individual handshake and hug.

They unload our baggage and serve our meal. The entertainment is a mix of Sunday School

skits and recitals mixed with cultural song and dance. They are obviously well cared for and

happy to be there. They are proficient with household chores, quietly and efficiently serving

themselves at meals, cleaning up and fastidiously clearing away every last speck of rice.

Kiron & Nalini Gaikwad, Daniel & Glory Gaikwad head the staff that run the school

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Friday, January 20, 2017

It’s morning and the inauguration of President Donald Trump seems a planet away. Sounds of

preparation for breakfast begin at 5 am. I have not left the guest room yet, but I know the

children have been busy at their chores, sweeping the yard, washing their clothes and other

preparations for the day. Today begins with a special service and then a day tour of children’s

ministries.... well maybe a change of plan as happens in India. Following the service, a

number of children, sometimes alone, sometimes with parents who have been present and

have camped in the hall for the duration of our visit, and sometimes the parents themselves

tell their stories of healing, release from persecution and calling through the ministry of the

home. Two of the children live with HIV and had been abandoned at the hospital when their

parents died of AIDS. One of the boys, about 10, testifies and sings with a loud, clear voice.

Although he normally would not have a long-life expectancy, the staff have high hopes for a

sound opportunity for him to strive against the disease.

During the afternoon, there is a sand painting contest followed by outdoor games. A meal

follows worship and then songs and stories led by the Australian team around a bonfire. We

are each presented with a gift - cross-stitch plaques for female and wooden model ox-carts

for male. We each publicly thank the staff and children; I reflect on my memories of a man

speaking of God moving at ox-cart speed in a turbulent world. This was Kosuke Koyama,

whose message at the 1970 World Convention in Adelaide obviously left a lasting impression

on me as a 20-year-old preparing to enter ministry training.

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Saturday, January 21st, 2017

Before departing, there is a school presentation by

various grades. We visit students in their

classrooms, and farewell the community after an

informative and hospitable two-day stay, leaving

Lasina for a two-hour trip to Nagpur airport. A

ninety-minute plane ride to Mumbai and settling

into a nearby hotel completes the day. Kiron &

Nalini Gaikwad, with son Daniel & his wife Glory are

the powerhouse family behind this initiative. They

have plans to increase the scope of the school all

the way through to the final grade.

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Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 Today we split into teams to visit the seven Mumbai slum churches. We convene at the

Conference Secretary’s home built over his business comprising a small hotel and two shop’s.

We split in order to cover six church services. The seventh is the largest and we will all gather

there tonight. Some churches meet in small halls built into the slum complex and are

decorated for purpose, others are the front rooms of homes where about 20 to 30 people

pack into small spaces. The latter is also the pastor’s home. I preach at Ghatkopar on the

parable of two lost sons, making use of the kai zar zar insight from Dave Ferguson at the

Global Gathering (the father uncharacteristically runs to meet the son before the village can

carry out a banishment rite). Dr Philemon Pawar interprets. I change tack at the second

church, Ka’jurmag, the home of Pr Viviyan Angre

and his family, and briefly survey the four

Quadratos questions (how does one move along

the pathways of change, pain, union and mature

service?) and their connection to the gospels.

Again, Dr Pawar interprets. Next port of call takes

us on a winding walk through the slums. We

eventually arrive at a compound where a cricket

match is underway and, after climbing some very

steep steps, find ourselves in a schoolroom where

a generous lunch is being prepared. Janet Woodlock preached here at even less notice than I

had. Cars take us from the slums to an imposing multi-storey building in a leafy part of

Mumbai – the Bombay Christian Centre, the HQ of the conference of Churches of Christ in

Western India and home of the Chembur Church of Christ. We rest until the early evening

service where churches combine for a celebration. There are more garlands and gifts for us.

It is an interesting intergenerational mix of contemporary and traditional worship with a

forthright message on the nature of partnership by John Gilmore. He has consistently used

the parent/adult child metaphor to reinforce GMPs model of support for inter-country

partnerships. We think the day is over – it has been exhaustive, exhausting and exhilarating

all at the same time - but no – there is more hospitality to come. Back we go to the place we

started. Thirteen of us are cosily squeezed into two small rooms with about eight family

members and friends. We are encouraged to sit lotus fashion on the two wide beds upon

which family and guests usually sleep together. Large platters of rice and lamb curry are

served and persistently replenished. One of the women is particularly attentive to my plate

and that I should eat up. I resist sitting lotus fashion being somewhat stiff from much sitting

through services, but she physically grabs my legs and folds them under me to great hilarity

from all in the room. Children are cherished in these households. A large poster of the first

birthday of the youngest hangs on one wall. This is a common tradition. A montage of both

sons at different stages of growth cover another wall, almost like a mural. We eventually

unfold ourselves and struggle down the steep ladder to the street below and make our weary

way back to the hotel, nevertheless enlivened and humbled by such generous hospitality.

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Monday, 23rd January

A tour of Mumbai courtesy of commercial tour operator Rahil Khan is a good way to begin to

wind down from our fortnight in India – well, six weeks for some.

Highlights:

Bandra district – Portuguese architecture, Mary on the Mount Basilica (where our

Hindu guide married his Roman Catholic bride), old fort and one end of the 4km long

Rahjid Ghandi Bridge.

The laundry district where acres of ground are given to this open-air industry

Cricket Stadium

Victoria Railway Station (apparently originally designed for Flinders Street Melbourne

until the plans were swapped)

The lunchbox couriers – commuters leave for work early while those at home cook

their midday meal and send them in by train. The whitecapped lunchbox couriers

collect and deliver the boxes to the workplace by bicycle, collecting the empties later

and returning them the same way.

The India Gate and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel where the 2008 Mumbai attacks climaxed

Bazaar shopping – some over extended their time here. While we waited street

beggars sent a naked one year old to tug on our legs and beg!

The most expensive house in the world on the Mumbai shore front– owned by a

business tycoon and occupied by five family members and 400 staff, including a

driver and mechanic for each of the 100 prestige cars garaged there.

Mahatma Ghandi’s residence and museum – I could

have spent all day here. They had to send for me and I

apparently owe all on the bus a cup of coffee! Ghandi

was my hero from the time I was eight. His message of

non-violent resistance and similar appearance to my

skinny bespectacled self were large factors in

surviving schoolyard politics.

The Farsi Tower of Silence where the dead, until

recently, were prepared and taken to feed the

vultures and crows as part of the Zoroastrian funeral

rites.

Couldn’t fit much more in! A simple meal at our hotel was

enough to complete the day.

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Tuesday, 24th January

Chilling out as party disperses. By midday John Gilmore and I are left waiting for our late flights respectively to Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. On a whim, we decide to take the Metro up one station (Andheri) from near where we are and look for a presentable cafe. For the first time, we blend into the milling crowds and don’t feel awkward because of the fishbowl effect. We find a nice place for cheese naan and a sweet lassi. A coffee kiosk at Andheri Metro station offers us a long-neglected caffeine fix.

Skywalk to Andheri Metro Station

After heading back, we relax and shoot the breeze until it’s time to go to the airport. I’m offered my first ever upgrade to first class for 10000 rupees. I grab it, for I was contemplating how to get sleep in cattle class. Worth the extra $200. But none of their credit card machines are working. So off we go to the exchange to convert some US dollars I have on me. Anyway, it is worth five hours of being treated like a maharaja, even if there is some concern over making the connection with my Perth flight due to a 45-minute delayed departure. It is the same flight that two weeks earlier had been the focus of a bomb scare, so caution still prevails. Crowd management leaves something to be desired however. Embarking consists of moving through more gates, security checks and convoluted passages than usual. I step off an escalator where a crowd is banking up for another passport check. There is nowhere for those coming down the escalator to go and the potential for a trampling disaster looms. I shove forward and bellow and gesture, “Move forward, please!” The startled crowd responds. The soldiers stare. The old bargain basement retail years are still in me! And I am not arrested on the cusp of leaving India.

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Wednesday, 25th January, 2017

The gate for Perth is right alongside where we disembark, so we make it. Contrasting security

check, relaxed and efficient. The hijabed security guard is smiling and friendly, wanting to

know about Australia and New Zealand which she hopes to visit soon. Quite different from

some of the overly serious and egotistically inconsistent instructions we often received at the

hands of security in India. Cattle class but a window seat as I write. My five-year-old

neighbour is tiring of sticking his earphones in my ear and playing pretend phone calls. First,

he inveigles me to watch Rio 2 with him on his entertainment screen while sharing his ear

buds. His is not a great attention span however. Presently, he’s worn out and sleeping, like

his mother who doesn’t seem to mind this stranger’s interaction (she later tells me they are

from Bangalore, but now living in Perth). There’s a brother about seven in another row with

their father and he comes and joins the fun for a while.

So, the India venture continues to the last leg of the journey. It began leaving home two

weeks ago, with an affable and friendly taxi driver looking forward to visiting his home in the

Punjab. It ends with my pint size Indian seat companion not contenting himself with saying

goodbye after touchdown. Standing in the aisle with his family, waiting to disembark, he

turns towards me while I am still seated. He runs back and throws his arms around my neck

and squeezes tightly, saying “thank you.”

I say dhanyavaad – “thank you” to God and the church here and abroad for the whole India

experience.

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Appendix I

from http://www.worldconvention.org/blog/2017/01/30/a-brief-report-on-the-damoh-

global-gathering/

A BRIEF REPORT ON THE DAMOH GLOBAL GATHERING

Having the Global Gathering in New Delhi was a bold decision in a country where less than 3%

of the population is Christian. The hope was that holding the Global Gathering in the capital

would encourage the government of India to be more visible in promoting religious freedom.

However, bureaucratic government regulations and unexpected costs led the Indian planning

committee to suggest a venue change from New Delhi to Damoh, India. The World Convention

board approved this change in September 2016.

The move to Damoh called for great effort from the Indian committee, led by President Ajai

Lall. The staff of Central India Christian Mission (CICM), other ministries in Damoh, and many

volunteers worked tirelessly to transform the campus of CICM into a welcoming place for over

3000 visitors from 29 countries and 21 Indian states. The hospitality of the Indian Christians

was overwhelming, from the gracious welcoming ceremony each person received, to the

accommodations and excellent food.

The Gathering began Thursday evening,

January 12, with a plenary session held in

a beautifully appointed tent, lit by

chandeliers, with a large banner behind

the stage with the theme, “God Breaks

Down Walls to Build Bridges.” The

parade of flags from the 29 countries and

21 Indian states of those present began

the Gathering, accompanied by the song,

“He Reigns.” Hosts Indu and Ajai Lall

welcomed the attendees, followed by a

traditional welcome dance by students from the Nursing School of Central India Christian

Mission. Government and ecumenical guests gave greetings, followed by citations presented

to Robert K. Welsh of the United States, Lyndsay and Lorraine Jacobs of New Zealand, and

Leonard W. Thompson of India.

After lively singing, led by Indians, Ajai Lall spoke on the assembly theme, identifying three

walls that Jesus came to tear down: the wall between head and heart, the wall between faith

and action, and the wall between traditionalism and truth. Brent Liebezeit of Nelson, New

Zealand, was the second speaker of the night, giving a rousing call to remember that Jesus is

God with us. He ended with an invitation to allow Jesus to lead us into a revolution that takes

us beyond borders to tear down walls of guilt, shame, and failure.

“Jah masih ki! That’s the Hindi phrase all participants learned on the second day of the Global

Gathering. It means, “Praise the Lord!”

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And there was much to give praise for on

Friday of the Gathering. The day began

with a greeting from Richard Howell,

General Secretary for Asia Evangelical

Alliance and Vice President of World

Evangelical Alliance. Howell encouraged

all present to be part of the Global

Christian Forum. His greeting was

followed by the plenary session with

speakers Jeff Fife of Brazil and Andrzej

Bajenski of Poland. Fife urged those

present to build bridges to those who do not know Jesus and bridges among Christians. “To

build bridges, we must have a servant spirit.” Bajenski had a brilliant twist on the Gathering

theme, reminding us that there is a good wall, the wall that surrounds the New Jerusalem,

with gates that admit the holy people of God into his Presence.

The afternoon provided three concurrent

sessions for women, men, and youth. At

the Global Women Connecting meeting,

Sheela Lall challenged those present to

unite to break walls of darkness, hurt,

and fear. Abhineeta Matney presented

the Aatma Vikas ministry as the service

project of Global Women Connecting.

David Eubanks and Brent Liebezeit spoke

to an overflow crowd of youth. At the men’s session, drawing from the story of the woman at

the well (John 4), Dave Stewart showed how Jesus educated the Disciples in love. David Henry

urged social change brought through seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Late afternoon brought workshops

focusing on unity and mission throughout

the world. Before the evening session,

there was a cultural program of traditional

Indian dance. Evening worship included

recognition of long-serving ministers to

India. Denford Chizanga brought a

message of peace with God in the midst of

storms from Mark 4. Usha Rees called

those present to bridge to others in love,

saying “Stop judging how far people still have to go, and start celebrating how far they have

come.” Friday was a full day of blessing. “Jah masih ki!”

Saturday morning began with a greeting from Ajay Singh, the state minister, who was

honored for his protection of the Christian minority in India. This was followed by a joyful

presentation in song and dance by children from the children’s home in Damoh.

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Radical love seemed to be the theme for the morning session, Josh Howard called all to a

renewed Restoration Movement that restored radical love, radical generosity, and radical

unity. LeRoy Lawson followed with a reminder that God translated his love into body language

through the incarnation and he asks us to embody that same love. With Jesus as the bridge to

God, Lawson asked us to be the ramp that leads others to the bridge.

At noon, several persecuted Christians from different areas of India gave their testimony to a

small group of those from outside India. One woman told of the attack where she was

repeatedly raped and her husband was killed. A man told of being beaten unconscious, only to

wake in the hospital to find his wife had been murdered. All because they would not renounce

their Christianity. There was even testimony from a man who once persecuted Christians, then

became one himself, and now plants churches in northern India. Such stories of faith moved

the hearers to tears and to prayers thanking God for the courage of these believers.

Afternoon were the second sessions of the youth,

men’s and women’s fellowships. Lydia Soko from

Zimbabwe spoke to on “Loving the Unlovable” and

Esline Toamavute from Vanuatu spoke on “Reaching

the Unreached” on the second afternoon of Global

Women Connecting, followed by a time of jewelry

making and henna tattoos – trade skills learned by

students of Aatma Vikas. In the men’s session, David

Clayton and Vivert Lall eloquently presented on the

cost of entering the kingdom and the covenants God

has made with his people. Leonard Thompson and

josh Howard spoke to the youth.

In the evening, after a marvelous cultural program of

Indian dance, Cynthia Peacock gave a greeting from

the Mennonite World Council. Then Dave Ferguson reimagined the Prodigal Son story, helping

us to feel the Prodigal’s fear of rejection by family and neighbors. He then urged that our

churches say, “In this place there will be no rejection,” and who back up that claim by feeling

it, telling it, and living it. The picture of a jigsaw puzzle was used by Oscar Muriu of Nigeria to

reveal the apostle Paul’s teaching on gifts and unity from 1 Corinthians 12. Just as the puzzle

pieces must be different for there to be a picture, so God has given different gifts to each part

of the church. This forces us to work together to be the beautiful picture God paints. Muriu

brilliantly applied this to the local, national, continental, and worldwide expressions of church.

Each has a gift from God. that must be used to benefit all.

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“Dhanyavaad” That’s the Hindi word that

sums up the final day of the Damoh

Global Gathering. Dhanyavaad means

“thank you.” And there was much to be

thankful for on the last day. The local

church in Damoh joined the attendees on

Sunday, swelling the crowd to over 4500,

joining in lively singing, insightful

preaching, and heart-felt farewells.

Ajai Lall, the President of the Global Gathering, explained the corruption, increased costs, and

extortion from the media that made it impossible to have the Gathering in New Delhi as

originally planned. The move to Damoh seemed like a series of impossible tasks—finding

rooms for the 3258 who registered, providing meals, and creating meeting spaces. But by

grace and the hard work of Indu Lall, Lashi Howard, the staff of Central India Christian

Mission, and others, God worked the miracle of Damoh. The preacher for the morning, Jeff

Vines, told stories showing how only Jesus can explain suffering, meet the deepest desires of

the heart, and do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

As is usual in our Global Gatherings, the

highlight was communing through the

Lord’s Supper with Christians from 29

nations and 21 states of India. Our

worship was followed by a fellowship

meal provided by the Damoh

congregation.

The Damoh Convention was historic in

many ways. It was the first in Asia. Those

from outside India were amazed at the

quality of the preparations made for them–meals where Christ was shared among the

nations, the smiles, handshakes, and photo sessions with our Indian brothers and sisters, the

encouraging words in music and sermons, and the clear call to tear down walls and build

bridges. At the end of each Global Gathering, attendees will call it “the best.” But the

Gathering in Damoh was without doubt a turning point in making us truly

a World Convention.

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Appendix II

World Convention Workshop - Mission and Unity in Europe

Europe is a complex continent in terms of its long history, many nations, cultures and

languages. To a large extent Europe is shaped by the Christian story. To understand Europe

it is easier to think in terms of 4 Europes.

1. The secular and largely Protestant north. 2. The less secular and largely Catholic south. 3. The Orthodox east that has also been impacted by communism in recent years. 4. The Balkans which is a complex mix of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and

Protestantism. Balkan history is complicated by many years of Ottoman occupation.

The recent history of Europe has been dominated by secularism which is currently impacting

most parts of Europe, partly through the institutions of the European Union and partly

through the impact of rampant consumerism.

The church has been in decline in most parts of Europe although following the collapse of

communism there has been some recovery of Christianity in that part of Europe.

The biggest declines have come in the nations of the Protestant north.

Signs of Hope

More recently there has come a lessening of decline and arguably in England, which was the

first European nation to experience significant decline, there is some reason to believe that

decline has halted or even been reversed.

Some of the reasons for this shift are:

1. Church leaders understanding that Europe is a mission field and not just a broken Christendom that needs mending. Rather than trying to “fix” the church it is important to engage in mission believing that a mission focus will in time change the church.

33

2. There has been an upsurge in church planting all across Europe. In the UK since 2000 there have been more churches planted than closed. In France one new protestant church is opened every 10 days

3. The wave of migration is making a difference. 50 of all migrants to Europe are already Christians but affiliation and often become more active in their faith once they arrive in Europe, partly as a badge of identity with their fellow country people. These migrant communities are responsible for a great deal of the church planting that is taking place. One Nigerian founded denomination has planted 1,000 congregations in the UK and some of these are attended by thousands of people. The largest congregations in most European cities are formed of people from continents other than Europe.

4. Churches are much more inclined to work together on practical matters such as church planting and mission in general. An example of this cooperation is the 1 for 10,000 movement in France dedicated to church planting.

5. Engagement in social action. Churches across Europe are significantly more involved in social action with a missional intent. That could include things like, food banks, street pastors, working with refugees and asylum seekers, helping drug addicts, victims of people smuggling etc.

6. There is increased evidence that the “Wager of Modernity” – namely that man can live without God is unravelling. There is a widespread feeling, especially amongst young people that “there must be more than this” – especially more than the consumer or market narrative that we are defined by what we buy or consume. We are becoming tired of being entertained to death.

Martin Robinson

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Appendix III Gnyan Sampada Residential School

Gnyan Sampada Residential School (formerly Ankoor Children’s Home) was established in 2002 as a home for children from an extremely poor forest region of Maharashtra State. Literacy amongst this tribal group is only 2%, so education is highly prized. The main source of income is from farm labourers or people collecting and selling firewood in the local markets, generating an income of approximately $1 a day. Poverty forces small children to start working to support families and often they face starvation. The people live in very remote villages where there are few or no schools for the children. Some of the village schools only go to Grade 4.

Sixty-five children now live in the home, and the school in its grounds educates 100 children including 35 from the local area. The school teaches Nursery to Grade VI, and hopes to add a grade each year. With help from GMP new classrooms have been built to the plinth level. When completed these will allow the school to educate more children in more grade levels. 50% of places are reserved for female students - an important commitment in a state where girls have limited opportunities.

Annual parents' conferences provide opportunities for parents to learn new skills in areas like health, sanitation and care of domestic animals, and share their own skills with the staff and children.

from http://www.inpartnership.org.au/gnyan-sampada-residential-school