July 2009
Friends and Family,
Last night a friend asked me about the time I spent in India last year, and my upcoming move to Kolkata. She asked how I felt about going back. I told her that I was excited although I felt strange saying that, because I didn’t sound very excited. It is true – I am very excited that I’ll be moving to Kolkata and joining the Word Made Flesh community there. I long for the day I’ll get on that plane and move back to my other home. However, strangely, I’m not in a hurry. I won’t be moving until January, and I was nevous that I would be restless while I was in US, or that I would be anxious to return to India. Rather, I have found myself surprisingly comfortable in this strange tension. I am excited to go, certain of my calling – and simultaneously reveling in this season of preparation, and time with loved ones. Lord has provided me with a sense of peace during this transition.
One of the steps in preparation before I am able to move is to complete a reading list compiled by Word Made Flesh. I’ve begun reading the books, and I’ve really been enjoying the reading. Currently I’m reading about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Because of my Protestant background, I’ve never learned about the lives of any of the Saints. St. Francis’ (and his brothers’) solidarity with the poor and his unwavering commitment to live simply stretches my understanding of what it means to “live well” for me in Kolkata. They were known to give the clothes off their backs, and their daily food to people in need. Anyone was welcome in their company, even “theives and robbers.” It has been interesting and challenging to hear about the men and women who have lived such faithful and compelling lives.
I also read “The Open Secret: an Introduction to a theology of mission” by Lesslie Newbigin. I’d like to share an “idea” from the book that struck a chord with me. Perhaps it will with you as well. It seems to be general enough that it applies to everyone who follows Jesus. “Don’t imagine that you are going to take God into _________. He is there already. He has been at work there long before you came on the scene and He will be there long after you have gone. Your job is to learn what he is doing in the world which is already his, not to introduce him to a world from which He is absent.” What a refreshing reminder of my role in sharing the love of God. He is truly already at work in Kolkata, already working in the lives of the men, women and children I will build relationships with. My role is to find where He is at work, and join Him in that. What a joy!
Word Made Flesh is a non-profit organization, and I do need to raise funds to cover all of my expenses (estimated at $1500 a month). Enclosed you will find the information to make a financial donation if you would like to partner with me in that way. Your financial gifts will be tax deductible and Word Made Flesh will send you a giving receipt. You can also give one time or monthly donations online at www.wordmadeflesh.org. There is a “donate” link located at the bottom left hand side of the homepage.
Grace and Peace.
Ways you can pray this month:
For my family: we are in the midst of many significant life changes
For me to be disciplined in reading the required books, and Bengali Language Study
For the development of my financial and prayer support teams