With its claim to fame being that it is “the most polluted city in the world,” Delhi, India is a sensory overload experience. I’ve just returned from conducting a training for Indian pastors there, and I can still taste, feel, see, hear and smell the experience.
After arriving at 3AM early Sunday morning, I got a few hours of sleep and then went to an Indian church service, participated in worship and preached on Psalm 67. The church group is full of color, and presented us with strands of flowers as special gifts.
Working with the pastors throughout the week was, as always, a delight.I was joined by St. Louis pastor Terry, who did a great job for his first time doing a Pathways training overseas.The pastors study hard through this third workshop focused on the first several chapters of Genesis.One of the best aspects of this training is that Terry and I were invited to stay with the hosting pastor, Manoj, who was also our translator. He and his family were so hospitable, and it was a joy to draw near to them during the week.
Listen to some of the testimonies from a few of the pastors:
Pastor Mukesh – Since I began this training, I have learned much in how to study and teach. It has been difficult, particularly in how to develop a statement that focuses the main point of the passage, but we are growing. I see how it is hard work, but my congregation is growing.Pastor Sonjay – I thank God for this training. I thank you for how you have come so far to help us. The way we have learned in Pathways is completelynew. Our way of preaching before was not correct. Sometimes we go here or there not understanding what we are preaching. If we use the Pathways method, we can go much farther in our messages. I use this in my preaching all the time now. My church people are growing and giving testimony they are learning much more. I still have a long way to go, but I hope to continue to improve.Pastor Vishal – Before this class, there was no blessing in my ministry. I did so much prayer and visitation, but no Bible study for preaching. I would open a Bible Dictionary to preach my messages. But since beginning to use Pathways, the church began to weep. One man in my church told me that based on my sermon from God’s Word, he gathered all the idols in his house and threw them out. I thank God for this training, and through your correcting our mistakes, our preaching has improved much.
I will add a couple video clips taken randomly around different parts of Delhi to draw you into the experience.
After arriving at 3AM early Sunday morning, I got a few hours of sleep and then went to an Indian church service, participated in worship and preached on Psalm 67. The church group is full of color, and presented us with strands of flowers as special gifts.
