Today is the fourth and final day of the youth camp and it has the most formal attire. Almost all of the women wore Sarees, however, very few of the men wore ties. To their credit, many of them were in dress shirts. Sarees are very difficult to put on. There is a petticoat that must be tied tightly and in the right position on your waist, and a very small, tight blouse. Over top of that is the yards of fabric that is wrapped and folded in a very specific way around your body. Mahima came to our rescue and helped us all dress. Needless to say, the US women strolling into the breakfast area in our flowing attire was quite the conversation starter. Comments and smiles were abundant. Cameras were out in full force and people who had already been photographed with us wanted more. The Indian women and all of the fabrics are quite beautiful and it almost feels like it is prom night.
The morning session was again given by Pastor Eric with help from some of the US team. He wanted the youth to hear from those of us who had not be assigned specific teaching sessions. Some of the questions that they youth had forwarded were very good. “Why does Jesus love me?” “How do we exercise self-control in our youthful lives?” “How do we overcome desire and maintain purity?” Mickie gave a great testimony on her life and how she found Jesus. It was a great example of the depth of Jesus’ love. Bryan gave some insight on to why Jesus loves us. Tammy also attempted to answer the love question and likened it to the love of a parent for their child. She then discussed the need for the youth to be accountable – to themselves, to others, and to God. Cathy gave a testimony that was specific to the women on self-esteem and self-worth. The message was good and I saw several women nodding their heads as Cathy spoke. It was good for the men to hear and get some insight in to how women think and act that they probably would not get otherwise. All in all, it was a great session on how to relate all that they have been hearing in to their everyday lives.
Next up was the photo session and an attempt to get everybody in 1 photo. What a challenge but we think it was successful! 200 teenagers and 20 somethings…brings to mind a phrase about herding cats. ;o) There were a few minutes for everybody to take their own group photos and what a photographic event it was. Members of the US team were bombarded with requests for pictures, and at one point, Tammy and Cathy stood in the same pose while men rotated in to the picture. A quite accurate comment floated from the crowd that we looked like statues. It was a good time, but very, very hot as we were often in the direct sunlight. The leaders finally had to put a stop to all of the picture taking or we would have probably still been out there! Never had the word “Chalo” been such a welcome sound.
A thank you ceremony ended the day (and the camp) with the US team, Pastor Samuel, Pastor Pauls, and Sanjay being appreciated for the teaching sessions. All of the pastors and leaders also got a great big round of applause from the attendees. The sadness of the the afternoon had officially begun. It was time to eat lunch, pack up, and start heading out. Many of the women were in tears and it was obvious that many lives were touched and many new friendships had developed. This was also the time to say goodbye to Pastor Samuel as we are heading to Mumbai and he is headed back to Latur. He has been such an awesome presence in the past 10 days that it was quite sad to say goodbye. He honored and blessed us both with his hospitality, but also with his preaching and fellowship. What a man of God.
The youths from the Mumbai areas were on the same train so the 3 hour ride was made a bit more enjoyable as we continued in fellowship with them. The main disappointment was that the ride took place after dark and we did not get to see the countryside between Pune and Mumbai which is reported to be quite pretty and includes stunning views of some valleys. I guess there is always next time!
With much gladness, we arrived at the Tunga and were greeted with soft beds, plushy pillows, no buggy-friends, and more of the amenities that weary travelers look forward to. It was time to get some rest because the next day’s plans included a shopping trip at the Andheri market guided by Caruna and Sharon. Guess those empty bags we were so proud to declare after VBS will get filled up after all!
We have now completed two long weeks fruitfully working for the Lord, first by ministering to the children in Latur, and then by ministering to the youth in Pune who hail from all over Western India. In the process we have been blessed ourselves and have individually grown in ways that we had not expected. From the bottom of our hearts, we praise the Father and thank Him for each and every person we have come in to contact with and for the love and friendship that resulted. What a beautiful gift we have been given.
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