This morning, Brandy had the chance to speak during a special service for those who are suffering from various sicknesses in the community. The service was held at the church facility, and involved about 30 – 50 people from the surrounding community who were afflicted with various ailments ranging from skin diseases to internal pain. It started around 10 and kicked in with some serious music, followed by Pastor Samuel’s address to the crowd, and then Brandy’s message on strength in Jesus. She sited passages ranging from Isaiah 41:10 to the prayer of Hannah, and did a great job negotiating translation, timing and delivery. Go Brandy!
An interesting side note: while the service was under way, the neighboring house suddenly erupted into a cacophony of ear-splitting Hindu/Indian music. The louder the people in the service sang, the louder the neighbor would crank the volume. When I asked what was going on, I was told, “Oh, see, the neighbors are high-caste fanatical Hindus, and they don’t like the fact that we’re here. As a result, they went out and bought some thousand watt speakers and put them in their windows facing our church (note: the buildings are maybe 10 feet apart). Whenever we begin worship services, they turn on their speakers and try to drown us out.” Whoa!
After the service was finished (around 1 p.m.), we left to run some errands and eat lunch.
An interesting side note: while the service was under way, the neighboring house suddenly erupted into a cacophony of ear-splitting Hindu/Indian music. The louder the people in the service sang, the louder the neighbor would crank the volume. When I asked what was going on, I was told, “Oh, see, the neighbors are high-caste fanatical Hindus, and they don’t like the fact that we’re here. As a result, they went out and bought some thousand watt speakers and put them in their windows facing our church (note: the buildings are maybe 10 feet apart). Whenever we begin worship services, they turn on their speakers and try to drown us out.” Whoa!
After the service was finished (around 1 p.m.), we left to run some errands and eat lunch.
3 comments:
Baby girl....We are soooo proud of you for what you are doing. You are AWESOME! I went to the grotto over at St. Mary's and lit a vigil candle and prayed for you and the team after church this morning. I prayed that you and team put aside the tiredness, being homesick, eating food that you're not used to, and totally being out of your comfort zone and fill just fill yourselves up with God's love - allow that to carry you through until you all make is safely home.
We love and miss you so much.
Brandy's mom and step-dad
p.s. that speaking presentation class paid off, huh?
Brandy, I am so proud to be able to call you my friend! God really knew what he was doing when he brought us together. You are a true inspiration to me. I love you
Sara
Namaste from Higher Grounds. We all miss you back at the ranch, especially Christina who says the coffee doesn't taste the same without you. We all laughed out loud when we read your pithy antecdotes. It provided hours of entertainment to our otherwise dreary and mundane lifes. We are proud that someone has stepped above the mediocrity to make a change in the world.
Sincerely,
The Higher Grounds team
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