Update from Todd Fizer in Nepal and India
April 8th, 2011|
March 24, 2011 Upon flying over the lights Delhi its size is amazing, similar to flying into LA except the lights seemed to be in huge pockets, not everywhere. So many people here, really in all of India. I reflected upon some statements from a Bhutanese friend of mine, Praja Dhital. He referred to the USA as a land of opportunity and he is right. The USA does offer much opportunity, but in another way India & Nepal are lands of opportunity. It is a land in which the Gospel has made shallow inroads. As we landed I thought that for God’s people, India/Nepal, land of the Hindu faith, is, in many ways, our land of opportunity. March 25, 2011 When I arrived in Kathmandu all was fine, the airport was a little small, as would be expected. It was also dark & dingy. That is also fine. But when we went from the international terminal to the domestic terminal (a long long walk – next time a cab) I felt like a piece of meat thrown into a pool of piranhas. People were grabbing my bags and telling me to go here and there. (Now, I understand why.) This was a “teachable moment”, I learned for next time. Our plane landed about 1 hr late and considering the length of our walk from the Int’l to domestic terminal and the “piranha” experience, it seemed as if the Lord multiplied the loaves & fish or parted the Red Sea – something miraculous – but we still caught our next flight – amazing. We then landed in Bhadrapur and were picked up by some young men that Dr. Kathiwada had sent. Dr. Khatiwada is a relative of some of our friends in St. Louis. We are staying at his home while visiting the camps. He is a very gracious man. We sleep under mosquito nets and the dogs are active at night – I am listening to them howl right now. We delivered some things to Dr. Khatiwada from Kumar & Jiwan. When grandma (grandma (88) & grandpa (92) live with Dr. Kathiwada) saw the photo of Jiwan and his new wife Bina, tears came. She very much misses all of her “nanis” (small childen). But for her, the small children are in their 30’s and under. March 26 & 27 On our first two day we went to Beldangi1, 2 ,3. It was great. We met with family members and delivered photos and letters. More than once, tears filed eyes as they received photos and letters from their loved once. We were welcomed into every home. As we walk along the streets we standout (being white guys). People watch us with a serious face, but when we fold our hands and say Namaste an immediate smile breaks out with a responding Namaste. We sit in homes and on front porches and talk. We share stores about America (as they call it, not USA). We tell of their friends and family. They are so happy to hear the stories. When I talk in Nepali (just a little) they laugh more – not many white guys speak Nepali – they are happy. When I speak a little Junka, language of Bhutan, they are shocked and all laugh too much. This morning I had the opportunity to speak in two churches. It was great. One small problem, the guy that went with us yesterday was unavailable in the morning and we went by ourselves. I was to preach at a 9am and a 10am service. One was Presbyterian and the other Pentecostal. These camps are huge, so we got…. Ahum…. Lost. We couldn’t find the churches (either one)…. But we came across another church. We told them we were looking for a Christian church. They said which one. I didn’t even know the name, but I knew the pastor’s name D.B. Magar. With that, they knew exactly where that church was. The person that lead me there was Laxmi Magar, a relative – tooo much Magars. (smile) So, we were greeted – they are so gracious. Shortly after I arrived, I received a phone call from St. Louis. It was Ganesh. I spoke with him for a few minutes. It was nice to have an American Magar on the phone and tooo much Magars around me. As we entered the church, the children’s church was going on and the leader’s face was a face that I knew. It was Meena Magar’s little sister. As I sat in the front I saw other faces that I knew, Khadka/Jeer Magar’s face and Tul Magar’s face. They were Khadka’s brother and Tul’s younger sister. We shared from 1 Cor 12:12 -22. The diversity and yet unity of the body of Christ. The three points (I know you are dying to know): we differ, we need, we care. We are different from each other. We need each other, all of our gifts. We must care and love one another (leads into 1 Cor 13). The American church needs the Bhutanese church and vise versa. Jerry shared on his experience with Bhutanese families and words of encouragement. They were very encouraged. We then went to the Pentecostal Church. We arrived about 10:45, yet early for preaching. Such sweet people. D.B went with us and helped with some of the translation. D.B. is a great guy. Huge small and very warm and welcoming. At the Pentecostal Church, Siva Khatiwada is an assit. Pastor. (relative of Jiwan & Kubir Khatiwada and Kumar Dhimal and cousin of Dr. Khatiwada). They warmly welcomed us. It was great. Here, I shared the same message from 1 Cor. and Jerry shared his testimony and how the Nepali people helped in his life change, very good. Afterwards we took a small snack with them, but went back to B.D.’s home for a meal. Many people crowded around as we visited together. Then we went and visited the home of Tul Magar’s family. We told them that we would return later in the week. I made more than 1,000 business type cards with: my name, USA tel#, email, facebook name, and website. We give those to everyone coming to America, especially those coming to Missouri. Our last stop today was at the home of Januka Dhital’s family. We stayed a long time. Kubir Bhujel’s brother heard we were there and he came over. There were about 35 people crowded around. When we told them, yes we know all the guys. The Ghaleys and Bhujels and start naming all the names, they become very surprised and happy. So, it has been busy. I have many stories and experiences, but I am a little tired. It is about 5AM here. Tomorrow we go to Sanischare in the morning and then meet with UNHCR in the afternoon. Oh… and remember the “don’t drink the water” expression. Jerry and I were at a hut and they offered us water. Of course not wanting to offend and being thirsty I took it, Jerry somewhat reluctantly followed. That was about 44 hours ago. We are both fine. Dr. Khatiwada told me the water in the camps is fine. It is. I will send this tomorrow sometime when I get online. There are these lizards crawling around in and outside of the home. They make this knocking sound like someone tapping on a wooden door with a quarter. It first, I thought, “what is that noise.” Now I see them as some of the permanent residents and I, the guest. Jaimashi from Damak, March 28 It was raining very hard, but we went to Sanischare. The rain eventually let up, but the day was quite a bit cooler, 70’s. We visited several families and again were warmly welcomed. We went to the home of Jamuna Biswa’s family. Her sister looks just like her. She and many family members will be coming to St. Louis. We also visited the home of Kethi Rai’s family. We met with her Father, Mother, younger sister and younger brother. They too are coming to be with us in St. Louis. Then we went Sector H, where the Chamlagai’s used to live. We delivered many photos and to took pictures to bring back. We viewed the areas in Sector A & B that were consumed by a fire on March 22, 6 days ago. Everything was gone. This evening we ate a memorial meal, the father’s mother died 35 years ago today. Several family members and friends were over. Bhima Pokhrel (3rd daughter) was over as well. Her home in Goldhap (camp) was burned down in a fire that consumed 85% of the camp on March 22nd (yep two large fires on the same day). We are going there tomorrow. Okay – if you would like, check out the website – I posted a new “Random pics and videos”. Jaimashi – we are going to Khudunabari, Goldhap, and Timai tomorrow. God Bless, Todd |
