Shahdara
– June 7, 2013
I spent the morning relaxing choosing not to
have breakfast and lunch to recover from jet lag. In the afternoon I was
able to finalize the three messages I would bring in the evening
sessions.
Emmanuel came to the hotel at 3:30 and helped
me to dress in the Pakistani kameez and shalwar. We then left by rickshaw for
the church where we would have the meetings.
The church was located in a large home. One
room was used for worship and could hold about 100 people. About eighty people
were present for the meeting that evening.
As, is the custom, I removed my
sandals before preaching. I spoke three times in the evening with a short break
between each message. I felt the Lord wanted me to speak on the subject of
knowing His presence and walking in intimacy with Him.
The power went out two or three times during
the preaching, leaving us in complete darkness. We simply continued speaking.
This is quite common in Pakistan with the electricity shortage.
Singing was quite different from what I had
experienced before. Unlike many countries I have been in, it had no western
influence. It was quite refreshing to see that their music was
a reflection of their own culture. There were two musical instruments used. The
first was a small hand pumped organ. It was played with the right hand and the
left hand was used to pump it. The other instrument was a set of drums which
provided the rhythm.
I was asked to present a copy of our
translation of the commentary on Matthew, Mark and Luke (volume 1) to the
pastors present. Copies were then handed out to the other believers by helpers.