We have been to Dharbangha, a principal city in the Bihar region. We understand better now that the gospel must be preached to the ends of the earth.
The city is 700,000 people with 150 Christians. Some 200 came for the conference from around the region however some 500 would have come if they could have accommodated them. To understand their commitment we met several pastors who had travelled since midnight by bus and train for 7 hours through the night to attend.
The church here is extraordinary – an indigenous, comprehensively united group of believers who are fearless and passionate in reaching their region and nation for the kingdom. Time and again we spoke with leaders who had been converted by a direct revelation of Jesus, many have been called as missionaries to this poor state of Bihar. They sacrifice an incredible amount.
One of the organisers explained how he first preached the gospel in 1997 when he was beaten by a crowd of 60 at the bus stop.
The hotel was the best in Bihar, Hotel Ganga. On checking the register only 4 westerners had been to the city in 4 months. Facilities are grotty though the city has been home to one of the oldest Universities in the world but we discovered why. Every year the region floods for up to 2 months as it is on the Ganges fold plain. Last time the water reached 8 ft above the main highway and it destroys all property.
Our first night was frankly awful - bugs - grot – and best of all ear splitting call to prayer and live hindu temple worship broadcast from very loud speakers from 2am. We emerged shaken and bedraggled in the morning!
Our Alpha conference was received with real joy and enthusiasm. A measure of their poverty – the Questions of Life book costs (at subsidised rates) one tenth of a pastor’s monthly salary. Yet their joy in Jesus is unparalleled. The leaders of the region meet monthly for a night of prayer and day of fellowship – there are no denominations - their unity is incredible – their calling formidable.
Later we found out why – a prophecy was given in Singapore by a woman who did not speak English. She said revival would come to India and could only spell that it would come from D-A-R-B-H-A-N-G-A.
We were humbled as we continued to hear the stories of our hosts, their labour in the gospel despite adversity, pressed on every side has moved us all. Quite literally they rely on God for all provision. You know what they ask us for – only to pray! But they beg us – please pray for Bihar.
The teaching of Alpha was a privilege and we ministered with a powerful manifestion of the Spirit’s presence. Thanks God!
Our travel from Patna to Darbhanga and back was wild, tarmac is sporadic, oxen prolific, rules unobserved, danger ever present, overtaking blood curdling and we rejoiced with huge enthusiasm upon reaching our hotel in Patna! We never doubted our return – only whether it was to Patna or more directly to a final glory!
In the closing stages of this trip we have become aware of the incredible significance this has been to the believers here. More affecting has been to hear of the faith of the organisers particularly George – they have toiled without complaint and in faith for 3 months. He has had to literally rely on the Lord to provide in every respect. The cars and drivers organised were quite literally the best cars in this city, and we did not realise it.
We get ready to return with humble hearts…… Ian flys to Japan, Keith to Hyderabad and the rest back to Blighty – put the kettle on!
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