Ashram Ministries
Thank you all for your prayers and cards and emails. Things are incredibly busy here, but the Lord is doing amazing things. In addition to the computer, English and Bible classes, we held study seminaries for people who would like to be teachers within the Ashram. Every evening from 5-8:30 PM, a dozen men and women came to increase their knowledge of the Bible and of church history. A very well known pastor and Biblical scholar named Rev. Yasupadam led one portion of the class. Although I could not participate (because it was in Telegu and I was teaching computers upstairs during the training), from speaking with the trainees, I understand this was truly a blessed time. Furthermore, the last three days of training focused on teaching techniques. Each person who desires to be a teacher in our study centers taught a half hour Bible lesson. Then, we had the opportunity to critique the lesson and make suggestions for changes.

I did participate in this part of the classes, and I learned so much from watching the teachers as well as joining in the discussions. The way we teach here at the Ashram is in a “non-formal” setting. The teacher sits with the students on the floor and relates to them by sharing his or her life in addition to information with them (much like Jesus did with the twelve). Our principle goal is not to “cover material,” as it is so often in public education. Instead, we are looking to improve the Biblical understanding and moral character of our students. A great emphasis, therefore, is put on relationship building and knowledge retention—characteristics that Indian culture thrive on. This arrangement is so different than the type of learning I was accustom to. I’ve learned an incredible amount from watching Dr. Clement and others teach, and my prayer is that I will be able to take some of these wonderful techniques back with me to further educational work in America.

Culture Shock: Indian Appliances
Remember how your mother always told you to watch the curling iron around the bathtub because you could get electrocuted? Well, Mom, every morning I heat my bath water by sticking an electric iron in a bucket.

Yes, we do have running water, electricity, computers, and even an internet connection. But only cold water and unpredictably the electricity goes out for several hours each week, making it impossible to run the computers and the internet connection is VERY slow (when it is working properly).

Perhaps some of you still have a pressure cooker hidden in the attic somewhere. Yeap, used here daily.

Have you ever seen a washing machine that only does half the job (it spins the cloths, but doesn’t rinse them)? They are preferred here because “they have less problems.”

Do you remember complaining about that five-year warranty on your stove that broke after five and a half years? In India, there are no warranties or even returns. Once you’ve left the store, it is yours.

Can you believe that the pyramids were made solely by human labor? I can; bridges, roads, and buildings in India are made that way.

The Other Side of the Globe
Touring Southern India over the past 10 days was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore, and Bellary are cities with flavors of their own. But my favorite places were away from the auto-rickshaws and tall buildings. Ridding on elephant back into the jungle at the Mudumalai Nature Reserve, seeing the amazing fort ruins of Hampi, and spending time with a village family eating coconuts just picked from the tall trees surrounding us are just some of the events I cherish in my memory. I feel that any words I type do my visions an injustice, so you’ll just have to wait to see pictures upon my return!