In a Journal in February 2009 I was in the depths of despair over Rupali’s marriage, I wrote:

“Oswald Chambers says, “There are experiences like this in each of our lives. We are in despair; the despair comes from actualities—Jesus says, “Arise and do the next thing.” Never let the sense of failure corrupt your NEW action.”

Our prayer is that God’s masterpiece will be to use Rupali in a miraculous way and maybe, just maybe, lead a whole new flock to Jesus in her new home of Siliguri, West Bengal Hills,” (To read that Journal go to our Archives February 2009)

Many of you have asked about her, but since that time we have had little or no contact with Rupali. Her husband, Vijay, did call Dr. Suresh five months ago when Rupali required a caesarian section delivery for their baby. He asked Dr. Suresh to pray for her.

God had more than just a wedding and reception in His plans for Loren to be in India at this time. Rupali called to say she was at her Aunt’s home in Kalmeshwar, about 20 miles from Nagpur. Following is his report of a visit with Rupali and her 5 month-old SON Shaurya (meaning “Courage”)

Shortly after we were seated in the receiving room. Rupali said, “Take my son home with you.” Shocked I said, “Why do you want me to have your son? ” She said, “You will give him a better life, as you have done for me.” WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was not ready for that. It was just her desire to give the best to her child, at any cost.

We made an effort to Skype with Sylvia and did contact her for only a few minutes, but long enough for Sylvia and Rupali to exchange greetings. Where her aunt lives in Kalmeshwar, the signal was simply too weak.

Rupali’s niece (her aunt’s sister’s daughter) was there and is a student of civil engineering in Nagpur. She is a vivacious 18 years old and was a joy to have at the “party”. Actually having her there was of benefit with the aunt. I know it was a “God thing.”

Another, “God thing” was that Rupali’s husband called while we were visiting and I was able to talk with him. Vijay Khobragade is an English speaking, science degree university graduate. He works for the national railroad system, but not as a conductor, as we had been lead to believe, but is a manager for boggy-car maintenance. He is from Nagpur, but they now live in Siliguri. It is a vibrant, crowded trading hub encompassing the twin towns of Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri and is the jump-off point for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, the northeast states, eastern Nepal and Bhutan. For most travelers Siliguri is an overnight transit point where there are good meals, great shopping and a glimpse of snowy peaks. I would love to make a visit to this gorgeous area, but it is difficult for Americans.

Later I realized Rupali’s bother and his new wife were nearby. His recent marriage was a “love marriage” and not well received by either family. To add insult to injury, he is Buddhist and the bride is Hindu. Until that moment I was unaware that Rupali’s background is Buddhist. Her aunt wears the Hindu mark of “Bindi” on her forehead. This would normally indicate that she is a Hindu. These inconsistencies add to the confusion in trying to understand Hinduism and the culture. I would assume that in their historical heritage they were Hindu, but changed for political benefits. This is not uncommon to “beat” the caste
system.

Upon leaving, Rupali came to the car and with a last touch on my arm she said (in English), as she looked straight into my eyes, “I love you”. I left with a heavy heart but also a heart of joy as I could see the results of Christ in her life. She is an example of one who lives her life so others see Jesus, I understand that her husband is now open to allowing her to talk with him about what Jesus means to her. She is loving him to Jesus. What a great delight to have invested in her life and realize that she has become like a daughter. We, through Prakash, have empowered one who is loved by our Heavenly Father to reach those we will never be able to touch.

I am sure that few if any of you can relate to my experience at the State Bank of India here in Nagpur. This was one of those “deja vu” encounters. I needed to make a foreign exchange for some Rupees and had been avoiding the trip due to the heat. This transaction is usually a 2-hour plus event. “D” day could not be avoided any longer, so off to the bank with 114-degree heat and climbing and this was morning. Arriving in the dirt parking lot, I looked upon a temporary thatch entrance—that should have been a clue.

Thirty years ago I entered this same bank at 120-degrees with this same type of “air conditioning.” A koolie stands at the thatch wall and throws buckets of water on the thatch (WATCH OUT) thus letting whatever breeze there might be create a cooling effect.

Inside I was greeted with the MODERN version, which are water-evaporation-coolers. Big question, how do you have a computer-operated bank without air conditioning? The temperature inside must have been about 95 to 100 degrees, plus the humidity from the coolers.

Since I am a long time customer I know my way around the bank, of course they change everything almost every trip. Making my way to the Foreign Exchange office only to be told to wait 2 minutes! No such thing in India. There was an elderly lady, (not fair since she was younger than me,) sitting in a chair near a cooler and she motioned for me to sit in a chair next to her. Aha! She got to be closer cooler!

After about 10 minutes I was asked to come into the office to fill out the necessary papers. Usually you are given the papers and then sent out of the office to fill out the obligatory information. This time “Surprise,” the man said to stay there. As I started to list the numbers on the bills, he asked for my passport and filled out all of the other paper work except for my signature. I must have looked like a needy soul. Five and I mean five minutes later I was ushered, holding tightly onto my little number coin, by a “tiny older lady” to the money window on the other side of the bank.

When we arrived the person who gives you the money was on break, so we had to wait. Since one’s place in line or position is only as strong as the holder of that place. Everybody tried to put his or her paper work before mine, but my “tiny tour guide” and protector, made sure I was first in line. This whole transaction was made in a record-breaking time of 42 minutes. Praise God for little favors.

You might be asking what about the “deja vu”. The Last time I was in India in the month of May, at 120 degrees, to this same bank I got heat stroke and almost died. Three days to recover, which I do not remember a single event, only the extreme pain. Return I must, to that which God has called me.

To top off this incident, I came back to campus looking forward to a shower, and believe it or not, there was NO water. The tank was empty when the corporate transformer went out. Oh, the joys of India. At least everyone smelled, not just me.

YOU WILL NOTICE A DIFFERENT SPELLING OF VASANTHA’S NAME. GOOD GRIEF—IF THEY DON’T KNOW HOW OLD THEY ARE, HOW IN THE WORLD WOULD THEY KNOW HOW TO SPELL THEIR NAME IN ENGLISH???

Saturday May 22 @ 6:30PM was our appointed time to arrive for the wedding reception for Vasantha and his new wife Sheshi. Since his younger brother was married on Friday, they had a combined reception. Smart thinking to combine two events into one! Amazing the forethought to have two at once. I guess Vasantha is a better businessman than I thought.

The reception for the surrounding villages was not to begin until later in the evening. They were expecting about 400 people; of course more will turn up when there is free food. The village chief and naturally Vasantha greeted us. It was neat to be welcomed by Mr. Vasantha, a married man now. I got the customary handshake from the chief, but a big hug from Vasantha. It is interesting that I am no longer the white guy (meaning stares of amazement) as I enter their realm. I praise God that He has allowed us to assimilate to some degree into their culture. Outsiders are normally NOT allowed in this village.

After the usual small talk and viewing of gifts the “official” ceremony began. There was an area of land with a blue-tarp-wall around it to designate the reception area. Since this was to be a “Christian” ceremony or more properly called a dedication of the couples, the villagers were only observers. They have no Christian concepts. On our way to the village Suresh had purchased four garlands to use for the traditional honor of garlanding the couples. Out of nowhere four SORT OF white plastic chairs appeared
and were placed in a row for the couples.

With a little pomp and flair they finally sat. Dr. Suresh began the program by giving a little talk. He asked Vasantha to open his Bible. Vasantha said. “I don’t have my bible with me, my friend has taken it from me to read.” We were elated to know this. So Suresh read Ephesians 5: 22-25, regarding Christian marriages. I am sure that he was reading and speaking in Marathi which most of the people do not fully understand. (They have no written language and use Marathi only for business.) Then he prayed for the couples and his two daughters garlanded the couples.

Upon Vasantha’s insistence I was also asked to pray a prayer of dedication on the couples. This was very difficult. Every word must be translated. Would they have any understanding of personal prayer?
I did notice (because my eyes were open) that when Suresh prayed there was talking and movement, not out of disrespect, but just daily life activities. BUT, not so when I prayed, which made it all the more difficult. Since Vasantha is the only true believer in the village we must not “appear” to be forcing Christ on them. (There is a law in India against conversion.) I was surprised that not a single man was under the influence of the “wine”. Very unusual for this type of occasion!

When this short ceremony was over and hand shaking (hugs with Vasantha) was completed, I was asked sit in a chair for THEIR part of the ceremony. Here we go again, me in the spotlight, which I do not like. I received the garland treatment, then given a card handcrafted by Vasantha which I realized was a birthday card. What a shock! As I viewed the card it was filled blue marks, which turned out to be thumbprints. The card was “thumb printed” by 70 of the villagers. Only two or three can write their names. The youngest print was a 6 month old and the oldest was 74. What a treasure……… 70 prints for my 70 years! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Then followed supposedly “the happy birthday song,” a complicated tune for them. I don’t know about the song, but I clapped to the beat. (The chief is in the white shirt)

The village chief asked us to stay for the dinner. Since I do not have a cast-iron stomach we thought it best to say our “good-bys” with a promise to return very soon. Earlier I had passed a hut with SOMETHING cooking and asked to see inside, given it smelled wonderful. The lid came off the small pot and BEHOLD a rabbit! Not much of a rabbit, but who cares when it smells so good. “NO”, I did not partake, but the temptation was there. Oh, for a stomach of iron

Walking out to the car I was sad to go since an acceptance of their warm hospitality is truly only shown when one eats food with them. We talked for a moment, and then Vasantha gave me another big hug of appreciation. I turned to the chief to shake his hand and thank him for letting me come to his village, but received a huge bear hug instead. He told Suresh how much we have taught him about love, forgiveness and “new” ways of life. I pray that God will through us help them to see the path to Jesus in all its fullness.

Heat of 117 degrees and all, it is God’s will for me to be here. God’s will always has DIVINE intention.