Cold front ahead

Noema

No news from India today - hopefully a good day for them.

Got home and mowed the lawn - 5 days old and tall! Hope it will last through Monday or so.

A cold front coming in this weekend with some 30 degree nights protected - brrr. What happened to summer?

Love you all - have a great Friday!

India 9.28.11

Dearest Friends and Family,

Today was the best day of the trip so far. But today was also the worst day of the trip so far. Most of the morning and some of the afternoon we sat in a room listening to 11 different Indians from around the country share their stories of persecution, that is, extreme persecution. I will not describe what we heard, the scars we saw, but to say that there was not a dry eye in the room after just the first person shared their experience. There were lots of dry eyes at the end, but that is only because we had already cried all of our tears. What a humbling and encouraging time getting to listen to people who really do rejoice that they get to suffer in the Name of the Lord. After the end of each sharing time, we laid hands and prayed for each of these giants of the faith. I personally felt unworthy to pray for them, hearing how they stand so firm in the Lord. The neatest part of the day was watching them tell their stories, while holding so tightly to their Bibles. They were truly holding and clinging on to the Lord and His strength, standing on the promises of Christ our King.

Just before the times of testimony we had another devotion time with all the students and faculty and staff of the mission. They were all seated in the chapel, and again, when we walked in to the front where our designated seats were, everyone stood and did not sit down till we sat down. How humbling it is to be treated with such respect, when I know I don't deserve it. After the time of testimonies in the afternoon, we went and toured the video/audio production part of the ministry of CICM. What high quality work in such a small area! They really do need a bigger work station. I also liked the pride they took in their work, and it showed in how good of a job they did. This evening we went to a church service of an evangelist that is sponsored by one of the churches of some of our team members. For the fifth time this trip, we were greeted with garlands of flowers placed around our necks. The music was wonderful. They played a stationary accordion, some small hand held cymbals, a tambourine, and a metal rod. That is right, a metal rod that was hit in different places with another small metal piece, and when held tight or loose, set on the ground or held aloft, it made different sounds. It may have been simple worship, but it was so beautiful as they were rejoicing in the Lord. Our team member was able to give the lesson for the service. I just appreciated so much their willingness to come on a Wednesday night to have a worship time with us.

It has been a good day, a long day, and a hard day. I cannot get those stories of persecution out of my mind! My soul is encouraged, and I hope yours is as well.

Scott Robinson for the whole team.

Latest India Update from CIA

Friends and Family,
Here is a quick update of 9/26, since we had no opportunity to email yesterday:  We spent the day shopping for a few souvenirs and visiting the Agra Fort.  The "Fort" is actually a huge complex of different palaces from various time periods.  Over the years, the gold and precious gems have all been stolen, but it was still easy to imagine how extravagantly Indian royalty has lived through the centuries.  We enjoyed the beauty of the place, but how much good could have been done with the money that was spent on luxury......
We also visited 2 carpet "factories" where we saw a demonstration of how beautiful hand-loomed cashmere carpets are made.... and, of course, sold.  (I'm not saying it was high-pressure sales - maybe just "guilt-pressure sales!)
We headed to the station to catch a 7:00 p.m. train (which ended up being a 7:30 train).  This sleeper car ride was an experience in itself.  A full description would amount to a book, so let me just say that the ladies were very grateful that there were both "Indian toilets" and "Western toilets" on the train.  When we arrived in Damoh at about 4:00 a.m. there at the station was a crowd of men from CICM who came out to greet us and to place garlands around our necks.  How humbling to have these gracious brothers come out at that hour to honor us!
9/27 Wow! What an awesome day here at the Mission.  We enjoyed a morning devotion time with the nursing school staff & students, the Bible college staff & students and the Mission administrators.  Then, we visited the Children's Home where we saw the facilities and the children in their classes.  What a stark contrast between these happy, polite, smiling children and those sad, destitute children we have been seeing on the streets of Delhi & Agra!  Indu shared with us the need for sponsors for the children in the program to help support needy children throughout central India.  These children are served through their local churches, and just $20 a month can mean the difference between life & death for them. Next we toured the Nursing College where we also saw the facilities & the polite, gracious staff & students.  It was obvious that the College is in need of more buildings, but they are certainly making the most of what they have.  After lunch, we met with Daniel, who heads up the publishing ministry here at CICM.  This small staff has produced an amazing number of high quality commentaries and other Christian books.  Through these publications so many people are being reached for the Lord!  Later in the afternoon, we met with Josh Howard and the students of the Bible College.  Josh shared with us the personal stories of several of the students.  We were moved by the way the Lord has touched each of their lives.
Today we saw the incredible impact this ministry is having in Central India.  God is moving in this country and people are turning to Jesus!  Praise the Lord!  Jai Masih Ki!!

Cindy Adams

Tuesday's Child

Kleeman Kids

Good morning - sunshine today! No rain for a few days - sound nice here - hope it is heading to Texas!!

No news from India - pray they are having a grand time. I miss my gal.

Have a wonderful Tuesday - I love you all.

Monday ... yawn

Anna and Reed

I can't beleive it is Monday already - but I'm telling you, it will be Friday before we know it.

Try to enjoy each day unto itself - what's in store for us today? Listen to the Holy Spirit tugging on your heart.

9.25.11 India post

Sent: Sun, Sep 25, 2011 17:34:30 GMT+00:00
Subject: Re: India Team Update 3

Greetings Friends & Family!

We began our day today by departing at 5 am for the train station! Our luggage was carried to the train on the heads of porters, and we traveled to Agra.

Once we arrived, we celebrated in a time of worship with the church here at Agra, and were blessed beyond belief to see and hear of their faith, to share in worship, and to encourage our brothers and sisters.

Kurt, Allen and Todd all shared our love for them and from the Word. Todd preached from Psalm 133 about how we should be dripping with the aroma of God, and this should be an act of worship to God as well as a testimony to the world around us.

As far as the tourist side of the day we:
Visited the Taj Mahal
Toured a Marble and Semi-precious Jewel inlay factory
Saw the poverty in India
Witnessed the procession of a Muslim wedding
Rode in bicycle rickshaws

Did you like the king cobra snake charmer? I will see your king cobra, and raise you a king cobra PLUS a boa with a snake charmer! As far as animals go, we also saw monkeys, many cattle, wild boars, pigs, goats, chickens, horses, donkeys and camels.

To end the days journeys, we met for our team time, and Ben led us in a devotion. He taught us from Joshua 1:6-9 and Philippians 4:6-7 challenging  us to trust God with our fear of the unknown, and to truly follow wherever He leads us.

As we sat discussing the day, and I reflected, God opened my eyes to the true symbolic beauty of the Taj Mahal. Over 365 years ago a reigning Muslim Mughal King set about to build the Taj Mahal as a tribute to his love for his bride. She closed her eyes and died from childbirth before it was finished, and it is now the resting place for the two monarchs. As I thought of this beautiful love story, God reminded me of His great love for us and that He is our groom, and He is preparing a place far more majestic than the jewel incrusted pristine white marble for us in Heaven. And more than that, this place is not a mausoleum of a love story ending in a tragic death, but rather the beginning of new and everlasting life.

We thank you again for your prayers, and ask that you pray for the church in Agra. That they will live their lives as a sweet aroma of praise to God, and that men will know they are Christians by their continued love.

Praising Him,

Shandi Harris

Say cheese!

Paparazzi

What makes you smile? A funny face or a certain word like cheese?

Thinking of my loved ones makes me smile. Being with them makes me smile even more.

What makes God smile? Thinking of Him? Serving Him? Talking to Him? Worshiping Him?

I'm off to church - let's make God smile!

Satuday 9.24.11 India update

Just received this email from India ...
 ===========================
Greetings Friends and Family!

Today has been a full day of out of this world experiences! We spent much of the day adjusting to the culture as well as the time change. We have been incredibly humbled by the hospitality, generosity and attitude of service of our hosts. Our devotional passage of the evening was Matthew 25:33-40, 26:6-13 as we focused on the attitude of Christ through His service, and in His allowing others to exercise their gift of service.

Highlights of the Day:
Riding an Elephant (yes, most of the team did RIDE on an elephant)
See a King Cobra and Snake Charmer

Visit:
Mahatma Ghandi's last 144 days of life and assassination site
Indira Ghandi's home and assassination site
The Qutb Tower
India Gate
The Bahai House of Worship

Saw:
The Presidential Palace
Parliament Building

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for us as we will be boarding a train early in the morning and journey to Agra to worship with our Brothers and Sisters there.

Praising Him,

Shandi Harris

Chilly Saturday

Anna ... and Anna

Good morning. Mid 40's to start the day and a dense fog. It is supposed to get up to 70 today - I hope so as the yard is a tall dense tangle of grass and needs a desperate cutting. Probably two or more to make it even.

You may have gotten the email - but around 4 pm yesterday I got notice the India team was there in New Delhi and were getting settled into their Hotel and eating. I'll keep you posted from day to day as I hear stuff - in the meantime, continue your prayers for them and have a blessed day!    ... maybe today ...

In India

I got an email that the India team had arrived and were having pizza. New Delhi will never be the same!

Finally got up to 62 degrees - most of the day it's been 52 degrees, overcast and rainy. Brrr.... I'm ready for summer! Ha!

A rainy, rainy Friday

Kaireia, Kardia and Neidon

Good morning! Mid 50's and rain, rain, rain ...

Well, Cindy is somewhere in flight on the way to India. She should arrive mid-morning our time, around 8:30pm or so their time. Thanks for your prayers - please continue.

Her first stop - New Delhi.

She's off!

We left early so no time for post - should get to Nashville by 7:30 (now ) and flight out at 9:45 - I'm excited for her! Keep them in your prayers!

Rainy Wednesday

Kardia

Another rainy day - our yard has been officially designated as a wildlife refuge by the state of Tennessee. I guess I should mow it when the rain stops.

Cindy leaves to India tomorrow - please keep her prayed up - having gone overseas myself once, I'm excited for her and the things that she will see AND the things she will feel as God shows her how other people live and worship. She is going over to be an encouragement to the Christians there - how alone they must feel at times - Lights in a sea of darkness. Pray that is effective and they are encouraged.

Have a great day - and take a moment to pray for Christians all around the world battling darkness.

Late posting

Pre-Link - Audrey and Anna

Internet was down this morning - sorry so late.

Hope you are all having a great day - rain here. Love you all.

I'm back

Kaireia

A long weekend - hey, is it Friday yet? Working weekends take a lot out of you.

A confession this morning - I got so caught up with the trade show this weekend, it wasn't until late Saturday that I felt convicted to talk to those around me about their faith and their relationship with Christ. As we talked, I was reminded how much people are hurting and how lost they are without Christ. They were struggling with family, work and just coping day to day to survive financially and even emotionally. God forgive me for being so self-centered so often - it's not all about me ...

Finally Friday

Reed, Anna, Lincoln and Audrey

Well, it may be Friday for you, but I have a show in Murfreesboro all day today, tomorrow and possibly even Sunday. I hope it gets me some business - then it will have been worth it. Probably no post tomorrow as I have to leave here around 5:30 am to get there on time.

Love you all - have a wonderful day! God is good.

God is good

Darin and Rachel

A cool rainy morning today - high of 70 - now it REALLY feels like Fall.

I am so blessed to have Godly children and for them to have Godly spouses. Thank you Lord! You are indeed so good.

Have a blessed day and I pray my family in Texas gets some rain soon.

Halfway there

Anna

Well, Wednesday already - 59 out to start the day - looks to be a great day - I've a 7:30am meeting and then lots and lots of paperwork - woohoo!

We were sitting on the deck last night and finally had to come inside as it got so cool - fall is indeed around the corner. Have a great day!

King for a day

Neidon

59 degrees to start the morning - but I tell you, 30 minutes on that elliptical and it felt like 90 degrees!

Another crazy day ahead - hold on tight! I pray your day goes well - love you all!

Anna, Link & Cindy

Happy Birthday to some old Grandma! Never thought I'd be living with some white haired grandma - and loving it!

My co-worker lost his mother last night - pray for Jim Vaughn and his family - he's on his way to Michigan right now.

Fall is in the air

Kaireia and Kardia

Well, for us Northerners (Sorry about that to my fellow Tennesseans who think this is south), it is beginning to feel like Fall. Leaves are falling, evenings are much cooler and even the days are only hitting 80 at the most. If you are going to play in the sand, you better hurry and get 'er done.

Off to church - another fine day ahead ... maybe today.

Fall Fun Fest day

Neidon

Good morning - we have a few errands this morning and then we work the coke booth at the Fall Fun Fest downtown this afternoon. Always a great time to meet new folks and see old friends. Plus lots of food and great music - nice day, huh?

Friday Friday Friday

Wow - where did the week go to? Off to Crossville this morning, back for a meeting in the office and then an afternoon meeting with another prospect in Sparta. The days fly. Have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend.

A path unto my feet

A soldier in the civil war carried this very Bible in his pocket. I can imagine him seeking comfort in God's words within these pages while possibly wondering about his own fate. He probably felt closer to God in the trenches than we do in our pews at church.

It reminds me to pray for our soldiers, like Matt, who are overseas right now fighting for our freedoms. Take a moment and do likewise if you are able.

More Murfreesboro

Good morning you all - from Tennessee!

Another rainy morning and still about 60 degrees out. This may be about our last rainy day and then a few sunshiny ones ahead - I hope so, my yard needs mowing.

Three day weekends are fun when you are on them, but it kills you when you go back to work and try to catch up! Hang on - it's a short week!!

Oaklands Historic Home and Museum

A fun, wet, cold weekend in Murfreesboro. We toured this Italianate style home of some 5,000 square feet plus - very interesting. Imagine your children in the upstairs looking out of the windows to fighting below on the front lawn. A nearby monument at Stones River is the oldest of the Civil War. Cindy took this to prove I actually go with her on these weekend trips.

We're back home

We're back! Rainy cold day - what great weather!!

We had to call AAA as our van died on us in the park and we went by Sears for a new battery - most places close on Labor day - go figure!

Anyway, had lunch, checked out a few stores and then came on back. Looks like at least 3" of rain here since we left yesterday after church.

Murfreesboro

Enjoying murfreesboro - enjoying the rain and cooler weather even more!

Chores done

Good morning - we got our errands done yesterday - off to church this morning and then Murfreesboro for sight-seeing and fun. We return tomorrow late and back to work on Tuesday. Three day weekends are nice. Enjoy church wherever you are!

3 day weekends are Great!

Good morning - weekends are a great time to catch up on to-do stuff and relax. Three day weekends are even better!

Our cool front for Monday is looking even better - a relief from the heat. Cindy and I can't believe that in just 3 years we acclimated enough so that now 85 is hot when it used to be 95 or 100 was hot. We've grown soft!

Have a great weekend - we love you all!

Wacky Friday

Woohoo - it's Friday.

Who is that old man riding with Kaireia? I'm not sure who was having the most fun?


A paperwork morning and then Rockwood and Crossville this afternoon - otherwise, an easy Friday.

A cool front is to slide through the end of the weekend - I pray you get some of it too!

A healthy breakfast to start the day

Good morning. Blogger has updated the interface this morning so not sure how this post will look to you. Hopefully the same as before.

A bit warmer, but we're to have a front push through this weekend and high Monday only about 80 - fall is in the air!!

A good day today - client meeting at 9 am, I have to present a talk over lunch to 40 business folks, paperwork this afternoon - not bad. Have a wonderful day yourselves. .... maybe today ...