January 27, 2007
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Happy Republic Day (India)
I had a nice long post written earlier but lost it. Grrr…. Then my computer got a virus from a memory stick I copied pictures from. Grrrr…. It’s a pretty devastating virus too. Don’t know if I can do anything more with it before I head home. What good is antivirus software that just tells you that you have a virus after the files are copied and registry edited? Wow. This one actually disables the registry editor, and immediately shuts down the computer if it sees a window open it doesn’t like (such as one that might be able to deal with the infection).
At least I had uploaded some pictures. I’ll post here if I can get this chincy keyboard to work in the hotel business center.
BTW. Happy New Year!! It’s been longer since I updated than I realized.
After a wonderful Christmas at Jon, Jills, and Andy’s I headed to Baltimore for the 2006 General Youth Conference. It was a wonderful feast of biblical preaching, deep study, worshipful music, and Christian fellowship. If you missed out you should do yourself a favor and navigate over to www.generalyouthconference.org where you’ll find resources free for the downloading.
Since then I’ve been mostly at home, working on building a new staff home, other construction projects, and various occupations dealing with ASI business. One of the exciting projects currently underway is a joint operation between ASI and the GC to help fulfill the Tell the World initiative’s ambition to see five million lay people each win at least one person in this quinquinium. ASI is preparing its members to train lay people in every Union to use the New Beginnings in homes. I spent a few sleepless nights and even some days pulling together an 80+ page manual for this project.
While in Florida during our pilot training program Pastor Mark Finley and I were discussing the upcoming Senior trip to India. It will be a different project than any previous Ouachita Hills mission trip. In response to the request of Elder Mike Ryan, GC Vice President for Global Mission, this year we’re undertaking to develop a church member nurturing program in areas of the world field where the church is growing extremely rapidly.
Pastor Finley suggested that I should join him this week in Chennai to assist in the training course he’s holding. Pastors and church administrators from all over India are here, which enables me to lay plans without having to travel all over myself. Reasonable tickets were found, I received a visa, and within a little more than a week I found myself here in Chennai.
OK, I know. You want the pictures.
Pastors attending the morning training seminar held by Mark and Ernestine Finley. I also taught on Friday morning.
Pathfinders marching into the Adventist School grounds to begin the Republic Day celebrations. India gained its independence 58 years ago.
Pastor Finley teaching the pastors.
Statue of the founder of the campus where the evening meetings are being held. He’s supposedly the great philosopher of Asia.
His great accomplishments in philosophy. Funny thing is, 4000 people are passing by this monument each day. Into our meetings.
Pastor Finley preaching.
The audience. An additional 500 or so are watching by CCTV downstairs.
I don’t have many pictures of me, for obvious reasons, but Mrs. Finley took this one before the meeting and I got it from her.
Pray for me, and the rest of this trip. And for my computer (and my sanity without it).
Miss you!
Comments (8)
Lol…it’s good for one to realize that life continues without a computer. But I do understand how terrible it must be!! I feel totally helpless and alone without my cell phone. I would probably feel similarly without my computer, but alas, there are so many other computers on campus that I could use, that I wouldn’t be too much worse off without it. Have a great weekend!! I’ll have to come visit OHA before you guys leave on senior trip some weekend. That would be fun.
~LIndsay
Sorry about you computer Pastor Clark : ) hope you don’t loose valuable files. I just had to format my computer recently for similar reasons. It is good to hear that the work is moving forward, and oh how I long to do more…May God bless you there in India.
I’m sorry to hear about your computer – I guess you just need a Mac:) – then you won’t ever have to worry about your virus software not catching viruses! I’m sure that it won’t easy – I know I would have a very hard time too – but my chances of losing everything are from a hardware problems. God bless in India!
Jonathan
BTW – do people around that area believe that there is no god – like that philosopher in the picture? I’m wondering, because I’m taking world religions right now. Are they Hindus? or something else?
Wanda says you look like 23 in that picture. Let me actually quote her, “Wow he looks like a little kid. He looks no more than 23.” At least you look younger and not a whopping ___!!!:) Hmm Mr. C without a computer…unheard of. Does it feel like a part of you is missing? I hope it gets healthier soon and gets over its sickness. I don’t want to see you go insane. I will keep you in prayer though.
You know, Chester, there are no Mac viruses….
Glad to read your report, and enjoyed your interesting photos. May God bless you in all your endeavors.
I just have to add that when I posted, jsreynold’s comment wasn’t there — honest! I didn’t mean to rub it in. Cheers.
What an opportunity! One of my favorite groups to do training with are other leaders because it helps multiply myself. What is happening there in India is very exciting and I am glad you are able to be a part of it. In two weeks I’m going to the Village church in Berrien Springs to train 50 leaders on how to win at least one soul for Christ in 2007. What ASI is planning sounds great in this area. Would love to see your manual and get some more ideas!
I WANT TO GO TO INDIA!!!!!! Have I made myself clear?! Enough of this staying in Tennessee all year. Well, I’m glad you got to go anyway. Was the flight better in business class? Hope so. Sorry that your computer is not well. Whatever you do, don’t do hydrotherapy on it. I’ve heard they’re not big on natural remedies. See you later.