We began the day with worship at Pastor Sachin’s church—what they simply call fellowship. Most weeks Sachin is out conducting worship in smaller, house church settings. Once a month, however, all of the house churches gather in this space they have rented out.
There were over 60 in attendance, crammed in a space about the size of the kitchen at St. Matthew. Some sat on plastic chairs, many sat on the floor. It was over two hours of lots of singing and praying, sharing praise updates, kids reciting memory verses they had learned, offerings, the Apostles’ Creed, preaching, and Holy Communion. It was beautiful, joyful, faith-filled and the Spirit of the Lord was indeed present.
Following worship, there was a fellowship potluck. Normally, following the potluck, this fellowship would go out to minister to others in the community. Today, however, many spent the day preparing for meals to feed the many pastors who will be attending the conference on Monday and Tuesday. So we were taken back to the hotel to prep for things, too.
Our hotel breakfast. Sautéed chicken and vegetables, roasted tomato, potatoes, fruit and porridge. The waiter saw these two obvious Americans and asked if we wanted an omelette. Yes, yes I do. Rev. Dr. Michael Albrecht is the other pastor I am traveling with, and he preached at the service. Pastor Albrecht has been partnering with BFLMI since around 1995. He began the Symposium (the pastors conference) in 2007, bringing speakers from around the world. Initially, it was held only in Guntur; 10 years later, Pastor Albrecht met Sachin. The two developed a friendship and mentorship, as Sachin was eager to learn more and pursue ministry. In early 2020, Pastor Albrecht ordained Sachin. By 2021, the first symposium in Siliguri was held.Michael is consecrating the elements for Communion. The “stole” he is wearing is not a pastoral stole, but a traditional Nepali honor. As guests to this predominantly Nepali speaking congregation, they honored us both with these ornate sashes.Here’s the potluck meal after service. Beef and chicken of some sort. Excellent once again. The gentleman at the end of the table is a physician, a position in great esteem in the Indian culture. While most doctors here possess an air of arrogance, Pastor Sachin explained, this man is one of the most humble and caring men he knows. He sat on the floor during worship; he waited at the airport for us yesterday while we were delayed for two hours; and he spends much of his Sundays caring for the sick for free. This is your brother in Christ, St. Matthew—what a joy to know him!The building where the fellowship meets is not ideal. Not only a space and parking limited, but the non-Christian landlord has been causing issues lately. Sachin has a dream to build his own church. This is the plot of land he has picked out. You can see the outline of it; complete with a $100,000 price tag. We prayed over this spot and for God‘s plan, purpose and timing to be revealed.Just a couple of cows nearby the future site of Sachin’s church.At the end of the day, Sachin took us to dinner at a restaurant by the mall. They’re still decked out for Christmas! Dinner at a Nepali restaurant. Delicious!
