Day 6: IJM Chennai

Amazing how God works.

I had planned to make a side trip to Chennai simply because it was close and I want to visit HBI and the IJM office.  

Most of you know that I am the volunteer advocacy leader for IJM for Wisconsin, so knowing God, I should not have been surprised that this week was ADVOCACY WEEK in Chennai and that they were having a major advocacy event in Chennai the day I am there!   More on that later, first the HIndustan Bible Institute.

I had met Bobby Gupta when he was at my church.   One of the member of our GO team had gone on a mission trip to northern India so I had a great deal of respect for the organization and their reach throughout India for the gospel, both in training of pastors, starting churches, as well encouraging a life of committed discipleship.   In fact, the first person I met at HBI was the Thomas, a seminary professor whose focus is spiritual care of the HBI team, their students, and training on spiritual formation.  He had actually attended a Dallas Willard course during his seminary training.   A very nice man, who I traveled with the next day to a church retreat but more on that later.

This year at HBI was it's 60th year of existance.  The prior week, they had hosted over 1200 pastors for a conference celebrating the 60 years.   They still had the platform and stage set up but most of the pastors had left.

HBI was gracious enough to host me and feed me while in Chennai and great hosts they were!

IJM Chennai is one of the largest IJM offices in India.  In fact it is second only to HQ in the number of people working there.   Unfortunately, there were 2 simultaneous rescues going on that day (as well as the advocacy event), so many folks were gone.   At least that was what was explained to me.  It actually seemed like there were quite a few people there and I spent a fair amount of time with the director of the office Andy Griffiths.  It was interesting how similar our stories were in terms of how we got involved with IJM and our experience afterward.   He was sort of  in a flat spot in his christian walk and not that satisfied with the job world.   He got on with IJM and soon began to see God do some amazing things.   It was a really interesting discussion.

Three quick highlights

Arriving at IJM Chennai, the first thing was to be a part of devotions.  Steve, a fellow with IJM who fellowship ended that day, led the devotions.   He did a really nice job highlighting verses that God had led him to study as he contemplated what to do next with his life.  He did a great job, but I loved what he did at the end the best.   On his last day on the job there at IJM, he was going to quote from memory the book of Romans ending with Chapter 8.  Someone told me he had been working the whole year he was there on it.   It was really beautiful.   We so often select out verses to think through but it was so powerful just having him recite all the verses in their original context.  Amazing!

Meeting the Google team
One of my surprises in Chennai and IJM in general was the presence overseas of what is know as the "Google Team"   They are workers paid for by the Google grant given earlier in the year.   I was aware of the impact of the Google grant in US with the additional focus of IJM on ledgislative issues, but had not idea the global implications.   I met 4 individuals who had responsibility are different parts of India, so were from northern states.   So glad for the additional workers attacking this huge problem of trafficking and bonded labor

The advocacy event:  Hearing the story of the fellow slave now community advocate - powerful!!!

More later on this

Day 5: GE Day then off to Chennai

Today I spent the morning in the hotel doing GE work then off to another factory for meetings in the afternoon, then off to Chennai.   Could not help to be a little sad that I was leaving Bangalore, strange as it may seem.  

After the day before hanging with the former slaves, the work I was doing just did not seem to be that important.

Want to talk a bit more about that.   I asked for an interpretor to be able to talk to a young adult male who was with his family but seemed bored out of mind.

21 years old

Working a laborer - days wages not slave wages.  He had been freed with his family less than one year back

Likes to watch movies

Interestingly, he had a cell phone and played with it just like any other young person. 

So back to Day 5, I visited another GE factory, WIPRO GE.   I am amazed how Bangalore is GEHC in minature.   I think almost every product in the company portfolio is represented here.

Off to airport in Bangalore.   Check-in went great.   Security was another matter, and then it got worse.

Every airport has its own system.  In this airport, you put your stuff to be scanned on the conveyor, and you're given a card with a number, then you get back in line again.   Simple, if you knew it beforehand.   I, of course, grabbed a bin and stood in the line with the bin to everyone's smiles.   Eventually someone clued me into what should happen.

After going through metal detector, noticed my bag had not come to the end of the scanner and was sitting on the floor.    I got the security guys attention, and he told me to wait a minute while he talked to someone.   He came back and said that I had scissors in my bag.   I was really surprized since I did not bring any scissors, so we started to search through the bag to find what looked like scissors.   He is pulling out my underwear and Bible and laying it aside as he searches.   Finally he pulls out the GE supplied medical kit and I know .  .  . There are medical scissors with the bandages.   They debated for a while but eventually said I could keep them since they had blunted ends.   Whew.  Then off to the gate

I am sitting at gate glad I had a little extra time and all of the sudden, I was wondering with all of the problems at the security checkpoint if I had gotten my laptop.   A quick check . . . Oh no!   I went back to security, and a man motioned for me to follow.  I little while away, there was a group of security officers gathered around my computer with it open, pressing buttons, etc.   They were trying to get a name to page me!   Unfortunately, they had sort of messed it up, but eventually got it back working.   What a relief.

Flight to Chennai was short.   But a little problem in airport.   My flight had been moved up by the airline by about 1.5 hours and I sent a note to my host but not heard from them.   Short version of the story, my driver was 15 minutes late even past the later arrival time so I was two hours standing outside the airport in 85 degree 90 percent humidity weather sweating to death.  I was not allowed to reenter the terminal, so nothing to do but wait and hope someone comes.   I was about to get my own taxi and since the taxi booth outside seemed to have closed, I thought I would try to see if they would let me back inside.   As I am heading for the door, there was a guy holding a sign with my name.   What a relief, and then it starting pouring down rain.

Wet and tired, finally arrived at Hindustan Bible Institute and could not wait to get to bed.

Day 4: A trip to the country

Venturing out into India

Not sure how to begin.  Got picked up at about 7:40am for an adventure, really not knowing exactly what I was doing or where I was going.  All I knew is that once a month IJM invites freed slaves for a meeting to help them with various skills they need to be successful post slavery.

What I soon found out was that I would be driven nearly 2.5 hours out of Bangalore to a town called Dharmapuri in the state of Tamil Nadu.  The trip was the usual exciting ride, but being used to that now, it was just a fascinating trip through the heart of southern India. 

There were beautiful mountains, lush coconut forests, and many unique scenes capturing the culture of India,

 including McDonald's of course. Sorry for the picture quality, I took it through the window as we arrived.   The young man seemed oblivious to Ronalds arm around him

 Of course, I got the veggie mcmuffin

As we were riding to the site where we would meet the clients, the IJM staff introduced a couple of new folks coming with us.  They were from a Bangalore Bible college and we coming long a community service project and to learn about areas of injustice.   They also told us that we were going to be training the clients today on the importance of registering for benefits that they were entitled to, and then help them do that.   Although they were free there is still the ongoing battle to get back established in society.  

My job was to take photos that were needed to get their "passport"   This passport enabled them to receive their benefits.  Being that many lived until a year ago under the constant control of their slave owner they did not know about these benefits and since many could not read or write, they needed help completing the forms.  This reminded me of the verse Isaiah 40:29 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak"   We were there to empower the weak.

Probably one of the greatest parts of the day was completely unplanned.   As I was taking pictures I kept hearing laughter and singing from some kids nearby.   I walked outside and immediately attracted attention.  At first just a few boys came by and I showed a few family photos to ooos and ahs

Apparently, next to the building we were helping the IJM clients was a 50-75 kids wanting needing to get away from household chores a little bit to spend time studying.   If they would be home they would be tied up all the time with household responsibilities but this session allows then to get away from home and study.   This was organized by a compassionate man named Isaac Newton.   No not the ancient astronomer, a man (38 years old) who spends his time helping kids do better in school.   Education is a key differentiator in life in India, and without encouragement from Isaac, many of the kids would have dropped out.   So when I had finished taking pictures, Issac takes me up to a big open space where kids are in circles drilling each other.  I see books on math, biology, social studies around the kids.   Isaac releases them from their studies for a few minutes so that they could gather around. 

Instantly I had about 60 kids surrounding me in this building, and I mean as close as they could get.   As I sat there,  Isaac quizzed them regarding their lessons.   He grabbed a textbooks and asked them questions like "what was the median income of the United States, or Pakistan.   What where the 2 US presidents during the great depression? And even, what topic is covered on page 262 of the book?"  I was completely amazed as it appeared the kids had memorized the textbook.  After that I told a little about myself and then they asked me questions.  They asked me for what reason I came to India.   They asked how many children I had, how old were they and what were their names.   Earlier some of the kids had gathered around me to see pictures and I think there was one 12th grade girl a little bit taken up by my son Josh.  I gave the bad news that he had a girlfriend already, but they said he could have 2!  It was so fun to hang with the kids !!!   But sadly I had to go with all of kids yelling good-bye and waving.

On the way home, I saw brown shapes on the side of the road and at first assumed that they were the standard stray dog, but as I got closer, I saw that they were actually monkeys.   I saw 3 or 4 of them, just hanging out by the side of the road, watching cars and people go by.   First time I had seen a monkey other than a zoo.  Did not get a picture, unfortunately.

Overall, an amazing day, and this is just day 4.  Tomorrow back to a full day of work, then off to Chennai for a couple of days to see Bobby Gupta, HBI, and the IJM Chennai office.

Day 3: The "Free" Day

Time for myself

Well, I think I finally got my body clock and the actual time within shouting distance of one another.   I went to sleep last night by about 11, and did not wake up until about 6:30am.   I did take a bit of a nap today but I think I am on the right track.

So today, I pretty much goofed off in the morning until I suddenly realized I had a problem to solve.   I realized that I had a baggage problem.   International flights allow for a checked bag for free, but I realized my next 2 flights were domestic -- meaning I was going to be charged twice for the privledge of lugging around a huge suitcase.   I had a big backpack given to me by a friend, and so I picked out all my clothes needed for Chennai, as well as the other essentails and then loaded up the big suitcase with my laptop case (kept my laptop), dirty laundry, and extra clothes and had it couriered to my Mumbai hotel.    The cost of courier:  $45 direct to hotel.   The cost of lugging it to Chennai and then to Mumbai: $180 (they charge by Kg domestically)  If it makes it there, it saves money and time.  We will see.

By the middle of the afternoon today, I had read the India paper and caught up on all of the Olympics news and was getting stir crazy so decided to go for a walk.  I had a map of a mall somewhere close by so decided to see of I could find it.   As I mentioned, the sidewalks were not being used so really felt like a local walking down the street.  Only thing was that I was obviously the only white skinned person and I got a few stares which I ignored.   I did discover partway down the first road why sidewalks are not used -- the sidewalks are for street vendors!   There was someone selling coconuts, lots of food vendors, and even a guy who seemed to operating a tire repair place.   People with motorcycles were lining up alongside his truck which was filled with tires and innertubes. 

As I got to the first major street, I started to have some doubts about my idea.  There was a mass of people.   I turned right down the main street (mainly because the crowd was more on the left) and began walking down the street.  I walk for a block or two and began to wonder about my directions.  I pulled out my map and found I turned the wrong way and I needed to get past the crowd.  So I gathered my courage and headed into the crowd, which were there as it turned out, to eat at some roadside "cafe" which was basically a string of kiosks.   I continued walking with a few stares and a couple shouts from vendors toward my goal and I started to be able to see the mall.  Along the way, saw this parked in front of an entrance to something with a sign that said "Locomotive Institute"  The rest was in Sanskit so not sure what it was.

I walked a little further and saw the mall on the right -- the problem being I was going to have to cross the road  --- a very busy road and I had seen from my experience riding that there was no such thing as a crosswalk or yielding.   I watched the local crossing technique then made my move.  Success!

What I found (after having to go through a metal detector to get into the mall) was a fairly modern mall, a food court with Pizza Hit, Dominos, Subway, and a lot of Indian specialty food places.   I browse around until I found something I least expected -- a bowling alley.   I debated for a while, but braved the figuring out part which is so awkward.  Pretty soon, there I was, bowling in India.  Did not do too bad, a couple of strikes, some spares.   Not bad.  One of the attendents took some pictures for me, but unfortunately do not have a cable to download to include them so that I can attach to this blog.  Hard to believe I would find a bowling alley in India!   It was fun and cheap.   $175 for a game and shoes (about $3)

Last topic:  DOGS

I had mentioned that I had seen dogs all over.   I had been warned not to run due to them, but today was thinking I did not have much to fear from them.   Attached are some pictures on the walk back.   Obviously these dogs are VERY comfortable just hanging out -- even sound asleep in the road.   Dogs are king!!

Apparently too tired to get off the road

Yes this dog was sleeping right in the middle of the road! Just like everyone else I just walked around him

This guy almost came home with me.

Tomorrow:   IJM Bangalore Monthly Client Aftercare meeting

Day 2 - Bangalore field office

Day 2 in India - The Bangalore field office

Friday in Bangalore involved my first visit to an IJM field office.   Stephen picked me up at 7:15am and we squeezed our way around town to an undisclosed location in Bangalore.  Stephen was a great driver, much lighter on the horn but still got us there safely.   We arrived a little early so we decided to stop at a local coffee shop around the corner, but unfortunately it was closed.   I thought it was strange that a coffee shop was closed in the morning, some was told that sometimes they do not open until 10.   No matter though, as Stephen was able to make a great cup of coffee at the office before things began.

About 8:30, the staff started to gather but noticed that the chairs were being set up in little semicircles.   Apparently on Fridays, the staff takes 30 minutes to play a games called the Master's game, which is essentially a trivial quiz game.   I was assigned to one of the four teams and the game began.   Apparently the gamesperson who hosts the games that week also sets the rules.  In this particular week, the team could not answer the question by giving the letter A B C D representing the correct answer.   The team had to form the letter with their hands.   All team members had to be included in forming the letter.  Well, the bottom line was my team put up a good effort but we did not win that day.

Now I was up.   Peter the IJM office director introduced me and I came up front to lead the devotions.  I was nervous.   I started out with my personal history and how I got involved with IJM.   I shared about how God had done amazing things through the IJM involvement, how He made it possible to me to be a part of advocacy day, got me an appointment with the state representative staff member, he gave me the words to say, which ultimately lead to his sponsorship of the ledgislation (although sadly forgot to mention the last point).   I was told afterwards that many were really touched by my story as example of how God moves to bring supporters of their work.   

I went on to say that the IJM experience really opened by eyes to the possibility of an interactive relationship with God.   I then moved to the passage in John 4 about the royal official who requested healing for his son.   I said that up to that time I had seen that passage as a example of great faith on the part of the father, but recently had begun to see a different view, the fact that the son who was healed was far away, but that was no issue for God.   I went on to say that I knew of many who were praying for them.  The passage points to the principle that anyone near to God, can ask for things, and God can do them - even when those things are far away.   I closed with an encouragement to them to take heart that although the challenges were hard, we are following their work and are interceding for them, and even far away God was there to help.

Next up was a time with Peter the Director of the Bangalore office.   We had a great conversation covering the state of the office.  He shared a couple of specific prayer requests.  First, that the investigations would be able to uncover more slavery cases.  Things had slowed down to the point it was a little discouraging.   There were many still in bondage but locating them recently had proved to be difficult.  He also asked for prayer for a replacement of the Director of Administration - a key role in the office.

I then met with Miguel who led me through the casework in that office, some of which was not public information - such as their current strategy with structural change.   I think that this is important step for this office and I want to be able to support this effort in some way.   I have not offered anything yet, but would like to find a way to support it.   I am attending a client monthly meeting Sunday and I will ask what I can do to help.

I then was walked though the office by Teena who introduced me to all of the staff and I had a chance to ask them questions.  I then sat in on the leadership team meeting but sadly had to go to appts at the office.

The office day was pretty interesting but I was pretty tired.  Day 2 of jet lag was the hardest and I was fading fast in the afternoon.   The night before I was only able to sleep a few hours.

I sent my bag off to Mumbai ahead of me.   I was able to fit what I needed for Chennai into my backpack.   This avoids paying baggage fees to fly it to Chennai and  then to Mumbai, and I also don't have to lug it around.  The cost to ship?   2800 rubies or about $45 - as opposed to 18000 rupies the airline would charge me.

2 random observations:   My room faces the street so I have noticed that although there are sidewalks, everyone seems to walk in the street.   Also, I noticed that although there the power lines are on proper poles, there are other wires, probably internet strung down the street ramdomly over trees, street lights, etc.   Interesting.

Saturday is totally free day and I am not sure what I will do.   I would like to get out but am uncertain how good of an idea it is to wonder around alone.  It is not that I fear the people overall.  In fact, I have been treated extremely well by everyone I meet.   I do feel like I should see something other than factories of India.  Hmmm . . . what to do --  what to do

Arrival in India - first impressions and schedule

ARRIVED!
As of 2 am local time, I am in my hotel room in Bangalore.

First, praise God that I was able to make the trip.   Starting with God providing the opportunity to come here at all by providing a work funded trip to the most recent miracle of getting my visa approved in time for flight (provided two days quicker than normal)

Second, wow!   The trip from airport to hotel was EXCITING, and I mean that in the adrenaline way.   I thought I was somewhat prepared for wild traffic situations but what I experienced had me thinking how glad the folks back home were praying.   To give an accurate picture is very difficult, but imagine the combination of high speeds, rapid lane changes, weaving between buses, trucks and motorcycles, ignoring traffic lights, horn beeping constantly, and many many near collisions, you may be close to understanding what it was like.  Getting in a cab in the US, I may not think to put my seatbelt on, but it only took about 10 seconds out of the airport and I began looking for the safety belt and running through a mental checklist of where my medical insurance card was, the number to call if I was injured, and debating what would happen if I was injured enough that I could not speak on my own behalf.   I think you get the picture.  Enough said.

I got to hotel and was impressed with the security.   The hotel is gated and has security personnel 24x7, and scanners for both bags and people which was comforting except when I started wondering why all that security was needed.   In any case, I was glad it was there, even though it delayed me getting to bed and it was already 2am.   But even then did not get to bed right away because as soon as I turned my phone on, urgent US issues came in.   I did not wind up getting to sleep until 4am.

By the way, on the way to hotel, as I mentioned the driver beeped his horn constantly.   Most of the time he was warding off a car or truck encroaching his lanes, but sometimes he appeared to beep for no reason that I could see.  At first, I thought he had confused his turn signal with his horn, but I began to notice that there were dogs EVERYWHERE.   They were on every corner and lounging in doorways, etc.   He would have to beep everyone once in a while to keep from running into them.  Fortunately the dogs seemed pretty car savvy and stayed clear.

Today was my first day at the office.   I did not have a full itinerary so set my alarm for 9:30 (a short night considering not getting to bed until 4am).   Surprisingly had no trouble getting up when the alarm went off, but my email included an agenda that started at 10am at a location 15 minutes away, so I started out running late.   Overall today was a good day of meetings with the GE team here.   They showed me also where I can run safely so that I can continue my marathon training.   They did look very shocked expression when I told them I needed a 25k route

Tomorrow morning I am going to the IJM office in Bangalore and I am really excited about it.   I have been asked to lead the staff devotions that morning.   I am a little nervous about that and appreciate your prayers.  On Sunday I will have the opportunity to meet some of the clients as they will be having a monthly client support meeting.   Bangalore IJM office focuses on bonded labor issues and so clients are former slaves in brick kilns and rock quarries.  So aftercare for these clients focuses on dealing with their new independence and finding a proper job.  Some were born to parents who are slaves so they know nothing about the outside world or how to go about doing regular everyday activities.

Briefly again, here is the schedule of events
Friday, Bangalore IJM office in am, GE work in afternoon
Saturday ???
Sunday, monthly support meeting of IJM clients
Monday, back to GE, then fly to Chennai in evening, stay at HBI
Tuesday, IJM office in am, HBI staff meeting in afternoon
Wednesday - HBI staff mtg continued, fly to Mumbai in evening
Thursday, spend day with IJM staff in Mumbai (sex trafficking), possibly visit red light area or aftercare facilities)
Friday, GE work day
Saturday early am, start the flight home

One closing thought.  I have been in India less than 24 hours, but I have to say I have deep feelings already for the people of India.  Their problems are large and difficult but their spirit is warm and outlook is positive.   I have a lot to learn from them.  I know I am going to be sorry to leave.

Thanks for your interest.   I am very excited about this opportunity.  More to come on this blog.

Tim