The Master Cleanse [Day 3]
Still, not much is happening. A few of my friends are experiencing the same--just "water poops."
On the other hand, two guys are experiencing short scale cleansing. What's the deal? If you've done The Master Cleanse and experienced the same, please let me know and give me insight.
EVENTS FROM DAY 3
- Dominated the Salt water flush (suprisingly, drinking a quart of salt water is getting easy)
- Not experiencing too much hunger (I believe the Maple Syrup helps a lot)
- Using the Urinal quite a bit
- Really wanting to eat "Louie's Pizza" (a bunch of us moved a gigantic hot tub and got this pizza as a reward, but I didn't partake)
- Really wanting to eat Burger King (their dollar menu is off the hook!)
- I can feel the potion burning inside of me
Those are pretty much the events from Day 3
-Pradeepan
The Master Cleanse [Day 2]
Not much is happening. It’s only day two, but I thought more junk would come out of me by now. These are some of the highlights.
- Not a lot of junk is coming out of me, water.
- Drinking a quart of salt water was a lot easier this morning.
- Felt a little hungry today—the potion helps sooth that.
- Always cautious of farting because water is always wanting to come out.
So far, as I’m reading online testimonials and relating them to my experience, I feel like this cleanse is a hoax. Only finishing two days, I’m not yet ready to make a conclusion. Be it fake, I’d still go through this process to simply enjoy the journey with my friends.
-Pradeepan
The Master Cleanse [Day 1]
My friends Philip, Amreitha, Bailey and I bought organic lemons, Grade B Maple Syrup (whatever that is), Sea Salt, Cayenne Pepper and distilled water last night in order to begin “The Master Cleanse.”
All this organic stuff is really expensive. Jesse Mutzebaugh responded to this well when he said
"It should not cost that much money to fast."
I’m curious to see if this cleanse is really going to get rid of all the caked up junk inside of me. Curiosity, as it typically is, my primary motivation for this—even above the healthy and spiritual ones.
EVENTS FROM DAY 1
- Philip and Started the day with a Salt Water Flush. We drank 1 quart of salt water and it was Hell. For some reason, Philip had no problem whatsoever pounding it down. My gag reflexes went crazy. I vomited some of it. Instead of chugging, I sipped my salt water on my way to 7 a.m. prayer.
- This Salt Water flush causes your bowels to move rather fast. In prayer this morning, 5 of us had started the master cleanse right before. Most had to ditch the place of corporate prayer (for awhile) and use the restroom (for awhile).
- The potion we are drinking is filling. I’m surprised to not feel the hunger usually felt in a fast.
- Besides getting rid of the salt water, I’m not releasing as much as I would like to.
Nothing too exciting happened today. If you’re curious about this process, I’m going to be updating this daily and potentially put some videos up (not in the toilet).
-Pradeepan
The Master Cleanse
I am about to do "The Master Cleanse" and I'm very excited. This is going to clean out my intestines and much more.
During this month, a lot of my friends and I have been doing different types of fasting. I'm finding that we are becoming more and more comfortable with a "lifestyle of fasting." This lifestyle has many health, as well as spiritual, benefits.
When a few of the disciples found themselves unable to cast a demon out, Jesus told them they needed to fast. I'm seeing a lot of vices and faults today that the Church is unable to cast out, and I wonder if Jesus' principle still applies here. In that passage, Jesus then discusses the issues of faith. If you have the faith of a mustard seed, He says, you can throw mountains into water.
Because Jesus addresses faith, it seems like unbelief is the issues that prevented these few disciples from casting out the demon. When we fast, we are so dependent on God, that our unbelief begins to dies. We become more sensitive to the things of the Spirit and the death of sin. Unbelief begins to die when fasting--at least that's what I'm experiencing.
With all the issues of the Church, I believe fasting and praying will help us clean up and begin a revolution. A revolution that sees many Christians enter into a true relationship with Jesus Christ and begin the process of societal reformation. If you are dealing with unbelief and want to change, I suggest you fast. If you are wanting to see the Church function as she was supposed, I suggest you fast. If you want to walk in a deeper level of dependency on the LORD, I suggest you fast.
-Pradeepan
P.S.
When a person fasts, he or she is not starving--just changing the diet from natural food to spiritual food, like reading the bible (eating the scroll) and praying.
I'm a proud father.
As a father, I laughed out loud and alone for quite awhile this morning. As a father, sitting in the basement, a great pride welled up inside of me.
Why? Monsters of the Deep…an?
While in college, I started a 50 member band. We had full on choreographed dances, break-dancing, painters, rappers, singers, marching band instruments, harps, gongs and whatever we could get our hands on. We wore cultish outfits and put on the greatest performances I’ve ever seen or been apart of (our emphasis was on the performance and not the music). I’ve been to ska, hardcore, hip-hop, and progressive shows, but nothing has come close to the Monsters.
This band started back in 2005. I only competed in one battle of the bands with them in the Mabee center (where Elvis and Pavarotti played their last shows). Since I’ve graduated, they have now played more shows without me than with me. This brings me a great deal of pride—I’m very proud of all the monsters and the leaders like Pierce, Josh and Matt that have carried on the legacy.
It’s awesome to see something last beyond you. It’s even more awesome to see something become better without you. Monsters is growing bigger and better every year, without me, and I absolutely love it.
I’m learning to apply this perspective in every area of my life. As I put my trust in God and learn my identity and security in Him, I don’t have to hold on to things tightly. He’ll take care of me. I don’t have to establish or prove myself. A lot of times we’re not willing to take on someone else’s idea or critique because of insecurity. Many times we don’t allow the next generation to perform because we’re still able to.
Yes, it might take a little patience to see the next generation complete a task slowly and laced with mistakes, but eventually they will get better—just like the Monsters (not that years in Monsters before this were bad). Quick example: I might be able to clean the kitchen really fast by myself. Because I know where everything belongs and have a set system, cleaning flows like clockwork. If I take a 6 year old in the kitchen to clean with me, it’s probably going to take a little longer. Eventually, though, the 6 year old will understand the same systems and techniques as me and we will clean the kitchen in considerably less time. This is Kingdom. This is multiplication verses addition.
Monsters, you are Kingdom.
Father of the Monsters,
Pradeepan (Napeedarp)
[Click here to watch the Full 2009 performance]
[Click here to watch the Old Monsters of the Deep…an?]
P.S.
I love Monsters. I love that it's composed of normal people that come together and form mob mentality plus music. Sometimes when I watch the original Monsters documentary, I tear up because of all the memories and friendships that formed, what now seems to be, so long ago. We must keep the Monsters alive. We must continue to include people that normally would not intersect. I will forever be a Monster and so should you. If you are not, become one--wherever you are.
"Where are they now" article that mentions me
Where are they Now? [click on this for the article].
I've been in Colorado Springs for more than a year and a half now. Last Monsters of the Deep...an? (a 50 member band I created at ORU) performed their 3rd battle of the bands. They have now done more without me than without me. This great pleases me.
I've changed a whole bunch since my Oral Roberts University days, and I want to start explaining that a little more thoroughly on here. I want to do this for two main reasons:
1. Writing allows me articulate and solidify my thoughts and growth
2. Encouraging those who are on similar journeys to mine.
For now, you can read that article I posted above.
-Pradeepan
I've been in Colorado Springs for more than a year and a half now. Last Monsters of the Deep...an? (a 50 member band I created at ORU) performed their 3rd battle of the bands. They have now done more without me than without me. This great pleases me.
I've changed a whole bunch since my Oral Roberts University days, and I want to start explaining that a little more thoroughly on here. I want to do this for two main reasons:
1. Writing allows me articulate and solidify my thoughts and growth
2. Encouraging those who are on similar journeys to mine.
For now, you can read that article I posted above.
-Pradeepan
Numbering Our Days.
We don't have an infinite number of days, so it's important that live greatly everyday--as great as we can and not wait for some divine opportunity to make an impact on the world. The truth is, we can make an impact on the world today. In the place of prayer, in the place of initiative, a kind word, standing on a strong conviction.
Most of us have great desires to make change, in our lives and in the world, but we don't create systems and structures to express what's on our heart. When that happens, we forget to perform those desires.
Let me give a quick example. I have a desire to celebrate my friend's birthdays, but if I don't create a system (like writing it on a calendar or asking my a friend to remind me), I'll probably forget and not celebrate my friend (even though it is my desire to do so).
If I want to make the most of my time, I have to be intentional with it. I have to sometimes decide this week what I'll do with my time two weeks from now. I've found that, if I'm not intentional with my time, it is too easily lost.
Figure out how you can live greatly today, tomorrow and the rest of your life through proper time management.
-Pradeepan
P.S.A.L.M 90:12
So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.
Most of us have great desires to make change, in our lives and in the world, but we don't create systems and structures to express what's on our heart. When that happens, we forget to perform those desires.
Let me give a quick example. I have a desire to celebrate my friend's birthdays, but if I don't create a system (like writing it on a calendar or asking my a friend to remind me), I'll probably forget and not celebrate my friend (even though it is my desire to do so).
If I want to make the most of my time, I have to be intentional with it. I have to sometimes decide this week what I'll do with my time two weeks from now. I've found that, if I'm not intentional with my time, it is too easily lost.
Figure out how you can live greatly today, tomorrow and the rest of your life through proper time management.
-Pradeepan
P.S.A.L.M 90:12
So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.
Loving Costs.
A lot of people have a hard time loving people even though we often are rewarded for it. If I love someone through giving someone a compliment, that person will usually be grateful and say something uplifting back or start acting nicer around me. If I love someone through buying a person a meal, that person will typically want to buy me a meal, though I don't ask for it nor am I motivated by that.
There are many times, however, where I see the ministers around me get punished for helping. I have a pastor friend that knows he will recieve harsh consequences anytime someones asks for his counsel and he speaks what many are thinking is good for the person he is counseling. We live in a nation that desires change more than truth and will punish those who speak up. Leaders who have spoken up against abortion and other issues are suffering severe consequences. As people are scolded for speaking truth in love and reprimanded for sacrificial giving, how much less will it happen than it does now? I've heard that less than 10 percent of the American church gives in tithes and offering to the Church. When the Church in America loses its tax exemption, I wonder how many people will give.
With the underlying knowledge that much love is returned, I've noticed that people, including me, are still hestiant to give it. Even when someone gives, knowing that warm feelings will be returned, it still costs something (If I give you $1,000 for a missions trip, you will be grateful, but it will cost me roughly. How much more will it cost when people don't want the love you offer?
I may be making narrow conclusions, but my concluding point and principle is not. Do not love because of your circumstances. Make the resolution that you will love no matter what. I heard a Christian say that she could not tell a group of terrorists in the same hypothetical room as her that she loved them. To me, that's loving because of circumstances. We are called to love our enemies and as modern events continue, more and more people will consider Christians as enemies. We need to resolove to love no matter what. If that means you are a Christian and every warning, encouragement or discussion you have is thrown in your face, keep on loving. If that means, you are a minister and every sermon, counseling session and kid you're pouring your live into is thrown in your face, keep on loving. Right now, I believe we are in a season of easier love compared to what is ahead. I say we take advantage of that.
-Pradeepan
P.S.
If you're not recieving love from the Father daily, don't think you can give love.
Check out this link (it ties everything together).
http://www.abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=6498405&page=1
Luke 6:27-36
[27] "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you.
[32] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
There are many times, however, where I see the ministers around me get punished for helping. I have a pastor friend that knows he will recieve harsh consequences anytime someones asks for his counsel and he speaks what many are thinking is good for the person he is counseling. We live in a nation that desires change more than truth and will punish those who speak up. Leaders who have spoken up against abortion and other issues are suffering severe consequences. As people are scolded for speaking truth in love and reprimanded for sacrificial giving, how much less will it happen than it does now? I've heard that less than 10 percent of the American church gives in tithes and offering to the Church. When the Church in America loses its tax exemption, I wonder how many people will give.
With the underlying knowledge that much love is returned, I've noticed that people, including me, are still hestiant to give it. Even when someone gives, knowing that warm feelings will be returned, it still costs something (If I give you $1,000 for a missions trip, you will be grateful, but it will cost me roughly. How much more will it cost when people don't want the love you offer?
I may be making narrow conclusions, but my concluding point and principle is not. Do not love because of your circumstances. Make the resolution that you will love no matter what. I heard a Christian say that she could not tell a group of terrorists in the same hypothetical room as her that she loved them. To me, that's loving because of circumstances. We are called to love our enemies and as modern events continue, more and more people will consider Christians as enemies. We need to resolove to love no matter what. If that means you are a Christian and every warning, encouragement or discussion you have is thrown in your face, keep on loving. If that means, you are a minister and every sermon, counseling session and kid you're pouring your live into is thrown in your face, keep on loving. Right now, I believe we are in a season of easier love compared to what is ahead. I say we take advantage of that.
-Pradeepan
P.S.
If you're not recieving love from the Father daily, don't think you can give love.
Check out this link (it ties everything together).
http://www.abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=6498405&page=1
Luke 6:27-36
[27] "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you.
[32] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Innovative
I'm a huge fan of creativity.
Read this article.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/nottinghamshire/7798194.stm
Read this article.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/nottinghamshire/7798194.stm
Minnesota Deddy Time.
Yesterday and today I've had a blast hanging out with my father in MN.
Last night, my dad and his friend Lily made fun of actors on T.V. for an hour. They called the Indian actors on the T.V. "dorks." I loved it.
Today, my dad's friend said, "Would you do something if I asked you to?" After I said, "yes," he poured a cap full of vegetable oil into my ear and told me to let him know when I felt it in my eye.
Ten minutes before this, my dad and his friends discussed how they hate it when white people say they like their food.
I love it.
-Pradeepan
P.S.
My dad used to pole vault.
Last night, my dad and his friend Lily made fun of actors on T.V. for an hour. They called the Indian actors on the T.V. "dorks." I loved it.
Today, my dad's friend said, "Would you do something if I asked you to?" After I said, "yes," he poured a cap full of vegetable oil into my ear and told me to let him know when I felt it in my eye.
Ten minutes before this, my dad and his friends discussed how they hate it when white people say they like their food.
I love it.
-Pradeepan
P.S.
My dad used to pole vault.
Big Ballin'
On Friday the 5th my hotel gathered all the employees from two properties to discuss the state of our economy and how responsible financial changes needed to begin in order for us to do well.
Before that meeting, I got a raise.
It’s cool because the company standard is that employees qualify for a raise after three months—I’ve worked at the hotel for only two months. After a series of fortunate events (for me), however, I received a raise and then went to the meeting where we learned about the economic changes we must make in adjustment to the American economic recession.
I like it.
On a different track, from Dec. 28-31 I plan on attending the ONETHING conference, hosted by IHOP. I’m excited. My heart and mind are pregnant with expectation for this meeting, though I don’t really know what’s happening there. I feel like I’m supposed to go. If you want to go and carpool with a group from Colorado Springs, let me know. It’s predicted to be a blast.
Before that meeting, I got a raise.
It’s cool because the company standard is that employees qualify for a raise after three months—I’ve worked at the hotel for only two months. After a series of fortunate events (for me), however, I received a raise and then went to the meeting where we learned about the economic changes we must make in adjustment to the American economic recession.
I like it.
On a different track, from Dec. 28-31 I plan on attending the ONETHING conference, hosted by IHOP. I’m excited. My heart and mind are pregnant with expectation for this meeting, though I don’t really know what’s happening there. I feel like I’m supposed to go. If you want to go and carpool with a group from Colorado Springs, let me know. It’s predicted to be a blast.
Amreitha Update 2
how are you? i can't wait to catch up with life in America! thank you to everyone for your prayers. we feel them everyday!
first things first, we are safe. at least i think we are. all the internationals in the country have been encouraged to leave India. the day before the attack in Mumbai, we traveled 3 hours north of Hyderabad to a smaller village called Huzerabad. we are staying in a hotel here. Huzerabad is near where Leslie's father lives and lots of other families. the hotel is also near the Bungalow(where Esther raised us). we feel that we can finish our trip because we are in the small communities and covered by Les family. Praise the Lord for them! I personally freaked out a little because Dad is leaving today and it always feels better to have your dad around. :) but we will be fine.
yesterday on the way back to the hotel from visiting lots of family, one of our cars (mom and dad were in it) got pulled over and checked for bombs by "street thugs" as Augustine put it. not sure what that means totally. we are praying to stay low profile and the word doesn't get out too fast that there are Americans around....but at least we have good indian contacts.
i have been to mumbai. at the beginning of our trip, we got re-routed through there on our way to Hyderabad.
please pray that we finish strong. we are tired. and our bodies are rejecting indian food. we are ready to come home. but know there's more for us here and more for us to give in the next several days. i have done great at times and terrible at other times. the American ami has come out a few times and just wants a BURGER! and a shower. and cleanliness. i ran out of hand sanitizer yesterday. ha.
i have never experienced anything like this. large scale poverty is overwhelming. not that it's about me. but it has brought out many emotions. first compassion, now frustration. there is so much to process. i don't know how i feel about india at the moment or my connection with this nation. but i do love our new family dearly. during this trip, i gained 5 new sisters and 3 new brothers! and lots of in-laws! we have become very close to them and Kornel (Les father) and his wife. everyday we have found out new information and put the entire puzzle together of Leslie's story. it is more unbelievable than we ever thought!! i can't wait to tell you. in the past two days, we have met hundreds of family and friends. it's been wonderful and exhausting. we have been able to pray with them too and going to Kornel's church tomorrow morning.
i love you guys.
take care,
Ami
first things first, we are safe. at least i think we are. all the internationals in the country have been encouraged to leave India. the day before the attack in Mumbai, we traveled 3 hours north of Hyderabad to a smaller village called Huzerabad. we are staying in a hotel here. Huzerabad is near where Leslie's father lives and lots of other families. the hotel is also near the Bungalow(where Esther raised us). we feel that we can finish our trip because we are in the small communities and covered by Les family. Praise the Lord for them! I personally freaked out a little because Dad is leaving today and it always feels better to have your dad around. :) but we will be fine.
yesterday on the way back to the hotel from visiting lots of family, one of our cars (mom and dad were in it) got pulled over and checked for bombs by "street thugs" as Augustine put it. not sure what that means totally. we are praying to stay low profile and the word doesn't get out too fast that there are Americans around....but at least we have good indian contacts.
i have been to mumbai. at the beginning of our trip, we got re-routed through there on our way to Hyderabad.
please pray that we finish strong. we are tired. and our bodies are rejecting indian food. we are ready to come home. but know there's more for us here and more for us to give in the next several days. i have done great at times and terrible at other times. the American ami has come out a few times and just wants a BURGER! and a shower. and cleanliness. i ran out of hand sanitizer yesterday. ha.
i have never experienced anything like this. large scale poverty is overwhelming. not that it's about me. but it has brought out many emotions. first compassion, now frustration. there is so much to process. i don't know how i feel about india at the moment or my connection with this nation. but i do love our new family dearly. during this trip, i gained 5 new sisters and 3 new brothers! and lots of in-laws! we have become very close to them and Kornel (Les father) and his wife. everyday we have found out new information and put the entire puzzle together of Leslie's story. it is more unbelievable than we ever thought!! i can't wait to tell you. in the past two days, we have met hundreds of family and friends. it's been wonderful and exhausting. we have been able to pray with them too and going to Kornel's church tomorrow morning.
i love you guys.
take care,
Ami
I was part of house-yard fire!
Last night so much happened. I'll write about that later. Until then, check this fire video out.
India letter from Ami/Amreitha
Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing well! I'm so excited to be writing you!
I have not been able to have internet access until tonight and this will probably be the only time. Thanks to those of you who prayed for my health. I was sick most of the trip here but by the time we arrived in Hyderabad, I was feeling much better! PTL!
I am so happy to be here in India! I don't know how to explain how I feel. But I will try. So far our trip has been wonderful. When we first got here, there was so much newness all around me and yet it felt familiar. Even through some of the difficult parts with communication, getting used to the food and smells....it has been so good. I've been asking alot of questions and soaking up my time here as I know it will go by fast.
I feel the Lord so near to us here. His grace on this trip is so evident. With each new experience here, I feel like I see Him more. Personally, this trip has been very healing for me. First it's painful, then it heals. I'm so thankful for what He is doing in my life and those around me here in India. My heart is so compassionate and passionate for the Christians here.....it's HUGE to have family (Les fam) be apart of that. Leslie will be speaking at church next Sunday. We pray that we are a blessing to those around us and not miss an opportunity to minister and encourage them.
When I'm out in the city walking and observing the culture and people, I keep reminding myself that this is where I'm from. The place, culture and people of my birth. I've gotton to spend two evenings in town down Hyderabad. The best way I can describe it is that I feel a deep connection here. It's not because I feel comfortable here or even that I fit, but when I traveled to Jordan earlier this year, I was a visitor. Here, I feel different, like I belong, more than just a visitor. A connection. I don't want to live here but I've realized that this trip is a milestone in my life. ONe of the most important things I will ever do. The nation of India is significant and important to my life. I think it always has been, but now I know the reality of it.
Today I thought to myself, I think the fragrance of India is permanently in my nose and the taste of curry forever in my mouth! ha!
We are staying in a small town near Hyderabad with Leslie's oldest half sister Sugunda and her husband Jonny. Those two along with Les's oldest whole brother Augustine met us at the airport and have taken such good care of us! I don't know what we would have done without them. We have been so blessed to build relationship with them and we truly feel apart of their family. I think Leslie might be related to the entire country of India, because SO MANY people have come to see her and been waiting for years for their long lost sister. Not just immediate family but extended EXTENDED family and friends have traveled far to come meet her (us). I like to call her "Queen Leslie" here. She has been a bit overwhelmed by this. :) The second day we were here, we met Leslie's father. We sat in a tiny bedroom with lots of Indians sitting on the floor (including me) as her father told Les and Lyndl his testimony and what happened when he gave her to Esther. It was emotional to say the least. It's amazing to see people that look like her. Everytime I look at Augustine, I see my sister. There are 5 other sisters that we have laughed with, cooked with and spent time with. I will never forget their kindness and hospitality.
The rest of my family is coming tomorrow. I'm excited to share this experience with them. Next week we will travel about 3 hrs away to 2 small villages. One is where Leslie's father lives and the other is the place of our first home when we were given to Esther, the Bungalow.
We plan to spend 2 full days searching for something of my biological past next week. I'm still believing for something! Thank you for hoping and praying with me.
I love you and miss you dearly.
Ami
I have not been able to have internet access until tonight and this will probably be the only time. Thanks to those of you who prayed for my health. I was sick most of the trip here but by the time we arrived in Hyderabad, I was feeling much better! PTL!
I am so happy to be here in India! I don't know how to explain how I feel. But I will try. So far our trip has been wonderful. When we first got here, there was so much newness all around me and yet it felt familiar. Even through some of the difficult parts with communication, getting used to the food and smells....it has been so good. I've been asking alot of questions and soaking up my time here as I know it will go by fast.
I feel the Lord so near to us here. His grace on this trip is so evident. With each new experience here, I feel like I see Him more. Personally, this trip has been very healing for me. First it's painful, then it heals. I'm so thankful for what He is doing in my life and those around me here in India. My heart is so compassionate and passionate for the Christians here.....it's HUGE to have family (Les fam) be apart of that. Leslie will be speaking at church next Sunday. We pray that we are a blessing to those around us and not miss an opportunity to minister and encourage them.
When I'm out in the city walking and observing the culture and people, I keep reminding myself that this is where I'm from. The place, culture and people of my birth. I've gotton to spend two evenings in town down Hyderabad. The best way I can describe it is that I feel a deep connection here. It's not because I feel comfortable here or even that I fit, but when I traveled to Jordan earlier this year, I was a visitor. Here, I feel different, like I belong, more than just a visitor. A connection. I don't want to live here but I've realized that this trip is a milestone in my life. ONe of the most important things I will ever do. The nation of India is significant and important to my life. I think it always has been, but now I know the reality of it.
Today I thought to myself, I think the fragrance of India is permanently in my nose and the taste of curry forever in my mouth! ha!
We are staying in a small town near Hyderabad with Leslie's oldest half sister Sugunda and her husband Jonny. Those two along with Les's oldest whole brother Augustine met us at the airport and have taken such good care of us! I don't know what we would have done without them. We have been so blessed to build relationship with them and we truly feel apart of their family. I think Leslie might be related to the entire country of India, because SO MANY people have come to see her and been waiting for years for their long lost sister. Not just immediate family but extended EXTENDED family and friends have traveled far to come meet her (us). I like to call her "Queen Leslie" here. She has been a bit overwhelmed by this. :) The second day we were here, we met Leslie's father. We sat in a tiny bedroom with lots of Indians sitting on the floor (including me) as her father told Les and Lyndl his testimony and what happened when he gave her to Esther. It was emotional to say the least. It's amazing to see people that look like her. Everytime I look at Augustine, I see my sister. There are 5 other sisters that we have laughed with, cooked with and spent time with. I will never forget their kindness and hospitality.
The rest of my family is coming tomorrow. I'm excited to share this experience with them. Next week we will travel about 3 hrs away to 2 small villages. One is where Leslie's father lives and the other is the place of our first home when we were given to Esther, the Bungalow.
We plan to spend 2 full days searching for something of my biological past next week. I'm still believing for something! Thank you for hoping and praying with me.
I love you and miss you dearly.
Ami
Biblical Justice and "Jewish" Dance Parties
Last night, I unintentionally had a pretty cool adventure.
After cleaning, throwing the football around and hanging out with my dad yesterday, I set out to attend the Knight girl's (pictured to the left) house warming party.
I met these girls rather uniquely, at least one. The girl in the middle, Adrielle and I met while watching a meteor shower here in Colorado. The thing is, it was pitch black that night. We talked for hours waiting for the meteors to show and never saw each other's face. I didn't know what she looked like for two weeks until I saw her in the light for the first time.
I saw a facebook invitation for their house warming party and decided to go. My friend Sarah, who had also met this girl under meteors , came along with me.
We could not find the house. We roamed through some shady parts in downtown Colorado Springs with out any success in finding it. Finally we pulled out Sarah's laptop and looked up the house address on Facebook.
The party wasn't until next week.
Even so, we determined in our hearts that we wouldn't leave until we found the house. Turns out, I had parked right in front of the house entrance--the perfect spot. The house was very hidden, but we found it and laughed about how close we were.
Even feeling pretty dumb about screwing up the dates, we knocked on the door. Two girls, both I really didn't know, opened the doors and laughed while we told them our situation. Amy Knight invited us into her house while Laura served us Jasmine tea and homemade-sugar-free-caramel-popcorn (this was Sarah's first time seeing any of the Knights in the light).
We all got to know each other and it was turning out to be a great night. Amy Knight and I got into a conversation of the differences between Biblical justice and modern justice. For example, in the Bible, if someone got something stolen, it was restored by the thief seven fold. Currently, if something is stolen, that person goes to jail and the victim gets nothing (unless the victim has insurance and the stolen items are covered). In jail, many people learn how to become better criminals. The amount of money we spend on bigger and better prison facilities could be spent on the root of the problems of depravity and focus on redeeming lives, instead of confining them.
All that was great conversation, but it got cut short.
Adrielle invited me to go to a "Jewish" party. This party took place way out in nowhere land. Turns out it was a Christian Italian Dance party. It was really strange, though I got to connect with some really cool people.
One guy, James, shared with me how he questioned everything about Christianity. As an Anthropology major, he mentioned, it was hard to accept the validity of the Bible and the stories of man concerning Christianity. I shared my thoughts on all this stuff and he seemed to buy in. As Ravi Zacharias says about critiquing religions, I advised him to always judge something based on the perfect source, not the imperfections. So, if you are going to judge Christianity, don't judge it by all the messed up Christians you see. Judge Jesus and see if what He teaches and proclaims in credible. Study the founder of Islam. Study the founder of Buddhism. As we study the sources of these different organizations, I told him, I believe you will discover new truths about all of them.
It was a good night. Thanks Knights for taking me in!
-Pradeepan
Stoked.
I work at a hotel and do a lot of things that I'm not passionate about.
This Monday, however, I am doing something I'm very passionate about. I'm throwing an Outreach in Doherty High School in Colorado Springs. It's called, "The Doherty Event." Check out the website at www.thedohertyevent.com.
Many churches around the city are gathering and helping us pull this off so that people will be transformed by Jesus.
We have a hip hop group, band with trash cans, videos, give aways, monologues and a lot going on. I feel like a lot of people are going to show up and this is only the first one!
By the time we do our second THE DOHERTY EVENT next month, I have a feeling it's going to be jam packed.
For this first one, though, if it's not packed out, the energy in the room might be a little lower than we could have.
So, I'm asking that all of you reading this to come to the event. We need your attendance and your prayers. We want this room to be full of life and people like you.
The event information is on the website. Please come! People who are hopeless and in desperate need of the Christian message, like I was, will hear it, and I'm wanting you all to play a part.
-Pradeepan
This Monday, however, I am doing something I'm very passionate about. I'm throwing an Outreach in Doherty High School in Colorado Springs. It's called, "The Doherty Event." Check out the website at www.thedohertyevent.com.
Many churches around the city are gathering and helping us pull this off so that people will be transformed by Jesus.
We have a hip hop group, band with trash cans, videos, give aways, monologues and a lot going on. I feel like a lot of people are going to show up and this is only the first one!
By the time we do our second THE DOHERTY EVENT next month, I have a feeling it's going to be jam packed.
For this first one, though, if it's not packed out, the energy in the room might be a little lower than we could have.
So, I'm asking that all of you reading this to come to the event. We need your attendance and your prayers. We want this room to be full of life and people like you.
The event information is on the website. Please come! People who are hopeless and in desperate need of the Christian message, like I was, will hear it, and I'm wanting you all to play a part.
-Pradeepan
As a non-believer...
My friend Ryan wrote this as a response to the letter written by Dutch Sheets. Ryan is my friend and he is a stud. He's introduced me a community of haikus and occasionally hooks me up with Starbucks. He's an agnostic that probably studies the Bible more than anyone reading this blog. Anyways, here is a question he asked, and my response.
I really would appreciate more input on this subject, so please discuss it by leaving a comment and then responding to the responses you get. Thanks.
Ryan wrote:
As a non-believer I'm curious as to how to respond to this.
Especially since I am one of those crazy paradoxical non-believers who study the scriptures as much as I can.
I suppose my question, or at least my biggest question, would be in regards to God's judgment and specifically God's judgment for an entire nation.
When looking at the Old Testament, I can see a precedent of God turning his back on, or allowing bad things to happen to the nation of Israel. The minor prophets especially seem to be about this particular subject matter. It is feasible, therefore, that God could also cause judgment to fall upon a modern nation like our own. However, it does seems like the New Testament represents a shift from God dealing with nation states to dealing with the individual.
Each person must account for their own actions.
Each person must come to Jesus themselves for salvation.
So here is my question:
So if an entire nation cannot be saved as a whole, How is it "godly" of God to judge an entire nation?
Especially when one considers that some eight out of ten Americans at least claim Christianity?
Also, how can one tell God's judgment apart from a natural or national disaster. Was 9/11 God's judgment? What about Hurricane Katrina?
Sorry that this response is so long, but as a seeker of truth, I am truly curious.
Pradeepan wrote:
Ryan,
Initially, I thought answering this question would be easy, but it’s not.
Like you said, it’s simple to understand that God judged in the Old Testament. It’s hard to find nation judging references in the New Testament.
The Greek word for Judge—krino—is used 182 times, but never for nations.
The Greek word for Nations—ethnos—is used 168 times, but not in the context of judgment.
The Greek word for Repentance—metanoia—is never used with the context of nations either.
Like you said, again, this makes it seem that God judges individuals, not nations.
Matthew 25:32
“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
If this true, then the opposite exists—it is impossible for God to bless America.
I may be wrong in this, but this also negates any collective purpose of and for a nation—American has no God given destiny.
This is assuming we are talking about church age, too. In Revelation, nations are getting judged all over the place. Even before Revelation, Luke 21:23-25 alludes to this,
“There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.”
Revelation 22:2
“And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
There are many allusions to collective national consequences, but even these verses might not seem strong enough because they aren't directly dealing with a wrathful God, but a wrathful people (the Gentiles may have a purpose against the collective Jerusalem, not God).
If God was to judge a nation in the New Testamentt, we probably would have seen Paul talk about this in terms of the ongoing persecution and slavery present in the nation. We, however, do not see this.
I’m kind of rambling and figuring out what I believe as I write this. Honestly, it seems logical to me that God judges nations since it was a prevailing theme in the old testament. Still, I don’t accept that God does not judge collective groups of people, considering His treatment, warning and guiding of the Church for the collective goal of having a “pure and spotless Bride.”
How do you reconcile the individual’s purpose vs. collective purpose in light of Revelation and the Church?
I really would appreciate more input on this subject, so please discuss it by leaving a comment and then responding to the responses you get. Thanks.
Ryan wrote:
As a non-believer I'm curious as to how to respond to this.
Especially since I am one of those crazy paradoxical non-believers who study the scriptures as much as I can.
I suppose my question, or at least my biggest question, would be in regards to God's judgment and specifically God's judgment for an entire nation.
When looking at the Old Testament, I can see a precedent of God turning his back on, or allowing bad things to happen to the nation of Israel. The minor prophets especially seem to be about this particular subject matter. It is feasible, therefore, that God could also cause judgment to fall upon a modern nation like our own. However, it does seems like the New Testament represents a shift from God dealing with nation states to dealing with the individual.
Each person must account for their own actions.
Each person must come to Jesus themselves for salvation.
So here is my question:
So if an entire nation cannot be saved as a whole, How is it "godly" of God to judge an entire nation?
Especially when one considers that some eight out of ten Americans at least claim Christianity?
Also, how can one tell God's judgment apart from a natural or national disaster. Was 9/11 God's judgment? What about Hurricane Katrina?
Sorry that this response is so long, but as a seeker of truth, I am truly curious.
Pradeepan wrote:
Ryan,
Initially, I thought answering this question would be easy, but it’s not.
Like you said, it’s simple to understand that God judged in the Old Testament. It’s hard to find nation judging references in the New Testament.
The Greek word for Judge—krino—is used 182 times, but never for nations.
The Greek word for Nations—ethnos—is used 168 times, but not in the context of judgment.
The Greek word for Repentance—metanoia—is never used with the context of nations either.
Like you said, again, this makes it seem that God judges individuals, not nations.
Matthew 25:32
“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
If this true, then the opposite exists—it is impossible for God to bless America.
I may be wrong in this, but this also negates any collective purpose of and for a nation—American has no God given destiny.
This is assuming we are talking about church age, too. In Revelation, nations are getting judged all over the place. Even before Revelation, Luke 21:23-25 alludes to this,
“There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.”
Revelation 22:2
“And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
There are many allusions to collective national consequences, but even these verses might not seem strong enough because they aren't directly dealing with a wrathful God, but a wrathful people (the Gentiles may have a purpose against the collective Jerusalem, not God).
If God was to judge a nation in the New Testamentt, we probably would have seen Paul talk about this in terms of the ongoing persecution and slavery present in the nation. We, however, do not see this.
I’m kind of rambling and figuring out what I believe as I write this. Honestly, it seems logical to me that God judges nations since it was a prevailing theme in the old testament. Still, I don’t accept that God does not judge collective groups of people, considering His treatment, warning and guiding of the Church for the collective goal of having a “pure and spotless Bride.”
How do you reconcile the individual’s purpose vs. collective purpose in light of Revelation and the Church?
Is Obama helping a pro-life movement more than conservatives?
Ryan Conell left me this link as a comment to my last post.
I read this in light of a statistic I recently heard.
In Colorado Springs alone, we have 800 orphans.
800 children that have no mommy to tuck them in at night, get them ready for the day, or wipe tears away. 800 children that have no daddy to teach them how to fight, throw a baseball or hug.
Now, consider this.
Colorado Springs has over 1200 churches.
That's almost 2 churches for every orphan, but nobody has collectively stepped up. I haven't stepped up. Doesn't this seem unacceptable.?
Pastor Jayde Duncan mentioned this in a sermon last week:
As a Church, are we ready for Roe. V. Wade to be changed? If we can't care for the children in our own backyard now, what would we do with the overflow of a un-aborted children?
Here's the link Ryan left. Please let me know what you think.
http://prolifeproobama.com/
Ryan, I want your response too.
-Pradeepan
I read this in light of a statistic I recently heard.
In Colorado Springs alone, we have 800 orphans.
800 children that have no mommy to tuck them in at night, get them ready for the day, or wipe tears away. 800 children that have no daddy to teach them how to fight, throw a baseball or hug.
Now, consider this.
Colorado Springs has over 1200 churches.
That's almost 2 churches for every orphan, but nobody has collectively stepped up. I haven't stepped up. Doesn't this seem unacceptable.?
Pastor Jayde Duncan mentioned this in a sermon last week:
As a Church, are we ready for Roe. V. Wade to be changed? If we can't care for the children in our own backyard now, what would we do with the overflow of a un-aborted children?
Here's the link Ryan left. Please let me know what you think.
http://prolifeproobama.com/
Ryan, I want your response too.
-Pradeepan
Easy Evangelism
Three Fridays ago, Daniel Henry, Amreitha Miller and I did an outreach. Our plan was to give out free hot chocolate, but that seemed too complicated (water and powder are difficult to put together). So we went to Safeway and bought 40 boxes of LITTLE DEBBIE snacks. Delicious.
We went to a movie theatre, set up all of our boxes, split up and handed them to people walking in and out of movies. Basically, we executed a simple plan:
1. Ask people if they want a free cookie
2. Give the free cookie
3. If they asked why we were doing this, we said “We want to show you God’s love in a tangible way with no strings attached.”
4. Refuse to accept any money.
I love this type of evangelism because it’s a low cost/high gain scenario. It’s not as awkward as approaching a stranger and beginning an intense conversation about the their past, and explaining how their future can be changed. If someone rejects us in this scenario, they are rejecting the cookie—not us. This makes it easy for most people--no matter how afraid--to engage in this evangelism.
For the most part, evangelism is something that Christians and non-Christians hate. So, we gave out cookies in an attempt to redefine what evangelism can look like.
Stories:
-Cop grabbed our goods and allowed us to stay on the property
-Engaged cop in philosophical conversation about Jesus
-People tried to pay us, but refused to take their money. They couldn’t believe that we would give them something for free.
-Prayed with a group of young girls
-Prayed with a girl about her mom going to jail for 15 years
-Shared the Gospel with many people as they asked about why we were out there
-One guy, Mike, joined us for the entire night. He even went out to eat with us afterwards
I want to do ministry like this more often and show people how easy and effective evangelism can be. People thanked us for being out there. We left very encouraged, and so did they. Booya.
We went to a movie theatre, set up all of our boxes, split up and handed them to people walking in and out of movies. Basically, we executed a simple plan:
1. Ask people if they want a free cookie
2. Give the free cookie
3. If they asked why we were doing this, we said “We want to show you God’s love in a tangible way with no strings attached.”
4. Refuse to accept any money.
I love this type of evangelism because it’s a low cost/high gain scenario. It’s not as awkward as approaching a stranger and beginning an intense conversation about the their past, and explaining how their future can be changed. If someone rejects us in this scenario, they are rejecting the cookie—not us. This makes it easy for most people--no matter how afraid--to engage in this evangelism.
For the most part, evangelism is something that Christians and non-Christians hate. So, we gave out cookies in an attempt to redefine what evangelism can look like.
Stories:
-Cop grabbed our goods and allowed us to stay on the property
-Engaged cop in philosophical conversation about Jesus
-People tried to pay us, but refused to take their money. They couldn’t believe that we would give them something for free.
-Prayed with a group of young girls
-Prayed with a girl about her mom going to jail for 15 years
-Shared the Gospel with many people as they asked about why we were out there
-One guy, Mike, joined us for the entire night. He even went out to eat with us afterwards
I want to do ministry like this more often and show people how easy and effective evangelism can be. People thanked us for being out there. We left very encouraged, and so did they. Booya.