Dear Ones:

Today began with a visit to a Hindu temple. Our guide, Bilma, is a widow and grandmother of 5, whose brother is a Christian pastor. Hindus search for knowledge…in Bilma’s words she is searching for spiritual knowledge…she desires to know who she is, where she comes from and where she is going. One is born a Hindu or can become a Hindu if he/she marries a Hindu. There are 4 books of knowledge written in sanskrit…Hindus cannot read these books so they must have sages from India to come and explain the books to them. Hindus claim a free society; they do not convert anyone. Even though they worship idols, they believe in one God. These are just a few things we learned about Hinduism. During the time that Bilma talked to us, she asked about us. When we told her we were Christians, she then asked how one becomes a Christian. Pastor Andy told her very clearly how one becomes a Christian. Her reply was that she loves Jesus but not as Savior nor God. Before departing the temple, we ate a vegetarian meal with Bilma.

Our afternoon visit was to the Sikh temple. Sikhism was started by a guru named Nanak because he saw the corruption and desire for power in the other religions in India (Hinduism and Islam). Our guides were a young woman named Gorshavan and an older man named Ranu. Some facts about Sikhism are: God is One, God is in everyone and everything (like Hinduism), with a pure heart one can connect with God…their goal. There were 9 successors to the first guru. After the 10th guru, no successors in human form were selected. Instead, all of the writings of the 10 gurus were put into one book along with some Muslim and Hindu sacred writings. Sikhs do not convert; they believe that one finds God in one’s own way. Of the three religions we learned about, only the Sikhs encourage helping others…it is required that Sikhs help to feed needy people. We also shared a vegetarian meal with Gorshavan at the Sikh temple. The dining hall and the worship center is open 24/7…prayers are being said every moment of every day 365 days a year.

This evening we attended the prayer service of the All Nations church. One of the members of the church, John, shared some thoughts from Colossians 2.1-12 before we shared praises to the Lord and prayer requests. Allow me to share verse 3: …”Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasured of wisdom and knowledge.” And in verse 8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Join us in using these precious Scriptures as a basis for praying for those searching for truth, for knowledge, for God…Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs….and may we be willing and ready to share with anyone the liberating, transforming Truth found in Jesus Christ our Savior!

Tomorrow morning we will meet together to pray and dialogue about how our church can partner with the All Nations Church. Please pray with us as we seek the Lord’s will.

Blessings and love to all!
Barbara Springer for the Vancouver Team