As Sunday (8/9) in the US was beginning, our Sunday in India was ending. We gathered in the evening after a day that began with us on the train to Nagercoil and then saw us visiting several temples and sights on the southernmost tip of India. We gathered--outside our hotel under an awning with the noise of India in the background--to worship the same Triune God you would be worshiping a few hours later.

As the one who delivered some thoughts and meditaitons, I would like to say this Message was the highlight of our worship. In my mind, two other things far surpassed whatever I said.

First, to me, the celebration of Holy Communion was extremely powerful. We used, for bread, naan--a traditional Indian flatbread. And for wine, we used a bottle of Merlot from the Steinbeck vineyards specially labeled for our trip.

As we each ate the naan--the body of Christ--from this Eastern culture and as we drank the wine--the blood of Christ--from our western culture, we had a special and powerful reminder in these elements that Jesus' gift of Himself--on the cross and in this Meal--truly was (and is!) for the whole world.

Second, as our small group was gathered in the midst of this vast people, upwards of 97% of whom don't know the love and grace of Jesus Christ, I was struck by the reality our Indian brothers and sisters face every day.

We were a group of 13 in the midst of many millions celebrating thehope and grace given by Almighty God in Jesus Christ. those of us from the States think we are a religious minority and we think our task is challening--and we are and it is! However, we are nothing of a minority like Christ-followers in INdia. Sitting as a little group on Sunday evening, I was struck by the reality that Rev. David and the folks at the Christian Media Centre--and that all Christ-followers in India--face each day. They truly are a small minority bringing hope and light to the nations.

All in all, this was a fitting and unique way to bring our day to a close... I pray that your worship experience had some special moments for you to treasure also!