Living by Faith

Girls from the orphanage sifting through the
rice to find rocks or dirt.

On Saturday I went with three final year students to the Thutak Nunpuitu Team (Practical Example of the Truth Team). TNT was founded in 1988, and moved to Aizawl in 1991. It serves as a home for orphans, drug abusers, alcoholics, sex workers, and the mentally ill. People come from all over North East India, as well as from neighboring countries, and TNT welcomes them with open arms. Currently, 1,041 people live at TNT, only 68 of which are workers.

Kids from the orphanage. Just me
being there seemed to make everyone's day.

I was impressed by the facilities, and was touched after seeing the children and adults who were living there. Most striking about this ministry, however, is that the workers live completely on faith. The organization receives no consistent financial backing from the government, but relies solely on donations. Because of this, there have been times when they literally did not have rice to feed everyone. They would boil water and pray for God to provide for their needs. When they arrived at the facility in 1991, the hill did not have a water supply. They prayed and miraculously water appeared in the grounds. We become so comfortable in our lives that we don’t leave room for God to work. These people have been in utter need, and God has provided for them. Wow.

So sweet.

This is in the section for the mentally ill. This lady was
so happy to see me. She grabbed my hand and showed
me around the whole place.

After going to TNT, we drove to a scenic spot on the
top of a nearby hill. Behind me is part of Aizawl.

Naga food, Naga style. :)

In the evening, I went to one of the student’s family’s house, where we had a bite to eat. But the real meal was served at the principal’s house. One of the professors, Senti, is from Nagaland. He prepared a special Naga meal for Jenny and I (since neither of us had ever had Naga food before), which we ate on bamboo leaves! So much fun!

They aren't sleeping this time! haha. ;)

On Sunday evening I preached again. This service went much better than last week. My supervisor, Pu Zolawma translated. (“Pu” is the title given to a respected male elder, “Pi” is given to a woman). The people were very attentive and kind, and I enjoyed meeting them all after the service. The week before, I preached at Luangmual. This Sunday I preached at Ramhlun South. Next week I’ll be preaching at a small church on Sunday morning. So many sermons, so little time! (Except I’ve been using the same sermon every time haha).

I’ve been busy editing student’s sermons for chapel, grading papers, and having class. When I’m not working on those things, I’m reading Lord of the Rings or watching TV (usually The Mentalist). I think these last few weeks will be especially busy. I’m definitely over the culture shock hump, and now I’m trying to make the most of the time I have left. I want to do so much, but my stamina only lets me do a little bit every day. Why does traveling have to be so exhausting?

PS Pray for Jenny’s aunt and uncle who lost their 3 month old baby this morning. The baby had health problems since birth, and last night things took a turn for the worst. Jenny is in Aizawl tonight grieving with her family over the loss of her cousin. Keep them all in your prayers. Thanks.