Village Visit

Yesterday we traveled to the village of Bhalukmari where Ray had been invited to preach. It was a 3 hour drive from Guwahati. We arrived at around 11am to a crowd of villagers eagerly awaiting our arrival. We were quickly ushered inside a house where we were served tea and refreshments. We were then taken to the church building where we greeted by the enthusiastic singing of many children.

Upon entering the church I noticed that the women were sitting on one side of the church and the men on the other. I made my way to take a seat next to one of the ladies when I was quickly ushered to the VERY front of the church. We were all seated behind the pulpit in front of the entire congregation. The service was started with presentations of Assamese gamosas to all of the guests and Gauro scarves to the Canadian guests. It was a really special experience and I felt very honored.

Here is Raysha being presented with her Assamese Gamosa.

Andrew being presented with a Gamosa.

Ray being presented with the Garou scarf.

After the presentations of the scarves there was a presentation of some traditional Assamese dances. Lots of fun to watch.

Everyone backed up to make room for the dancers.

After the dancing they had a small ceremony to recognize three new deacons and consecrate them for service. After the ceremony was completed Ray led a Bible study. After this first service we were taken back to the house and were served lunch. It was probably the spiciest meal I have had the entire time I have been here. I enjoy chili in my food but this was a little stronger than my weak Canadian stomach can handle.

This is Sarbananda, the headmaster of the Bread of Life Academy, and his son Simon eating lunch. They didn't mind the spice. Note how much rice is on Simon's plate, for such a little boy he really packed it away!

We love Indian food.

That tiny bit of dhal on top of the rice is what was so spicy. Looks harmless but it was VERY potent!

After lunch we went back to the church where there was more singing followed by a sermon given by Ray. We met a lot of new friends yesterday but we also had the opportunity to reconnect with some young people whom we had met at the youth camp in Guwahati when we first arrived. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again at the upcoming youth camp at the end of this month.

A partial group shot before heading home.