I had the privilege of visiting our members in South Asia prior to and during the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. I left home on Sunday, March 22 for what I considered a routine flight to Asia. I flew from Rochester, NY to Detroit, MI and then boarded a flight to Bangkok, Thailand via Narita, Japan. Approximately three hours after the flight took off in Detroit, a FedEx cargo plane crash landed on the long runway in Narita. The plane burst into flames after flipping and unfortunately both pilots were killed. The flight I was on along with several other flights was diverted to Nagoya, Japan. After arriving in Nagoya most passengers had to stand in line for several hours waiting to be rebooked on outbound flights. I stood in line for approximately five hours. Since most flights had already departed for the day, most passengers were rebooked on flights leaving the following day. I had to spend a night in Nagoya and then fly to Bangkok via Taipei. I arrived in Bangkok a day later than expected (Tuesday) and had an early morning departure for India on Wednesday.

Wednesday morning I arrived in Calcutta, India and met our member, Tarun Ghosh, that afternoon. Tarun and I had several enjoyable hours of discussion that continued into the evening at his home enjoying a lovely dinner with his family. After dinner we sang a few hymns accompanied on the guitar by Tarun. Thursday evening I traveled from Calcutta to Hyderabad. Friday I visited Dr. D.S. Ali and her two daughters, Arjumand and Nargis at their home in Secunderbad. In the afternoon I was able to view a facility that we may be able to utilize in the future as a possible FOT site but unfortunately this year it was already booked for the dates we needed it. Later in the afternoon I booked the Golkonda Resort and Spa for the FOT site for 2009. I am sure the brethren will really enjoy using this facility for the FOT. On the Sabbath I returned to the home of Dr. Ali for Sabbath services and a lovely lunch.

Saturday night, March 28, I flew to Pune arriving at 11:00 PM. I was able to spend Sunday with Prakash Mandora and his wife, Sara, and daughter, Osin. Prakash has been experiencing some trials with his work so it was good to spend some time with him and his family. I know that Prakash would appreciate your prayers on his behalf.

Monday morning I flew to Delhi and then traveled to Moradabad by car. I was able to spend Monday evening and Tuesday evening with the family of Robinson Yusuf. Monday evening we enjoyed dinner together at the hotel I was staying in and Tuesday evening we had a Bible study and wonderful meal at the Yusuf’s home.

I arrived in Agra Friday, April 3 and spent the evening with George and Shobha Samuel. George was recovering from chickenpox and I felt so sorry for him as he was describing the painfulness of the illness. I had chickenpox as a child but I understand that the pain associated with the illness can be much more severe in an adult. Sabbath morning I traveled to George’s home for Sabbath services. A small group of individuals meets with George each Sabbath and it is always an enjoyable experience spending time with the group. Later that afternoon I traveled to Delhi to catch my flight to Chennai (Madras).

Sunday, April 5 I visited with a young couple who subscribe to The Good News magazine. They live outside Chennai and traveled to the city to meet with me. We had a very enjoyable discussion covering a wide range of topics. Later that day I also met with Simon Daniel, a member from Madurai.

Early Monday morning I departed Chennai for Colombo, Sri Lanka. I was met at the airport in Colombo by Randy Hook, a member that lives north of the airport. Randy drove me to the hotel and we had an enjoyable chat about current events in Sri Lanka which also included his recent motorcycle accident. Randy and I were met at the hotel by Dr. David Hannaway, a deacon from Corvallis, Oregon. David is working on various projects in Asia while on a one year sabbatical from Oregon State University.

Tuesday, April 7 Rodney VanHeer, a member residing in Mt. Lavinia drove Dr. Hannaway and me to Negombo to view the facility we will use for the FOT in Sri Lanka this year. The hotel is located next to the beach and will offer some beautiful views for the brethren attending the FOT in Sri Lanka. In the evening nine baptized members gathered at the church hall to observe the Passover. The following evening 19 of us gathered for the Night To Be Much Observed at the church hall for a memorable meal and fellowship. The following day we reassembled for the First Day of Unleavened Bread.

At 1:00 a.m. the following morning I boarded a plane for Bangkok and arrived at 7:00 a.m. Later in the morning, I met with the travel agent who is helping us with the Bangkok FOT site. I was also able to reach a couple of prospective members via phone. On the Sabbath I met with our member, Fil Olimpo and his two children. It is always a joy to spend time with Fil.

Tuesday, April 14, I arrived in Singapore and enjoyed a wonderful dinner under the star-lit sky with some of the members at the Ceylon Club. This was a most enjoyable way to begin the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. The next day, 18 of us met for lunch and then traveled to the PSB Academy for services. Spending time with the Singaporean brethren was a great way to end the trip as well as the Days of Unleavened Bread. I was off to the airport at 3:30 AM the following morning and returned home to my family at 10:00 p.m. the same day.

It is always a special treat to visit our members in Asia. Our members are scattered over vast areas of the region and the cultures are quite diverse but the members of the church are united as a part of the body of Christ through the Holy Spirit. This is most evident as I have had the opportunity of traveling through the region, visiting the members and observing this beautiful miracle!

© 2009 United Church of God, AIA - Pilipinas