Today we had the great and unusual privilege of celebrating Mrs. Kamalakshamma's 72nd birthday. She is the mother of A, the director for all 2000 OM Good Shepherd Community Churches in South India.
A is our primary contact for the pastor's conference and a great brother. This is the first time that he has been able to celebrate his mother's birthday in many years because of some painful circumstances. His wife would never let his parents come to visit them. But 8 months ago, his wife left him taking their two children because he didn't make enough as an OM missionary. He doesn't know where his wife or kids are and is extremely discouraged. He misses his kids tremendously. But in the midst of that pain, his parents have been able to move in with him and today he got to celebrate his mother's 72nd birthday.
Because there was 70 pastors from the villages as well as some "special honored guest pastors" (that's us in their words) among them today, he thought it would be a significant way to honor his mother by having a birthday party with all the pastors.
And so we did. And I had my very first opportunity (and very likely my last) to preach at a birthday party. And with only 15 minutes notice. Another example of how important ceremony and honor is to Indian culture. But it was definitely one of the most profound birthday parties I've ever been a part of. What a privilege to take part in celebrating 72 years for this woman, the mother of an amazing man. So we sang and I preached and several people said very nice things and then several more people spoke and then some more people prayed and then there was a closing prayer and then we had cake. It was fun. There wasn't a bounce-house, but it was still a pretty incredible birthday party.
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