"There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (ephesians 4:4-6)

The following day we loaded onto a bus, with the wedding party and families, and took a 2 1/2 hour bus ride, through Indian villages and countryside, to the sea beach in Puri. There we dipped our toes in the Bay of Bengal, rode camels along the beach, and continued celebrating the bride and groom with family and friends.

Upon returning to Cuttack, we were taken to the BIC Zion Boys Hostel. At the hostel, we were greeted in song by over 50 boys who live there, receiving an education along with nurturing in their Christian faith. What a neat piece of the body of Christ! We had so much fun hearing their songs, passing out blankets, being shown around the hostel, and seeing how these young men are growing in Christ. It was an exciting and encouraging glimpse into the future of the church in India!

The celebration as a body of Christ continued this morning as we joined the Orissa BIC church in their weekly worship service. We were glad to see the boys from the hostel again - they sit on the floor in the front of the room for the Sunday services.

There was much singing and clapping - some songs in hindi, some in oriya - and much sharing. We heard from Ken, Chris, Nathan, Rev. Dr. George Lucas (Manju's father), and some other pastors who were here for the wedding. We were well challenged (in three languages!) to seek Christ first as we head into this new year.
The service was followed by a wonderful luncheon for all at the service. (served on plates made of banana leaves sewn together - the Indian disposable plate!)

We have truly known the unity in our one Lord, our one faith, our one baptism; and we have been richly blessed these days to join as one body in praising and lifting high our one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all!

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