June 25-27
Eight locations, numerous countries, and one live stream connecting us all together. This is the global NYI (Nazarene Youth International) convention I took part in this week, and it was absolutely unreal! As many of you know, I grew up in the Nazarene church and often participated in district, regional, and even national events (such as NYC). But the past three days I took part in an event that stretched world wide among the youth of the Nazarene church. This was a first for me! I’ve always heard of and known about the other Nazarene churches throughout the world, but this experience truly put faces with the names of places such as Germany, the Philippines, the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Ecuador, and India. People from the surrounding countries united at each of these sites and took part in this live event. And I got to be a part of it- from India! My Mema even saw me on the live stream from Orlando, FL, wearing my red TNU shirt! It was truly an amazing experience to join with people around the world (and see and hear from them!) and worship together.
The NYI convention at the Bombay YMCA.
And did we worship! We were with people from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Lebanon. When we weren’t linked in for the worship services from Orlando, we held our own services/workshops. They love to sing, dance, and praise the Lord!
breakin it down!
Also, a group of 11 from Northern California came to be apart of the convention from India. Their efforts and giving hearts really showed the meaning of being the body of Christ. Instead of going to the convention in Orlando, they came here, to support these people. Not everyone can stop their lives to travel to the US for a convention, so these people helped bring part of the convention to them. The slogan for the convention was One-“Making Christ-like Disciples of the Nations”, and this is what they were actively participating in. Their action greatly moved me as I saw the gratitude on the peoples’ faces, as they welcomed them to their home and country.
And one of the best parts, we were reunited with the other YIM India team! We were all so excited to see one another and swap stories from the past month we’ve had here. It was such a refreshing time to hear that many of the same difficulties and experiences have been shared between our two teams.
India YIM teams reunited!
TNU girls: Merit, Tamra, & Leiah
On top of that, we stayed at the YMCA of Bombay… in air conditioned rooms!! I cannot tell you how excited we were to sleep under the covers and actually feel cold! We froze ourselves out every chance we could get! It was such a nice break- good food, good fun, English language all around, smiles on every face, a/c, clean rooms, staying up until 4 am to watch the live streaming, NO bugs, and nightly Baskin Robbins runs… what more could a girl want?!
the a/c was picture worthy!
All in all, this was a great half-way point. Yes, that’s right! We hit June 26, and I can’t believe it! I left home on May 26 and will return on July 26… only 3½ weeks remaining in India. I can’t believe I’ve been away from home for almost five weeks, that’s the longest I’ve ever been away. But now we are on the downhill slope now; I’ll be home before you know it!
June 27, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Hi, Mallory!
I just want to thank you for keeping up your blog and the pictures. It has often been our main source of information about Melanie. It’s great to get some of the details of your daily events. (Melanie never even mentioned the “crazy lost rickshaw” ride!) We have loved seeing the pictures, too. We are praying for all of you ladies daily – almost hourly at times – and will continue to pray until you are all safely at home again.
Laura and Perry Gering (Melanie’s mom and dad)
June 28, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Mema came back to the contdofrom the General Assembly one afternoon and said “I think I saw Mallory today. Did she have on a red shirt?” That was just so great. I think that really made her day. Glad you got to be a part of this “first” for our church and got to meet up with the other group. We are so excited you are half way through. So many people asked about you today and said they were following your blog. I have been encouraging others to comment on your blog just so you will know people are reading your great stories. Keep up the good work. So excited to skype with you tonight…hope your day at the “Center” goes well. Love you!
June 28, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Mal,
It is great to hear the excitement in your blog! I am pleased that you were able to experience such an amazing international event! Thanks for taking the time to write of your experiences and for sharing with us. It is always enlightening and comforting to read about your journey. Our prayers will now be focused on the second half of your trip! Grace, peace and lots of love. Dad
June 29, 2009 at 10:27 am
Mallory- I really enjoy reading your blog. Thank you so much for keeping us posted on your activities. I was especially happy to read that you would be home in 3 1/2 weeks. I miss you. Janna
June 29, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Hey Girl!
I’m glad things are looking up!! I love you, miss you and am glad your departure is approaching soon!!!
Heather
June 30, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Hey miss mallory, hope all is well. be good
July 1, 2009 at 2:41 pm
yeah more photos! I love to see them. Cant wait for you to get home and come spend the night!!!! Willow really misses you! She told me. =) Love you and miss you. You are so tough! So glad you had a great time at the general assembly in India.
July 2, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Mallory, I was a little behind in your blog bc I was at GA in Orlando. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I just happened to run into the pastor from India who is letting you stay at his house! It was fun to meet him and he said great things about you! The other pastors around him commented about him, “Yes, he is a very nice man.” So, I thought it was neat that we had met him (of course I forgot his name). We will pray for the rest of your trip. -Dee
July 8, 2009 at 8:46 am
I was just catching up on your blog…so busy lately LOL! On a more serious note, what a blessing your words and pictures have been. In reading this entry, I found myself being grateful—not only for your safety–but more than that–your boldness–and your faith to allow God to lead you through a very dark place in order to fulfill his purpose–Through your entry, it reminds me of how we treat people here–that may or may not be living in such ways as those in areas of India–but they are lost–entrapped. You are right–a smile, a prayer and a hug can make all the differences in the world–maybe–that’s up to them and God, but we still need to do our part. I want to thank you for the reminder that there are people who are hurting everywhere, and although I may never have the opportunity to see what you saw, I realize that my prayers for those men, women, and children in India are heard by our Awesome God…I don’t want to be tempted to think that my little prayers don’t matter because I don’t “see” those in other countries..May the Lord continue to bless you, and may He continue to use you as a blessing to others. My lengthy response has been a prayer–for you and for me and for those that you have encountered. May we never forget or get complacent in our “religion”
Eliza is great…precious. Looking forward to your homecoming.
July 16, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Hi Mal, How great is that that your Mema saw you on the global NYI. That is a God thing! Your blogs are ALL so good. I just can’t stop reading them. Thanks for all of them. Thanks for all the time you are taking to keep us all informed. Your mom sent your blog address out again. What an awesome mom you have.Your story about your dad reading to you brings tears to my eyes. I know you must miss your family. I know you can’t wait to get home. Enjoy this time away that you have. A moment in time you will never have again. No matter how hard some of these things that you have had to experience, you have grown from them. Grown from it all. I have not feared for your safety. For I know God is with you and you are protected by His grace. You are dearly loved. I am loving all of your pictures.
I love you- Denise