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AUGUST 2001 Hello there from India!
The ordination was overwhelmning. That's the only word I can describe. It was a taste of Heaven. Nearly my entire family was there-minus one of my sisters. Even my step-father & his mother were there-and they are Jewish. Some of us saw my father cry for the first time. Most of my family were in tears at some point-though my mom-for most of it. They were extremely touched. They-and many who came had said that it had been one of the most meaningful meetings that they had ever been a part of.
There were 4 people who spoke on behalf of my life. Leslie-pastor's wife, Orel-from Mexico-who represented the nations, my best friend Eric, and finally Colin-founder of People For Missions-via video. I was an emotional wreck-so to speak. It was quite sobering to hear-publically what these people had felt about what my life meant to them and the world. Being blessed would be an understatement...
Then at some stage I had prepared a 10 Years in ministry & missions presentation that was given. Many were touched to tears through this as well. I fell in tears again as I realized again the amazement of what/how my life had turned out-and a simple-yet radical "no" could have erased all of the last 10 years of touching the lost and hurting in 40 countries. Absolute gratitude & privilege is only one small way to describe what I felt...among feeling tremendous fulfillment in life. I could have died that day and felt I lacked nothing in life, and with minimal regret.
Dennis & Randy-the 2 pastors from the 2 churches that performed the Ordination had walked me and those present through various symbolic acts in comparison & contrast from the Old Testament Priesthood & The New Testament-JesusStyle Servant Leadership.
They each washed one of my feet...they poured (literally) oil over my head...had me remove my jacket-and replaced it with sackcloth & a crown of thorns (symbolizing giving up "my" glory & the worlds'...for a life like that of Jesus)...then they dipped their fingers in a challace of blood (juice) an touched my right earlobe, right thumb & big toe...then had me break the bread and take communion...there were messages spoken throughout each part...and then having me pray a prayer of consecration to the Lord...and an invitation of those pre-arranged to come forward to lay hands on the pastors as they layed hands on me, giving room for 4 people to prophesy over my life.
And announcing me as "Rev. Jon Syrbe" has still been sinkng in. I'm still processing the reality of it all. God's astonishing work...from a treasure in darkness...
Unforgettable would be the next word. For example, my brother Bobby (who had had Cancer this year), while hugging me ever so tightly said, "Jon, more than having my first born child, this is the happiest day of my life." There could not have been anything more touching that day...
Well, now being in India, I have had some incredible ministry so far...counseling a couple going thru big problems...then to another Indian woman-doctor going through some struggles & demonic stuff against her...teaching Exodus was WAY powerful...I really felt the Lord in and through it....and the students said many encouraging things-and the staff...so they were really built up while I was there...and this woman Regula who was one of my students on the ship years ago...she was with me when I was counseling...so it really strengthened her and gave her more fuel to carry her on and how to walk through some of these things with others in the future...
Then I did the Women's Seminar...from one of the chapters in my book: "God's Original & Continual Intent For Women"-that I completed Resurrection weekend-and now is being reviewed by publishers- and that went with great flow and anointing-with God touching people...including one man came up to me at the end and kept hugging me...so appreciative...
When I flew into Delhi, I had to take a 20 hr bus and was surrounded by many hippies and some debates broke out...it was tough but good...as they were smoking marijuana. (which you can just pick like flowers on your front lawn-in North India-Manali area). I couldn't miss taking a snap of a cow chewing on Marijuana!
It was good t finally getting my luggage (miraculously) on the 7th day...after 2 trips from Delhi-as they didn't look enough to find the house! (so 2- 15 hr trips!). Everything was still intact,,,
I had some good travel,..back to Delhi...on a better bus...and went to a 5 star hotel for a few hours to rest before I had my next flight to South India...I got a 600 Rupees ($13) massage therapy... I have had a few knots and other pain in my back...since Manali...then had an amazing brunch there for about $8. I just thought I'd splurge on the that day...weird to think I am splurging so much-in ONE day...spending $21USD...isn't it?
But when you realize that is 950 Rupees=$21USD, is for a laborer making 100-200 Rs. a day...and govn't employees about 1-2000 Rs. a week-allot of money...it causes you to think differently about what you spend... (i.e. if one wanted to buy a large roll of tp. that would be nearly one day's salary.)
So, anyway...it was refreshing after a blitz 2 weeks...of all that transpired after stepping out of The States...
I met-and have begun being good friends with this couple...he is from Kasimir...she from Korea...and he was a former militant...and a bomb-maker...and "kaboomer"...amazing what God spared him from...he does'nt think he has killed anyone...but some intense things he was involved with and seen...she should be dead...but God's got him for a good purpose...Maybe one of the most meaningful moments of being up north was being with him...and his wife...AND, after the women's seminar, he told me that when they have their church wedding in Nepal (where they are living...and they had just their civil wedding in Kasimir), that he is going to wash her feet! THAT is a HUGE statement against the tide here! Praise God...
When I go to Nepal, that may be the time when they decide to have the church wedding...so I'll be with them as well...
Up in Manali is incredibly beautiful...just a foretaste of Nepal...mountains all around....temp. around 60-80 degrees F....15-20+C...
Now, when in Bangalore for 2 days, I met with the YWAM director...to talk about doing a women's seminar...etc...so that will probably happen as well... Where I am now is about 3 hours by train-MYSORE....
I spent the night & next day with Pauvitre's family (who had the accident)...and it was Soooo precious...all 4 girls were like glue on me...good thing I have long legs to fit them on my lap! So, as we strolled around some parks & having dinner, I would take turns holding them in my arms...no greater joy then having kids so trust you and think the world of you, who crave for your love & affection-and to be able to let them experience a bit of the Father's heart... It was so much fun with the girls...
The father is still not doing well...less drinking & some abuse...but still needs alot of prayer...the mother is doing really good...the Lord provided a job for her...with a Christian Nursery! What a wonderful atmosphere for her...she's growing stronger & stronger...
Then it was hard to say good bye again...but I will travel back there in about 2 weeks...and for an early birthday for me. I can't wait... So, the girls kissed and hugged me-not wanting to let go, though one just snuck away into the auto, because she didn't want to say good bye...
The next morning I went with my two friends Stephan & Sujit-who I've mentioned before...Sujit came 7 hrs journey to surprise me...he was the one that I helped with his fiancee's family in Bombay...that changed the whole situation and gave him acceptance into the family etc...
We went an hour into the sticks to visit a pastor and his wife...they really have been hit hard...and needed some encouragement...for example they lost one of their two children-son, who fell in hte baptismal tank and drowned...and they have been attacked by the Hindus and others because of it...
The time we had was a truly God-given moment & an awesome time with them. They were flying by the time our 2 hrs or so came to an end. And as we were leaving I gave them some money to help them along. They've invited me to come and teach any time I can.
It's been significant to have Sujit & Stephan being alongside me to glean & be mentored...it has been quite meaningful for them.
Then there we are off to the train for Mysore...we had to wait 3 hrs...then even though we were the first...we nearly lost even a seat to sit! The RUSH was on...and I had my body bag etc. with me-trying to get that aboard...
Along the way we debated with a few men about divorce, Christianity etc... And how they were saying their traditions were legitimate, and the Bible is very similar to their beliefs...ah, not quite so...
I had a very warm welcome back to the SBS school...and now working on what I'll do, teach etc...
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Prayer needed:
So that's life in a big nutshell...excited at what Jesus is up to....
God's best to you!
Love jon