Letter from Drue Freeman and his wife Helen Freeman, while on a mission to India
SriLanka-page 1
Sri Lanka, India Report
From Helen:
As the saying goes, “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” For me, Sri Lanka and India were my step out of the boat. Going to these countries was an interest of mine since my husbands first visit.
He returned with such a love for the people that I wanted to go and experience it with him. Realizing I am not getting any younger and while my health was relatively good it became clear that now was the time.
Through many gracious gifts the tickets were purchased.
In the Delhi airport I began to realize we weren’t in Yukon, Oklahoma anymore. What cinched it was the rather large monkey riding on the back of a motorcycle in downtown traffic like this was a normal thing for it to do. Perhaps it was. As for me, this was far from normal. Once we arrived my first thought is, “what am I doing here,” and, “how on earth can I contribute anything to these dear people.”
It doesn’t take long to realize that just showing up means a great deal to them. Leaving the rest in the Spirit’s hands and being willing to go where He led the adventure began.
We finally arrived in Sri Lanka after a very long wait as our plane was delayed twice because of the civil war in that country. Honestly, the war didn’t scare me at all. I felt very safe in country but the thought of teaching the ladies was terrifying.
Masi, Susi and Pivi were gracious hosts and had a two-day conference set up for Drue. He taught hermeneutics the first day and the book of Revelation the second. It was over 90 degrees inside the building.
The pastors’ wives were a joy for me to be able to meet and visit with during tea time. Sri Lankan people are the kindest people I’ve ever met. Many had traveled two days just to get there and many more were unable to get permission from the army in the north because they were Tamil so they could not attend. (The war is between the Tamil and Singhalese) It reminded me what a blessing our freedom in the US is and how we take it for granted.
With the teaching over we were on our way to Nuwara Eliya, the highest point in Sri Lanka and a church where Drue was to preach when we had to turn back because the road was washed out. Masi tried another route but the van broke down about a mile from a pastor Susi led to the Lord 20 years earlier. He arranged for a mechanic and a guesthouse where we met a man we called “Shane.” “Shane” had read many times the western book by the same name and was so excited to meet someone from the Oklahoma–Texas area.
We also experienced monks chanting at 5 AM over loud speakers that carried their message through the entire valley.
On to Kottyam, India where I saw my first working elephant with a mahout straddling his neck while driving into town. Drue warned me about the traffic, but I had to see it to believe it.
Two conferences were held there and I was able to teach a ladies’ group at both. Pastor Philip translated for me and I must say he was a very gracious fellow. The ladies enjoyed it and I had the pleasure of seeing them again at their graduations.
The two-year Foundations course meant so much to the ladies because they have so little opportunity for education in the rural areas. The first graduation was in the jungle and there were 56 who completed the course and wanted to teach others. Around 250 people came to see their loved ones graduate.
The second was in a small town and about 25 graduated. One man came straight from the hospital with the IV still in his hand, as he had to go back once the ceremony was over.
Solo, Jessy, Sam and Sharon were gracious hosts and it was a pleasure to be in their home each evening for a meal. Solo has great vision for what can be accomplished in India and I encourage you all to remember them in your prayers as well as Masi, Susi, and Pivi.
These are extraordinary people with a heart for God and spreading His word. I was blessed to meet them and have the privilege of ministering to them.
From Drue:
The 6th of May began quite an adventure for my bride of almost 39 years and I. After attending church and celebrating the Lord’s Table we changed clothes and left immediately for the Oklahoma City airport to catch a 2:40 flight to Chicago. All went well, connections were made and we settled in on a 15-hour nonstop flight to Delhi, India where we arrived around 8:30 p.m., Delhi time or 10:00 a.m. Oklahoma time.
This was Helen’s first time out of the United States. I tried to prepare her, but conversation is not a true substitute for experience. We stayed at a 2.5 Star hotel in Delhi, in the “Presidential Suite,” a designation used quite loosely.
We also experienced monks chanting at 5 AM over loud speakers that carried their message through the entire valley.