Shepherding Visit to Chandigarh

On the 21st May, while we were in a fellowship from 6:25 AM, I received a message concerning the demise of the sister of the leading brother in the church in Chandigarh and that I should consider to attend the funeral. Initially, I thought it was not practical for me as I was in the midst of fellowship, besides, there were brithers from Delhi who could go on my behalf. However, as I called and fellowshipped with the brothers, we all felt that we should visit the church and attend the funeral. It was indeed proper to take care of the feelings of the churches in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Gurugram and grasp the opportunity for fellowship and shepherding. Then, a decision was made to visit immediately. 

As soon as we were all ready, I also decided to take the car the Lord has blessed me with. I reckoned that for a long distance journey, about 14 hours to and fro, it would be wise to travel comfortably, given the option. Personally, it was also my first experience to drive the new car for a long drive and that too, along with the brothers. That was indeed a blessing.

Our presence as fellow members of the Body of Christ and and as brothers in the Lord was all that was of utmost importance. The price we paid for such a brotherly visit at such a crucial time was all the more worth it. Though we could not say much, but our visit was all that matters. That was the shepherding. That was the fellowship. That was the brotherly love, care, and concern. Otherwise, all our talks of church life would just be an empty and vain teaching.

This was also a time to meet the family members of the brothers and the saints in Chandigarh together with the saints in different localities of Punjab. One impression I got was the brother's burden for the testimony of Jesus in Chandigarh. Since this was also the first ever funeral in the church life, he was very concerned for how things would turn out. The Lord headed up everything and the entire visitation became a testimony in itself, though we ourselves missed the funeral, at least, we were there on the day when they needed the Body most. As the Lord led, we also made an impromptu offering of considerable amount from the two visiting churches. We had our lunch, a time of fellowship over a cup of tea, and then left jn the late afternoon.

By the time we came back home, it was about 1:30 am the next day early morning. It was indeed a memorable day, and a memorable visit to the church in Chandigarh, and a timely shepherding visit.

Lord, bless the church in Chandigarh.