Truth Connect was in India to train leaders for three weeks in January and February, 2016. The trip began in the southern city of Hyderabad where 2 conferences were conducted. Pastor Kirk Rowland, from Emmanuel Baptist Church, Johnstown PA, USA joined me to encourage and equip Christian leaders on how to lead positive, godly transformation in their churches and communities. We then traveled far north to the city of Dehra Dun, located at the foothills of Himalayan mountains to visit my friend Dr. George Chavanikamannil, founder of New Theological College and Good News for India (please see previous posts).
Our journey with Dr. George took us to the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand and the Ganges river. There is a sacred spot along the river where millions come to dip in the Ganges on special holy days for spiritual cleansing. We visited one of these sacred places just a few days before a holiday of celebration and security was tight as they prepared for millions of visitors.
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| Hinduism is polytheistic ~ millions of gods are worshiped. Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism, is on the left facing away. The powerful Ganges flow all around the idols. |
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| I'm standing with Dr. George and Pastor Kirk along the Ganges where many will come to dip in the waters. Take note of the tall, orange tower behind and the left, it'll serve as a reference point in the last picture below. |
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| There was plenty of security in preparation for the soon coming millions of visitors. |
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Not many were dipping in the Ganges the day we visited.
Hinduism used the Swatika symbol long before the German Nazis. |
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Pastor Kirk had to touch the Ganges. Note the chain to his right front.
The water can flow high and strong; worshipers hold the chain for safety. |
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| Hindus dip in the Ganges for spiritual cleansing. Jesus Christ said that unless one is cleansed from their sins by faith in His shed blood on Calvary ~ there can be no forgiveness of sins. |
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| This is the place we visited. Millions of visitors crowd the banks of the river on a holy day of celebration. Note the top, middle right tower - just above the orange bridge - that is the tower behind Dr. George, Pastor Kirk and me in the previous picture above. |
