Brian Rupe's Blog - Brian's Blog

An Interesting Sign In India

Waiting for a bus in Kolkata, I noticed a sign in bold letters, “ WILD ASS SANCTUARY”. I could not help but laugh out loud and was sure the Lord must have a message for me. My imagination pictured a church sanctuary with a really intense outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, I felt a little guilty because my mother would never want me to use the “A” word or laugh at someone who did. Sorry mom, on this one I think the Lord wanted to use humor to speak to my heart. I imagined an unbel

Flee From Idols

One of the wonders of India are it’s many languages. Though Hindi and English are prominent, in Kolkata, Bengali is an official language and the Muslim population uses Urdu. Kolkata is in the state of West Bengal and to the east is Bangladesh. Bill, our team leader, will be traveling with Rosia to the state of Nagaland so that Rosia can spend the next month serving at a ministry center before returning to Mexico. Nagaland is one of many states that are a part of India that wrap around the

Honoring the Rickshaw Drivers

Pastor Michael comes from a high cast family in India and became a Christian many years ago through the ministry of YWAM(Youth With A Mission). He pastors a church in Kolkata and oversees an NGO(non government organization) called “Serve the Nations.” Though it is rare, in the official government paperwork for this NGO, it states that they have permission to teach the Christian faith. This NGO has many outreach programs and we had the opportunity to experience this great event on a warm

Temples

All over India there are temples, places of worship. I guess the same as in the US there are so many church buildings, places of worship. It seems interesting that we call church buildings, “churches”, since the church is made up of people, not brick and mortar. The apostles Peter and Paul both used a temple analysis when referring to individual people. 1 Peter 2:5 talks about believers being living stones, not cold, hard lifeless stones but alive in Christ. I love the lyrics of a choru

Let’s Go

Off to a great start flying from Cleveland to Erie on the first leg. Lynn just finished reading a book by an old friend, Kel Steiner, who was a big inspiration to us regarding foreign missions. Kel was a leader on the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Base in Guam and came to the Upper Room in the late 70’s to recruit workers. Many responded to this very likable adventure-loving Kiwi, and went for training and service in foreign missions. I knew Lynn was enjoying the book and looking for names

A Call To Fruitfulness

In one day I turn 61 and a couple of days later, I am off to India. The benchmark of a Birthday often leads to some self reflection. This also marks the anniversary of retirement from the YMCA and the end of a busy year that included two glorious weddings, a new grandson, news of soon coming twin grand babies (via Adrienne and Chris in April) and much travel. So glad the Lord gave me the opportunity to be available in this past year. My friend, Paul calls his ministry, “the ministry of avail

Hello Friends

Hello friends: In an effort to express myself, my experiences and my understanding of God’s story in my life, I am beginning this blog. My hope is to be faithful in communicating something that is helpful in your journey and an encouragement to walk in the light of our Savior. I am also hopeful to document more significant adventures regarding mission trips abroad and at home. Having always been amazed and humbled by the doors God has opened, this blog is intended to share with family and fr

Preparation

This winter has started with record snow and bitter cold. Up until a couple of days ago I have been able to do a daily two mile walk to Lake Erie. This is great physical preparation for walking in India and I have sensed God’s presence in spiritual preparation. Lake Erie, January 2018Our team has been called to prayer walk the cities of Dehli, Kolkata and Varanasi. In our walking we are to exercise the faith and light God has put in us. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” and He said, “Yo