Saturday, July 26, 2025

Chaos in Calcutta

This is a short video of an experience I had during the Divali festival in 1996 in Calcutta, India. Visualized with the help of AI in 2025.



Here the original "prompt":
It was unimaginable. Already on a normal day, Calcutta, with its sea of people, vehicles, smells and sounds, was quite overwhelming for Westerners accustomed to orderly conditions like us. But what we encountered now surpassed everything: Millions of people were on the move; it was unbelievably loud, people were dancing and singing everywhere, split into thousands of groups, each with its own style and beat, hundreds of processions going in this direction, hundreds in that... One could hardly walk, even on broader streets and squares, because there were so many people!

In the midst of this chaos, a woman, probably in her mid-forties, made her way through the crowds towards the river, carrying a baby in her arms, holding it out in front of her like somebody who is presenting an offering in a temple. Every five yards or so, she put the baby on the ground and then stretched herself out on the street, face down. Our missionary friend was sure that the baby was about to be sacrificed in the river, most likely to Kali, the goddess of death, after whom Calcutta is named. 

Thousands of people, most of whom probably were very much aware of what was about to happen, watched but nobody attempted to stop the woman. If anybody had tried, he most likely would have been violently opposed by the crowd, because the vast majority of them were probably convinced that it was a good thing to appease the gods by bringing sacrifices, not shrinking back from sacrificing a little baby. Oh, if people only knew that we do no longer have to bring any sacrifices, because Jesus has already made the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins!

This good news was exactly what I was able to share with a 29-year-old Indian man whom I started to talk to on a short boat ride. With hundreds of people around us, we suddenly made eye contact and instantly knew that we were supposed to talk to each other. We only had a few minutes time, and amidst the noise level around it seemed hopeless trying to start a conversation, but it was as if the Lord blocked out all the noise around us; it felt like  we were in an oasis of peace in the midst of a desert of  noise and chaos: There was total peace and freedom to proclaim the Gospel to him clearly and lovingly, as if we would have been the only people far and wide. 

"I want to be able to believe like you do!", he said, and I could see in his eyes that he longed for Jesus and the love of the Father. "You will!", I promised him, being fully convinced that he would be among the redeemed and that I will see him again in heaven someday. I handed him a tract and, before we could say anything else, we had already arrived at our destination, people started to push from all sides, and we had to say good-bye, as we became aware of the chaos and noise around us again. I never heard from this man ever since, but I know that the Lord is faithful and able to lead him fully into the kingdom, and he always finishes what he starts! For me, just this one meeting would have been worth the entire trip to Asia!

Excerpt from my book "Encounters - Autobiography and Travel Reports" Pages 107-109.

FURTHER EXPLANATION 

In the book, the following info precedes the story, it was however, not part of the AI-prompt for the video:

India is a predominantly Hindu nation, and the importance of religion is omnipresent in everyday life in India. All Hindus, no matter whether they are beggars, bank directors or multi-billionaires, politicians or farmers, have one thing in common: The constant fear of the wrath of gods. This is particularly evident during Diwali, when millions of Indians, I would say all Hindus without exception, are on the streets and noisily run behind idols and statues made especially for the occasion. The destination of the processions is usually a temple or a river, where sacrifices are offered to the respective deities.

Prior to the main 'puja' (sacrificial ritual) of the festival, each neighborhood sets up its own idol. All residents are expected to contribute to the expenses. Anyone who refuses to contribute makes himself very unpopular, because he is believed to cause the wrath of the gods to fall on the entire community. This may not be a problem in purely Muslim neighborhoods and villages, as well as in the predominantly Christian regions in the far northeast of the country, on the borders with Bhutan, Myanmar and China. Our friend, however, lived in a part of the city that was inhabited almost exclusively by Hindus. He certainly had not made any friends by his strict refusal to give anything when his neighbors had knocked on his door. On the day of the biggest 'puja', we also took to the streets to be a light in the darkness of this festival - ironically also known as the 'Indian Festival of Light'.



Wednesday, June 25, 2025

A young man walked into my life!

36 years ago, a young man walked into my life, full of love and life. I was a little skeptical in the beginning - you know, others had disappointed and left me empty before – but he was different. He loved nature, and to walk with him through the mountains, a forest or along an oceanside was the most exciting, life-giving thing ever. He seemed to know and love every creature and every person we encountered, and he taught me to love, honor and respect them as well, even though he is still lightyears ahead of me in this regard. He seemed to have an answer and a solution for every problem I encountered, but always had the wisdom to give me space to let me find out, learn and grow by myself while he would sometimes just cheer me on and encourage me by his presence, his friendship and a loving touch whenever I ran out of hope. He has made everything meaningful, the good things like music, work and relationships as well as the difficult things like pain, failure and sickness. He has been with me every day and every night ever since, even though in my stubbornness I tried to walk away from him a few times, thinking that I knew better than him what was good for me. I never regretted to open my heart to him, and I know I never will. What a friend I have in Jesus!



Thursday, November 23, 2023

The awe and wonder of birthdays

I do not really enjoy most birthday parties: people come together for food, give presents to whosoever’s birthday is celebrated, and wish him or her a “Happy Birthday”. In Christian circles we might add a short prayer, asking God to bless that person throughout the coming year. Now, there is nothing wrong with good food, presents and prayers. But if that is all there is, the occasion remains like a celebration of a rich harvest without thanking the One who makes all things grow; it is like looking at nature, marveling at the countless species of animals and plants without ever thinking of the one who created them; like delighting in a symphony without honoring its composer or like being impressed by a magnificent building without realizing that there must be an architect who drew the plans. It sounds silly, but that is exactly what we tend to do. We worship created things rather than the Creator!

David, the great king of Israel, had a different perspective. He prayed:

“For you, LORD, created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14

Every birthday should be a Thanksgiving Day, an opportunity to thank God for creating an absolutely perfect, miraculous human being, made in his own image, so precious to him that he gave his own son to die on a cross in order to redeem us from the powers of darkness, pride and evil that try to keep us from everything our souls long for -  from the moment we are conceived until we die.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, angels appeared in the sky, gave glory to God and challenged the shepherds in the field to do so as well. I think that every birth is surrounded by great awe and wonder in heaven, no matter whether the newborn is male or female, whether it is Asian or Caucasian, born in or out of wedlock, into poverty or riches and no matter whether it is born to Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Atheist or Buddhist parents, may they live in Gaza or in China, on the Red Sea or the Black one: A new soul, a unique personality with needs, dreams and a deep longing to be loved and to love has been born!

Therefore, instead of just wishing each other a “Happy Birthday", let us celebrate our birthdays by thanking God and by worshipping Him, our maker, for giving us a brother/sister, friend, neighbor, … - a gift He and we can delight in.






Thursday, October 19, 2023

Hear, O Israel!

   When the nation of Israel was founded 75 years ago, many people thought it would be the long desired safe haven for the Jewish people. However, on October 7th 2023, the world woke up to the reality that even the best, most powerful military equipment, paired with the best intelligence services in the world were not able to provide the hoped for, impenetrable shelter for its citizens. The Bible promises Israel only one safe haven, and that is not the "Iron Dome", but it is the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10). If you really want to help Israel and if you want to see true peace come to the Middle East, you should pray for Israel  to turn to the LORD: 

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD alone! Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Fear the LORD your God, serve him only, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land" 

(Deuteronomy 6:4.13-15). 

   The overwhelming majority of the worldwide about 14 million Jews, still reject the Messiah, the One whom the LORD sent to be the Savior of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remarkably, the rejection of Jesus is the one thing that Israel has in common with all Muslims. This hatred of Jesus will eventually somehow unite Jews and Muslims (and all other gentiles), but only when they turn to Jesus will Jews and Muslims be able to make true peace with one another. We, the church, are the only ones who can call both sides to turn to Jesus, and thus be reconciled with God. His love and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus are the only powers that can wipe away the hatred in the hearts of people. So let us not talk about Israel´s "right to defend itself" (it certainly has this right, but, as the Bible teaches, God´s people should not take revenge, but leave room for God´s wrath!), and neither let us speculate about "political solutions" for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict -  there is none. True peace is only found in Jesus Christ!



Friday, October 28, 2022

The Apotheosis of George Washington


The Apotheosis of Washington?? Apotheosis literally means "the process (or moment) of becoming (a) god". This painting by the Italian-born artist Constantino Brumidi shows George Washington ascending to heaven, taking his place among ancient Roman "gods" like Neptune, Mercury and Minerva. It is located not in the hidden corner of some obscure Museum of Conspiracies, but for all the world to see in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, covering 4,664 sq.ft. (433 m2). 


This is another blatant pointer to the true foundation of the USA, besides many other heathen, Masonic, non-Christian symbolism in culture and architecure, from the Statue of 'Liberty' in New York, to the Egyptian obelisk of the Washington Monument and the all-seeing eye on the 1-$ bill. Christians must distance  themselves from any of these symbols and 'works of art', because they do not honor the one true God, the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but they are expressions of rebellion against him, abominations for which his wrath comes and rivival tarries!

Official website of the Architect of the Capitol, the organization that is responsible for the upkeeping and presentation of the Capitol and its works of art. 


Friday, August 5, 2022

Following Jesus?

If the Jesus whom you are following has not led you to the Father:

STOP FOLLOWING HIM!

Jesus said: "I am the way the truth and the life,  nobody comes to the Father but through me" (John 14:6).  Jesus´ heart  is to bring those whom he loves to get to know his Father. Many have gone out claiming that they are Jesus, the Christ who was to come to reconcile man to God. If your Jesus has not introduced you to the Father, he is not the real thing, but a demon masquerading as an angel  of light, or a human construct, for the best. Satan will be content as long as you think that you are following Jesus. The real Jesus, however, will deliver what he promised: He will bring you to the Father - and you will KNOW that you know Him! So:

Stop following the wrong guy and the wrong people, no matter, whom they claim to be and how long they have been around, because they themselves do not  know the Father! 

We are told to test the spirits (1. John 4:1) - so you will not offend the real Jesus by testing him, but the fake one, posing as the real one, will have to show his real face to you. Just tell him to pack and leave, and determine to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, expecting him to bring you into the Father´s presence - that´s why he came and died on the cross for! 




Monday, June 13, 2022

Abuse in the Catholic church


Germany: Study uncovers widespread sexual abuse in Münster diocese

A university study found at least 610 underage victims were abused by clergy in the western German diocese. With many cases going unreported, researchers estimate the actual number of victims could be 10 times as high. READ MORE 

Praying for priests, kids and adult members of the Roman Catholic Church again today.

My heart breaks about news like this, because I know how easy it is to be tempted and to fall in this area. I know the father-heart of God for the victims, as well as the mercy that´s available for those who fell. But I also know that there will be severest judgment for all who do not repent and those who cover up these atrocities.

As for the Catholic Church as a whole, each case like this is another step towards its certain, prophesied complete destruction through the very God whom it claims to represent. Within one hour it will be destroyed, so if you are still in it: come out of her, or you will partake in her destruction!

If you have been abused yourself, I pray that you will find grace to forgive; if you have failed, repent and seek forgiveness from God – He wants you to turn to Jesus, not to a “church” whose leaders do not know him!