Step by step, in perhaps small ways, the connection with our companion synod, the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in India, (NELC), is growing. One of the goals currently being fostered is the connection between young people here in the United States and in India. I wanted to share our recent experience in this venture. Our synod was fortunate enough to invite a young person from India to attend the Church-wide Youth gathering in New Orleans in July, and have it come to fruition. Martin Handsdak, the son of a pastor from our companion synod, was selected by the NELC to participate in this adventure. Several local congregations, along with Sugar Creek Bible Camp, participated in hosting Martin while he spent time here in Wisconsin. Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church combined with Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest to attend the Youth Gathering, so we invited him to spend time in  DeForest, living with the Hoffman family from Christ Lutheran Church, along with their 5 children, (three of which attended the gathering, along with both parents, Kent and Julie). Tom and Will Hewuse, Michelle Cesario, and I who are the four from Norway Grove that went on the trip to New Orleans, were able to spend time getting to know him here in Wisconsin, as well as in New Orleans.In October of 2007, on the last Synod trip to the NELC, unbeknownst to me at the time, I had met Martin’s father at the recording studio located in the Mission Compound. In fact, Martin’s father took us on a most fabulous field trip up into the mountains of India, where we were able to witness the great work God is doing in reaching out to people there with the Good News of Jesus Christ. With connections already forming between the NELC and the South Central Synod of and my connection and participation in the companion synod team, it was a natural fit to want to get to know Martin.The first time I met Martin in New Orleans, I got out my camera. There just happened to be some pictures still stored there from the trip to his home. Being a bit home sick, and culturally way out of his normal routine, it was a pleasure to see his face light up when I showed him pictures of his home town, the Mission house, his friends, and even his father at the recording studio. The connection was made.

Our group of young people bonded very well with Martin. We worshipped together, played together, ate together, and even went on a swamp tour together. Memories of our connecting will be around for along time. What delightful young man and wonderful experience to share each others culture and faith in Jesus Christ. By the time he left New Orleans, there were hugs enough to go around and tears in our eyes. Talk of how to meet again was of interest.  Perhaps now, some youth will travel to India, so see where Martin lives, and the connection will grow even deeper?