Sunday night Roopa* and Vikas* invited us out for pizza just to catch up.  We had been overseas for six weeks so there was a lot to talk about.

During a pause in the conversation I pointed out that today was a special day.

I could see from their faces that Roopa and Vikas were puzzled.  They knew us well enough to know it was not one of our birthdays or our anniversary.

"It is Pentacost", I told them.  "Do you know what the word 'penta' means?

Roopa thought for a minute and said, "five".

"You are right", I replied.  "And today is 50 days after Easter.  And on this day some very strange things happened.  Can I tell you about them?"

" A group of Jesus followers were inside a house.  All of a sudden they felt a big wind and then they saw tongues of fire on each other's heads.  Then they started speaking languages they had never studied.  The noise caught the attention of the neighbours and soon there was a big crowd outside.  One of Jesus followers gave a very powerful talk.

"What is important to me about Pentacost is that is when God's Spirit began to dwell in the followers of Jesus, giving them power to overcome obstacles."

I decided to stop at that point.  Could I have said more?  Maybe.

But I always want to stop talking before peope stop listening.  That way I will get a good hearing the next time I share something.

Next Sunday is Trinity Sunday.  It is the day that many Christians celebrate the doctrine of the Trinity.  Now that might be a bit harder for me to explain to my Hindu friends, but set's see what opportunities God gives me.   

Let's pray:

"Lord Jesus, thank you for the many celebrations we have throughout the year.  Thank you for the mighty work you did at Pentacost and for the wonderful gift of your Holy Spirit who empowers us to be bold witnesses.  I appreciate his work in pointing out sin in my own life and giving me power to make changes in my behaviour so that my friends get a better idea of what it means to follow you.  Lead us to people whom you have prepared to learn more about you.  Give us your sensitivity in knowing how much to say.  Let us be both bold and sensitive.  Amen"

Let me encourage you to add to your list of your annual Christian celebrations.  My Hindu friends seem to have a new celebration almost every week. Take a look at some of the other Christian groups and see if any of their celebrations are worth adapting.  Consider this list for starters.