It was Friday evening, February 1, 2008 when I first entered the village of Karasamangalam located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The street was lined with vertical lights on each post and music was blaring from loud speakers as we neared the village square. A crude stage with a sheet for a screen was clearly visible at the edge of the open area.

Our white taxi coasted to a stop and as soon as I exited the vehicle, the children of the village gathered around to investigate this stranger who had arrived as a guest evangelist from the United States of America. It was the beginning of what would become a love affair with the children of the village.

Every evening they would gather to greet me, sometimes standing along the road to wave as we passed by. They pressed in close to shake my hand and greet me with the customary bow. Their faces radiated happiness as they reveled at being in my presence. Songs of praise in their native language echoed throughout the village permeating the stone walls of the houses and the hearts of the people.

When we visited door to door in the village, the children would be ever-present. They clamored for space as we entered each house and encouraged others with their infectious smiles of joy. Energy oozed from each child as we caravanned down the street to meet with expectant parents and family members. Our growing entourage halted to pray at each home and with nearly every family.

On Wednesday evening, February 13, I arrived at the village at the usual time not knowing that it would be for the last time. I was warmly received and welcomed by not only the children, but many adult villagers. Our meeting attendance had been growing and many had made decisions to accept Christ and to be baptized. We had our usual enthusiastic song service, followed by current pictures of those attending the meetings. The health lecture was finished and I presented the sermon topic for the evening.

I had no idea, at that point, that our meetings would be cut short by three nights because of opposition and unrest regarding the evangelistic meetings in another hub city location. I did not have a clue that we would need to leave in the middle of the night for our safety.

I had shared from the Word of God in the village for the final time. They had heard the wonderful teachings of the scriptures relating to the great controversy, the Sabbath, the state of the dead, law and grace, baptism and much more. Most importantly, I shared the love of Jesus and the blessed hope of His second coming. I expressed my desire to spend eternity with Christ, and with all the people of the village of Karasamangalam.

After the message, the children and adults pressed in close to me so that I could pray for every man, woman, and child in the village who desired it. Before I left, I paused to pray for Robert, who was paralyzed and attended every meeting. The children crowded close as they escorted me to the white taxi for the last time. WANACAM! WANACAM! They shouted as they warmly wished me well as I departed.

My love affair with the children was cut short. It has left a void in my heart as I was unable to return. I am pained for lack of closure to our meetings, and for not being able to say goodbye. I can vividly remember reaching out of the taxi window while the children grasped my hand as I left. My brief sojourn with the children of Karasamangalam is only a memory and will have to wait for eternity to be continued.