Dad's first meeting

Dad was painting in his art room. He had his pilayar painting on one side, and a painting of actress Vijayanthi mala on the left.  Emil Jebasingh uncle entered the room. He did not stare at his painting, nor uttered anything about it.  But invited dad for 3 day Gideonear camp in Panavilai.

Dad was hesitant. Emil uncle, put his hand around dad's shoulder and said, God needs artist( kalaigars) like you. He quickly left.. Dad was working in Uthumalai then. Emil uncle had gone house to house and invited 300 people.

Hesitantly, dad went for the program. He met Mr.Washingston, who heartily invited him in the venue.  Sticking around that day, he was sure, he was out of place. So he got his bag, and walked to the bus stop.. There Mr. Manicaraj Thiraviyam met him, and asked why dad was leaving. He said he had to go, and dint seem to belong here. Mr. Manikaraj Thiravium, insisted and requested dad to be there for the 'Sandhya' program alone, and then leave. He brought dad back to the camp.

He saw a  neatly dressed- tucked in shirt and trousers a man, to whom dad asked, 'Have you come for this meeting?' questioningly.. for he must have seemed out of place.  Seated dad was alarmed to see that fine man, walk up the stage and preach. He was Mr. P. Sam. Dad had a notebook and pencil. Seeing P. Sam uncle's animated speech, he started sketching him in his notebook vigorously.. He  finished all the pages in the book, with the drawings.. He was engrossed by his animated movements.... As the sun went down, he couldn't sketch more.. He started listening to the preaching and when there was an altar call, to lay your lives in Jesus arms, dad went forward.

Rest is history. But it takes a leader, to make that one-on-one touch and a burden for each other.

Mr. Israel Devaraj when he left Bethel bugged off the food, dad brought him back from the bus stop, mom cooked good fish curry and promised that whenever he felt homes sick, he needs to drop in, and he can have fish.  Another missionary a M.A graduate also who had packed his bag and left, dad brought him in, and told him that God needs such people for translation of Bible and that he will do it soon. He went on ahead to translate the Bible in malto.  Praise be to God alone.