By Annemarie and Lone.
Felix Rejser, in collaboration with the Danish European Mission, is organizing a very exciting trip to Sri Lanka from 28 October to 12 November 2018.
Annemarie from Gentofte and Lone from Ballerup talk about their experiences and impressions from the Felix trip to Sri Lanka at the end of 2017: Together with the local guide and tour leader couple, Ellen Holst and Alex Bøge Nielsen, we had some fantastic days in Sri Lanka - the experiences were diverse and varied - but the main purpose of the trip for us was to hand over the Bible to poor Christians in Sri Lanka.
Image: Bible distribution in Sri Lanka made a big impression on Annemarie and Lone.
We had the opportunity to experience this on two occasions: in Kandy, the former capital of the country, and a few days later in a village nestled in the mountains, richly surrounded by tea fields on terraces and slopes.
It was a great blessing and experience, and we thank our Father in heaven for allowing us to participate in these Bible presentations to people and churches who do not have the finances to buy a Bible themselves.
In Kandy, around 25 church leaders were presented with five Bibles each after about 20 minutes of prayer, worship and a greeting from the President of the Danish European Mission, Niels Peder Nielsen. Later, they were given boxes filled with Bibles to take home to their local churches - the smiles were big and gratitude shone from their faces.
In Nuvara Eliya, the church was almost full to bursting with children and adults of all ages when our bus arrived - but a few benches were set aside for the guests. Worship, Bible reading in the two languages Tamil and Sinhalese and a greeting from Niels Peder created a great atmosphere for the handing over of the Bibles.
Individuals came up and were presented with a Bible - from children as young as 5-6 years old to the oldest, who was perhaps around 70 years old. An estimated 75 children and adults took home their Gold, and several Bibles were taken by church leaders to others who were unable to attend this festive presentation.
Lecture on the persecution of Christians
The trip also included a very enlightening lecture on the situation for Christians, which is not always easy in the country with its incredibly beautiful nature. Until 1950, the churches were mainly concentrated in the coastal areas, but after independence in 1972, the churches spread inland - and some Buddhists saw this as an attack and began persecuting Christians.
Especially in rural areas, Christians feel unwelcome and many find it difficult to find a good place to live as few are willing to rent to Christians and pastors in particular struggle. Many have had to move around and there have been situations of both physical and psychological violence against pastors.
Photos: The trip participants enjoyed Sri Lanka's rich wildlife and beautiful nature.
Participants saw whales, monkeys and crocodiles
There were so many wonderful and enriching experiences on this trip that it is difficult to describe - I will therefore leave the space for the poet of the trip, Viktor, who wrote songs on the trip, to conclude my travelogue. Here is a small selection from the songs:
Melodi: I am a farm me build vil.
On safari drive out
To get a photo shot
There were monkeys like themselves
Crocodiles, big and small
Many birds big small
Wild pigs we also saw
Over waves we set out
Whales must now face the firing squad
Around they sweep before they spray
The ridge separates, the water tickles
The tail strikes an extra blow
when they flip their bag.
Mel: Now heaven and earth are silent
Now the trip is coming to an end
To a beautiful and lovely country
Therefore, I would like to thank you for sending
For every woman and then man
Thank you for the tour guide couple
Who came all the way out here with us
Thank you for the time it has lasted
But the biggest THANK YOU to God.
New journey in 2018
A similar trip to Sri Lanka is offered again this year from October 28 to November 12, 2018. Contact Felix Travel on +45 7592 2022 or felixrejser.dk/srilanka and find out more.
You can help ensure that a poor Christian family can have the opportunity to read God's word in their own home. It only costs 30 kr. to give a Bible. Thank you for any gift.