| The 10 O’ Clock News[letter]
Where do I begin? I just got back from
a month in India with the Joshua Squad a few days ago. I’m
still reeling from all the experiences- and summer is just getting started! Let
me tell you a little about India first.
Live from Hyderabad
The Joshua Squad was in India between May 8th and May 29th.
We were based in Hyderabad, the technology capitol of India (if you place a call to tech-support,
chances are you’re talking with someone in Hyderabad). We spent the weekends there, but during
the week went out into the villages and nearer tribal areas. At each stop, we would put on an all-day
workshop at the local church teaching mime technique, and perform in the
evening. After each performance one of the team members would give their
testimony and invite people to talk with us about Jesus. The missionary team we
were with would translate for us as we talked with individuals after the show.
We saw over 200 people come to know Christ. The local pastors and missionary
staff oversee the follow-up and discipleship.
It was a very intense trip, not just
because of the heat (we peaked at 117° and it was consistently about 110°) but
because of the fast-paced schedule. We were in a different village almost every
day teaching, performing, and preaching. This was also my first mission as
president of the Joshua Squad. As such, I got to experience a lot more of the
leadership challenges that go along with a missions / performance tour. Craziness aside, this was still one of my
favorite trips yet. For one thing, it was amazing to immerse ourselves in
Indian culture- language, food, clothing, customs, etc. For another, the
missionaries we worked with were some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever
met, and seeing so many people come to the Lord was really rewarding. As hot,
dirty, and completely devoid of traffic regulations as it may have been, I
absolutely loved India, and hope to go back again- but more on
that later.
If you’d like to see pictures and read
a daily update/report written by members of the Squad, go to:
http://arts.belhaven.edu/Theatre/missions_india.htm
Coming Up Next
With India behind me, I have two things left to do
for the summer. The first fulfils my internship requirement at Belhaven. I’ll
be directing a missions trip with Action Impact Missions. I’ve been involved
with Action for almost 6 years now and it’s fulfilling a dream to finally be
able to direct for them. I’ll be taking a small team through Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania doing workshops and performances. It’s
pretty hectic trying to get all my bookings in a row and plan performances,
etc. but I think it’ll be a great experience.
As for next year, the Squad is looking
into traveling to Spain. Hopefully, my father will be able to come
along as a chaperone. There is also a possibility of returning to India my senior year for a
study-abroad/internship program. Trinity Christian College is sending some of their graduates to
Belhaven this fall for our 1 year Theatre Ministry certificate program, after
which they’ll go back and start a theatre program at Trinity. It’s possible Dr.
Lou might send me with them to help them start the department. If that works
out or not is too far away to tell, but I’d appreciate your prayers on that.
In Other News
Other then that, I’m working at Bright
Ideas Press (my parent’s publishing house) over the summer as a cartographer,
and getting ready for my Junior year at Belhaven. It’s possible that the Joshua
Squad will move out of Belhaven as student organization this fall and start
functioning as a professional physical theatre company- in which case I’ll be
hired as Artistic Director (my first job outside the house J). I’m excited about that and am working
long-distance on that project.
As much as constant travel and performing
can be a normal way of life, I think I’m settling in to it. I’m glad to be able
to go all over the world and work in a field that’s often neglected by
Christians. I’m slowly getting used to this whole “young adult” thing. Thank
you for your prayers and support. None of this would be possible without it.
Yours, as always,
-tyler hogan
Thank you, and Goodnight
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