Brethren kept the first half of the Feast at home and excitedly arrived at the Agra Crystal Sarovar Premiere Hotel on day four to observe the second half of God’s Feast.

COVID-19 restrictions and the requirement for vaccine certificates to stay at hotels in India were lifted just weeks before the Feast. Travel had been so difficult for so long that some of our local and international brethren were hesitant to travel to the Feast, not knowing what the restrictions would be.

However, our Church family of 18 were brought closer together as they enjoyed the Indian tradition of all members staying in the same hotel, eating three buffet meals together and having services in the hotel meeting room.

Most of the members knew the national language, Hindi, and some also know English very well. However, we had several members who speak predominately Hindi. This year, services were in English and the Hindi speaking members requested that instead of “intermittent translation” the brethren gather in a circle at the conclusion of each service to discuss the message in Hindi. Those who were well versed in both English and Hindi took very good sermon notes and discussed the important aspects of the messages. It was a helpful and meaningful review for everyone.

The four days spent together were full of daily fellowship, tea time, relaxing in the pool and Bible study. On Sabbath afternoon we played “Bible baseball.”  The Indian brethren really enjoyed this game, which was initially challenging as the rules of American baseball had to be explained first. Bible questions were “pitched” and even a home run was scored!

There was enjoyable fellowship on the rooftop of the hotel, which has a beautiful view of the world-famous Taj Mahal and a pool. The brethren had a few opportunities to swim and fun and laughter were enjoyed as the children at the Feast jumped and giggled with joy. An afternoon outing at a famous park was also enjoyed by several.

You are invited to join your Indian brothers and sisters at next year’s Feast. If you want to travel internationally and you earnestly seek to meet and serve your brothers and sisters in Christ who live overseas, the Feast in India would be an exceptional opportunity for you. A visit to India will be a life-changing experience. You can make a difference by sharing your time, talent and love with your Indian brothers and sisters. There is a need for Church elders and leaders in their congregations to attend the Feast in India and share daily messages during the Feast. For all who come, this will be a Feast you will not soon forget.