Diwali 

Yesterday I had a not-so-pleasant task of accompanying my wife Bernice to the hospital. She was to undergo a nasty procedure lasting approximately 30 minutes; in the event, it lasted for an hour and three-quarters! Consequently, we were there for over four and a half hours, in different parts of the hospital.

I had gone prepared for a long wait and had it in mind that apart from reading some precious ministry I would distribute some tracts/magazines in the "Sanctuary" area of the hospital.

I completed my reading and made my way down the huge main thoroughfare which led to every Ward and had shops, ATMs, waiting areas, and numerous places to sit down. There is also a grand piano there for aspiring pianists; I believe anyone is permitted to use it.

What greeted me when I arrived at that juncture absolutely astounded me. There were scores of people all lingering around some sort of decoration on the floor. Most of the people were Asian and many of them were garbed in what I imagine must be clothing associated with their religion. Many of the ladies wore dresses etc created from very brightly coloured materials. There was a very long table covered with different dishes from which they were handing out food to any and all who asked, at no cost, I must add. I never tried to approach, especially as there was a large milling crowd which never seemed to diminish.

In the foreground, an area had been cordoned off surrounding a display of flower blossoms, various powders, lit tea lights, and decorated earthen oil lamps, apparently called "diyas." In its centre the words "happy Diwali" were spelled out in flower petals and powders. Diwali is I am informed a "festival of light," celebrated over five days by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and some Muslims. There is confusion as to whether Muslims hold Diwali, some vehemently denying it, others owning that they do.

I found it difficult to readily accept that such a display and its accompanying celebrations would be permitted in a major U.K. hospital, whose policy is multi-faith, (although with a pronounced objection to evangelical Christianity.) In confirmation of this insight, I was about to discover even more prejudice directed at the true Christian faith.

There is a very large area in the hospital set aside as a place of solace, comfort, and meditation, the area I mentioned as the Sanctuary. It is in the shape of a crescent which borders a sort of "inner sanctum." In the outer crescent shape, there is a table where various items of literature are displayed for any who wish to read or take them away. It was covered with a diverse selection of false religious works, two Bibles in an unfamiliar and ultra-modern translation. I carefully placed a number of copies of Via and about ten tracts, on the table.

Next, I moved to the entrance of the inner sanctum, to discover it completely carpeted with "prayer mats," all occupied by kneeling barefooted men. I realised I could not enter for the time being, but determined to go back to leave literature there in the places provided. So sometime later, after a good interval, I returned. All my literature had been removed, and presumably disposed of by irate celebrants of Diwali. I felt a number of emotions, including I confess, anger.

I refused to be cowed by this action and replaced more literature where it had been removed. I was still unable to "tract" the sanctum as there was one "worshipper" still knelt on his prayer mat.

Another interval passed and I returned. I could not believe it! All the literature had been removed again! I replaced it once again, even tucking a tract into various idolatrous books. The sanctum now empty, I completed my task. Almost every celebrant had left the hospital by then, so I trusted that all would remain in place should it please the Lord.