Apr 2007 – Late Saturday night the phone rang. I(Roy) didnt’t recognize the number on the caller ID. A young lady identified herself as the president of the Fine Arts Society of India(FSI) at UTA. They were having a special cultural performance, Sangam with the India Musical Arts and Culture Society(IMACS) and they wanted to personally invite me as their guest as a gesture of thanks for help in the past… I asked when it was going to be… “On Sunday night at 5:30 PM.” After clearing with Lisa, I said yes and thus began a wonderful adventure. (See Pictures)

Sangam refers to Tamil academies, which according to Tamil legends, enabled poets and authors to gather periodically to publish their work. At UTA it figuratively presents the idea of many types of poeple getting together to share a little bit of their culture. For a country with over 2000 people groups(more numbers on India) and numerous lanugages, this idea of unity in the midst of diversity is very important.

As I arrived at the event at UTA after a busy day of ministry, I wasn’t sure who I was supposed to meet. I was told they were going to waive the entry fee and after meeting the president herselve, they did. At first, the only person I recognized was an Iranian student (of all places) who went on the Tejas Spring Break retreat. By the time the night was over the Rosebud Theater was filled beyond its 460 person capacity – standing room only.

There was a delightful mix of traditional and modern Indian acts put on by the students. There was dancing and music from several of the major Indian cultures. There was even a presenation by some of the Christian Indians.

There was a surprise half way through the four hour event when they asked me to come up and receive a gift from the two organizations and their advisor as a token of thanks for all the help we have given them over the last few years. What an honor.

One of the things we have been trying to do is to develop a relationship of trust within the 1500 strong Indian community and I think this shows that we are moving toward that end. More important, God placed in my heart a greater appreciation for the Indian cultures and the diversity and beauty of them. I was touched by this gesture… Praise the Lord.