Thursday, February 18, 2016

Our News Feb 18, 2016

Welcome Home! -Nandiswara Prabhu has been visiting friends and family in New Zealand for the past month.  We will pick him up from the airport today.  His association and tremendous contributions to Gita Nagari have made him invaluable to the projects ongoing at the Temple.  We have sorely missed him and ask that you help us welcome him home.
Our newest devote  - As we mentioned last week, our dear Sakhi Priya Prabhu delivered a healthy and happy new devotee named Nitai Gaura das into our Gita Nagari family.  Krishna Kumara Prabhu saw him at the hospital last week, and tells us the new baby is georgous and vibrant.  I know you share our desire to greet this auspicious new devotee.
Lord Nityananda's appearance day - Please join us this Saturday, February 20th as we celebrate the appearance day of Lord Nityananda.  We fast 'til noon, then gather at the Temple at 4 pm to relish pastimes of this most wonderful personality.  After chanting Gaura Arati, we will feast together to honorThe Lord's Prasad.  As you know, we can only receive the blessings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu throughLord Nityananda's mercy.  When Raghunatha das Goswami wanted to join Mahaprabu, he first went toNityananda Prabhu to beg his blessings.  The Lord assured him that he would soon receiveMahaprabhu's mercy.
Exalted visitors -  Sri Gopal Prabhu brought his Mother, Father, and Sister to visit Gita Nagari last week.  They labored mightily to assist Mother Parijat, Jhulana Yatra, Sati and Dhruva Prabhus to clean and prepare the Temple basement for The Youth Group and Gita's Gifts.  They served from morning to night with smiles and a great attitude.  We appreciate their sincere efforts to help us.
Advaita Acharya Prabhu and his father Paul are visiting from Houston.  In the midst or rain and slush, they are carrying wood to fill the boilers and keep the devotees warm.  Thank you for your sanga Prabhus!
Keshi Mardana Prabhu will be joining us from Las Vegas at the end of March.  He is a great asset to our project, and we eagerly anticipate his arrival.  Welcome home!
Lessons learned in India - The Yatras recently spent 5 weeks in South India.  After visiting many of the Holy places that Mahaprabhu visited on His South Indian Yatra, they shared just how fortunate we are that Srila Prabhupada sacrificed His life to bring Krishna Conciousness to our doorstep in the west.  Everywhere the Yatras visited, they were treated with amazing deference when people found out they were members of ISKCON.  As we celebrate the Fiftyeth year of ISKCON, please remember to say a prayer of thanks to His Divine Grace Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for His mercy upon us.