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What can you expect at the Texas Christian Ashram?
"The Texas Christian Ashram means family, dear friends, faith, and a remarkable feeling of homecoming every year. Since 1953, I have only missed one – all of my children (and most of my grandchildren) have been to one more Ashrams than they are years old. The promise of being with close family and rekindling the flames of friendship and fellowship with dear friends is too awesome to ponder – it must be experienced! We love the Ashram." Russell Gregory
The Texas Christian Ashram is a healthy and happy adventure in corporate, disciplined Christian living and seeks to balance devotional practice, study, worship and service in a committed life together. The aim of the Ashram is to be the “Kingdom of God in miniature” – a quest for spiritual living with Jesus Christ as the Center of the Ashram. From Him will flow into each of us newness of life, renewal of spirit and a desire to witness wherever we live and work and serve.
The Texas Christian Ashram is designed to break down all barriers of race, class, culture and religion. The only qualification for membership in our fellowship is that you come as you are, but that you want to be different, to be the person God intends you to be.
Some of the traditions of the Texas Christian Ashram include:
Prayer Vigil - Round the clock prayer where someone is at prayer beginning immediately after Open Heart and closing just before Overflowing Heart. You are encouraged to pray and meditate rather than to spend the time in reading. A schedule is posted for volunteers to keep the Prayer Vigil continuous 24 hours a day.
Work Hour - In the Ashram, we all participate in planned work with our hands to break down the barriers of those who work with their hands and those who do not. We always seek to leave our meeting place in a better condition than we have found it, be it our rooms or the entire camp. The work period is directed by the “Pharaoh” and “Pharaohess”.
Quiet Time - An essential part of the Ashram is the time of silence from bedtime until the Evangelist breaks the silence at morning devotions. The last thing we do before we go to bed is to listen to God in silence and in this same silence speak to Him in the morning as we greet the new day. Let us strictly keep these times of silence.
Morning Watch - The Evangelist breaks the period of silence by sharing what scripture, insight, etc. he/she desires and then everyone is free to speak in turn, sharing as they feel led. At the close of the devotions the Evangelist leads in the morning greeting, “The Lord is risen!”: and, then the people respond saying, “The Lord is risen indeed”. Then everyone lifts three fingers and says, “Jesus is Lord!”.
Communion - A communion service is held once during the week to celebrate the sacrament.
Healing Service - We do not make the physical body the center of the Ashram, but we do recognize its importance. Brother Stanley Jones said, “If we make the physical healing the center, this is making our bodies the center. Anything that leaves us at the center is off center. We emphasize wholeness. Some want to be well and not whole. ‘Wellness’ is centered in the self. Wholeness is centered in Christ”. The Evangelist leads in this vital and important service – a healing of body, mind, spirit and relationships.
Offering - A one-time offering is collected each year to meet the expenses of the Ashram.
Ashram Greeting - When meeting a fellow Ashramite, especially during quiet time, we greet each other
with the three finger Ashram Greeting symbolizing Jesus Is Lord!
Mealtime Blessings - Before leaving morning devotions, the song leader leads in singing the Ashram grace – “I will not be Afraid”. Singing the blessing before and after each meal is lead by the song leader, director or designee.
Ice Cream Social - Everyone gathers each night to share ice cream and fellowship.
Ashram Music Program - The Lord has blessed our family with many wonderful musicians
who love to share their talent with everyone.