New Mexico Temple - The Land of Enchantment
BY: SUKADEVA DAS
Sep 13, 2010 — ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA (SUN) — My Dear Prabhu's, Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
My name is Sukadeva das and I have been trying to become a humble servant of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami for the last 41 years. Prabhupada always wanted a full-time temple, opened 7 days a week, in New Mexico. There have been temples in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, but there is no permanent full-time temple at present.
By Srila Prabhupada's mercy, I am now preaching full-time in Albuquerque, even though I am living in my car and a motel room. Hare Nama Sankirtan is performed regularly and books are being distributed also. I am giving classes at the University of New Mexico.
I have found a storefront on Nob Hill, which is adjacent to the University. The landlord is agreeable to give me a year's lease provided that I can give him the required move-in costs. I have been in Albuquerque for 4 months and have no regular income to acquire or support the temple. I am humbly requesting and asking anyone who can give assistance for the $3,000 start-up costs, or any donation towards this amount to establish a full-time temple.
There has been good response from students and the general mass of people. A regular temple will give those interested an opportunity to see the Deity, hear Srila Prabhupada's Srimad Bhagawatam and Bhagavad Gita As It Is, and to taste Bhagawat Prasadam. If these activities take place, along with Krishna Kirtan, success for Srila Prabhupada's mission in New Mexico, the land of enchantment, will be fulfilled.
I have informed the landlord that the Lord will help me to acquire this property before he leases it to other competing parties. My 501 (c) 3 status is being sent from Santa Fe, so any donation to complete the transaction on the property, at this time, can be sent to Oliver Johnson, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87123. Wire transfers from Western Union or Walmart, are quite effective. Any questions can be directed to me at (818) 554-0353. The landlord has given me till the end of the week, Sept.18, 2010, to make a good faith payment.
I have had to sleep in my car and in church parking lots to establish this temple, but I am not in the least discouraged. Many devotees have sent much encouragement for this difficult assignment and I am enlivened without end.
Please help as Prabhupada and Krishna dictates within your heart.
All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga!
Aspiring to be your humble servant,
Sukadeva das
Email: sukadevdas@yahoo.com
