True Stories: Captured
I'm going to start this blog by going back in time. You see, when I was still at Flagler College, I decided to sign up for a free book from K.P. Yohannan's ministries here in India. The book was all about the pesecutions, trials, and tribulations that the Christians living in India and surrounding countries within the 10/40 window had to face day-in and day-out. If you do not know about the 10/40 window, then please look into it about those in this area and the troubles they face.
Anyways, as I read that book and some of the numerous Gospel for Asia magazines that I got every month thereafter, I really got burdened for the people in this region, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ who were being tortured and killed for their faith.
Yet, I still didn't grasp the fullness of what I read. I didn't get that these were honest to goodness 'real' people who had to suffer because of Christ. I was lost in my little American Christianity bubble just going through life with barely any cares or responsibilities on my shoulders. I was a naive, immature young man who thought the biggest cares in his life were whether or not he had a girlfriend and if I got an 'A' on that Strategic Managment project.
How absurd is that? Seriously, it's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard and I hate that I could have been so blind to the reality of the torturous times my family in Christ were and still are going through.
I say all this, because I have come to learn that ALL those stories are indeed TRUE. Every single one of them! Men, women and even children of the faith being tossed into prison or beaten to the brink of death! I have learned this from our contacts this month. This couple and their two sons have gone through the ringer in their walk with the Lord and He has definitely protected and guided them along the roads they've gone down, as well as bringing them many blessings along the way. They told story after story of their work in the slums where little girls get put in a pressure cooker and fed to the dogs or just plain buried and forgotten about. The lucky ones who survive these means of death, usually end up kidnapped and/or sold into prostitution. The boys, well the boys, live on the streets and start the cycle of hopelessness all over again, while going from trash can to trash can to possibly find something to eat. Basically, what you see in the movie Slumdog Millionaire is right on cue with the truth, 100% complete truth.
After hearing these stories my heart was in pain coming to the realization of just how true the stories I read in the book and magazines had been. My bubble shattered and I understood the truth just a bit more clearly. Men, women, and children in other countries that are closed or illegal to convert to or preach Christianity have to truly count the cost of a life with Christ; whereas, those in America just worry about if they will get back in time for that Sunday afternoon football game or will get the chance to trim the hedges after church. I used to be this way (ok not the hedges part, but definitely the football part) and my stomach turns.
Now, tonight we finally got to go to the slums and meet the children we will be teaching and serving the rest of our time here. This past weekend was a festival and so our contacts felt it best not to have us journey into the slum, but instead gave us more time as a team together and more time to spend with Jesus. However, tonight, yes tonight August 8, 2011 I got to meet some of God's favorite children.
We split up into two teams of three. Annalisa, Ashley, and Jake went into one small room, while Lindsay, Emily, and I went into the other to sing songs, share Bible stories, and spend time with these children of the slums. I stood at the front of this room staring back at around 25 piercingly dark eyes of some of the most beautiful children I have ever seen (and I've seen a LOT on this Race). As I stared back, my heart got captured. Captured by the fact that these children that God loves so much have a daunting life a head of them. Captured in that every single one of these children could end up like the children in Slumdog Millionaire. If they live that long.
I don't know how to explain it, but my heart began beating in time with God's heart and I heard Him say, 'My son, look at these precious little ones. Look at their beautiful faces; hear their voices as they sing and ask questions. Yes, my son, I love these little ones, I love them so very much! Will you look after them while you are here and pray for them once you go home? Will you be the one to stand in the gap against the enemy for them?'
I wanted to start weeping right there. I almost did, not going to lie. I had to fight and keep my composure as my heart, soul, and spirit began yelling on the inside: 'YES! YES! YES GOD! I will be the one. I will do whatever you need me to do. I am yours and ready to fight for your precious ones, just please be with me every step of the way Daddy, because I will need you more and more than ever before as I move forward!'
As we left and were driving back home to our house this month, I began seeing the faces of all the children and youth I've met this year. God would simply ask, 'Them too?', and I would resound back a definite 'YES Lord, YES Lord!'
We have little time left on this journey, but as I've learned and have shared, 'this is JUST the beginning.' I don't know where God will lead me next, nor what will transpire until that time. All I know is that I move forward while walking by faith and trust that God will take care of me EVERY step of the way.
I cannot give you a hint of what my next blog will be, so just please stay tuned for the next one. I love you much! May God richly bless you this day, night, or time as you read this.
😀
Mine and Lindsay's class
Part of the slum at night
