I still don’t know if it was the thick smog which became a breath of fresh air, the dirty, trash lined streets that became my heart’s safe haven, or the worn out, intensely beautiful faces of the locals. Maybe it was the combination of these things but whatever it was, India quickly stole my heart and filled a void I never knew existed.
We traveled into Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi, and finally settled in Kolkata. While in Kolkata I had the privilege to work at Mother Teresa’s House with Sisters of Charity. This was by far the most amazing opportunity I’ve had yet on this race. I entered into a community of several foreigners from various nations all eager to care for and help others, regardless the expense.
I began working with a girl name Marta and I watched her go about her day as we served the widows and disabled women. I noticed one thing particular about Marta- she loved so well. I couldn’t explain it or even fully understand it, but I knew by watching her that she just knew how to love others well and I knew that I desired to do the same.
A few nights later, after considering going home for a dear friend who was extremely ill, I was praying and asking God why the thought to leave the race for this situation didn’t bother me or make me second guess the righteousness of my decision. In that moment, Father spoke one of the most profound and life changing truths to my heart. He said, “It doesn’t bother you because all I have ever asked you to do is to choose people, love people, no matter where you are.”
That truth struck my heart in so many ways as I began to see that that was exactly how Marta was living her life. She always chose the person directly in her path, singled them out, and poured out love to them, whether it was a small hug or a grand gesture. She didn’t just feel the love in her heart for these people, she acted on it in every way imaginable.
As Christians we have been told to love, love, love. Yet, I am extremely guilty of holding onto this love in my heart. I walk around all day with a love in my heart for the people I’m with and the people I’m meeting all around the world. However, I often forget to give this love out, to act on it. It doesn’t matter where I am or even who is in my path, all that matters is that I am obedient to the Father by choosing people and choosing to pour out the love He has given to me.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united in with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
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Philippians 2:1-2
UPDATE:
Hey everyone!
I wanted to give a quick update! I absolutely loved my time in India! I definitely have a heart for this country! Thank you all so much for giving me this opportunity! I was able to not only serve the local women there but also speak the truth of the Gospel and share it with many fellow volunteers. After my time in Kolkata, I went to Hyderabad where I was lucky enough to have my mom come spend a week with me. We had an amazing time together and were able to serve at an orphanage which takes care of disabled children. I have seen God move in incredible ways and am so grateful that He is allowing me to partner with Him in seeing people to come to know Him. I am now in Myanmar and working with a pastor from the Phillipines who is establishing a church. We are busy doing outreaches, teaching English to Bible College students, prayers meetings, women’s and men’s Bible studies, and encouraging the local believers. We have a big Christmas program we are planning to bring locals into the church and teach them about Jesus Christ. Please be praying for this event, that it will reach many and His glory will be made known! Thank you all again for the continued love and support. I am completely humbled by your generosity and feel overwhelmed by your joy and love.
I hope and pray each of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
By His Grace and For His Glory,
Bethany
