One hundred or so children rush into the church sanctuary. As I look around, I realize that the “sanctuary” is nothing like what I know from home. With the cool cement floor as my seat, a few flickering lightbulbs overhead, light filtering in from the tall open widows, and a small stage up front flanked by Bible verse posters, I sense that today will be different in this Bangalore slum.
In small groups of three or four, neighborhood kids flood the church. Giggles of joyful anticipation fill the room. Yet, I feel heavy. Our YWAM ministry partner previously shared that many of the children come from hindu or muslim families. My mind wanders and I begin to imagine their lives at home…dark rooms, funny smells, fear, confusion and questioning, “Who is God?”
The services start with a sweet song in Kannada, their native language. I sort of sing along, but soon I close my eyes and pray softly to myself. That heavy weight ebbs and flows around and quietly I cry out, “God, these little children. Protect them. Shield them from the enemy. Fill their lives with YOUR TRUTH. May they know Your Son Jesus Christ. Give them love and hope.”
Suddenly, a gentle tear rolls down my face. “What’s happening? Why am I crying?” Father, what are you teaching me in this?”
I continue to pray, but within a few moments my teammate Rose notices me trying to discreetly wipe my eyes. She reaches over, gives my hand a squeeze and pulls me in for a big hug. At this point, my YWAM friend JoJou takes note and pulls me outside and says, “Kate, tell me. Why are you crying.”
By this time, I can hardly form a complete sentence in my mind, let alone communicate clearly with JoJou. Finally, I stumble over my words to share the depths of my prayer for these little ones… my heart is for them to know the love of Christ and not be confused by all the false gods swarming the area.
Unabashed by my inarticulate tears, JoJou prays for me and softly says, “Kate, I think what you are experiencing is the Father’s heart. You are loving like God loves.”
Woah.
It takes a moment for JoJou’s words to settle in my mind. “God, I’m standing here on the crumbling church steps in the slums of Bangalore with tears streaming down my cheeks, all because You filled me with Your love for these beautiful children?”
In a whisper, I hear…YES.
God let me experience a portion of His heart. This portion overwhelmed me with feelings of compassion, patience, peace, and love that bubbled up and overflowed. I could not contain the emotions. “Father, If this was just a portion of Your love, what would ALL of Your love feel like?”
I might explode to love that fully. His love is supernatural, and goes beyond the 5 senses.
If I could supernaturally love these children, how much greater is God’s love for them?
“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
I finally compose myself and walk inside the church. This time, rather than seeing hopelessness for the children, God opens my eyes to His truth. I see bright eyes shining with His light, smiles welcoming with peace, and I hear laughter ringing with joy. I see the Father’s HOPE for their future. I feel His protection around them, and know that His Word is taking root in fertile soil.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:9-11
Yes, in the slums of India, God gave me His love, and my joy is full. I will always choose to abide in Him and His supernatural love.
Love, Love, Love
Kate
