India has been one of my two favorite months so far, and I would like to share with you some of the highlights and good times. Some of the videos are long, so just watch part to get the general flavor. And check out my previous blogs if you don’t know what I’ve been doing this month. So here goes. . .
1 – The best thing about this month was the 10 students who accepted Jesus during their first week here. Many of the students who come to the School of Worship are very far from God and come only for the musical training, but in a schedule and atmosphere soaked with worship, they quickly encounter Jesus here. The School of Worship is open to anyone, so many young men come here at the end of their rope, addicted to drugs or alcohol, unsure of what to do with their lives, at war with God and their families. God always meets them here, sets them free from their bondage and gives them new life. Praise God!
Here is a video of them worshipping with reckless abandon. I bet this is what heaven looks like—a neverending celebration of Jesus!
2 – Another highlight of the month for me was leading worship. All Race long I have stayed in the shadows, letting guitarists who were “better” than me lead worship. But there was no one to hide behind this month, so I was pushed to the forefront, and I am so thankful! I connect with God so much more when I am leading worship than when I am “in the crowd.”
Here is a video of the team leading worship in Telugu, the local language.
Also, a video of Bethany and me teaching the band some English worship songs
3 – Major highlight of my life—recording for the upcoming SOW worship album! In complete jest we offered to sing on the album, and Julie took us up on our offer. So we sing “na yesaya” (Jesus) in three part harmony on the album. Can’t wait to hear the final product!
4 – Kids. I’ve never been a big kids person, but the children of India have captured my heart. Hand clapping games, kisses on the cheek, acting out David and Goliath, dancing, sign language “I love you.”
5 – Preaching and Praying. Every night that we went out to preach at a gathering and pray over each person individually was the best night of my life. The night all 6 of us shared our testimonies and saw how they wove together to tell the same story. The first service at a church plant—there were no congregants yet, so we went door-to-door inviting people and praying for them. The times we were asked to preach with no advance warning. The night we visited with 50 little kids.
6 – Hoola hooping madness. Karissa from Hoola for Happiness came to teach hoola hooping and dancing as worship. These videos are so fun!
Funny comes first –
Then fiery (I fire hooped, too–still hunting down the video) –
Then adorable (this especially for you, Daddy 🙂 –
And again, funny –
7 – And 1000 other wonderful memories. Eating curry with my bare hand while sitting on the floor of my host’s house. Raiding MREs for dessert. Miscommunications and mistranslations. Visiting Fort Golconda.
Well, that’s all for today. Hope you’ve enjoyed this taste of India!
Love to all!
Katie
