Our month of ministry began with a spark! You see what was supposed to be 12-hour travel day turned into about 20 hours because something in the luggage compartment of our second bus caught on fire. As we drove, the bus would slowly fill with smoke. Eventually the driver became concerned and after about 3 short stops he finally thought to check under the bus. Good times haha. My favorite quote of the day was from Miss Shannon Horn trying to explain to the Indian bus driver "when the bus goes, the smoke comes." He was convinced it was just an outlet and very surprised to see all the smoke pour out from under the bus. Events like these are when I feel like a world racer.
Our contact welcomed us around 1:00 am with a van for the team to pile into and travel another hour to reach our home for the month. We arrived to a great set up. Much less than what we are used to but more like what I have been expecting for the year. Three bedrooms, two for the girls and one for the boys… only one having A.C. and this time the boys got to have the better end of the deal (so often they treat the girls and the men end up outside or on the ground, nice to change it up a bit). There was one common room, a tiny kitchen, two bathrooms (squatty potties and bucket showers) a chapel and a wonderful roof for a little Indian fresh air.
Our ministry… preaching. All day, most everyday. We had some good down time but the majority of our days were spent going into different villages sharing the gospel. As if part of a parade we would walk up and down the streets, our own little drummer boy beating away, singing songs and at every stop another person taking the mic and preaching to the crowd. We would end our days at a church members home, singing songs and one of us preaching a message just before being served dinner. The hospitality of India has blown me away. Always fruit and coffee or tea offered, and unending amounts of curry, rice, chapatti and/or idly. I had to literally hide my plate to keep from having fourths.
I had no escape from preaching… each member of my team had the opportunity to preach a couple times a week, sometimes twice in one day. I’ve always loved talking to big groups but the weight of sharing the gospel can be a bit heavy. I mustered up some courage, admitted I didn’t have the perfect words to say and asked God to speak through me. The message that came out… Best Curry Ever!
I stood in the middle of the street, mic in hand and asked the people of the village if they were interested in the recipe for the best curry ever. No surprise to my team members I did not have a recipe for curry but something even better… a life lived to the fullest. Our Indian friends had each been so eager to bless all of us with delicious food, some would even say the best curry ever, each one wanting us to enjoy what they loved so much. What a better way to connect the gospel. I had been given a beautiful gift from a loving God and wanted each person in that village to take it in and enjoy the richness of his grace. When you have something so special shouldn’t you be jumping at the chance to serve it to all that you meet?
India was a difficult month but through the trials, God was able to stretch me and strengthen my faith. I am a vessel used to proclaim his greatness. Everyday looks different, maybe it is lending a helping hand, maybe teaching a classroom of students, mowing a friends yard or walking up and down the streets preaching. Are you allowing God to use you? Have you shared the recipe of life you’ve been given? Don’t keep the curry all to yourself. 🙂
