This is where two worlds collide. This is the transitioning point of two great continents. Culture is unique and yet diverse. In a world with 6.6 billion inhabitants, over 1 billion of them live here. Outside my door children run playfully down the street. Amidst their innocence as mere children, they mix their time with games and sorting through garbage for new treasures. The greatest of all of course is a small snack, perhaps a few Corn Flakes left at the bottom of the box I just threw on the trash pile next door.
Everyday the children are shouting and pushing the cultural boundaries in coming closer and closer to our residence. They know that they aren’t allowed near other’s homes. Of course as normal as children can be; they sneak near when the adults aren’t looking. A house full of 25 or so white people is a special time. I’m sure they ask; How long will they stay? What can I get from them? Surely they will love me?!
I’m in a tough place. I can’t engage with the children as I know I could or even should. Their tiny beautiful smiles draw me in. They say “hi” and all I can do is reply the same back. I just can’t pick the little munchkins up. I can’t play games with them. I can’t even help them look for a nice little snack in the trash heap.
This clash of worlds has never been so hard up until now. All my heart craves to do is love on these little ones. Surely God created them the same as me. Surely He loves them. Surely he could use me to demonstrate His love.
India has been a challenge in the 7 days I have already been in the country. Our simple three-story house is located in the outskirts of Delhi overlooking the community around us. As I frequently walk up onto the roof to pray and reflect on what the Lord has shown me; I can’t ignore the immense poverty all around me. In front of the house is a quiet little side street with a large yard where men are daily repairing and building rickshaws. Next to us is a space where only a small wall remains from a building that once was. (This is that trash pile I mentioned earlier) And behind the house is another area where I’m sure a building once stood, now claimed by squatters with small shelters to house their families from the almost daily rains we are receiving. The other side of our home is the International Airport. Every 20 minutes a 747 lands, and another takes off with a thunderous roar.
The whole city is littered with trash and smells of sewage. The streets that are concrete are mostly covered with potholes and the majority of minor roads which are dirt are flooded from the rains we are currently receiving. Cattle roam the city. (If you don’t know much about Hinduism, a cow is believed to be a human in the next life and to kill one would be severe consequence) The sewage drainage flows into the local rivers which run through the city and on a humid day which is everyday, you can’t escape the smells of this impoverished city.
Christianity is not accepted here. The mere mention of a missionary is taboo in this part of the world. I have been told that I can talk about spiritual things and share the gospel, but I have to be careful and wise about it. Not really for my own sake as a World Racer being here and leaving in month, but for the work of those whom we are involved with here as a life ministry. They have made so much progress into this nation, especially this city with their ministries. This fine line of cultural boundaries of what I am free to do at home and most places I’ve been till this point, I can’t do here. The simplest act of love such as picking up a child and playing with him are one of these lines I dare not cross.
India is the gateway between the ancient Middle East and the vast lands of Asia. With Pakistan on the western border, there seems to be daily conflict between the two nations. The north and eastern borders are with Nepal and Bangladesh respectively which are more stable relationships. None the less, India is a wild place to be. Terrorism is rampant here all over the country. Every significant building as simple as movie theatres, and food courts have metal detectors and armed guards by the half dozen. It’s not just about living in fear, but knowing that people truly do want a better world here. Everybody seems serious and down to business. The whole situation makes so much sense, even though it’s rough not having the joyful freedom I realize I had back home in Canada.
As a Christian I’m finding it hard to be that outgoing, loving, person that I’m created to be. It’s not necessarily the people, but rather the culture I’m immersed in. The people aren’t afraid of “the Christians” or foreigners, but those among there own people who are creating chaos and confusion. When I’m out of the house I can’t interact with anyone on my squad with the usual physical touch. Even the with people here it’s just not natural. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just not how things work. So to be fully conservative in my actions, words, and demeanor is a new way of living out my days.
The spiritual oppression is so obvious. Some nights many of us wake up and can’t help but pray in the spirit for protection and freedom. On occasion I’ve watched as men walk down the streets doing some sort of ritual for whatever reason. I’ll admit that it’s eerie, but also exciting to see God more clearly night after night. The more darkness there seems to be around me, the more I see the power of the Lord.
I’m seeing this as the ultimate opportunity so far. This month will push me to be who God has called me to be. Not the outward and obvious personality things. I’m talking about my heart. Will I press in to covering every moment of everyday in prayer. Will I ask God to go before my day. Will I listen to the Holy Spirit and act accordingly. Am I willing to go into dangerous places? Will I share the words that are on my heart when that door finally opens? This isn’t a month of necessarily making opportunities happen, but making the most of the ones that happen to open in front of me as I go. Sure it’s the hottest place I’ve ever lived in and a culture that I’ve never heard much about before. I have to realize that it’s not at all about the physical; it’s 100% spiritual. The spiritual determines the physical.
“For our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
– Ephesians 4:12
The time is now. I didn’t come all this way to crumble. I didn’t get excited about India to buckle under it’s heat and demonic oppression. Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. That’s the simplest message I can give. It’s that simple. It’s time to be. It’s time to rise up to what I’ve been called here to do!
Wherever Jesus walked and shared his message, two worlds collided. His reigned above all and that’s what I’m confident in this month!
