In 1910 a 22 year old chemist named Watkins Roberts felt a calling on his heart to take the gospel to a very remote area in Northeast India to the Hmar tribe. At that time, the British Army who controlled that region of India instructed him not to go because that tribe were know as head hunters. Meaning he could have easily got his head cut off if they deemed him a threat to their community. Watkins decided to defy orders knowing what the Lord has placed on his heart and in obedience took the journey to Churachandpur, India.
Rochanga Pudiate is the son of Chwanga, one of the first people Watkins converted to Christianity. At age 10, he traveled 96 miles on foot through the jungle to attend the closest English school to his village. There he learned English and felt he had a calling on his heart to help bring the written gospel back to his people in India. The Lord favored him by opening doors to help further his education. He came to the United States and studied at Wheaton College in Illonois. There he created a written language for the Hmar tribe and translated the entire bible. He came back with a published copy of the bible and the founded an international ministry called Bibles For the World an organization that helps to distribute bibles. [For further details on this incredible story, read here and here. This story was also made into a movie called "Beyond the Next Mountain."]
As a result of Watkins Roberts and Rochange Pudiate’s obedience to a calling the Lord has placed on their heart, Churachandpur, India is now a community with over 80% of the population Christian. My time in India consisted of teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Sielmat Christian High Secondary School (SCHSS) that had 2500+ students. I got the opportunity to serve at the hospital by helping with construction and got to go to several villages on medical mobile missions providing medical needs (felt like a doctor for the day). Also got to facilitate an annual bible quizzing tournament for 400+ students. And a major surprise for me was getting the opportunity to utilize my education/professional background to help review financial statements and perform an audit for the hospital. And these are just to name a few of the wonderful experiences I had serving Bibles for the World ministry.
I recall eleven months ago when I heard very clearly from God to quit my job and go on an eleven month journey around the world serving others and sharing the gospel. To most people, I was a crazed, naïve 24 year old who just started a promising career in financial services and was making the biggest mistake of her life. It was a very difficult decision but I obeyed. It still baffles my heart to know that the Lord had planned for me to be part of his incredible story here in Churachandpur, India.
There are 3 months left, I don’t know what I’m doing upon my return, but in all honesty I am not worried. I know the same God who spoke and told me to come on this journey will be faithful. Is there something the Lord is telling you to do? I encourage you do it. Don’t be afraid. He’s got your back. He will not leave you or forsake and will surely order your steps. Walk boldly in confidence and do what He is asking of you.
Check out this video made my squad-mate Bobbi-Jo of our time in India!
The World Race: India from Bobbi Jo Andes on Vimeo.
Few Announcements
- Child Sponsorship Opportunity!
Sielmat Christian High Secondary School has my heart! I’ve had the opportunity to be in their classrooms and even teach them. These students are incredible and rely on financial contributions to continue their education. I am excited to present an opportunity to sponsor a student. Please prayerfully consider changing a life through Bibles for the World. If you feel the Lord placing it on your heart to sponsor a student. Here’s how:
1. Follow this link: http://www.bftw.org/Sponsorship/ChildSponsorship.aspx
2. Click on the child's picture.
3. Read their profile which tells you about their age, grade and family history.
4. Click the "sponsor this child" button on the bottom, fill out your information and help change a life!
For further information, please contact me using the link on the left.
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- Photos of India!
You can view photos from my time in India here: Travel with Tayo – Facebook Page. Bobbi-Jo is an amazing photographer and even has better photos. You can see her album here and here:
Up Next: Questions and Answers Blog!
With Love,
