By this time next month, I will have said goodbye to the last of the people I love and officially leave the world I have become accustomed to– with closets full of my things, an apt. with one roomie, and a car to call my own and down-sized to a 70L backpack full of my apt. (AKA my tent), my “alone” time (AKA my hammock), my bed (AKA sleeping pad, sleeping bag liner and sleeping bag) and some culturally appropriate clothes that I will need to survive and THRIVE this next year. I will trade the 1 roomie for at least 5 other roomies, and buses, trains, motos, tuk tuks, elephants and water buffaloes might become the preferred method of transport. That said, I want to introduce you more deeply to the nations I will be visiting over the next September through July. So, today we will talk about my first destination: INDIA.
Yes, many of you know a good amount about it, I would guess, through films like Slumdog Millionaire and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel as well as news sources that talk of the country’s rise on the world stage while also having great strides to make. As the second most populated nation on the planet, there is much need and therefore much opportunity for Kingdom work in this nation. As the one place I have done mission work in, and also because I am a textile design nut and lover of color, India delights my senses and my heart. I look forward to exploring it more deeply and spreading the Kingdom in (perhaps) a different part of the nation than where I have previously been.
Religions everywhere. Historically, India is the birthplace of FOUR major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. “Religion” is everywhere you look– evident in the turbans of the Sikhs, Muslim women wearing their hijabs, on the streets containing makeshift temples as well as longstanding ones, to the cows aimlessly roaming the streets, a clear indication if there ever was one that we are in Hindu territory and no longer in a world where cows mean BBQ (gotta show these TX roots somewhere :-)).
Slavery alive and well. What you may not know is that India is famous for being a major location for modern-day slavery, and it is estimated that nearly 14 million Indians live in slave-like conditions, making it top the list of 162 countries on the Global Slavery Index 2013 (compiled by Australian-based human rights org., Walk Free Foundation). This number is based on “debt bondage, forced marriage, the sale or exploitation of children, human trafficking and forced labor” (http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-has-the-highest-number-of-slaves-says-report/1/316739.html). Despite these staggering numbers, I have seen for myself that God is moving in this nation and that there are locals who are passionate about sharing the Good News they have in Jesus Christ! The church is thriving because the believers here are fervent and willing to do whatever it takes to share Him! And even today, I saw that IJM (International Justice Mission) rescued 7 men and women yesterday from forced labor in a rice mill, and that TODAY they are living in FREEDOM at home with their families. Thats Jesus, yall!
Caste system. And of course, many of you may be familiar with the caste system that still has reign over the nation, though technically illegal. Changing individuals views and attitudes takes a lot longer than it does to change laws, and there is still a rigid social system in place, which leaves many is horrible living conditions and with lack of access to basic things that we Americans take for granted. So though economic development is happening, Indians still suffer under one of the world’s lowest per capita income levels. Only sixty one percent of the population is literate, and with only 1/3 of women with the ability to read (source: prayercast).
Pray. All this said, please pray for the people of India. Pray that we can be a part of the bigger picture, and come alongside nationals who are working to rectify these issues like lack of access to education, slavery and the rigid caste system. Pray that amidst this brokenness many see the light of Christ in us. Pray that instead of seeing us as rich Americans that they us as friends, confidants, supporters, and most of all CHRIST LIKE people whose presence draws them in, curious to know what causes the difference they see in us! Pray for my squad as spiritual warfare is great in this nation full of idols and dead gods. Please pray that God paves the way for my squad in the places we will go and opens new hearts to Him. Please pray that we act with boldness and start this Race on the right foot, standing squarely rooted in Him. Pray that stories of His greatness resonate mightily in these places and that our presence in these places will glorify His name and aid for the long-term the ministries that we work alongside. Pray that more laborers for Him will be won as a result of His work through us and the many who go before and will come after!
And for more ways to pray over India, and to see the beauty of her people, check out this prayercast video below!
