I cannot believe how fast our time in India has gone by. I am actually leaving on Tuesday to travel to Hyderabad with our squeader [squad-leader], Andrew, who is hanging out with us this month. He has to be in Hyderabad early for squeader stuff for Month 8 Debrief, and I am traveling with him to help out the logistics crew with hospitality stuff. My team/the rest of the Q will join us on Friday.
Andrew has been an incredible encouragement / friend to me. I'm thankful he is here with us. I have stolen one of his most recent blogs about our time here in India. Enjoy! 🙂
Rock N Roll Ministry — Andrew Bennett
This month has been a much-needed breath of fresh air! We have partnered with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) as well as Capstone Ministries, both located in Bangalore, India. Our contact Paul was praying upon our arrival, and felt that God was telling him that we needed rest, time to fill back up, and lots of time to WORSHIP our amazing God…he was right! Living in new surroundings, with new contacts, cultures, programs, etc. can be a bit draining, especially after almost 8 months.
First of two times to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe
Paul has a very refreshing ministry style, non-traditional, which has been a huge encouragement to both teams I am with right now. Their slogan, which is true to the ministry's environment, says, “keep rockin’ until the churches are filled!” Almost every day, we find ourselves playing the guitar and singing songs to God on the rooftop of a 5-story building overlooking Bangalore.
Paul runs a school of music and ministry from this building so young Indian men and women are constantly coming and going. Some come to learn how to play different instruments, some come for bible study and worship, but most seem to come just to have a good time…to be around the constant energy! It reminds me of just hanging out with friends back home. We lounge around, talking, laughing, drinking coffee and chai, while building relationships with those around us. It has given me new ideas about what church looks like.
Hanging out on the rooftop
After starting our day on the roof in worship to God, we usually spend time reaching out to the community around us. This has looked different for us each day:
One day, we went to an art show at a local university. Paul has a huge heart for the youth and thought this would be a good opportunity to reach out to college age students, while providing a fun day for us as well. Another day, we visited a local park to help a non-profit run a day camp for young disabled and mentally challenged children. We acted out skits, sang songs, and helped with arts and crafts.
Performing David and Goliath for the disabled youth
One of my favorite days was when about 70 of us headed to the local coffee shop. As we piled into the small café, locals looked at us in wonder. Part of the store was reserved for us, so we crammed in (with our cappacino’s) and began to worship God so loud the whole store was filled with singing. Paul then gave a quick word of encouragement, before sending us out (in groups of 4) to the local community. We walked around the night-lit streets, talking with several different people, and simply telling them that Jesus loves them. It was amazing to see how that simple sentence affects people…knowing that they are not alone, but are loved by an amazing God.
Typical World Race Shot
I am so thankful for our contacts this month. Paul told us today that he wants to spend the remainder of our time preparing us for what lies ahead, both in the short and long term. I'm not sure what that will look like, but I'm sure it will include much time in worship and prayer….and probably lots of fast food since they love to spoil us!
