The first month of ministry went fast. India was full of surprises. The area that we stayed in was predominantly Christian. It was a village in the mountains and the people there were amazing. Every day we would do construction (moving dirt to level church foundations), host VBS, go to church, kitchen crew (to help cook) and help run medical camps around the area. Yes, we served the community but I came to the realization that the bigger story here are the people of India. They have shown me what it means to live out a life for Jesus.
Dara
He was our cook for the month. He normally works at the hospital and helps drive the ambulance. Dara took a month away from his job to serve my squad and provide great meals. Cooking for 60 people is an all-day task. I am so glad I got to know him. When my team was placed on kitchen crew for the day we had the opportunity to get to know the kitchen staff and be with them all day. I was so tired the first day after kitchen crew. I don’t know how Dara could do it for 30 days straight. He has an overflowing love for Christ and people. If he could do/be anything he said that he wanted to be the boss. As in the boss of everyone to go help people. He has a desire to help those in need and wants to share that. Amazing!
Our liasons – LV, Leonard, James, Jessai, Sammuel, Ringlom, Abraham, Francis
Eight men volunteered their time to be a liason for each team. The men took off from their jobs to dedicate their time to my squad. They helped take us to our ministry sites, helped translate, and would take us to the market, etc. There was always one of them with us. Even if we wanted to make a quick run into town for something as meaningless as cookies they would come with us for our safety. They are men of God. They were selfless and gave up their time for us. Some of them had families and kids who they wouldn’t see for a greater portion of the day. Thank You!
John & Lawm
John and Lawm Pudiate are the CEOs of the ministry we partnered with. They arrived in India about a week after we did. Lawm chose to stay back in India while her husband traveled around for the ministry. They have two kids, Hannah and Joshua. Those kids are full of energy! A couple of my squadmates and I offered to babysit the two to give the couple rest. They are fun to be around but man I was exhausted. The Pudiates are so dedicated to serve. You can see the love that they have for everyone. You can see it in the way that they interact with their employees and people of the community. God Bless!
Mawii
Beautiful woman inside and out. If you watched Beyond the Next Mountain you might know who she is. She is the late Dr. Rev. Rochunga Pudiate’s wife. She is also John Pudiate’s mom. She was busy serving the ministry but the few times I did see her I was filled with adoration for her. She loves the Lord. Hearing her speak is a blessing. She is funny too. She has so many stories to tell of God’s faithfulness in her life. Amazing. Love that she has such a heart for the Lord and is still so active in the ministry.
Anna, Abigail, Phebe
These three girls were always the highlight of my day. I would always walk past their houses on my way to meals. They were all daughters of Seminary professors. (We helped teach some classes at the Seminary school and helped with English conversation with the students). All three girls showed me what it means to have faith like a child. They are loving, sweet, and fun. Heck, they even invited me to their birthday parties. It was a blast. I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for these three girls. I hope to stay in contact with them.
The people of India have my heart. They embodied the fruit of the Spirit. They were the church. They showed me what it is like to be brothers and sisters in Christ. They welcomed and loved us so well. Thank you all!
GALATIONS 5:22
“the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”
