The term “culture shock” is a much more accurate phrase than I’ve ever given it credit before. Imagine all of the things you know about American culture, flip it to the opposite end of the spectrum, and that’s India! Not to mention the 10.5 hour time difference from my house in Alabama. It has taken my team and I some serious getting used to. Adjusting to a brand new world has been fascinating but difficult and exhausting, and we have had to rely heavily on the Lord for help with navigating our emotional and physical needs.
We just finished up a few days of village ministry in South India and have returned to our base to rest and recover. We are on the coast and there is some intense heat here! I’ve almost accepted the fact that I will be permanently sweaty during our time in ministry… Mix that with new adventurous and spicy foods that may or may not have been made with proper treatment and you get a nice picture in your brain lol (sorry not sorry)
However, our time in the villages was incredible!! The people live in extreme poverty with lots of hearts hungry for the Gospel. Despite being in need, they are endlessly hospitable. Our translator told us that when people come to visit them from another country, they believe it is a gift from God. We prayed for hours and hours and listened to the Holy Spirit for direction on how to pray on behalf of these villagers. We prayed for healing, wombs to open, families to be redeemed, we prayed to cast out demons, and for financial security. It brought me deep joy to come to the Lord and ask these things of Him.
We even prayed for rain for the famine in the land, and lo and behold, the clouds rolled in and it rained all afternoon!!!
There is a heavy Hindu influence on this land and we could feel the darkness when entering certain houses. Please pray for my team for protection as we navigate spiritual warfare and learn how to walk in the authority of Christ.
Recently, however, during a time of worship and prayer with my squad, the Lord revealed to me as I was praying that India belongs to Him! Despite it being heavily Hindu, it is not lost. God has a specific plan for this country and I am seeing it unfold before my very eyes.
We also spent time with the children!!! The particular ministry we are serving gives the village children opportunities for proper schooling. I am passionate about this because education breaks the cycle of poverty and these kids are living proof of that. We got to hang out with them for a couple of hours after school ended and let them get out all of their energy from sitting in class all day! They were such sweet blessings (who spoke very good English thanks to the schooling they are receiving!)
So far, my favorite things about India are Bollywood movies and chai. LOVE ME SOME CHAI YALL!!!
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support! Feel free to shoot me a message anytime, when I have wifi I get everything and I love hearing from home! Please continue to pray for divine protection over my team. Love in Christ!!!!
