The World Race is so much more than an adventure. My eyes have been opened to so many things in the first few weeks of India. We have moved around to a couple different locations, and everyday has new challenges. We have done things such as passing out bags of rice, prayer walks throughout the city, visiting family homes, college visits, slum visits, and so much more! When you compare some of the human sacrifices (bucket showers, no air conditioning, no fridge, squatty potties [a hole in the ground] and endless mosquito bites) to the ministry (sharing Jesus, growing disciples, leading others to salvation, restoring hope) you realize there is no comparison. We ride in small cramped Ottos (taxis) and sit on hard floors to enjoy hot and spicy meals with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. All the small sacrifices are COMPLETELY worth it. So I’ll share a few short stories.
First Day of Service: Service looks very different in India as you could imagine. The Praise and Worship lasted about 2 hours before reaching the sermon portion, and then we jumped right back into Praise and Worship. I loved every moment of it. Although I didn’t know many of the songs or the lyrics, I could still feel the love of the Father. I sang the few words I could understand and we enjoyed a sermon about Faith in both English and Telugu (the Native language). Have faith in all the storms of your life and keep your eyes on Him when he calls you upon the water.
Climbing the Mountain (Video Attached): We spent a day praying for God’s people and passing out bags of rice. We laid hands on every single individual that received a bag, as well as many others on the way up. I believe that it is important that we feed people physically, but also spiritually. Sometimes when people see foreigners, they believe we have have supernatural gifts. They come up to you in awe and await for miracles to happen. We aren’t always ready, they don’t always happen immediately, and sometimes it can be discouraging. But what I’ve learned is that we must try our best and put our Faith in God to do great things! It may not be our calling to perform a miracle, but only to plant a seed. I find satisfaction in that and know that it will happen in his timing.
Stepping into New Shoes: I felt a fire burning inside of me and it wasn’t the spicy curry from lunch. The fire that once devastated my family is now being used to ignite my desire to share about his glory. As I looked into the eyes of our congregation my heart cried out. I saw the faces of desperation from some of the families we recently prayed for. Women who have lost their husbands, families who have been abandoned because they followed Christ, those suffering from alcoholism, crippled bodies that had been dis-formed, and young adults preparing to enter bible college or the workforce to support their loved ones. So I asked God if there was anything that I could do in order to help and he said to share my testimony. Although the Pastor had already shared the message for the night, I realized that we didn’t travel over 18+ hours just to sit in front of the congregation. We had a story to tell and God created the opportunity. I shared what he had done in my life, and the trials I had been able to overcome. I pray for these people with my whole heart, and I hope you will too.
India is beautiful. The people and leaders here are on fire for the Lord and it is a privilege to be here. I thank you all so much for your continuous support, messages, and prayers! If you liked my stories please share them with a friend and check out my previous blog about how you can help me continue this journey by volunteering your time in A Day of Service on August 1st! Enjoy the attached video as well from my teammate Josh Stoneman!
Until Next Time,
Love Brian
