The Colors of India

India is a country of great variety. There are many smells, both delicious and unbearable. Many different people groups, geography, cultures, and of course colors. One thing that stands out in India among many things is the bright colors everywhere. I will try to describe them to you as best I can along with what we have been doing these last few weeks of my World Race adventure.

RED – The color of the dot worn by Hindu people between the eyes. We have visited hundreds of both Hindus and Christians here is Ongole, and also in many of the surrounding villages. We preach in the churches and pray for the people, sometimes visiting their homes or sometimes just in the streets. We have had people jump out of rickshaws and leave hospitals and walk across the street just to have us pray for them. They are so hungry for the freedom of Jesus and want to break so badly the chains of poverty and the caste system here.

WHITE – The color of my skin that stands out so distinctly among these people. Here in Ongole, we cause jaws to drop as we walk by. Many people want to shake our hands or pose in pictures with us. Everywhere we go, we draw a crowd.

YELLOW – The color of the flowers that the children give me every day to put in my hair. We live in the same building as some 150 orphans who live and go to school here. Every time I go outside I am surrounded by all of their beautiful faces begging for hugs and kisses.

GREEN and Orange – The colors of the Indian flag. On the independence day of this province we went to an assembly of thousands of children all waving their flags proudly. There was cultural dances and reenactments of their struggle for freedom. When we arrived, we did not expect to be able to see the front of the stage over the crowed, however we were quickly shown to the front and center and were sat on cushioned benched next to all of the diplomats. Our arrival was then announced to the entire crowed and we waved at the cameras that were broadcasting us on national television…One of the more embarrassing moments on the race for me. Afterwards we met the prime minister of Andhra Perdesh and escorted back to our bus.

 

BLUE – The color of the sari I wore to my first Indian wedding.  I tripped many times, but it was the most beautiful thing I have ever worn. We watch the dances and listen to the songs in a brightly colored auditorium, and then afterward ate a delicious Indian meal as fast as we could because there were not enough chairs for everyone and  people were standing behind my chair waiting for me to be done. My plate was taken away from me as I shoved the last bit of rice in my mouth (with my hands) and was kindly escorted away from the table.

 

PURPLE – The color of the ‘bombs’ we set off for Diwali. As Christians we don’t technically celebrate this major Hindu holiday, but who could resist buying firecrackers for over 100 children to set off? I was well supervised by the little boys who were constantly reminding me. “No, aka, no! Very dangerous!”      Many fingers were nearly blown off, including my own, but that night will be one of my favorites on the Race. We danced around the 15 ft. high fountains and then went up to the roof of our 4 story high building to watch the fireworks all around the city.

GREY – The color of the habit of the nun who bowed and kissed the floor in front of the apostle Thomas’ tomb underneath St. Thomas’ Basilica in Chennai, India. We spent the day there following Thomas’ ministry in India where he preached, lived, prayed, and was martyred all to bring the gospel of Jesus to the Indian people.   

BROWN- Color of the prison guard uniforms in the prisons where we preach. The first time I entered a prison here in India, I was a little uneasy. Soon I realized that the inmates were very eager to hear what we had to say and received us warmly. Many have made decisions to follow Christ since we have come here and  have been moved to tears by God’s forgiveness. we have passed out many Bibles among them.