I made it to India! My first country of the 11 I will be traveling to these next 11 months. To say I am ready would be a complete lie. To say this has been easy would be a hilarious overstatement. This has been the craziest, most challenging experience I have had and it hasn’t even been a week. It’s hard to walk into the unknown. It’s hard to walk away from what is comfortable and secure and step out not because your so excited or prepared but step out solely in obedience to what God called you to do. Stepping out with a belief He will equip you along the way. Saying, “yes, Lord” is really easy in a emotional moment, but when your sitting in an Atlanta international terminal looking at a plane flying you to Qatar in the Middle East then onto India, reality sinks in and you have to again choose to say yes to God. This is my first time leaving North America, there is no way I could be ready for what I am now experiencing. It is difficult, it is uncomfortable, and it is painful. But aren’t all growing pains that way?
Now I am on the other side of the world. Experiencing a very unique and extremely different culture from all I’ve ever known. God is faithful though to be near to us as a squad. To remind us that He is close and show us how He is working in this land.
I’d love to write later about how our first plane broke down and we were stranded in the Atlanta airport 12 hours before going to a hotel. How God used that time for my squad to pray over airport staff and bring the kingdom. I’d love to share how my heart is changing as I see what first was an incredibly overwhelming culture become a uniquely beautiful one in my eyes. But I will save that for another time and stronger wifi signal.
My team and I have completed orientation for India. My team, Plants and Pillars, are now moving onto our ministry location for the month. We are going into the villages here in India to church plant! We will be going into the homes and churches (if they have one) of pastors and other Christians to lead Church services. We will be pouring into the persecuted church here in India, working to build them up in encouragement and discipleship. We will be praying for the sick and hurting and I believe we will be seeing amazing miracles! My team and I are also excited to be building a well for a village to provide cleaner drinking water. Our location and work is sensitive so this is all that I can share. Please be praying over my team as we go into remote places in a country where very few have heard the love of Jesus. Pray that our western minds can handle the incredible things that God is doing here in India!
Each season brings growth and change if we let it. Sometimes it can be hard and we will want to give up and stay in our comfortable bubble. Little growth ever comes from that. We have a big God that does big things in us and then through us! Maybe it isn’t preaching the gospel in the Indian bush, but then again…..maybe it is.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
