We have arrived in Andre Pradesh, India, and have the pleasure of working with a local church and the small orphanage it holds. Everyone has been extremely friendly, and we are learning to truly appreciate the Indian culture and all it has to offer.
Our ministry this month consists of exactly what I hoped it would not: evangelizing and door-to-door ministry. When we were first told of the work we would be doing I was disappointed. I had practically begged my squad leader for the chance to work in a special needs orphanage as I felt that such an opportunity would be good for my rather stony heart. This desire was obviously not met, but I can already see that I’m in store for a lot of lessons and life experiences.
Evangelizing/door-to-door ministry basically consists of traveling to a different village each night, meeting and praying with people, then holding a service. We are expected to be prepared each evening with three songs, two prayers, a testimony, and a half-hour long message. I can tell this month is one of growth as I’ve already given two of our three days worth of messages. This is a big deal coming from the girl who has always hated public speaking!
But India itself has been an adjustment. It’s always hot here. Literally, always hot. It’s the kind of hot where you take a cold shower, feel refreshed, then realize you’re already sweating again. We have trouble sleeping at night due to the temperature and humidity, and it never ends. What makes it worse is the perpetual curry. We sweat all day and night then eat spicy foods that cause us to sweat from the inside out. It’s an adjustment to say the least!
Worship has also been different. A church service every night is definitely not something any of us are accustomed to, and we’re still familiarizing ourselves with the concept that we need to be prepared for and fully engaged each evening.
Today, sitting on the floor and sweating throughout the two and a half hour church service, I had a rather miserable attitude. I was hot, tired of being hot, and my stomach was not pleased. I was focusing on my misery, my frustration toward what appeared to be an endless service, and the concept that we are only on our first week in the country.
Then it struck me. Why should these people be anxious to end a service in which they are learning about and praising God? Why should our interest in Him only occur when we’re sitting in comfy chairs in a temperature-controlled environment? Why does our interest in learning about Christ depend on the pastor being quick and witty in his delivery?
My attitude was completely wrong. I should be rejoicing in the opportunity to hear the Word in any way I can. I should be thankful that I am hot and uncomfortable because it helps to focus my mind on the happy news I’m hearing. I should appreciate the opportunity to worship God in community, and should understand that time is no object.
Thank God that He is so patient with our whininess! Thank you, God, for being the same God who is always accessible to us, regardless of our environment. Thank you for being the same Body and Blood, whether delivered as a pristine circular white wafer or a torn bit of unflavored tortilla. Thank you for teaching me these lessons!
I pray that as this month continues I become open to the many blessings before me, despite my comfort or interest in seeing them. I pray that I don't allow myself to grow weary of daily church services that all look similar. God is good in any situation, and He is the same everywhere you go. His majesty remains unchanged; it's all in the way we choose to look at Him!
