We have just completed the 5 day trip to finally get to the church we will be staying at for the next 19 days. On our way here my mind was literally blown by all of the temples and statues dedicated to at least one of the 33 million gods that hindus worship. On the bus ride here a girl on my team named Sam and I were discussing how sad it is that this part of the country we are in has such extreme poverty yet they take such great care of these lavish idols. As we were discussing this Sam raised the question asking if we do that in America and I didn’t even have to think before I answered yes.
Part of the World Race culture we’re being introduced to is actually being a part of God’s kingdom. The fact that even in America we are willing to spend so much money on lavish million dollar mega churches with coffee bars and more electronic equipment than anyone can imagine, yet there are people starving on the streets and children that can’t afford school supplies is beyond me. How can we call ourselves christians when we are more concerned with the building we are worshiping in than the practices it stands for? I understand that the God I serve isn’t a God of works but a God of faith, but how can we honestly say we are striving to be like Jesus when our actions are not Christ-like in the least bit?
On this trip God is already showing me more than ever His Kingdom, and I promise you it is not made up of lavish churches and pastors with neat light shows. God’s kingdom is made up of people who care more about helping the “least of these” than any status that can be given to them by a building.
Now, off my soap box : ) I love India. I love the flavorful food, I love the bright colors, I LOVE the scenery! We are staying at the foot of mountains in Andhra Pradesh and it might be the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. Things I do not love: squatty potties (a hole in the ground where we go to the bathroom) and the fact that the cultural norm is to not use toilet paper but your left hand. But other than the toilet practices, I love everything about India. We start our evangelism tonight and I can’t wait! The next 19 days are going to be amazing!
