As I stepped off the walkway onto the beach I felt the sand between my toes, as the sound of the crashing waves calmed my thoughts. In India we were truly blessed by our contacts. On our days off he went out of his way to take us to the best and most tranquil tourist spots. An off day really just means that we do not have a planned ministry that day. It means that if you let him, God will use you in a surprising way.
I have really grown an affinity for photography and have been fortunate to have my camera and tripod on the Race with me. I was walking the beach looking for shots when I saw a couple cleaning out their cast nets. They smiled at me and I returned the greeting. I walked over and said hello and was greeted with English! This is always exciting abroad. Having a conversation with someone that can speak fluent English is a blessing.
They began unfolding their lives to me. The Husband shared with me how they make a living from a small boat, with a cast net. They told me how their son used to work with them in another boat. Then I heard it, the hurt in their lives, 1 year ago, he was killed in an accident, at the age of 19. Then something amazing was said, that they knew that he was with the Lord. They believed that he was in Gods hands now. They were Christians! This was yet another great surprise, and one of the little ways that God shows me that he loves me and all of his children. I have come to realize that God often leads me to the broken and hurt. He has given me a heart for those that feel real hurt from loss or brokenness.
After hearing the rest of their story I thanked the for sharing and asked if I could pray for them. I prayed that they would seek and find comfort in the Lord through their grieving and that they could find peach with the loss of their son. I prayed that the Lord would bless them and their paths and help them to be a light in place that is mostly Hindu.
After I prayed for them, the man pointed at my camera and then at himself. This was the all to familiar “take my photo” hand motion. This was the purpose of my outing, to take pictures. I know that my priority should have been to do whatever God wanted me to, but he showed me how If I first seek him and his plans for me, the things that I desire often come with them.
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