Being in India these past 5 days has humbled me and broken my heart for those who live here.
We arrived in New Delhi on May 4 where we had to stay in a hostel for 2 nights before boarding the train for Chennai. Staying at the hostel opened my eyes to the less than desirable living conditions in India. The hostel was run down with cement walls and floors with mats for sleeping. The rooms were very hot since there was no air conditioning with temperatures reaching 107 degrees (we are in the hottest month of the year in India). There was a very putrid smell as we were right next to a garbage dump and neighbors who raise cows in their yards (Hindu followers worship cows) . I got eaten alive by mosquitoes at night as they bit through strong repellent. Drinking water is very limited in India so I was on the verge of dehydration by the time I arrived at the hostel which was after midnight. I was frustrated and annoyed with our accommodations, but God quickly humbled and reminded me of our call to reach out to those we are called to serve. Our team united stronger in prayer as there is a spiritual darkness and intense spiritual warfare here in India. God has chosen us for this country, at this time, for His purpose and we are obedient to his call.
Cows in the yards outside the hostel. Notice the piles of cow
patties.
While staying at the hostel, neighborhood children came to see the
Americans. The children speak English and were excited to teach us
Tamil words. Above is Rocky who was one of our tutors.
Another very humbling experience this week was the 37 hour train ride from New Delhi to Chennai. The trains were full and very hot with no air conditioning and temperatures over 100 degrees. I had to stop and realize this is how Indian people travel frequently if not daily. During the train ride, natives were asking us where we were from and asked to take pictures with us. They shared with us their cultural beliefs. A Hindu family was telling us of the many gods they worship and we shared with them the one true God we serve and His son Jesus. Our team sang praise songs with the family. The train ride was much more bearable as we reached out to the natives.
Our transporatation through India.
Children loved having their pictures taken with us.
This month we are staying in a village outside of Chennai.
Sunday we lead worship and 3 of us preached. The prayers of these people are very powerful, direct, and loud! They call out to God with the same intensity that Americans cheer on their favorite sports team. Even the children scream out to God with fervent prayers. It was awesome to hear everyone in the church praying at the top of their lungs all together, lasting a good half hour. This is the type of praying that will defeat the enemy here in India!
Sunday school
Sunday afternoon watermelon.
Each evening we have been walking through the village visiting with church members and many others along the way who are curious as to what we are doing. We pray for those we visit and share our testimonies and the hope we have in Jesus.
We are staying with Pastor Devadoss and his family while here in India.
Another story of true humility: the family moved out of their comfortable
beds and air conditioned rooms so we could stay there.
Another story of true humility: the family moved out of their comfortable
beds and air conditioned rooms so we could stay there.
Goats are all over the village.
This is one of the many families we prayed with in the village.
This is one of my favorite pictures. You can see people living in tents
below and the beautiful clouds and rays of sun above as Jesus is looking
down on them with hope!
below and the beautiful clouds and rays of sun above as Jesus is looking
down on them with hope!
This is going to be a very exciting, powerful, uplifting month of ministry. Our team will continue to preach, lead worship, and pray for healing on Sundays. During the week, we will be doing open-air preaching in the villages and on the streets in town, going on home visits to share the gospel and pray with people, and praying for healing and deliverance.
