We have been here during Deepavali, a national holiday. They do a lot of art by just
sprinkling colored rice on the floor. Here is one of my favorites.
So…for the learning part of this blog… It’s hard to describe my feelings towards this month-but I’ll try. It was a huge learning month for me. I learned that it’s okay to be served by those you came to serve. I learned to play a little guitar, some drums, and how to eat any food with no utensils. I was reminded that ministry is done wherever you are- not just when you’re at a specific site with a specific purpose. I learned that people are challenged more by us living out God’s calling then they ever are by our preaching. I learned that spiritual warfare is a real thing and that I have authority in Christ. I learned that you have to be vulnerable with the team that you lead because a leader willing to admit weakness somehow shows their strength. I learned that speaking out your fears and your failures brings freedom, that empowering people is as easy as allowing them to be heard, and that speaking life to others brings the presence of the kingdom of God to earth. I learned how to communicate more directly and fight for those that are entrusted to me. I’ve learned that I need to take “pray without ceasing” a little more seriously and I learned that worship lifts spirits of oppression- even in the red light district.
Here we are in the red light district where we did one of the prayer walks.
I’ve learned to look at people as who they are becoming as a child of God rather than criticizing their current state. I learned that not every month needs to be the best month ever, but that my attitude can make or break the whole experience. I’m realizing that I have come a long way- but I have so much farther to go. I’m glad I have a faithful and patient Teacher who has a purpose in all of these things.
