India. The land of milk and hon… wait, that’s not right.
India. The land of rice and curry. Lots and lots of curry. There… that’s more like it.
So, yeah, my mouth is like a lava pit most of the time. All jokes aside (and maybe the food), India is an awesome and fascinating country. Wish I could explain the culture in a nutshell, but you’d just have to experience for yourself or have a long conversation with me. Let’s just say it’s near opposite the culture of America.
Our team is involved with a ministry in which they bring in young men who feel called into ministry, specifically music ministry, and house them for a month long training and discipleship program. The men are at different talent levels, but most are beginners.
We have been given many tasks here, but our main ministry involves worship music, English lessons, and discipleship. I get to play djembe (drum), sing, teach voice lessons, and invest in the “brothers’” lives. Talk about right up my alley… I’m like a kid in a candy store.
Voice Lessons
Teaching them how NOT to sit when singing. They found it amusing.
Twice a week, we are given the opportunity to travel to the slums, which are about a 20-minute ride away. Our first time going was just a couple days ago.
Let me give you a short background on spirituality in India… There are 3 main religions here: Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. Christianity is in the minority. However, almost everyone here is “religious” or “spiritual” in some way. They are very open to the spiritual realm, so anything involving God is not at all uncommon. For some people, Jesus can be another god to add to their list.
Back to the slums. So, we went around talking and praying with people through a translator. The living conditions were fairly similar to “Slumdog Millionaire” (Sewage filled river, tin roofs held up by sticks, houses made mostly of blankets, and garbage everywhere).
The residents’ faces were filled with joy as we walked around. The kids we sang songs with were the cutest things I’d ever seen. Everyone was so happy we were there. Nathan was even asked to NAME A BABY! What?! (He chose the name Paul, btw).
Culture considers it normal to touch a person’s head while praying for them, so that’s what I did as I prayed for the adults. Shortly before we left, a child wanted to be prayed for, so I did the honors. As I finished, many of the younger children started lining up, putting forth their heads, wanting to be prayed for too.
What went through my thoughts was that either A) They just thought it was something fun or cool to do, having an American touch their head like the older kid had done. Or B) They’d take whatever prayer they could get, no matter what the God/god.
I became discouraged for a very short moment, because I was thinking, “They don’t even know what is happening right now. They probably have no clue why they are being prayed for.” Then, Holy Spirit sent some words my way.
He said, “Tyler… they are GIVING YOU an opportunity to pray over them. A chance to speak the name of Jesus into their lives. This just doesn’t happen often. I have given you the power of Christ to speak life into these children, no matter if they have any idea what’s going on. You don’t think I can’t do something through this, even if you never see the fruits? Ye of little faith… be obedient and pray for them.”
Ok, God.
So I did. I prayed that they will see Jesus. Prayed for their future salvation. Prayed with a passion.
That’s been a theme on this Race. No matter what I think will happen, or what I see happen, all I can do is be obedient. To do my part, and let God do His.
I’m so excited about this month! Even those cold showers can’t get me down! Let’s go India.
