In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while he will restore, support, and strengthen you and He will place you on a firm foundation. -1 Peter 5:10
Looking back at all the complications upon arriving to India, God has blessed us with many great memories. Many are unfathomable to write about, but I’m happy to be experiencing India surrounded by such faithful and God honoring people. The locals have welcomed us with such warm smiles and generous gifts. I have loved meeting the strong people of India, looking into their eyes, and seeing just a glimpse into their life. Though we live in such a hurting world, we can unite through the love of Christ, who restores, supports, and strengthens. For through God, we can break the boundaries of language and worship the One who makes everything matter.
During our first full day in India, we went to a local church, supported by Mid-India Church Partners and immediately felt at home. They welcomed us with gorgeous leis, and I believe I shook more hands than I ever had before. We heard old hymns sung in Hindi, and sang along to what we could. Through all of these moments, I had never felt joy in the purest form until today. Knowing that even though there are minor differences between us, we can still worship as a family.
Towards the end of the day, we went to the compound where they have a ministry called Neelam’s Kids. The kids who are a part of this ministry come from Christian families where the parents have been persecuted or its unsafe for the children to live with them. We toured their facility and I believe each one of us encountered a moment that stuck out the most. For me, it was looking outside at such a beautiful campus and seeing the children’s clothing hanging to dry. Seeing all of their belongings and thinking how they live on such minimal needs impacted me in more ways than one. Though they live on what we would call nothing, in the states, they have happy spirits that are noticeable when you walk through the door. After we toured their dorms, they greeted us with more leis and sang three songs. I believe that moment will stick with me forever. While they expressed their love of song and dance, you can see their happy spirits and it quickly became contagious. Throughout all the hardships that these children have faced, they still have the purest form of joy, friends that stick with each other, and the all loving God.
Now as I write this sitting on the front steps of our home, I continue to see that same joy spread across the faces of all the children playing cricket. While I hear laughter all around, I thank God for the small moments. I thank Him for the sun shining, and the wind blowing. I thank Him for the love he has shown through all that we have encountered. I thank Him for meeting new sisters and brothers in Christ. I thank him for allowing me to leave a part of my heart in India.
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