Wow. All I can say is wow. I am in awe of the Lord and all that He has been doing! First, let me just say I LOVE India! I’m so thankful to finally be here.
The people are unique, strange, and beautiful. Big brown eyes peering at our white skin, the overwhelming aromas, and the ambiguous head-bobble. TII. This Is India.
But there is much more. India is dark. India has bonds and chains. Exploitation, slavery, corruption. This is India.
Then there is us. The children of God. His light is breaking through. His love, His hope.
We have the privilege of serving at a children’s home who rescues children at-risk of exploitation. Here, I have witnessed God’s light. It is blinding. The dwelling of the Holy Spirit in this family is evident. They glow with joy. They are affectionate. They praise God, lifting their voices in song and prayer. They meditate on His word, and memorize scripture.
The four days we have been in India have been packed full. There have been many precious moments with these children. The beauty of these moments goes beyond words.
I think of when Mary gives birth to Jesus and everyone is surrounding her, sharing the news, overjoyed at this birth. Then Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Mary watched- absorbing every detail around her and cherished it in her heart. She didn’t have words- it was special between her and the Lord. Thus far, I have had many “Mary moments”.
Let me tell you about my friend Shami*. The other day he asked me to hold him and take a walk. We had small talk and then I asked him if he knew how much God loved him. Immediately he replied, “Very, very much!” I ask if he has a favorite Bible verse, and without any hesitation he says yes and recites Psalm 23:1 and Psalm 25:1. (He is 6 years old.) There was a pause in our conversation as I walked around with him. I asked what he was thinking about. With a shining smile, ear to ear, he looks at me and he replies, “Jesus.”
These are the moments that go beyond my expression. This child rescued from the street- overflowing with the love His Savior has for him, so much that it flows into you. It’s simply too wonderful for words!
Worshiping the Father in four different languages as children lift their hands. Listening to the small voices pray all together- thanking the Lord. Shaking the hands of each child and staff member after a service, saying, “Praise the Lord.” Having the children run into your arms upon your arrival, to be held and played with.
This is India.
