As most of you know, our team headed back to the US and Canada at the end of July. Leading the team was definitely a different experience for us. We have always been leaders for teams in Africa, but never the leader that lived with the students, bought the groceries, dealt with all the finances, counselled the students through tough situations they met in India, etc…It was such a rewarding two months as we saw all 17 students surrender so much to Christ, and allow Him to speak to them and lead them. India is such a different culture than America, Europe, even Africa…it is just crazy!!! These students didn’t just step out of their comfort zones here in India, they leaped!!!
When Jesus gives us an example of prayer, He says, “YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN (Matt 6:10).” This is our prayer!!! We desire/long to see the Lord’s Kingdom come, not only in Heaven, but here on earth!!! That is our prayer, and the Lord has shown us that one of our rolls in bring His kingdom is through discipleship. The Lord then threw us face-first into discipleship with our team. Don’t get me wrong, we didn’t have time every week to spend an hour at a coffee shop with each student allowing them to vent their problems…but, then again, neither did Jesus. We just ate dinner together, ministered together at orphanages, leper colonies and slums, prayed together, worshipped together, laughed together, threw water balloons at each other, lay sweating on the roof together when the power went out, celebrated birthdays together… The Lord brought all 21 of us together for two months to experience true community, to seek his Kingdom!!
UPDATE:
Only a few days after our team left, we travelled to Thailand to spend a little time with each other and in intimacy with the Lord. We were definitly blessed during this time, and highly recommend a short trip to Thailand for anyone who lives close enough!!
Two days after our return from Thailand, Matt’s dad arrived in India. He braved the heat and humidity (you have no idea!!!) for 7 days in order to visit the orphanages and some Delhi tourist sites with us!! It was so great to spend time with him, and show him our life and ministry here.
So, what are we doing now?? As most of you know, we head back to America/Canada in October for a three month sabbatical/support raising trip. The Lord is leading us back to India in January so we are in need of a slightly longer term visa, something we weren’t able to get in Africa. We will be applying for these, as well as my (Naomi’s) Canadian passport, visiting family, supporters and churches!! Until then, we are continuing to follow up with different relationships that our team members built while they were here (at the leper colonies and orphanages). There will be a three month team arriving at the end of September whom we will do set-up for and introduce them to the Indian culture, their ministry sites and relationships that they can continue while we are back in America.
Hope to see you in a few months!!!
Thx for writing. I know the Lord used you tremendously in building up the lives of the visiting students.
praise the lord! I can’t wait for you guys to get back here! Even if it just means we can actually talk on the phone its gonna be sweet. I have been praying for you guys and reading all of your updates. Have a good month, and I’ll talk to you soon