Members of the Body

It was another morning spent repacking and preparing for the road again. We've all enjoyed our stay at OTI and the chance to get to know people a little better. I'm looking forward to the next part of our trip but am also sad to leave OTI behind. 

I picked up my suitcase off the floor this morning ready to go and discovered a little scorpion underneath! I decided to leave him in peace after snapping a photo:). 

We left around 9am to head to Bangalore and back to the IEM headquarters where we began our trip. I decided to swap cars with Alex so I could chat to Robyn which also gave Alex a chance for a change of scenery for a while. Saloni gave me a dark look as she realised I was leaving her by herself with the boys, but forgave me eventually:). It was a fairly short trip, only a few hours, and we were soon in Bangalore. Thankfully Saloni had survived the trip with the three boys and their antics:). 

We once again met for singing, prayer and an update on IEM's work. Our group was asked for some feedback on our trip so far from some of us, so Samuel shared an overview and then nodded for me to take over. So, I quickly shared some of my personal highlights and how we'd all been encouraged and challenged to see the enthusiasm and growing faith amongst the people in the various churches we'd visited. Everywhere we go we are exhorted to remember the people and the mission work in prayer and are assured that they already do so for us in return. 

We were each given a book, a carved wooden elephant and a prayer poster of all the IEM workers as a thank you. Bill and Samuel were also presented with a shawl, which was placed over their shoulders and is the traditional way to honour someone. 

Somehow in the course of conversation Keaton discovered that one of the staff at IEM owned a piano accordion. Keaton was pretty excited to give it a go and spent a little while fiddling around with it trying to work it all out. He was even able to play us a few songs. 

Luke had a go too. Saloni and I had a good laugh as we watched him concentrate so hard that his tongue couldn't help but stick out the side of his mouth. 

The boys had good fun playing around with their various instruments. 

Bill and Paul. 

We had lunch at IEM and the boys went straight back to playing music afterwards while the rest of us chatted. We had prayer with the staff just before we headed off to the airport. We had Gupal and a new driver taking us to the airport which meant we had to say goodbye to Paul. Paul has been an amazing driver/guide/friend to us all, in fact he reminds me a little of my dad. Paul had tears in his eyes as he hugged us all goodbye. From the short amount of time I've had with this man I've seen someone with a great passion for missions and prepared to sacrifice everything for Christ. 

As we piled into the cars we realised that neither of the drivers knew how to get to the airport! This meant we had to take an extra person with us again. I jumped back into the other jeep again into the now familiar sardine type fit we've worked out. It was probably the longest trip we've done this way, but it wasn't that uncomfortable. We said goodbye to Gupal at the airport. I'm not exactly sure what his impression of us might be, having spent many long hours with us in a state of something like cabin fever. We're going to miss Gupal though we could never really communicate properly. 

Through the Holy Spirit Himself, we are part of one and the same body together; the body of Christ. 

I cannot begin to imagine what it will be like to one day spend an eternity with these believers, praising God and serving Him together. 

Prepare us for that day, Lord. May none of us be ashamed at Your coming but instead rejoice.

-

Our flight from Bangalore to Hyderabad took only an hour and a half. We arrived about 7pm and were greeted by a missionary family: Kumar, Crownie, and their daughter Gracia. For this part of our trip they have hired a 12 seater bus for us to travel in together. We're looking forward to being able to travel as a group, though not so much the 5-6 hour trip ahead of us. 

We stopped for tea on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad, about an hour from the airport. There is a festival on at the moment and so the restaurant was fairly busy with families out for the night. While we waited for a table, Robyn noticed a waiter clearing the tables and sorting the cutlery. The waiter proceeded to put the cutlery that he thought looked clean back onto the table to be used for the next group. I don't want to think on to what happens in the kitchen but am glad that I've been eating with fingers the whole trip!

I've been told that Hyderabad has some of the spiciest curries, at least in Southern India. Gracia was a little fearful that we wouldn't be able to handle the spice and kept discouraging the boys from taking too much. Most of it was simply delicious and didn't taste that spicy at all. I guess maybe my taste buds could be getting used to the spice now. There was one side dish though that I didn't touch as it had the boys' foreheads beading with sweat. 

We ate quickly as we were all keen to get back on the road again and closer to bed. 

At 3am we arrived in Chinnoor.

Most of us didn't get any sleep at all, discovering that the seats in the van were not very comfortable and had nowhere to rest your head. Arriving at the hotel, all we wanted to do was fall into bed. Of course it wasn't that easy, and there ended up being a bit of confusion with the rooms that had been booked for us. In the end Robyn had to go and stay with one of the missionary families in their small house. Saloni and I stumbled into our rooms, and discovered a very smelly bathroom with very questionable looking sheets on the beds. I took the time only to change and cover the pillow with my towel, deciding that I needed sleep more than I cared about dirty sheets. Saloni also covered her pillow and some of the bed and we both kept our shoes on rather than go bare foot on the dirty floors. We were so tired after our long day that despite the state of the sheets we soon fell asleep. 

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free- and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Hands in Mine

IEM dining hall and upstairs chapel. 

Today we again had coffee, breakfast and devotions together to start the day. Afterwards, we toured the grounds with Paul who looks after the property.

They have recently purchased a tanker to bring in water for the property. Though just coming out of the wet season it has been quite dry and there is already a water shortage. Soon they will have to start buying water and having their own tanker will make it much cheaper in the long run. 

After our tour, some of us worked in the library for a while before lunch. Most of the books are second hand and a lot of them are quite old. It didn't take long and soon it was lunch time again. After lunch, they gave us an opportunity to rest for a few hours. It felt like ages since we had been given free time! So, with the exception of Bill, we all played UNO together. It was nice to spend some time relaxing with one another for a change. 

Keaton had been feeling sick this morning and had to rest for a while but by lunch time he'd recovered. Thankfully it was nothing serious and he was able to join us for the afternoons activities. 

At 4pm we headed to a nearby church plant and met some of the believers. 

Bill prayed for some of them and we headed off again.

We then went to visit a daycare centre in the middle of a village. This was, of course, a highlight for me:). 

The daycare centre is provided for the kids in the village whose families would otherwise be unable to afford any preschool education. 

Who can resist a sleeping baby?

They sang for us, we sang for them.

(we've been doing a lot of singing wherever we go)

I didn't get many good photos because none of them could stand still for a single second:). 

Keaton taught them a game which we all played together. The kids loved it.

I remembered that I'd brought glow stick bangles with me and realised I'd have just enough for everyone. They were an instant hit and I'm so glad I thought to bring them with me. 

I was in my element, back to making friends with little kids. 

The kids wanted us to see where they lived so we drove the short distance to their homes, a distance they walk by themselves. 

We didn't want to cause too much of a commotion in a community of mostly Hindus, but we took a few minutes to pray in the home of a believing family. 

Children clamouring to hold my hands is an all too familiar feeling that reminds me of other little hands that have become precious to me. More little hearts I'm tied to in far away places. I couldn't help but shed a few tears for my children I care for so much and miss so dearly. I sat in the back of the jeep again and prayed all the way home. 

I love the believers here at OTI, they feel like family. Paul was asked to pray for us when we had devotions tonight. He prayed for each of us specifically by name and it seemed like when he prayed for me he somehow knew exactly how I felt. I guess that's how the Holy Spirit works, making us one body, helping us bear each other's joys and sorrows. 

Lord, may these children grow up always knowing Your love. May they know that people across the world pray for them. Thank You for the work of IEM and OTI that gives shelter and protection to these young lives. Watch over their souls, Lord, as well as their bodies, may they one day be men and women of faith in this land. May we be Your hands and feet in this place, glorify Your name and advance Your Kingdom. May everything we do bring honour to You Oh God. 

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, 

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 

As a father shows compassion to his children, 

so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."

Psalm 103:11-13

Testing and Trust

What an amazing day!

It was another beautiful day and we all awoke well rested. 

I showered with a bucket this morning, something I've never done before. I guess it's all part of the missionary training:). It's not that bad really, I enjoy cold water in warm weather, it just takes a long time to wash my hair properly. 

We joined the others in the guesthouse for coffee before heading to the dining hall for a yummy breakfast together. 

(Bill and his fellow Presbyterian minister Yoke)

We then went upstairs to the chapel and had morning devotions together. All the missionaries in training are out in the field at the moment for several weeks, so there's only a small group of staff on the grounds. 

We worshiped together in song and in prayer. Bill spoke on Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac and about how God tests our trust in Him in different ways. 

Following morning tea we headed out to visit a boys hostel about an hour away from OTI. The boys and girls hostels are used for missionaries kids as well as any in the community that may need it like those in poverty or being abused. The boys were all at school when we arrived as it is exam time at the moment just before holidays. The above photo is where the boys sleep together. We were all a little disappointed at missing the boys and so asked to change our schedule around a little in order to come back later. 

We had lunch with the staff and with a little bit of time to spare, decided to take a quick walk. 

Keaton stopped to put on sunscreen...

Father and daughter time...

We didn't go very far in the hot sun and soon came back to the hostel.

Bill decided he wanted to touch one of the many cows we see on the roads here. The cows didn't seem phased, but I found out later that you're not meant to touch the cows as they are sacred to the Hindu people. 

Keaton wanted to take a selfie with the cow but was a little wary of getting too close.

I think it looks like Keaton is trying to show the cow something on his phone:).

We then headed off to visit the girl's hostel. No suitcases to lug around with us this time meant I could sit in the back rather than try to squish again. 

These beautiful little princesses were there to greet us. 

Shy and giggling girls, mostly aged between 13 and 16, all dressed up and ready to welcome us. 

They danced and sang for us and we sang "Jesus loves me" and "Shout to the Lord" for them. I also enjoyed listening to the young woman who cared for these girls, how she'd come to be there and the struggles they faced together. 

Robyn makes friends wherever she goes regardless of who they are or what they do. She's one of those rare individuals that can make you immediately feel like her closest family. 

We returned to the boys hostel as they were returning from school and it began to rain. Again they sang for us and we sang for them, Bill played a little clapping game with them and spent a bit of time chatting with them. 

Saloni could barely be seen for the crowd of little heads around her. 

Luke and his guitar. 

All you need is a smile and maybe a high five to make friends with kids like these. 

I had a few people comment today that I was a little quiet. Somehow, Samuel guessed what it was that I was thinking so deeply about. "You'd like to stay here, wouldn't you, with the children", was more of a statement then a question. It's the kids that always get to me and I'm not ashamed of my inner longing to mother these boys and girls. These happy smiling faces and shy greetings hide many sad stories. Sure, a lot of them are from believing homes and some simply from families too poor to care for them. Yet, others are brought by the police, victims of rape and abuse. The hostels run by Christians are the only places where police know that kids won't be abused further. I couldn't help thinking about what some of these kids might have had to endure. 

Like Abraham, do I trust that God is good? That He is always just and fair? That He will heal and save? 

I have wrestled with these questions many times before and God continues to show me more of Himself every time. 

Will I come through the test? Can I give up everything in order to trust God at His Word like Abraham did with his only son? 

Again, I pray for these children and their healing.

Lord, You know each child's story, You are the God Who heals and restores. You are the God of salvation and eternal life. 

Grow these precious little ones to Yourself.

Thank You for placing them in Your mercy at IEM, where they are loved and cared for by Your people.

Grow them into men and women of faith, leaders in Your church, witnesses for You and members of Your everlasting Kingdom. 

Back at OTI, our jeep arrived ahead of the others and without anything better to do we tried out the seesaw:). 

After dinner we had a look at some of the photos that have been taken so far on the trip and then headed off to bed. 

Our days are so full to the brim that we are all sleeping pretty well :). Even Saloni and I, except for the first night we shared a room and stayed up talking, barely chat at all before falling asleep. 

"For I will proclaim the name of the LORD;

ascribe greatness to our God!

The Rock, his work is perfect, 

for all his ways are justice.

A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, 

just and upright is he."

Deuteronomy 32:3-4

Sunday Fellowship

I got up this morning and after repacking I wrote down a few more thoughts from yesterday which I was too tired to put on paper last night.

...

Yesterday we experienced the joy of a group of new believers; a joy made tenfold by continuing hand of God on them as they experience persecution. These people have been completely transformed, leaving family and caste to join themselves to the name of Christ and His church. Encountering the gift of the Gospel, they immediately begin boldly proclaiming it to everyone they know. God is certainly with these people. His presence makes them courageous and His Word is the bread they live by. 

The passion of the missionaries in their work both encourages and challenges me. One woman said to me, "there is no backsliding in this church, once they have chosen Christ, they never turn back." What a powerful witness!

Lord, challenge us today as we worship with these people. Help us to be an encouragement to them and may we be faithful in prayer for them. Build up Your church, Lord, grow these new believers and continue to give them courage and joy. 

You are the same God wherever we go and Your love endures forever. Thank you for Your presence with us and these people. May Your name receive all the glory and honour. 

...

After jotting down my thoughts from yesterday, Saloni and I repacked and joined the others downstairs for coffee. I thought handbags were annoying but having to lug suitcases around with us is getting old very quickly. 

We headed off to church where we were served a lovely breakfast by the missionaries and prepared to worship with them. 

Again, it was boys on one side, girls on the other. I decided after last night's service that a head covering might be a good idea, so Saloni and I borrowed a scarf each from Robyn for the service today. I was glad I did, as during prayer time, every woman covered her head. This is mostly cultural and I'm certain that we wouldn't have been seen any different if we chose not to cover our heads, but I chose to anyway. I love to take part in a person's culture in every way possible and have seen many times the difference it makes in building relationships with people when you try to respect their traditions. 

We sang (or rather clapped along to their singing), prayed and listened to Bill preach on Nicodemus. Once again we were called upon to sing and we chose "Shout to the Lord", again because it's one we can remember all the lyrics to. This time Keaton and Luke were able to play keyboard and guitar for us as well.  

We greeted the believers after the service and Saloni and I chatted to some of the girls. I find it very hard to remember Indian names, unfortunately. Thankfully God knows their names even if I don't:). 

Many of the people we had visited from the villages yesterday had been invited to join us today. So many people showed up and almost all of them on time, though they had to travel a fair distance to get to church. 

While Bill and Samuel chatted outside, we were asked to run a 20 min youth service. I remembered that we had been told about this but I'd completely forgotten in the busyness of everything else. No worries though. We taught them "I am the Way, Truth, Life" and they taught us "God is so Good" in the local language. First Alex and then Keaton shared their testimonies (both of them did a great job) and then I closed in prayer. 

One of the missionaries looking after us, Shebu, pulled me aside afterwards and asked why I hadn't shared my testimony. You see, somehow, Paul knew that I've been on mission trips before. Yesterday, when we were all introduced, I was was asked to explain briefly where I've been and what I've done. I was a little taken aback, mostly because I hadn't said anything to Paul, one of our drivers, and so wasn't expecting such an introduction. Shebu had wanted me to share my testimony with the youth so he could hear more about the mission work I've been involved in. I just laughed; after all, the youth needed to hear Alex and Keaton's testimonies just as much. 

Last night, we had offered to pay for a fellowship lunch to be provided after church. In order to get this amount of food ready, someone would have had to have gotten up before 4am to prepare it all before church started. They started setting up a table with 8 chairs in the church and we began to wonder what sort of fellowship lunch this was going to be. We asked where everyone else had gone and were informed that everyone else was on the roof eating together and they thought we'd want quiet for eating! We were a little horrified and quickly joined the others on the roof. We sat on the floor and ate with our fingers just like them, otherwise how could it be a fellowship lunch? 

In true Indian style, we washed our hands by pouring water over the balcony for each other's hands.

On the roof, after most people had already headed home. 

I love all the beautiful saris in every colour you can imagine. They are so feminine and flattering but also very practical. 

One of Keaton's little friends :). 

Luke and his guitar is always cause for a gathering :). 

Luke's music is probably playing all over India by now :). 

Soon it was time to leave again. Paul, one of our drivers, works at the training centre for the missionaries which is where we were headed next. His daughter, Sheefere, stays in Chitradurga, however, with her grandparents in order to attend school. They don't get to see each other very often, as it's a 5 hour drive and both of them have very busy schedules. It's a lot for a 13 year old girl to handle and she was crying as we left. These people sacrifice a lot to serve in the  various ministries God has called them to. 

Another 5 hours on the road ahead of us. 

Keaton and Gupal sharing Keaton's earphones, we're still not sure if Gupal enjoys the piano or not :). 

Some of the funny sights to be seen on Indian roads. 

We stopped for a break and more coffee of course. A friend told me once that I say a lot about coffee on my blog. I guess I do enjoy my coffee:). On the road again we bought some papaya at one of the many toll points along the freeway. Keaton also bought peanuts for us to share and we simply threw the shells out the window as we drove along. We wouldn't be able to do that back home. 

We sang more songs and played some games together.

We started playing the game where you begin a story and then pause at a climax to let the next person continue on. As it began to get quite late our story became sillier and sillier. I'll admit that it was mostly my fault, as Saloni and Luke tired quickly of the game and left me and Keaton to let our imaginations run wild. 

We eventually arrived at OTI, the Outreach Training Institute of IEM. Our story had run it's course and we were all glad to be out of the jeeps and stretching our legs. Our dinner was ready and waiting for us. We had curry but they had also boiled up a big bowl full of potatoes. None of us ate the potatoes and found out afterwards that they had been cooked especially for us as they thought we'd prefer them to Indian food. :) Little did they know how much we love a good curry! 

After eating we were all pretty keen to head to bed. OTI has one guesthouse with three bedrooms and also two dorms for the missionaries in training. Saloni and I chose to share a dorm together, with Samuel in the boys dorm across from us while the others slept in the guesthouse.

Saloni broke out in some sort of rash on her hands and feet. We noticed it last night but thought it was just bug bites until it began to look like hives today. Thankfully Robyn has antihistamines with her and Saloni has started taking them. I suspect that it's just a reaction to the bug bites or possibly from brushing up against a plant somewhere, hopefully it will clear up by tomorrow.

 After all our travelling around and repacking all the time we are looking forward to spending 3 whole nights in one spot for once. It has certainly been a wonderfully full Sunday!

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

Luke 24:45-48 (Jesus appearing to His disciples)