Adopt a Child

Thanks for all of your support and comments (both on the blog and in person since we arrived back home). It was a great experience in India...and great to share with each of you.

Since we have returned home several people have commented about the children that we encountered during our time in the orphanage. A common question has been: Can I adopt a child to support? Well...the answer is YES!

Thus, we thought we would post a link to the UEMI website (the organization that runs the orphanage). On the left you will see links for sponsoring children, church planters, or women. It is our prayer that you will feel moved to sponsor part of the incredible ministry that is happening in India through the efforts of UEMI.

Here's the link: http://www.uemi.org/index.html

Just a Few More Hours...

Well, in just 30 minutes we will be checking out of our hotel here in Bangalore and then getting ready to head to the airport for our 2:00am departure. Then, it is roughly 9 hours to Paris and another 8 or 9 hours home (well...to Cincinatti anyway). It has been a great trip and we each look forward to sharing the experience with you more when we get home.

I must say that this blog "experiment" has been a great way to share thoughts and stories in "real time" with those who chose to participate by reading. We have also been blessed to hear from those who shared comments, encouragement, and prayer with us as we moved about through India. What started as an experiment in communication, I believe, will become a part of the way that we plan for and carry out future trips.

On behalf of the team, I'd like to say, "Thanks". Thanks for your partnership during this experience. Please also remember to keep Krupa, Raj, Joel, Daniel, Amel, Joti, Pressona...and all of India...in your prayers. God is doing some incredible things here...

Day Ten - Our Final Day in India...

We are nearing the end of this amazing journey in India and I find myself troubled—troubled with how much I have when so many in this country alone have so little. I’ve seen some of the poorest children attending school on dirt floors, with leaking ceilings, limited space and resources and yet they gratefully attend with joy and excitement, because they realize the precious gift they have in what “little” they have been given. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our children could understand the gift they’ve been given in their education, health, opportunities and faith? And wouldn’t it be wonderful if we as parents put more value on these as well and focus less on giving them so many “things.”

Over the past two weeks I’ve seen men and women tearfully receive the first pair of glasses they have ever known, they are so grateful to receive the gift of sight and do everything they can to show you their gratitude. In providing so many with new sight, God has blessed me with a new pair of glasses. I pray God will continue to stir new realizations and thoughts when I return home and I pray I never forget the amazing people that have changed my heart, my mind and my faith.

Rachel

Day Eight

While the original plan was to spread the blog writing around among the team members, and we had a plan so that you could hear from each of us at least once…we have run into a little snag this evening. You see – I am alone in India tonight!

Before you become concerned let me tell you the condensed version of the story. In short, we have spent a LOT of time on planes, trains, and in vans heading all over the southern part of India. Bumpy roads, crazy driving, and hours of being crammed together began to take a toll on my back a few days ago. Then, today, we played volleyball with a group of church planters and the Indian staff that we have been working closely with. The volleyball (which I honestly struggled to understand the significance of on a mission trip) was summed up like this by one of our Indian brothers, “Normally, the church planters just sit still and quiet and are afraid to interact with us. Today they have been released from prison.” What he was referring to was the amazing atmosphere of hope, love, positivity (and some trash talking), and enthusiasm. I guess I didn’t understand the value of simple fun to those that lead such serious lives in the midst of intense persecution.

Anyway, in the midst of the game I pulled a muscle in my back (that was already feeling the strain from so much travel ) and was sent back to Bangalore a day early to wait on the team. Thus I am alone in India tonight as our team rests about 6+ hours away.

What is incredible, however, is what I reflected on in the car as we drove here. I was put in a car with six people that I didn’t know one week ago. And you know what, it wasn’t uncomfortable at all! As we drove I reflected on what it means to really be brothers and sisters in Christ. It doesn’t matter that we are from different cultures, of that we have different skin color, or that they drive like maniacs on the “wrong” side of the road. What matters is that we share Christ and that we care for one another in His name. I have NEVER felt so cared for by a group of people that I barely know. And yet, the ride was great. We talked about our families, sang some worship songs (both in English and in their language – with them telling me what I was singing), prayed, and encouraged each other. It was a great car ride (even while experiencing some back pain).

And then, as though that weren’t enough, while grabbing a bite to eat at the hotel restaurant here in Bangalore, the entire Chinese wait staff cane up and asked if I was a Christian. They said that they had seen me pray before my meal and wanted to introduce themselves as they too were Christians. They said they were “blessed and honored to meet another Christian brother.”

So let me ask you the question that has bounced around in my head this entire trip (in fact, it was part of what I preached about on Sunday to a group of Indian Christians who met on an open rooftop): What does it mean for us to be “family” with one another in Jesus’ name? How would reflecting on that question change the way that we interact, respond to, and treat one another?

If you get a chance, read Matthew 12:46+ and think about what Jesus is saying about our being family in His name…

(Oh yeah, I am fine…God is doing just fine with taking care of things).

John
LGLOMD – six simple letters, one profound life.

Day Six - Part 2

It is amazing to me that I am half a world away from my family and friends tonight. As I write this, you are in church celebrating the reformation. As I write this I am in India watching and participating in a transformation. We in the US are so very spoiled. We in the US are so very comfortable in our lives and churches, our surroundings and our schedules.

I want you to see what I am seeing and have seen today. I want you to know how very blessed we are. We on the India team had the privilege of going to Vellore to “house churches” that are being started by church planters in India. John, Rachel and I had the privilege of going to a “church house” on a rooftop in the middle of a city filled with traffic, with cows, sheep, goats, chickens, carts, bikes, trucks, dirt, garbage, cattle dung, urine and God’s people. That church was one of the most beautiful, spirit filled churches I have been in.

We were to give our testimonies, but God had other plans. Time was short due to travel on most interesting roads, and by the time we arrived at the church it had begun and praises and glory to God were literally filling the sky. John gave a short sermonette after praise and then we were asked to pray for the people there. 40 or so woman came up for prayer with us. I have never seen more than one person step forward at our church for prayer after service at the time it is offered. Why? Is it because we are so comfortable with ourselves and our lives in the US that we feel we do not need it anymore?

We prayed for woman and for their children, some sick, some wanting their children to do well at school, some widows or woman abandoned by their husbands. We prayed for them all. Some brought oil to be blessed and we prayed over the oil and blessed it. Then leaving the church, we were invited into humble homes to pray for more woman and their families. And at that moment, I knew why God had tugged at my spirit a few months ago and said..GO..go to India, I have work for you to do. He wanted me to be here to see what I am seeing, to smell the odor that I am smelling, to touch the sweating sticky hands that I am touching and to hug the people that I am hugging. He wanted me to be here to do these things for him. He has work for all of us to do. But to do that work, sometimes it becomes uncomfortable, sometimes it becomes a stretch.

I would ask tonight as I write this that whenever it is read by you, for you to pray, pray fervently, continually, in earnest for all of your brothers and sisters in Christ, half way across the world, or sitting next to you on that church bench. God has given us a mission and he has given it to all of us. It is to love one another as he loved us and to spread the word. So pray for your brother, your sister in Christ and pray to be a blessing to them in whatever way you are able. Can you do that? Can we do that? Can we step out of our comfort zone and stretch ourselves until it is uncomfortable? Our Christ did. He left heaven and came to earth and ultimately died on the cross for you, for me, for the women and children I saw today. Step out. It is a good thing to do. Step out. It is a GOD thing to do. May God bless you and please keep us in your prayers.

Diana

Day Six

We provided our second medical/eyeglass clinic on Saturday morning in one of the poorest villages we’ve seen. Unlike the first clinic, I wasn’t able to provide many glasses due to severe cataracts. We saw 68 people and I think I only provided eyeglasses to 10 people, which was frustrating at first, because it is incredible to witness someone receive improved sight for the first time.

We were able to provide those with cataracts some much needed sunglasses. It was a joy to see their faces when they received this small comfort and quite comical to see the interaction with family and friends regarding how they “looked” in this new and unfamiliar item. The children are all so beautiful and affectionate. The adults and children we’ve seen are the untouched in this society, segregated on public transportation etc… I can’t tell you how good it feels to take their hands, place my arms around them or touch their smiling face when they thank you for being here. It feels so good to be Christ’s hands and feet to these beautiful people!

We left the clinic to begin our 8-hour drive to Vellore (south east of Bangalore). We spent the first 6 hours eating snacks, sleeping, and talking. Many of us were also mesmerized, watching our dodge ball driving bus driver, weave in and out of traffic. To gain a better view and to capture some video for family and friends…I moved to the front seat. It was unbelievable to watch our driver maneuver some of the busiest streets I’m sure I will ever see. It’s like an extreme XBOX racing game. The driver has to miss animals, walkers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. I think he was trying to give me a fun ride, so he showed off a bit and apparently my traveling buddies saw him laughing and smiling.

Our UEM friends (who remind me of Jesus’ first disciples in their love for Christ’s work, their love for their brothers and their love for showing people to Christ’s front door) found us a restaurant to use the restroom. Picture this…I’m wearing a skirt and I chose my flip flops today. I entered the women’s restroom and immediately step into water all over the floor. If you’ve ever worn flip flops in water you know that they often stick or even slide on water. EVERYTHING in this confined space was WET…wet with what I’m not sure…yuck!! Stepping out of the restroom you find yourself on marble…a nightmare for my water and urine saturated flip flops.

We still had 2 hours of travel to get to the Surabi hotel in Vellore. We ate dinner at 10pm and didn’t lie down to sleep until around 1am. Each day makes me more aware of just how much I have and just how much I DON’T need. God has been challenging me daily and provides me with new opportunities to grow.

Rachel

Day Five

Today we were again on the road and are now in another part of India (after an eight hour van drive). We don’t have the greatest internet connection here but we wanted to try to get something out for you to read…

Before we got on the road, we held another medical/eyeglass clinic in a Dalit village. Many of the people in this village had never seen a while person before. In fact, some of the people said (after we had helped them) that “The gods have come and restored my sight”. I can’t tell you how uncomfortable that quote makes me feel. I am no god. The other members of our team are no gods. In fact, what we brought here for these people (that restored their sight) is of such insignificance to us that it can be purchased at the dollar store next to nothing.

This episode got me thinking about how spoiled we are in America. So to do a little exploring on the topic I seized some time during the van ride to ask a couple of questions. Specifically, I spoke with two of the team members from here in India and asked them what a middle-class person in India would make per year on average. His reply was that they would make about 6000 rupees. 6000! Oh, and before you start thinking that a rupee is similar to a dollar – it isn’t. Some of our team exchanged some money at the hotel tonight and the exchange rate was 49 rupees for 1 dollar. That means that our India team members live on (about) $150 per month. And these are professional/middle-class folks!

Like I said, we are spoiled. So I am wondering – what would we be willing to give up for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What, from the amazing abundance that God has given us, would we be willing to surrender to God (who owns everything anyway) for the sake of His kingdom? What would life be like if what we have was looked at as assets that God has allowed us to use for the benefit of His kingdom…not our own whims and desire for comfort?

Just something for each of us to ponder…

John
LGLOMD – six simple letters, one profound life.

Day Four

Greetings from India!

Yesterday I had a great experience at the village I visited when I was here four years ago. In 2004 it was hit by the tsunami, which originated in Indonesia, wiping out over 50 homes in seconds, killing hundreds of people.

Many of those who died were the men, who were fishing at the time. They left behind many widows and orphans. Soon after numerous groups came to help, among them the mission with whom we are serving, UEM. When all the other social help groups left, UEM kept a church planter in place.

When visiting four years ago, I saw Raj beginning to share the love of Jesus with this Hindu village, which before the tsunami had been totally closed to outsiders, especially Christians. But the Lord used that tragedy to open their hearts and lives to the Gospel.

Four years later this village is undergoing a great transformation. We were welcomed with open arms and even heard the testimony of the former Hindu temple priestess. At first she was greatly angered at hearing the Word of God, but one day the Holy Spirit came upon her, delivered her from her demons and gave her the peace of Christ. Now she boldly shares her testimony with all who listen, which includes increasing numbers of people.

We thank you for your prayers and support and look forward to sharing pictures and stories with you when we return!

P Mike

Day Three - Tired

Wow...I am tired. Emotionally, physically, spiritually. I am tired.

After jumping off the overnight train, climbing about a bus/van for a two hour drive (through some pretty crazy driving), and then spending the rest of the day in a tsunami village where approximately 50% of the people died meeting with orphaned kids and widows, I am ready for bed (as is the rest of the team). So...for a more complete blog entry you will have to wait until tomorrow.

Good night.
John
LGLOMD - six simple letters, one profound life.

Day Two...

Good evening from India!

As I write this we are on an overnight train to another part of India. It has been a great experience so far to see what God is doing (ad to have a small part in the work) here in India.

This morning I was reading in chapter 6 of Luke’s Gospel. In the section titled “Love Your Enemies” my translation says, “Give to everyone who begs from you…” I have been praying about this verse all day as we have come in contact with many, many beggars. What does Jesus mean by these words? Could He really mean that we are to give to everyone who begs – or that we are to have a spirit of generosity and care for others – or something else entirely? Are we so conditioned by our societal experiences and expectations that we aren’t really willing to give Jesus’ words their full consideration?

These words (and many others from this section of Luke) are challenging enough as we live somewhat secluded and partitioned lives in America. They are even more poignant in a place where poverty, need, persecution, and conflict seem so much more of the norm.

So, for now, I will continue to pray that God would give me an increased vision and passion for people - that He will help me to see things as He does and that He will grant me, in increasing measure, a tender heart that hurts when it sees people in physical, emotional, or spiritual need. I pray the same for you this night.

God’s Peace,
John
LGLOMD – six simple letters, one profound life

Day One

Greetings from Our Team,

We have spent our first full day in Bangalore! How exciting it has been for me to be here. It was a LONG time in getting here and God has been with each one of us the whole time. Praise His Name! He has given us a safe trip and I’m very thankful for that.

The first word that comes to my mind after being here for one day is BUSY!! I can’t begin to tell you how noisy it is and how much traffic there is here. I learned real quick to just close my eyes as the driver of our van took us to the hotel. The only noise that the driver’s can relate to is the blaring of each other’s vehicles sounding their horns letting everyone know to get out of the way.
We witnessed many people today as we walked the streets sightseeing. Some of them looked as though they might be homeless. Many would come up to us trying to sell us their goods and practically not taking no for an answer. You can’t help but ask yourself…”I, wonder what their life is like?” Only God knows what is happening in their lives.

It is clearly evident after being here for one day that God has brought us here for a reason. My prayer is that we will be able to witness to the Indian people whom God loves and desires to have them know HIM.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Vicki

PS –I want to take this opportunity to say hello to my family. I miss everyone very much. Steve….thanks for all of your encouraging words and special notes that you surprised me with. It was great to hear from you! I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

A word of explanation...

Rather than sharing the “what are you doing” agenda items, we have asked our team to “share their guts” – to write about what they are experiencing and how those experiences are challenging them to think about their lives, their relationship with God, their relationship with others, and their vision for the disciple-making process. For the next few days we hope to share our gut emotions and responses with you…

We made it!

It is now 3:00am on Tuesday morning and we have officially made it to India. We have managed sitting on a plane for 17 hours with people banging their seats into our knee caps, cleared customs (with minimal issue), managed the traffic on the way to the hotel, and are now getting settled into our hotel for the "night" (or what remains of it). We'll post more tomorrow...but for now it is time to try to get some sleep.

Two Hours...

Well...we head out for our trip in just under two hours. After a morning of hearing people's horror plane/flight stories, joys of past mission trips to India, anxieties, etc. it is time to load the bags (and weigh them to make sure that they make the weight limit), say some prayers and good-byes with our families, and head out.

Please check back here on the blog over the next couple of weeks to hear "real-time" stories from our team. It is our hope that we will be able to post regularly - though that is assuming that we can get onto the internet as we have been told that we will be able to. Let the fun begin...

Last Planning Meeting

We had our last planning meeting this morning as a team. Now...we finalize details and get ready to board a plane on Sunday afternoon. We would like to request a special prayer for our team as we make the final preparations - one of our team members has had a couple of issues with his passport/Visa/plane tickets and we are all hoping that they get resolved before we need to leave for the airport on Sunday. Please keep him (and out entire team) in your prayers. Thanks...

One Week...

Well, we have just under one week until we board a plane for 20+ hours of sitting - and then two weeks of living as intentional disciples of Jesus in another country. There is a lot to do, anxiety is up a little, and we're all getting ready for this amazing experience. Please keep our team - and the people of India that we will come in contact with - in your prayers as we make our final preparations. I'm sure that no matter what, God will be glorified by our going...