During our recent overseas mission trip, we received a request from Josh, who attends the same church as Pat's sister
Cyndy, (who has accompanied us on missions trips before), asking if he could come for a week to be a part of our ministry in India.
We said, 'Yes!' He worked out his schedule to join us for his first overseas mission trip. Here is Josh's view of what it was like to be in India on a mission trip. We pray that you will be encouraged to follow the heart of God wherever He leads you. Enjoy!
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My time in India was better than I had hoped for. I arrived at the airport preparing myself for an eye-opening experience. Gary and Pat along with Pastor Megha, met me and we were off into traffic. In the U.S. everyone stays in their lanes and follows the rules of the road. In India however, it is what I can only describe as chaotic sympathy. Driving is in the left lane and that is more of a suggestion then the rule. Honking is not considered rude, it is a way of communicating and Indian drivers are constantly communicating. I loved how crazy it was and how well it seemed to work!
Gary and Pat spent time with me showing me around the area so I could soak up the culture to better understand life in India. We took trips to the tea hills of
Darjeeling with the view of the Himalaya Mountains, as well as the to markets in the area we lived.
My first outreach experience was to a small and very poor
tea plantation village. There we sang worship songs and I gave a short message on the story of David and Goliath to 40 young children, that was translated into Bengali. Afterwards, we handed out cookies to all the children that were present.
The next day was a free eye clinic that Gary and Pat have established here as an evangelistic tool to help reach the community with the love of Jesus. This day was very special. In 6 hours we saw 80 people come to receive free eye exams, free glasses and prayer.
Gary, after he did the eye exams showed me how to use the instruments to find the correct prescription and let me do quite a few that needed reading glasses. I was filled with joy to help and watch the smiles grow as the people began to see clearly for the first time. The highlight was no doubt when a gentleman received reading glasses and was asked to open the Bible that he was given to see if he was able to see and read correctly. He randomly opens God's word and starts reading how Jesus heals the blind! I tear up with happiness at how beautiful God works.
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| At the Eye Clinic - all are prayed for |
That Sunday, I was told by Pastor Mike that if I wanted to say a few words at the Sunday Church service that he would let me have some time. I felt fear come in as I thought about getting up in front of the congregation, but God whispered, 'say yes.' So I told Pastor Mike I would be happy to. As I thought about what to share and what would be meaningful, I felt to share my testimony. It went well and I hope my words reached and encouraged whoever God had in mind.
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| Travelling by Auto Rickshaw (aka Tuk-Tuk) |
This trip was unbelievable and I felt God's presence the whole time. I was blessed to make this trip with Gary and Pat as they show God's love through kindness and care in ways that have an instant and powerful impact. The family I made on this trip will forever be in my heart and I plan to provide continued support and God willing set dates for my next visit soon.
I learned on this trip that we don't always need to know what is next; we just need to listen for God's calling and walk boldly in faith. When we do this God blesses us and the people we serve in ways that are far beyond our imagination."
God Bless - Josh
