When I think about my team’s week stay in India, endless amounts of moments come alive in my head.
The gorgeous rooftop and mountain views of Hyderabad.
Smelling and tasting the best Chai tea you’ll ever have.
The sweet taste of Papa John’s pizza after days of eating rice and curry.
Jumping on the trampoline with some of sweetest and most hilarious girls you’ll ever meet.
Being called “friend” and “sister” instantly by many of the children we met.
Teammates pouring out their hearts to one another.
Corporate worship time with my teammates, singing praises to the Father…..
But the thing I think about most is not a moment. Rather, I think about His faithfulness over our trip.
From the moment I got accepted on the trip until I left the Hyderabad airport, I prayed His seeds would be planted. I prayed eyes would see and ears would hear. I prayed these beloved children and caregivers would know they are loved by the Creator.
He did that and so much more. He rejuvenated weary souls in supernatural ways. My team got several opportunities to play with children and love over them, and I can’t put into words how many eyes lit up with joy and hope. I have never seen more children smile and laugh in my life, despite their physical or mental limitations.
His armor protected us from the enemy’s most brutal attacks. I felt intense spiritual darkness lift up and turn into welcoming and freeing light. Deeper intimacies formed between Him and each of my teammates….He never fails to awe and surprise.
One of the biggest ways I saw His faithfulness come through was during the caregiver ministry. Within this ministry, three of us girls would pray, share a devotional, sing, wash their feet, and give the opportunity for them to be covered in prayer. I was humbled with the opportunity to be part of this ministry for two days. Both days, we had a line of women asking for prayer. Many of their prayer requests would be for physical healing. As we prayed, we commanded physical healing, praying with faith He would heal. To my shock and awe, three women within those two days delighted in great news…They were healed by the Father! My breath was taken away at their news. I had only heard stories of this happening. And as a nurse, I unconsciously rely and depend on modern medicine to treat physical ailments in the patients I treat. To witness it was incredibly special and humbling…It will always be close to my heart.
In the days leading up to leaving India, I heard Him whisper, “The harvest is plenty here, but the workers are few….They are ready.” I have no doubt I’ll be back someday. I’m already looking forward to the day my feet hit Indian soil again. But these people need others to show them His love and proclaim the Gospel.
If you feel the tug towards ministering to this people group, do it. I promise you won’t regret, and I promise He will show His faithfulness in incredible ways.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13
