Have
you ever had those moments where you expect one thing but got a different
result? Well that is how India is; all the time. I am now at the point that I
expect it. Even an hour ago we faced such a situation. But the moment that I
want to mention is one that took place last night.
Many
nights throughout the week we go in the van with Pastor K and have believer’s
meetings. We thought last night was just another meeting like that. It was
around the same time that we normally go, and it was the same setting as every
other village. And, as usual, during the worship part of the service, Pastor K
leans over and asks who will give the message. So last night, I said I would. I
have a sermon that I usually give, just in different ways. It’s on faith and
healing. In most cases, the people in these villages have physical illnesses so
it is to encourage them.
After
I volunteered to speak, I found out that this was not a normal service. It was
actually a memorial service for a man that died a year ago. What do you say
when you never knew this guy, and don’t know any details about his life? Well,
I thought of some things to say about him following God throughout his life and
setting an example. Then I double-checked with Pastor K and asked if he had
been saved. Pastor K said that this man had only questioned God and had never
accepted Him into his life. So there went my idea. The guys prayed for me to
find something to say. I knew it was important to these people to hear what I
had to say, and I didn’t want to say something that wouldn’t be in line with
what God had. So I began seeking God. He showed me that although this man
wasn’t saved, there is still something to say about the future and what He has
for the rest of that man’s family, who are believers. He directed me to Hebrews
12:1-2.
“Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so
easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before
us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and
perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross,
disregarding its shame. Not he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s
throne.”
You
see, we are often times thrown into things not just here in India, but
everywhere. And when these situations come, and they will, God will meet us
where we’re at, and direct us. I know now more than ever that God wants to see
us succeed. We’re His children. What father would want to see his child fail? I
look forward to moments like this because then God shapes us and truly refines
us.
There
are so many things I could continue talking about. God hasn’t stopped working
in us since we arrived at training camp. We are now at the end of our fourth
week in India and we have all had incredible God moments. We are truly blessed
for the people here that have helped us along the way.
I
miss everyone back home, and I’m sure I will hear great stories of things God
is doing there as well. I pray for everyone often. I love you all.
& Out,
Jesse
Prayer
Requests: Endurance! Each one of us need strength to continue impacting India.
Also,
I have a praise report. In regards to this fall, God has already opened four
doors. I have an idea which one He is pulling me to, but I’m still waiting for
more confirmation.
