My 2016 mission trip to India is behind me... I must confess that this was the most difficult, yet most rewarding of the 14 trips to India that I have taken.
Why difficult? We traveled into seven different states and conducted 15 medical camps... all in the space of 12 days. In addition, we conducted several worship and revival services, and led a one-day bible conference for pastors and leaders. The total time of the mission trip from boarding the jet in the US to returning to US soil was 16 days, so it is easy to see that our travel and ministry schedule was intense.
Also, we dealt with weather extremes from 110+ degrees combined with drought to 40 degrees combined with rain and mud. Plus, we faced terrorism curfews and a bomb threat on the railroad.
Why rewarding? We were able to see many people come to Christ, we had the privilege of personally speaking into the lives of pastors who are daily laying their lives on the line for the sake of the Kingdom of God. And, God miraculously showed up on several occasions to demonstrate miracles to confirm His Word.
The stories are many, but allow me to share one...
While ministering to Muslims through a medical camp in a large city, I began to engage a young man who had accompanied his aging parents. While they were receiving medical care, I began a conversation with him about his faith and about mine. He was very interested in what I believed, but gave the stock answer, "All religions are the same. We just need to be sincere." I countered with the teachings of Jesus, saying that no one can come to the Father but through Him.
I also asked him if Mohamed came back from the dead after he died. I told him that Jesus did, and in fact Jesus was the only centerpiece of a religion who was raised from the dead. At this point I introduced my young friend to the local pastor we were working with, himself a former Muslim. The local pastor immediately took over where I left off and began to lead the young man to the Christ. I am believing that his parents and sister will also trust in Jesus!
Sunday evening I will have the privilege of sharing a report with my church of the highlights of the trip (how can one tell of the wonders of God in around 30 minutes?). I hope more that than anything else the people don't simply see the slides and hear the stories. Rather, I hope that they catch the heartbeat of God, and how He desires to reach the unreached people of the world.
If you like this post, you can re-post it, ‘share’ it on your Facebook status, ‘Tweet’ it, or forward it to your friends. Follow me on Twitter @bigcloudmusic if you find me interesting. Subscribe to this Blog if you’d like at the top right of the page.
Also, we dealt with weather extremes from 110+ degrees combined with drought to 40 degrees combined with rain and mud. Plus, we faced terrorism curfews and a bomb threat on the railroad.
Why rewarding? We were able to see many people come to Christ, we had the privilege of personally speaking into the lives of pastors who are daily laying their lives on the line for the sake of the Kingdom of God. And, God miraculously showed up on several occasions to demonstrate miracles to confirm His Word.
The stories are many, but allow me to share one...
While ministering to Muslims through a medical camp in a large city, I began to engage a young man who had accompanied his aging parents. While they were receiving medical care, I began a conversation with him about his faith and about mine. He was very interested in what I believed, but gave the stock answer, "All religions are the same. We just need to be sincere." I countered with the teachings of Jesus, saying that no one can come to the Father but through Him.
I also asked him if Mohamed came back from the dead after he died. I told him that Jesus did, and in fact Jesus was the only centerpiece of a religion who was raised from the dead. At this point I introduced my young friend to the local pastor we were working with, himself a former Muslim. The local pastor immediately took over where I left off and began to lead the young man to the Christ. I am believing that his parents and sister will also trust in Jesus!
Sunday evening I will have the privilege of sharing a report with my church of the highlights of the trip (how can one tell of the wonders of God in around 30 minutes?). I hope more that than anything else the people don't simply see the slides and hear the stories. Rather, I hope that they catch the heartbeat of God, and how He desires to reach the unreached people of the world.
If you like this post, you can re-post it, ‘share’ it on your Facebook status, ‘Tweet’ it, or forward it to your friends. Follow me on Twitter @bigcloudmusic if you find me interesting. Subscribe to this Blog if you’d like at the top right of the page.
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