Saturday we took the Metro into the city. From the moment we stepped off the train, we saw tourists all over the place. Many were there for the Cherry Blossom Festival; others were just there to see the sites. Throughout the day we walked around, working our way through the various monuments. Walking through the city you ignore alot of things because there is so much going on. However, on our walk back to our starting point, I started paying attention to what was going on around me. Not just the events, but the actual people.
In preparing to go to India, just about everything about India catches my attention. My friends tease me because I get so excited if someone talks about the country, or if I see anything that slightly resembles the culture of India. Obviously, Saturday was no exception! As we were walking I heard Indian music and looking over, I noticed that there was a huge gathering of Indian people in their colorful clothing and some religious ceremony going on. Of course I was intrigued and I decided to stop and ask a man walking to the ceremony what they were doing. A man explained to me "this is the day we celebrate our religion...the Sikh religion." My mind of course started reeling trying to think of what to say and how to share Christ with this man but my mind was so busy trying to remember the details of the Sikh religion that even after throwing out a quick, silent prayer for words, words just didn't come out. Before he scurried back to the ceremony, the only words I could get out were "have a blessed day."
I left there disappointed that I didn't say anything that could have changed that man's life. Not say something as in meanly condemning him for his beliefs, but say something about the hope that my One true God has given me and the life that comes from that. After the fact I thought of things I could have said; maybe even using the fact that I am going to India this summer as a platform for explaining why I am even going in the first place. But nothing came out. I wrestled with that the rest of the day, and honestly I still do. For me, it is a reminder of how little I truly share the basics of my faith because it doesn't come second nature to proclaim. Boldness doesn't take over when I see someone who is lost. In fact, as much as my heart breaks for those people, it is fear that sets in of being rejected or not having the right words to say that often keeps me from being bold.
A reality check was definately in play for me that day because I realized that I am going to India...a place FILLED with that man that I met times millions, who are just as in need of true salvation and purpose. If I can't talk to one man on the street, how am I supposed to reach the many people we will encounter just outside of temples throughout the streets of India asking us who our God is?
The more and more I "prepare" for this trip, the more and more I realized how truly unqualified I am. I needed this weekend to slap me in the face and show me how unqualified I am because I don't know what India will hold for me. It hasn't set in yet that I am going halfway around the world to a very desolate place, far different from my own comfortable, Westernized world. I am going there with one purpose, and that is to share hope and the name of Jesus and that must remain my focus. Until then, I am called to be bold here. I appreciate every prayer you pray for this trip and for me! You have all been such a blessing! I have another missions meeting tonight and will update you on how the funds are going soon! I love you all! May God be glorified through our boldness!
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| Here is a picture of our lovely leadership team from our trip to D.C. |
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