Last Day for Team 2

 

Off we set at 1pm “Indian” time i.e. more like 1.45pm to a relatively “new” village for the local team, much nearer to where we have been staying. The medical table was set up with a short introduction from a supported worker who radiates his faith (and whom has been beaten for it to a hair’s breadth of his life).  Things happen as the Holy Spirit leads – the Bible story of the lost sheep again attracted the children as well as being surreptitiously listened to by those queuing for the meds- followed by the stories of the lost coin and the Prodigal son.  These were interspersed with personal stories of coming to faith as well as action songs and  fun games.  One child made a commitment to follow Jesus – praise God!

A few of the team went to two houses sharing faith and one experienced the privilege of leading a prayer of personal commitment.  This new believer will be discipled by the local team.

We also had an encounter with a woman at the well (John 4) with opportunity to build relationship and share faith.

A wonderful evening was had sharing food (of course – we’re all going back a little heavier than we came!) as well as what we had gained from the time overall and what we are going to do going forwards as a result.  Things said included “I’m a changed person!”, “I’ve never felt such love before”, and “I’m going to start a three thirds group when I get back” as well as “We need to tell our stories of faith!”.  Lots of the team are praying for people of peace, as in Luke 10, and also the courage to put these things into practice in the UK context.

The blessing of the overwhelming love, care and hospitality by the whole team has been tangible with the extra lengths they have gone to including being a protective shield to one team adventurer on one travel trip today.  Jane was biting her finger nails and praying hard and will leave the culprit to tell her mother about it! 😊

Roars of laughter greeting the impromptu “awards” in our chill time, sipping coffee and curled up in the cosy house.  These included “most questions asked” to “biggest reduction in time it takes to share testimony” (three hours to three minutes) to “best at delegating tasks” and “best at trying new food” (who took a recipe home, so kindly translated by the cook).

A varied group of us from Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield yet we’ve been blessed, encouraged and become bolder in serving God here and as we return home.  A team joke became a phrase heard at the Sunday gathering – “There is no unemployment in the kingdom of God.  We’re all hired!”

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

We've arrived!

Image
After a long and tiring journey, with a quick 45 minute turn-around in Dubai, the first team have now arrived in Kolkata.  We are excited to be here and for all that the Lords is going to do in us.  The plan is that different team members will contribute to the blog as we go, to share experiences and insights.
Read more

YBA Discipleship Pathway

Image
In January 2025 two teams from Yorkshire will be heading to India as part of the year long Discipleship Pathway.  Over the course of their visit they will have an immersive experience in the Biglife Disciple Making Movement (DMM).  This movement is just over 21 years old and has seen significant growth since that its beginnings.  The experience should inspire hearts as the teams see and hear of what the Lord has done.  Then, it should inform minds as together the team reflect on the Biblical principles at work in India and consider how they can be applied in the UK context on their return. Please pray for the teams, that this will be an inspiring and transformative experience.  
Read more

Reflections on a day in a village

Image
Four of the team share their reflections: I discovered that the village that we visited yesterday did not have a name, as it was a relatively new settlement.  Names are a central part of our identity.  When someone asks who we are, we tend to give our name first.  So, not having a name implies a lack of identity.  In Isaiah 43 vs.1 we read that God has called us by name – he knows who we are, he sees our identity.  I was reminded of how God both sees me and also sees others individually and also those in the town with no name – they are not nameless to him, but loved by him. For me, India is a very new culture and context.   It was good to see the “entry strategy” for Biglife where they express God’s love in practical ways offering basic healthcare, and fun and games for people in the village.   In this and in walking around the village we prayed to meet people of peace (Luke 10) who welcomed us and were interested to hear our stories of faith and re...
Read more