I’m very excited to be writing this to inform family and friends of a trip I will be taking at the end of August to INDIA!
Last year I was challenged by David Platt’s book Radical to make a handful of commitments, that in some ways were quite simple and in other ways quite… well, radical! One of them focused on “spending time in another context”. As a result of that challenge, over the last 8 months the kids and I have enjoyed serving locally through the meals on wheels program. It’s gotten me out of my comfort zone (the kids certainly don’t have a problem chatting it up with strangers) and into the community as a family. It’s a very small part we play in caring for those who are unable to care for themselves, but it has been a huge blessing to the kids and myself.
After finishing Platt’s second book, Radical Together, I was gently reminded that it was time to get global with my commitment. So, after Dave returned from his trip to Ukraine, I quickly asked him how much vacation time he had left and if I could use some of it for a mission trip. Now, through the Lord’s timing, the Spirit’s leading and much prayer, I will be joining with Adventures in Missions on a 10 day trip to India. Lydia, a dear sweet friend of mine, will also be going, and together with a group of about 15-20, we will be serving at an orphanage in Delhi, ministering to those afflicted with leprosy, going where God leads and doing what He asks.
I’d like to include a small excerpt from Radical Together that I feel communicates perfectly my heart and mind in going.
“We hear many criticisms of short term-missions trips, and some are valid. Short-term missions trips are often nothing more than glorified vacations… and do little to advance the gospel in a reproducible, sustainable way in another culture. Successful short-term missions must be a part of fueling a long-term disciple-making process in another context. Clearly no one is going to make disciples in another country over the span of one week. To expect to make disciples in just a few days is both impractical and unbiblical. However, we can partner with believers in other contexts who are intentionally making disciples, and our time serving alongside them can help move their disciple making processes along in exponential ways. At the same time, successful short-term missions must also be a part of fueling long-term disciple making in the sending church. As we go together into other contexts, we grow together in Christ. Our eyes are opened and our hearts are transformed as we serve in situations that make us uncomfortable.”
Please, join with us in prayer over the next 3 months as we follow God’s leading on this faith journey!
Key Prayer Points:
-Pray for those we will meet at the orphanage, the leper community and throughout India.
-Pray that our Visa into India and all other financial details will be taken care of as needed.
-Pray for safety in travel.
-Pray for opportunities to make meaningful relationships and to share the hope of Christ.
-Pray that God will break our hearts for what breaks His- and will show us how to respond to what we see.
