August 8-9
These two days consisted of going to Vijayawada, Macherla, and Alia for 5 gospel/ prayer meetings with groups of believers in these areas. The first place we traveled to was out in the middle of no where and the majority of the believers there were gypsy's. Living in such a place didn't stop them from having a heart of reverence and worship for God. The second was actually a bible college graduation. This location was also remote, with no modern day conveniences, but that didn't stop these men from going to this college to learn all they could so they can share with others. These prayer meetings went mostly the same way, we would come in share our testimonies, pray for them, and then usually eat a meal with them, and leave more humbled than ever by THEIR stories of faith. 
They are very respectful to their guests and speakers over here, every meeting we went to they always had flowers to put around our necks and made sure to give us food. I felt like such a fake, and so undeserving of it. There is a point when you go on a mission trip when it hits you that your not supposed to just be the smiling American, who comes and takes pictures and says Jesus loves you, your there to pour out every ounce of your being into these people, give until you have nothing left and than give a little more. Sometimes its very easy to get into the “mission trip” mode of just going and being there, but there is a difference in being there and completely diving in with faith and putting aside all your worries, needs, and wants for a while.
I think my favorite, but also most heartbreaking part of these meetings was praying for the people when we were finished. They would surround and line up around us, each one wanted to be sure and have us pray for them. Some would bring children they wanted us to pray for, or bring oil to anoint them with. Some would grab our feet and not let get, or touch our feet and then their heads. By this description you may think it was overwhelming, but I found it to be quite the opposite. As I prayed for one or two ladies at a time all the other just seemed to fade away and it was just me, and the person I was praying for. Even though I didn't speak their language while I was praying for them I felt more connected with each one individually than I have ever connected with anyone before, and when I was done I felt like each lady was a life long friend and we had something special in common. The only possible explanation for this is we were speaking the universal language of the love of Christ. I so badly wanted to have time to pray for each one and their needs in particular, and just sit with them all day and talk, but we had a tight schedule to keep up to be able to reach everyone we possibly could. Each time I left one of these meetings I felt like I was leaving a big group of close friends behind, such amazing women of God! These people were so hungry for prayer! Even as we were walking towards the car to leave they were following us grabbing our hands in hopes we would stop and pray for them and with them. In my heart I just wanted to camp out at each place and pray with them as long as they wanted, I was so torn to not have more time with them.
It was also amazing to see their hearts for worship, these people don't need a big band or an orchestra to feel the Holy Spirit in worship, instead they use their voices, hands, and hearts, and let me say the Holy Spirit was definitely moving more and more with each song they sung. And before they would worship they would come in and touch their face to the ground in reverence and to prepare their hearts for worshiping such a mighty God. Humbled I was watching these people pouring out their hearts, because how many times have I prepared my heart to worship the God who made the universe and shown the proper reverence and respect He deserves before bringing even one request before Him?In Him -Katie T- The Daughter of a King
I remember Fred coming back to First Baptist of Shawnee from his various mission trips and telling the youth group about people like you are describing. How I longed for our country and our churches to have what they had in their worship and simple love for the Lord. I always thought that if the opportunity came my way, I would go in person and see these things for myself. It is amazing that 26 years later, it wasn't for me to go - but it was for my daughter to go!
ReplyDeleteWhere are these people in America? They must be here somewhere! I believe I catch a glimpse from time-to-time of this same heart and this same attitude. And I see this humility - but not very often.
I hope you have time this week to listen to Al Whittinghill's message on the Throne Room of God.
http://media.sermonindex.net/22/SID22273.mp3
He brings out some key concepts as to why you may have felt like you had known these people even though you had just met them. For example, Isaiah 57:15 "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.""
You have seen God's presence in a mighty way among humble and contrite people!
It was great talking with you this past weekend. Tell all of the people hello from your father!
Love, Dad