What I have learned

I know that I have not posted a lot on the blog so far. Instead, I have been listening and looking for what the Father wants me to learn on this trip. So for those who would like to know, here is some of what I have learned.

I constantly see so much darkness in this land. Everywhere I look, I see pain and emptiness in people’s lives. I know that this emptiness can only be filled by JC; however, these people do not know this and constantly search for what they think is filling that emptiness. People walk around with a mark on their foreheads, which means that they prayed that day, and temples are everywhere, even in the poorest areas. Temples flood the land, but I have only seen a couple of churches in my time here. In the United States, it is hard for many to comprehend the value of the church because churches flood the land there and so many are divided on issues that are blown out of proportion. I know that if I was walking down a street here and recognized Christian music playing, I would go running to find the source. While Christians exist here, they are scarce.

Not only do I see this darkness but I also hear about it. The couple that we are staying with told us that many of the people in the slums cannot afford to raise a daughter. The problems are that it is easier for a boy to find a job to earn money for the family and that the family has pay a dowry when they give their daughter off in marriage. Often times, girls are dealt with differently than boys because of this.

The couple also told us that on Tuesday and Friday nights, many people gather around the Hindu temples and stay up all night doing rituals. These consist of playing really loud music, sacrificing a goat, and drinking its blood. They say that many demon-possessed people show up to the temples on these nights. The crazy thing is that one of the temples where all this takes place is about 10 yards away from the school that we visit every night. We get the opportunity to teach basic subjects as well as the Word to children surrounded by such darkness. One of the things I have witnessed and learned is that when darkness is prevalent, the light shines even brighter. Tonight I will be teaching of the redeeming love of JC to kids 10 yards away from where sacrifices will be made to a false god. We love our time with these children because many know the Father and have a real relationship with him. When these children are surrounded by false religions, they sing to the Father and praise his name. Some may read of these events and think of the danger in this, but we have nothing to fear. If anything, we are excited because this is what JC calls us to do, to make disciples of all nations and put complete faith in him. I have learned that everything I hold to besides JC will eventually slip away, but the grace of our Father will last forever. Therefore, I surrender my life to his plan and allow myself to be a tool for his masterpiece he is creating.

Colossians 4:2-6