Simple Gospel

3 flights, 29 hours, 1 backpack, 8,000 miles — and I MADE IT TO INDIA! 

I'm not quite sure where to begin. How is it already day 19?! The past few weeks have been such a whirlwind.

India is everything and more. The brightest colors, the spiciest food, the kindest people, the greenest plants. The weather is hot and tropical. India is such a beautiful country and I'm falling more in love with it every day. 

Ministry here takes all kind of forms: cleaning kitchens, dancing on rooftops with kiddos, photo shoots, street ministry, prayer walks. I brought my DSLR thinking I'd use it for recreational pictures, but the ministry here has asked me to take profile pictures of some of the kids here for their adoption files. It has been the sweetest and most rewarding ministry.

Later this week we will be throwing a party for the caregivers of the foster homes and painting murals. (As evangelism can be dangerous in India, I can only reveal a little bit of what we are doing — but if you want to hear more about the ministry we are partnering with, head over to the "Contact" tab and message me directly!)

Life on the field is not without difficulty. I haven't taken a real shower in over two weeks, I have a billion bug bites, I share a tiny bed with a teammate (if you know me, you know that I could take up a King-sized bed all by myself haha), my hair is tangled and way too long, the bugs and rodents are the worst, the bottom of my feet are always dirty... 

But life here is so full. I have never felt closer to the center of Jesus' heart. I have made His will my dwelling place. And it is so GOOD. I'm learning so much about Jesus and the way He lived while on earth. I've been reading through the gospels and reflecting on the way that Jesus interacted with people: how He served, how He loved, how He abandoned comfort and luxury and safety to seek and save the lost. He's giving me new eyes and my heart has become so burdened and broken for India. 

The cost is real, but oh the worth....

A couple of days ago, I was feeling pretty discouraged and disappointed. I sat down in a moment of stillness before the Lord and I felt Him ask me to write down all the reasons why I love Him. I typed out what I wrote in my journal below. These are truths that I don't want to lose sight of over the next few months —

"Jesus I love You because You gave me a name and an identity when I was floating in a sea of uncertainty. I love You because You give me more worth in a second than the world could give me in a lifetime. I love You because I remember the moments Your presence was thick in the air; I’ve never felt more satisfied. I love You because You are the only steady thing in my life. I love You because You make life worth living. You are the very air in my lungs and I am completely sold out on You..... I love You, I love You, I love You. I have never known another love - You are the only one for me.”

It was so simple. But just writing these words made me tear up a bit. The simple gospel changes everything. I believe it to be true, and I will go anywhere for it. 

So, Jesus — You have my yes. You have my yes when I am 8,000 miles away from home. You have my yes when I can not see two steps in front of me. You have my yes because I trust You and I love You and because You are worthy of it. Take me deeper and further into Your heart. 

Prayer Requests:

-That my team would be unified in love and patience when ministry gets tough

-That I would deepen my intimacy and vulnerability with Jesus

Reflection Questions (for us to consider together):

-What are you sacrificing for the gospel?