Once again we have been made so welcome by our Indian believers and also so many rural village people. There is no doubt in my mind that their attitude to work and hospitality is given such great importance. Their faith is generally so strong and is carried throughout the week with a heart for fellowship with other believers. Nothing seems too much trouble and often make sacrificial contributions.
Kym was bowled over at one meeting when two people gave her an offering. Whilst risking criticism, I believe we have not always grasped in the West, the the real vibrance that we see in the early church of the new testament, that we see here often replicated in India. We seem to be so busy with meetings and attempting how to 'do or organise church', that we sometimes miss out on living out our lives and blessing one another, and being dependant on God. I realise this is a general statement and there will always be acceptions of examples in the West, but the reality of living out ones faith in India has to be personally witnessed to make these comparisons.
There are of course many frustrations and issues that we in the West have to overcome and that is part of embracing the culture. each time we learn new things and new ways, which all makes for future improvement. None the less we always take back a sense of being loved and appreciated.
There is always the stark reality of the poverty, corruption and cruelty that we see and experience, mixed alongside some beautiful sites that are blended with the simplicity of rural life. On our way home we had a big wake up call as we came across a tragic accident where a body lay in the road having been presumably hit by another vehicle. It was a very graphic site and made us appreciate how much God is merciful to us in all our travels and has faithfully answered all our prayers.
We leave with saddened hearts but better informed and blessed by God as we have served Him during these two weeks. Thanks for your support and also a special thanks to Dave for doing the Blog and Juergen for circulating email updates
