Post Trip Reflections

It doesn't take much to become like a child when your surrounded by amazing children. Appearances can be misleading though. As joyful as these smiles are, underneath it all there are painful, heart wrenching stories of parents lost, homelessness, hunger and surviving parents simply not able to take care of their own flesh and blood.
Conventional wisdom says that you rely and develop your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. In the Kingdom Jesus introduced, it is through our weaknesses that His power can be displayed in its most powerful form. Each India trip has been in part a continuing miracle of God's promise to do intensive heart surgery in replacing a dead heart of stone with a living heart of flesh that beats wildly for eternal things that matter. We all grew up in various levels of dysfunction, with abuse and pain hardening our hearts along the way. The good news is that Jesus promises not only to replace hardened hearts but even more amazing, to reveal His power through our weakness to shine a glory that at this point in time is a small glimpse of what is truly real.
This is what I learned from my children on this trip. They are princes and princesses, as kings and queens in God's Kingdom of Love and Compassion. In many respects, they are the hope for places like India. With broken hearts that Jesus is transforming, they shine like a bright light, beaming forth the Glory of God.

Do you see it?

Bagunava

Telugu meaning.......Dude

From Jim and Adam

Saying Goodbye

Here we are, once again, having to say our goodbyes to all of the amazing children and staff here at CEM. As we walk the kids to school in a few minutes for the last time, emotions will run high and there will be a difficulty in fully understanding how we have become so close to so many people in such a short time.

This team has amazed me!! This week has been full of so many great stories, relationships built, lessons learned, love shared, and growth in our walk with God. Words cannot describe how this feels but suffice it to say that we can see Jesus in the face of every person here.

Initially I was a little disappointed in how few posts were added to this blog throughout the week, but then I realized that it isn't because our team in lazy, it is because we have been so busy pouring ourselves into the people that we simply didn't have time. My prayer is that the team continues to blog after our return home.

Thanks to everyone who has prayed us through this amazing journey. What a great week!

Jim - For the team

To Here We've Come

It's our last day in India. The students are all lined up in the courtyard to do their exercises, along with some of our team members. You can hear the whistle blow at intervals, and behind that the call to prayer from the mosque across the street. I wish all of you could have seen this place; pictures don't even begin to explain the feeling you get here from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. I asked God to show me His Glory, and He did.

So goodbye India, and thank You Lord for all that You have given me here, and all that You have taken away. It's been more than just a pleasure, it's been a life-changing experience.

-Kristy

Galations 4:9 - "But now that you know God - or rather are known by God - how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them again?"

Party Time

Hello all!

Tonight is the big party, the graduation of the students in the Missionary Training School. Rows of chairs have been lined up in the courtyard, the kids are dressed up in their Sunday best (and soon our team will be as well in the beautiful outfits that the women in the sewing training school made for us). I don't have an exact count, but maybe about 40 men and 50 women will graduate tonight after which many will return to their home villages as missionaries and church planters. With less than 2% of the Indian population being Christian, and still a level of persecution against Christians, they have a big and potentially dangerous job ahead of them. Please keep them in their prayers.

This is my second trip to CEM in the past three months. I'm very thankful to have had that first trip under my belt because there is a lot more going on this week. In addition to the party tonight we have been holding a dental clinic, mostly doing extractions. I've spent more time in the clinic than I ever thought I would and even pulled three teeth (with the help of experienced dentists of course!). It was a very unique experience to witness dentistry done for kingdom purposes. People are so grateful, even after having had several teeth removed. I can now see how dentistry can be referred to as dental care because that is what these people are receiving, care and provision. Whitney thought of a unique way to care and serve the women who cook our (and the kids) meals and the JEM teachers by painting their nails. It was a lot of fun for us and I got the impression that it was really appreciated by the women as well.

The kids here are truly indescribable. It has been great to see them again, hug them again, walk with them to school again, have them write in my notebook and teach me Telegu. Yesterday a girl named Gowthani hennaed my hands. It is so rare to get to spend any time with just one child, they are all so eager for attention. We sat in the entry to Jaya's home as she lovingly covered my hands with circles, swirls, flowers and butterflys - chicacocachilicas in Telegu, one of my favorite new words, that and nenu ninu premistunanu... that means I love you :)

One last note, this team here is so wonderful and enjoyable to be with, a combination of folks from Michigan, New York and Texas with several people who have been here many times before and even some who have been involved since the beginning of the Kensington-CEM relationship. I met the man, Seth Stark, who unknowingly was largely resposible for my service shift to missions and outreach. Seth filmed and produced the first video that I saw about CEM, the video that struck me so strongly that over two years and several mission trips later resulted in me coming here. And the same video that I have shown to friends and family and small groups to help them understand the importance of what is happening here. It is also an incredible blessing to be here with "The Reverend Doctor Craig Mayes," a title that he gets teased for mercilessly :). I think he is one of the most Christlike people that I have ever met. His love and compassion for the kids, the team members, and the entire community is always evident.

I better go, hoping to rest a bit before the big shindig tonight... nenu ninu premistunano :)

Anne from Austin :)

$3.50 plus Material

I didn't quite know what to expect for this second trip to India. I knew I was going to love it but that's about it. This trip is turning out to be just as awesome as my first trip and I'm continuing to learn and appreciate the Indian people more and more. Not all of being here however is happy. There are many sad moments as you witness the poverty that is all around. So far the saddest moment I've experienced here is the life situation of all of the elderly men and women that attend church here on Sunday. When I was told we were going to be giving them some clothing and money I thought it was wonderful to get to experience this kind of benevolence. After I was done I went over to Jaya and started asking him questions about them. That is when I found out that all of the elderly we gave to were completely homeless and living on the streets. Their families abandoned them because either they felt they couldn't afford to take care of them, or they just didn't want to. The financial burden was not one they wanted. The elderly we saw have no shelter, no food, and no income and they all look to be 90 years old (I'm sure they probably aren't that old, but they look it). The only option they have is to beg and depend on the charity of others. CEM gives them some basic needs when they are able, but are not always able to do it as often as they like. We gave them some material and 150 rupees which equals roughly $3.50. Not enough to sustain life for very long. As I contemplate this, I wonder to myself what could possibly keep them going? What do they have to live for? I only hope that if I was in their situation, the Hope and Peace of Christ would be enough but am ashamed to admit I'm not sure it would be. I am in awe of the elderly of India who continue to press forward, despite their circumstances. They are better then I would be. ~Liz

Happy Day!

After being at CEM for just a few days I have so many amazing experiences that are hard to express in words how they've touched my heart .It's my hope that the I can carry back with me the newfound sense of faith, love, compassion and peace that I now feel with myself and my life and that I can help others to grow in their faith through what I can share. When I first felt a pull in my heart to come here I wasn't sure what I could do to help, but I committed and to it and I'm clearly seeing God at work on my heart. By praying, singing in the chapel with the kids, talking and playing games with them I have found what was causing my heart to feel empty. Their days start early usually around 4 and it ends around 9, and it's full of love and worship for God which explains why there is ALWAYS a smile on their face. They are not lacking anything despite their simple lifestyle and all they ask for is your love and friendship. Their focus is not on theirselves which explains why my heart was feeling an emptiness, my focus was on my struggles and problems. I am learning so much about myself and what just a sincere smile or hug or 5 minutes of sincere listening can do to lift someone up and make all the difference in the world. Just in these few short days I have listened to God speaking to me through the kids and I know that by changing your focus to your faith and focusing on God's love for you and letting him handle your worries can make such a difference.

For the team,
~Andrea

Wow

I am having a blast here in India. This is becoming more than I ever could have imagined. The kids here have so much love in them. All there little faces just light up when they see you and it is such a good feeling. Since I have been here I have been able to do quite a few things with the kids such as the morning exercises, going to the chapel, walking them to and from school, doing crafts and playing with them. The kids love to tell you what to do-sing, dance, sit, and stand. It is too funny. I wish I could take all the kids home with me but its not possible so its a good thing jaya is here taking good care of them.
~Krystle Guhy~

The Christ of the Indian Road

E. Stanley Jones, when he wrote his book, "The Christ of the Indian Road", really ruffled up a lot of evangelical feathers of his day with the liberal idea that if Christ is be of any level of significance, it must be a uniquely cultural expression, not a particular formulation imported exclusively from western ideas or denominations. Well Jaya at CEM has honored the good that is within the Indian people and I must say from one looking from the outside in there is very much good that is worthy of keeping in which has lead to a unique expression of an Indian Jesus that I find amazing. A culture steeped in deep respect of others and gratefulness I saw demonstrated this morning as I join my dear Indian brothers and sisters in Christ in worship. I am so very proud of these very humble and thoroughly kind people, shy until they come to openly love and worship the Christ of the Indian Road without reservation and without shame. It inspires me year after year when I visit, to grow in my worship of the only great God, Jesus, who is the real one with all the power.
Sal Aragona for the team.

Back Home at CEM!!

We made it! Boy was it great to see Jaya, Lakshmi, Prasanth, Deepthi, Keerthi, and several of the CEM Staff members waiting for us outside of the Rajahmundry Airport. The travel was long, but thankfully uneventful. Since our arrival at the campus we have been able to somewhat settle into our rooms, eat our first meal together in the cafeteria, and tour the campus to help acclimate the first timers. The team seems to have traveled quite well and, while a bit sleepy, has been able to get its first taste of what the next several days will be like here. Thank God for the safety and health of all of the team members and we pray for continue health for the rest of our journey together. Also, please pray that each of us will be listening for what God will have us to do here and be willing to respond when He speaks.

Please continue to follow the blog as members of the team will begin to post pictures and experiences as they unfold.

Jim - For the team

Almost There

It was an interesting gathering in Amsterdam early in the morning on February 13. Arriving from Austin Texas, Detroit, Michigan, and New York City, 21 men and women met after the first leg of their long journey that would take us eventually to Dawlaiswaram, India. Despite traveling through the night, everyone seemed pretty fresh and energetic. Not so much now. The next flight took us to Mumbai, where we waiting for 6 1/2 hours, wishing we could be horizontal. Some were, in fact, on the floor!

We just completed a short flight to Hyderabad, where we wait now for three hours to board for the final time, landing in Rajahmundry just after noon. I think for all of us, we have a growing anticipation to just get there and begin our amazing week. I am happy to report that everyone is healthy and positive despite our long travel. This includes Adam Smart, who courtesy of Delta Airlines, has a bad still in Amsterdam. Prays that is finds its way to us soon!

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers on our behalf.

Craig Mayes for the team

Meet The February 2010 Team!

Anne Johnson - "After visiting CEM last fall I felt called to go back, but not alone (as in not to be the only person from Austin on the trip). God answered my prayer by calling my friend Whitney to come with me! I think I am even more excited for this trip, both to see the shining faces of the children again and to get to know Jaya and the amazing CEM staff better. I look forward to sharing the experience with a friend and seeing how God moves us each through this trip and I'm already looking forward to sharing our experience with others on our return!"


Krystle Guhy - As of right now I am currently working at Beaumont hospital as a service clerk and also going to school part time for my associates degree in general studies until I figure out for sure what is I want to do. This trip to India was very last minute for me but when my sister Andrea asked me to go, my response was yes with no hesitation. I am very excited to get to know the team better, meet jaya, his family, the children, and the staff. This is my first mission trip and first time out of the country. I think this is going to be a great experience.


Whitney Kelsay - I really started understanding what Christ was all about when I started going to Gateway Community Church about 3 years ago. God has progressively been opening my mind and heart to possibilities I had only dreamed of (or hadn’t even considered). I got baptized in Towne Lake (down town Austin) on my first and only mission trip. While I picture myself one day being a world-traveler, this will be my first overseas trip since I was 6 years old. I am excited to experience the culture of India, and see God at work in CEM.





Liz Overstreet - This will be my second trip to India. I was supposed to go back in November but two days before the trip I got sick with the flu. Now, I am even more excited to go this trip then I was before maybe because I had to wait an extra four months. I cannot wait to be blessed by the people of India and especially CEM.



Adam Smart - There is nothing like spending time running around with the children of GCH! I look forward to experiencing God through conversions with the CEM staff and Church planters. Please pray that I will take time to see and hear God as he speaks to us during this week! I am excited and grateful to be able to spend time with this team and everyone at CEM. Amazing.





Jason Saarela - I am a single dad of two beautiful little creatures – Meghan 13 and Joshua 8. I love kids, serving others, music and sports. Jesus Christ is at the center of my heart. I have been to Ensenada, Mexico and La Carpio, Cost Rica and have never felt closer to God, then when on these trips. This will be my first of hopefully many trips to India. I am so excited to go and share His hope, and His joy. I love to serve others, and I have always had a strong calling to be a blessing and encouragement to kids. I am grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to serve.



Dr. Sal Aragona - This will be my eleventh trip to CEM in the last eight years. I am currently serving as president of the CEM-USA board which oversees US funding of Jaya's work in India. Besides "adopting" all 225 Grace Children as ours, I will be involved in dental care for the desperately poor. My heart beats wildly for the Indian people. They are the most kind, honorable, courageous people I have ever encountered. It is an amazing privilege to be a small part of moving a Kingdom of love and compassion that cannot be stopped or hindered to a people so thirsty for a demonstration of that in their lives. Here am I, send me.












Gina Petherick: This has been a year of change. I became an empty nester. This was a drastic change for me. God put going to India on my heart over a year ago. I was going to go with our daughter Kira and my husband Jeff but schedules would not allow her and I to go. I believe it was that willingness to go with Kira that gave me the strength to go this year. I am often reminded that I once told my family "I will never go to India" their response was be careful with that word never. Thank goodness we serve a Big God. This is my first trip to Rajahmundry and I am excited to see how God will use me. I feel blessed to serve Jaya and his people. My husband and I have supported Jaya's ministry for years and Jeff has been there many times. I am excited to share this experience with him. I am sure I will come back a changed person. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.















Thomas Diloreto - This will be my third time to India. It has always been an honor to work with Jaya and the entire staff at C.E.M. I consider it a privilege to be with a great team organized through Kensington Church. I will be working in the dental clinic on the C.E.M grounds and ministering to the needs of the orphans and the people in India as a servant to our Lord Jesus Christ in any area that He directs me. I pray that this entire mission will be a radical life changing experience for the Kensington team and everyone that is ministered to In India. To God we give all the glory!!!




Seth Stark - This will be my third trip to India shooting video for Kensington. Amazing colors, faces, smiles, and smells make this part of the world so unique. What a gift to capture God's beauty and see him work through the kids and adults in all walks of life.






Andrea Guhy - God blessed me with the gift of time about 8 months ago when I lost my job. Since then I've been a stay at home Mom to two great kids, Ava & Dawson and I've been loving being able to spend so much time with them. I'm also going to school full time to get my license in natural medicine. This is my first mission trip and I'm really excited about spending time with the team and everyone at Jaya's CEM campus. I'm especially looking forward to being with the kids and having fun with them. I look forward to being a part of spreading the message of God's love & hope and pray that he gives me the courage to step forward and stretch myself so that I can be more like him.



Josh Jouppi - This is my first time going to India. I am on staff at Kensington as a Video Editor and I am going on this trip in order to shoot video for upcoming Kensington initiatives. I am very exited for this trip but still not quite sure what to expect from it. I guess i'll just have to find out when I get there.






Jim Mayes - I find it difficult to describe my involvement with CEM in only a short paragraph. This will be my 7th trip there and suffice it to say it has become my home away from home. I am so passionately connected to Jaya, his family, the children of GCH, the staff, and all of the people I have had the privilege of meeting over the last couple of years. Each visit brings me a more clear understanding of why Jesus spent so much time talking about and surrounding himself with the poor. And each time I find myself wanting more to be like him. Although my position as CEM USA’s Executive Director has me responsible for fulfilling duties relative to the ministry, it is my heart and love for the people that fuel my passion and keep me connected. I am truly honored to be able to lead this team and I am super excited to see what God has for each member.


Communitas India Team February 11-20, 2010





Craig Mayes- After a two year hiatus, I am very excited to return to my friends in India. Nothing in my life has stretched me and shaped my thinking more than my experiences In India the last decade. Most of all I love the early morning chapels with the children and spending time with the men and women being trained as future church-planters.







Caleb Mayes- I've made 4 trips to India already and every time I go I see something that impacts my life. My first trip to india was crazy. When I got back I told everyone how terrible the travel was but how amazing my experience in India was and that I would do it over again! I cannot wait to get back in Dowlaiswaram to be with Jaya and his extended (200+) family.





Dave Alexander- I had my first chance to join the KCC mission team to CEM in 2007. Instead of walking or driving by the “scenery”, I had the chance to enter into it. What I found was a whole world of God’s children. While their physical needs were far more than I (or we) may ever be able to take care of, Jesus showed me what they needed the most. The best part was He also revealed I (and we) was more than capable of satisfying this need: LOVE. Free, unconditional love available and expressible in so many ways: a smile, a hello, a hug, laughter, a game, a water balloon fight, a song, and simply spending what God had given me an abundance of during my trip…time. This will be my third trip to CEM and I can’t wait to start freely spending the time Jesus has given me to share the other thing He and has given me an abundance of: LOVE.



Stephanie McKenna- It is very exciting that God has led the way
for me to go to India. I have done mission work in Malawi and South Africa, but I have never been to India. I can't wait to see firsthand what Jesus is doing in this special part of the world and to bring love and support to those who work and live at CEM. Amazing things can happen on mission trips (I met my husband on my first trip!)...Let's see what He'll do in India!



Erin Voytal- This is my first trip to India and CEM. I couldn't be more excited to see what God has in store. I have a special spot in my heart for children and can't wait to share the love of Jesus with the children of CEM. I am certain that God is going to stretch and grow me in ways that I cant even imagine.







Mike VanConant- I am so excited to see what God has in store for our team going to India! This will be my first excursion to CEM. I have heard so much about India through my friends at Communitas who have made the trip before me. I am thankful God has provided me with the provisions to be able to make this journey. I look forward to see how Jesus will reveal himself through the work He is doing at CEM.