Veli Vahstanu Badha Padha Kundi

The telagu phrase in the title of this entry roughly translates as: "Don't be sad. We'll be back again." The white people pictured are the people who hold this phrase in their hearts when thinking of CEM. The brown people pictured are the primary reasons why.

Spending a week with these beautiful children has given us the chance to love like Jesus does--unconditionally and sacrificially. We were able to be surrogate fathers, mothers, big brothers and big sisters. My wife, Jess, spent our last night at CEM in a dorm room with a bunch of the older girls. They did each other's hair, girl-talked, and danced to music. She was their big sister. I got to hold the hands of and console fearful fourth graders as they had their teeth examined by Sal and Tom. I was their daddy. We all got to watch movies with the children. We were all family.

In loving these children with Jesus' love the team got just that much closer to experiencing His love for ourselves. Needless to say, this one reason "many of us will be back again."

-Greg G

1 Corinthians 13:13 (New International Version, ©2010)

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Life Tokens

Each night the team gathers for instructions, questions and concerns, etc and then there are Life Tokens............. Each team member is encouraged to share something (a Life Token) they are going to leave behind in India.....something they are going to surrender to our good God. This surrender involves a deep and intimate sharing that requires a high level of vulnerability and trust to share such brokenness. Folks bear their soles with the team and God is loving it! There is something about pure and raw honesty that is very healing. It is healing for the person sharing the token as well as for others on the team. Besides all people being part of the Body of The Christ, my hope is that we all also realize we share in our brokenness....... we should focus on its healing and find ways to use it for God's glory! Well, I do know that is happening here and now in India......

Amen,
chris g.

Challenging Paradigms

One of the things I find fascinating about Jesus was his ability to break down existing Paradigms. He was constantly challenging the order of the day. When the religious leaders asked him which was the greatest commandment, he added a key truth: that loving God with our whole heart really just meant loving others as ourselves. He turned things completely upside down when he said, "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" implying the key to true power was in serving. So I should not be surprised that our team challenged a few Paradigms this week. In our "Clean and Green" project, we picked up trash off the streets. Many people of the community wondered why we were doing this. One small group of adults even laughed and mocked us, which was confusing to me. But later, I understood why. You see, in India, only the lowest class of people pick up trash. Even for this community of 50,000 people, 40,000 of whom live below the India poverty line, picking up the trash is beneath them. And so it just builds up, polluting their community and polluting their hope. If God made the world so we could see Him in the beauty of creation, the filth and ugliness is keeping a part of God hidden. So in just one small act, we restored beauty and carried on Jesus' legacy of shattering Paradigms. Mostly though, we simply loved on God by loving and serving these beautiful people of India.

Jeff for Team India

Humbled Rockstar

Yesterday while in Rajahmundry, we came across the humanity that is India. Everywhere you looked you were humbled by what you saw. The poverty and need is severe. Like NYC, there were many homeless and helpless. I wanted to give all the money I had away, but at the risk of starting a riot I could not. We walked around for almost two hours and it was hard for me to even find anything to purchase. Mainly you found the necessities for life, but even that might be a stretch. There is no way to articulate the sights, smells and sounds. It’s hard to understand how people live like this from my frame of view.

However, while being humbled, you feel like a rockstar. Everywhere you go, people come out of the woodwork to take your picture, shake your hand and sometimes just run out of the crowd, touch you, and run away. It is a small taste of celebrity. On Sunday, after church, the elderly came for outreach and to be prayed for. They want you to lay hands on them and pray…as if our “whiteness” holds some kind of special powers. They couldn’t even tell me what they need prayer for or understand what my prayer for them was. Sometimes they would point to their back or some wound on there body, but mostly they stare at you with a desperate look and put their hands together in the prayer position. What can you do? How can you help? Where do you start?!

Its definitely an odd feeling to be so very humbled by what you see and experience yet feel like a rockstar with all the photos, handshaking, and even autographs...maybe a bit like Jesus felt, except I’m certain He was able to put it in perspective better than I.

Truly Thankful,

Mike V

The Hidden Word

Many things thus far have stood out to me in India; the atmosphere that lingers with humidity, palm trees, constant horn beeping, bright colors, the immense amount of people and wonderful smiles. But what stands out among the city like a beacon of light is the CEM campus. With all my travels around third world countries there is nothing so far that I have encountered that has been this successful to bring hope and light to the orphans and widows. As you walk through the gates you see lives that are cared for, provided for and cultivated to fit a life of discipline. A prime example is chapel that occurs morning and evening. It begins with praise/worship, prayer, and then a scripture from the bible. Even though this is an awe inspiring sight to see, my initial reaction was to wonder if it was just a religious routine that they had to do. But immediately, I was reminded of the vast importance of having a disciplined life of reading the bible daily, and memorizing scripture. This is something I have struggled with daily in my faith walk. What a privilege it is for the children to become disciplined in knowing the Word now.

This new year for me has brought the challenge in memorizing two scriptures a month. It has been amazing to see how God has provided the many opportunities to use His truth with myself and others. During Monday night chapel, as we were sitting during the worship, Greg came to us and said, “Ok who can do devotion right now? We all looked around and started pointing to each other. In that few long seconds, I was quickly reminded of the Ephesians 3:18 verse that I was currently memorizing. I was reminded of the truth about how wide, long, deep and high God’s love was for all of us, and I found that my hand went up to volunteer. It was truly amazing how I got to share, that over my life I’ve experienced more and more how much God loves me. He has sown that love in me, so that I could demonstrate the same love through my serving opportunities to almost twenty countries, in four continents. I encouraged the children to see God’s love in this way, so that we could all love others with this same love!

The next day, we headed through the neighborhoods to show Christ’s love in a tangible way, by picking up the garbage that litter the streets. One of the boys came up to me and said “you, a serving heart”. And I was amazed as he listed some of the countries that I have been to. The next comment touched my heart, and humbled me. “You, Jeanette are Mother Theresa”. Wow! If he only knew, how far off that statement was. But the truth is, is that he actually was showing the same love because he was serving and helping cleaning his home of India. As we continued to clean, several girls from the streets came along to help too. Some of the CEM girls were having a hard time with them helping us. I was quick to remind them of Jesus’ love and how we need to show that to everyone. It was amazing to see how all of them later on were holding my hand, mixed together with much better attitudes!

Through conversations with Jessica and Chris M., I realized the importance of being disciplined to study the truth in His word, so that I could hide it in my heart, and use it later. Without that I wouldn’t have been able to share so quickly what He has been doing in my life. The children at CEM are definitely at an advantage. There life isn’t religious at all; in fact they are blessed beyond measure.

In Him, Jeanette

I have hidden your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your principles. I have recited all the laws you have given us. I have rejoiced in your decrees as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your principles and not forget your word.

Psalm 119: 11-16

Clean and Green-Multicultural Trash Pick Up Day

At our team meeting they announced we would be going with some of the older students to pick up trash around the city after we dropped the kids off at school. I knew they were serious after I saw the big pile of lawn trash bags. We aren't supposed to drink the water, but we're going to be picking up trash...interesting.

After passing out some gloves, we started at the kid's school, and worked our way back to CEM, a motley crew of Americans and Indians picking up trash, laughing, and smiling in the hot sun. You can learn a lot from a place by picking up their trash, and they seem to love little cups of ice cream that cost a few cents.

Some people came up and said thanks, some laughed at us, and some weren't exactly sure what to make of it. The little project even made the local paper.

While I would not have suggested this event, working side by side and showing love for Dowlaiswaram in this unique way was cool. Even though the streets will get dirty again, as they often do, hopefully the images of two cultures coming together and demonstrating love for the city will remain.

Robert Watson-Hemphill

Healing

Today was quite a day, the hospital saw it's first patients! A lot of what they saw were general medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It is so incredible to think that 2 years ago the "C.E.M. Multi Specialty Hospital" was just a dream and today that dream really became reality. The pictures I have posted do not do it justice. As one of our teammates, who has been all over the world, has told me, "this is amazing, you don't see things like this anywhere"! What a testament to what our BIG God can do when we listen to His calling and become His hands and feet.

The dental clinic is where I spent most of my time. The three people working in the dental room of the hospital (Sal, Tom, and Julie) saw patients from the community and of the children of Grace Home. There were quite a few extractions. The dentists are beginning the long process of examining all of the children's teeth and documenting any decay or cavities they may have. Once the x-ray machine is up and running they will be doing a more detailed examination of the kids. Julie, one of our teammates, is applying to dental school so it was so great to see her in action here! She got to examine patients and even do a few extractions under the watchful eye of Sal. What a cool experience!
When it came time to examine the children, Bethany and I had the pleasure of singing to them and holding their little hands. Some were terrified, others came in the room with a proud smile. Dr. Sal and Dr. Tom examined them while Julie started the documentation. I understand now why the dentists are a proponent of the sugar free candy! In the end, I felt so blessed that I got to bring a little comfort to my little brothers and sisters in India. Every time I come here a little piece of my heart is left behind and this time is no exception.

Held by Him,
Jessica

Reunited

It’s been 8 years since I was last here. I can’t believe the changes and all that God has done. It’s a real faith booster!

When I was here last time, I met a little girl named Tara and I fell in love with her. She was 12 years old and full of spunk. She was glued to my side most of the time I was here. One day when all the kids were in school, I came around a corner and there she was, crying. I tried to get out of her, in the little English she spoke, why she was upset. I didn’t get much, so I hugged her and sent her back to school. Then I cried. She really had a tender spot in my heart. While I was crying, Jaya’s daughter found me and explained to me that Tara was a strong willed child and difficult to discipline. (That was me as a child! Maybe that’s why we connected!) She assured me that Tara would be fine and that I shouldn’t worry about her.

A couple years later, Craig came back from one of his trips and told me Tara was no longer there. She had gone back to her mother, apparently. I knew I would most likely never see her again. I often thought about her and wondered if she was still with her mother, if she was eating, if she was okay. I worried about her.

Every Sunday they have chapel here and many people from the village come for the service. Before chapel, I was thinking about her again and told Gina Petherick all about her and how often I thought of her and wondered if she was alright. Then during the service, a woman walked out of the chapel with a crying baby and was standing by me, consoling the baby. I kept looking at her, thinking how familiar she looked and how beautiful she is.

After the service, she came up to me, with her mother, and said, “I’m Tara”. !! I about lost it!! She is married and her baby is GORGEOUS. She also had her mother with her! She lives about 13 miles from here and comes on Sundays about twice a month. I could not believe it. She looks the same in the face, but is a 20 year old woman now! I was blown away.

It was such a gift from God to me. I praise God for Jaya and his family and their willingness to literally be the hands and feet of Jesus to this community, so that someone like little Tara can be taken care of and most importantly, know the love of Jesus. Thank you, God!

The Hospital Opens Today

The hospital will be opening for the first time today. The team will be running a dental clinic where we will provide x-rays and dental exams for all of the children at Grace Children's Home. We handed out flyers in the community yesterday for the free dental clinic, so perhaps there will be others from the community later in the week. Today is a Hindu holiday, so we aren't expecting too many people from the community. I hear that there is a big parade - I hope that we get to go!

Another team will be doing crafts with the students at the JEMS school. They look like they will be lots of fun.

The children all have chapel at 6 am every morning. I love to hear them singing. We were able to record some of their songs this morning to take back to the states.

Namaste,
Kimberly Watson-Hemphill

A taste of India

If a picture is worth a thousand words but its impossible to capture the real essence of India in a picture, how can I describe it? This is the quandary that I'm left with after venturing outside of the walls of the CEM campus as we visited the market this morning.

Our trip was relatively brief in comparison to the rest of our day with the children here on campus but during the hour tour just a couple of blocks down the road I was overwhelmed sensory overload from all of the contrasts between my life back home and landscape in front of me. Right outside the gates we are greeted by a cute little puppy tied up next to a raunchy pile of trash. A couple of yards down the road we turn the corner near a old Hindu temple amongst another pile of trash and rubble that to my amazement was the sight of a wedding witnessed by earlier Kensington teams. Now to a typical American its easy to write off India as a dirty 3rd world country that will always be what it is, much in the same way that people view Detroit, MI. However, if you take the time to look deeper, there truly are diamonds in the rough.

Down the street from the temple we pass the original site of CEM and I begin to the see the development of hope in the community. We turn another corner and life begins to emerge. People are coming out of their homes to see us, each with big smiles and bright eyes. This is India.

As we get closer to the market, the traffic on the streets becomes heavier with bikes and scooters buzzing around us with their horns buzzing and bells ringing in both directions. Sometimes its hard to judge which side of the street to stay on as people race around you from both sides. Though some bikers had to slow or stop before trying to get around us, it amazes me that no one seems to get upset or angry. Its just a part of life, an obstacle that is beyond their control. This is India.

Upon reaching the market, it was described by one of our team leaders as stepping back into the time of Jesus. Everywhere you looked, people had their displays of fish or produce in separate piles on the ground and even if you couldn't see, the smells alone would inform you of what was available for barter. For awhile it seemed as though there was no end to the plethora of goods available. I even saw my first assortment of colored chicks that were dyed pink, green and blue!
This is India.

On our way back to the CEM campus we passed the newest and biggest building in the neighborhood. It's the newly built Free hospital that our team of dentists will be seeing patients in tomorrow. All along the way, we handed out fliers to people in the community advertising the free services that are to be provided and the hope that comes with it. Ironically, right across from the entrance to the hospital was the Hindu temple surrounded by filth that we passed at the beginning of our trip. This is India.

So how does one fully describe India? They can't. You have to be here to fully grasp it and I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to do so. - Andy Van Zee

The Indian Jesus

Why write on a white person’s view of the Indian Jesus? I have considered to do this by praying the dangerous "listening prayer" as formatted by Mary Geegh in her booklet "God Guides" presented by Pray America, a remarkable woman of God as full time missionary to India. This is what I believe I received from God as guidance to that listening prayer:

"Go, I will be with you. I will use you in India to encourage my church there. You will see me in those precious people, I will show myself in the weak and the suffering. I will demonstrate my power and glory in ways that you have not imagined or thought possible. I am the Lord Almighty, King and sustainer of everything, nothing is too great for me to accomplish."


Well, with that kind of "calling", I go and after 13 visits to India since 2003, I have not only sense God going before me but even more incredibly, I am seeing Jesus in these Indian people and tell of this amazing Indian Jesus who is already there! India is a nation of over a billion people, with estimates that will surpass China in population in the next several years. There are area’s of India in large cities such as Mumbai (Bombay) that the humanity density approaches one million people per square mile.
Traditional church history tells us that Jesus’ disciple Thomas traveled to ancient Babylon (Iraq) and then to Persia (Iran). Later in 52 AD he sailed south to the western coast of India where he preached relentlessly and established churches that included even the high caste Hindus of these regions. He eventually traveled to the eastern coast of India. Known as the Apostle of India, he was martyred near the city of Madras (Chennai) while sharing Jesus to the Hindus, he was thrown into a pit and impaled on a spear by a Brahmin priest. When Portuguese explorers landed in the early 1600’s, they were amazed to find a group of Christian Indians worshipping at the Mar Thoma (St. Thomas) Church established by the apostle Thomas nearly 1500 years earlier. Thanks to him, Christianity came to India long before it went to England or Western Europe yet it failed to flourish with only 2 percent of India’s population claiming to be Christian despite of 2000 years of evangelical effort. Why? Part of it may be that this is a tough crowd with shear staggering numbers of humanity. Part of it may be that traditional evangelical efforts simply to preach to the masses the Gospel are largely ineffective while showing the Gospel in works of compassion may turn the tide. Part of it is simply a rejection of western Christianity and a deep desire to embrace an Indian Jesus who is already there and waiting to be invited in that stems from an “oppression psychosis”.

I am a white person who is witnessing this authentic expression. Jesus is in India and He is alive and well! - Sal Aragona

We Made It

Hello from Dowlaiswaram, India! Well, we had some casualties (2 bags of luggage, 2 pillows, and a few mildly sick team members) but here we are. After 30 + hours of travel we arrived to the loving people of Christ Evangelical Mission showering us with the traditional barrage of flower petals. From there we took a tour of CEM and then spent some exhausting hours playing with the Grace Children.

It's good to once again be amongst our loving friends at CEM.

Peace and zzzzzz's

Greg G

Ticket to Paradise

What my wife is holding is the boarding pass to our flight out of Detroit--our ticket to paradise. "Paradise?", you might say. India is a land of unchurched people rife with poverty, suffering, and hopelessness. How can this be paradise? Well, in a land of contradictions such as India this is the case for many of the repeat India missionaries headed out today on our trip (and what we pray will be the case for the newbys on the trip). It is in this place of abject poverty that we are able to give and receive the love of Christ. It is in this place of litter and pollution that we are able to see the face of Jesus in the faces of the children. It is in this place of sickness and disease that we are able to internalize what really matters in life. So for us India is a paradise of sorts. One filled with joy and love. One in which we are eager to return!

Thanks to all who are following this blog! Please cover us in prayer :)

Greg G