Farewell Preparations

It's 4:45am and CEM has already begun to stir. I've turned off my ceiling fan to take in the sounds of the morning one more time. Outside my window I'm hearing someone pumping water and the clang of a bucket now and then. The tired chatter of the children and staff is growing now as they prepare for another day.

I wanted to drop a quick note of thanks for your prayers and concern over the last week. Our communications to you will be shorter going forward as the team prepares to say goodbye to our friends and begin the long journey home.

There's a shift in the mood of the children as the week progresses. The conversations move from "What's my name?" (although that never really stops) to "Tomorrow you go to America?", and then the game of them asking us not to go begins. The kids know they're not going to convince us, I think, but we appreciate the sentiment. I'm sure I speak for the whole team when I say we wish could see them more often. These kids have a way of weaving themselves into your heart.

The consolations in the bittersweet parting is that we're going home to family and friends and that many of us are going to see India again. The work being done here is too important and the relationships too deep for us to walk away.

Thanks again for your prayers and support. You'll be getting more updates of our travel progress on the Impact India 360 Facebook page.

Chris for the Team

A Doc and a Young Veteran

Hey all - we have started our last full day at CEM while you are sleeping. The thing that we've learned is that a mission team brings a lot of different lives and experiences together and creates an amazing opportunity to learn. We deal with amazing culture shock and some discomfort, but God always shows up in so many different ways. Here are a couple of stories that show it...

A Physician’s Perspective

The medical camp Tuesday was interesting to say the least.  The day before, we went to check the location, which was a local high school.  School was in session, and as I walked by, the class erupted with yelling.  Chris Cook asked me, “How does is feel to be a rock star?”  The only word that came to mind was “humbling”.  There were 4 rooms, 3 of which were empty concrete rooms, with a blackboard on one wall.  On Tuesday there was a holiday (Gandhi’s birthday) so school was not in session.  It started to rain as we arrived and continued for the next several hours.

I had brought some equipment with me, but barely needed any of it, as the patients started coming in and we had to see them so fast, most I did not have time to do any type of physical examination.  The main complaints were joint pain, weakness, and cough.  I am pretty sure that there was more to it than just these simple complaints, but I was a victim of not being able to understand the language.

I was prescribing medication that we don’t use in the U.S. any more because it has not been found to be useful, but that is all that was available. It was, at times, terribly frustrating.  We only had three or four minutes per patient, and much of that time was spent in translation.  For a while, I was feeling very useless.

Later, on reflection, I felt better, because we at least gave them access to medical care, even though we couldn’t do everything that was truly necessary.  A lot of the people were recommended to go to the hospital for follow up.  I asked how many would actually go, and the answer was only about twenty percent. Is this an education issue or a feeling of no hope?

So I am left with mixed feelings… good, sad, heartbreaking, frustrating, eye opening. There is so much need for better medical care, but there is not a mechanism right now.  Basically they need to go to the government hospital for care (“it’s not that far” I was told), which would be difficult. Half of the people we saw were over 65 and they walked to the clinic in the rain.  I am told that the rain kept most people away, including the sickest patients.  That makes me sad, as the people that could have used our help the most did not come.

So at the end, I am overjoyed at having been able to participate in the medical camp and thank God that we were able to help so many people (ed. note – the camp saw 175 people). Yet I am left with knowing that so much more is necessary… both physically and spiritually.

Last night we went to Rajahmundry.  It is such a stark contrast to Dowlaiswaram, the “suburb” where CEM is. It reminds me of driving from Detroit to Grosse Pointe along Jefferson Avenue, multiplied times 1000. It is not touristy - basically the shopping area for everyone in the local area, like a gigantic outside mall.  There are too many shops to count.  It amazes me that so many storefronts can be sustained.  For example, down one alley, there were over twenty shops that sold men’s shirts.  The number of people going down through the street was mind-boggling.  And it was more complex, as people were everywhere with their motorcycles.

Our journey home starts tomorrow.  And while I will miss this place, I am ready to go home.  I guess I am spoiled by the West, with power that stays on and climate control.  But mostly I miss the ones I love.  I cannot wait to see them, hold them, and talk to them.  This place gave me more in this short week than I could ever hope to give back.

The two things I will miss the most are the Agape home and chapel.  The people at the Agape home are so thankful that they can stay here.  They were literally starving on the streets before they were brought here.  Chapel brings new meaning to worship. There is such passion and enthusiasm that it puts our worship to shame.

So have a great day.  We will see you soon.   God bless.

Kevin


Veteran at Sixteen

This trip so far has been amazing. I didn't realize how excited I was to come back until we were on the bus from the airport to the orphanage. I remembered how happy everyone was on the streets and how surprised they were to see Americans. They still are when we go out. If you smile at someone, they always smile back. If you wave at someone, they always wave back. It's nothing like America. You see it in the lifestyle and culture and the attitudes of the people that have nothing. If you were to smile at someone in America, they would a lot of the time just awkwardly smile back. People are a lot of the time scared to make eye contact with strangers. But here, everyone looks you straight in the eye when they see you and their smiles make my day. The other day a girl that was on the street came up to me and took my hand. She asked me what my name was, and how I was doing. As we passed her family, she told me and I waved. They smiled and waved back. She walked with me the rest of the way, then said bye. That kind of thing doesn't happen in America, and it's something I love about the people of India. They are so sweet, and so interested in you.

I wasn't nervous for this trip. I was only eager to see what God would do in my own life and in the relationships that would be made and the relationships that would be strengthened. I was excited to see how the other members on my team would handle everything and how they would connect with the people of India. And they have handled it so well, and I loved seeing them connect with the kids all week.

I love being with the kids. They call me sister and they don't want me to leave. I don't want to leave, but so many memories come out of one week here. The way they worship is nothing like you would see in America. They are all so compassionate about it. They get up every morning to be in chapel by 6am. Even though it’s early, by that time they are full of energy and they are ready to praise God. To see all of these kids thankful and praising God the way they do, makes me feel so selfish, yet so blessed. They make me realize how much I have, and how amazing God is. They see Him in a different way.

There's so many hopeless lives here in India; so many people begging on the streets for money. So much poverty. If I could personally touch every life in India to give them hope, I would. But that's why I'm starting somewhere. By starting in the orphanage, I'm trying my best to show them they are loved. I wish I could spend personal, one on one time with each and every one of them. When we walk them to school every morning, I always wish I could hold everyone's hand. I want them all to know how special they are. Because I know they don't get that personal attention all year. They always ask, "My name?" hoping I remembered. I always try to remember but it's definitely a challenge. I wish I could remember every name just to show them how much I pay attention, but that would take a very long time. But I hope I make some sort of difference in their life the one week I get to be here.

Like I said, the lifestyle here is so much different than the lifestyle in the U.S. Everyone drives on whatever side of the road they want, but if anything it's opposite of the U.S. People just want to get to where they need to be. When you're in the bus driving through India, it's just chaotic. There are always horns honking and drivers swerving out of the way just in time not to hit someone.

The market is nothing like a grocery store. People sit on cloths outside on the ground, sometimes under tents, with the food they sell piled high, such as fish; which makes it smell bad. There are people cutting chickens heads off and skinning them. It's weird to think that's our dinner. The market is always crowded and it's sometimes difficult to keep up with the rest of the team. It makes you feel like you're in a movie. There's so much going on at once.

I want to make a difference in India. I'm so thankful for Jaya and him starting this orphanage. It's amazing to see God do things like this. I know He can do anything, but actually seeing it for myself is completely different than just "knowing". I plan to come back to India every year. I'm in love with these people. I know everything here is crazy and chaotic at times, but that's what I fell in love with. I fell in love with all the orphans, even when they get crazy. I fell in love with the way of life, and the things I see here that I've never seen before. I fell in love with the random people on the streets that come up and take my hand, and even the ones who just smile and wave. This place is like a home to me. I feel comfortable here and I just want to see God continue to work in the lives of these people.

Bethany

Snapshots & Living Sacrifices

The work continued on Tuesday - connecting with the children of the English School and the Grace Children's Home, teaching at the Missionary Training School, and a Medical Camp sponsored by the CEM Hospital (more on that tomorrow!). Here are a couple more entries from our team members.

Snapshots of India

As I reflect on this trip to India in my mind’s eye I see snapshots.

Beautiful children in their school uniforms waiting to shower us with flower petals.

Next, the same beautiful children gathered in a new church building sitting on the floor. Our young ladies sitting in their midst their heads a little taller with their light colored hair sticking out.  The sweet little girls fanning them to keep them cool, such love and concern on their faces.

Standing in the courtyard below church praying with the individual people who come to us with their needs.

Walking down a muddy street to school in the rain while the children hold our hands and try to protect us from the rain.

A man sitting on the corner not in his right mind looking like a National Geographic portrait, as a pig dines in the ditch by the side of the road.

A health clinic in the rain... Jesus is here.  We are blessed as people pray that God’s purpose will be served.

There are so many things to see and ponder and pray about.  It can be overwhelming. But God is sufficient.

India is truly a world away and yet it is the neighbor next door.  A land scarred by service to many false gods desperate for a relationship with the one true God, Jesus.

The last snapshot is of the word YES! It stands for all the people here and in the US who know my Jesus as Saviour and are obedient to his call.  They are blessed.

They are a blessing.

Beth Lee

Living Sacrifices

I have had the privilege of teaching the students at the Missionary Training School here at CEM. This year we are studying 1 Peter. Monday during the class I gave the students the assignment to search they scriptures to find examples of spiritual sacrifices that God wanted New Testament believer-priests to offer (1 Peter 2:5).

Yesterday I had the students to share what they had I found in their personal study. I was amazed at how many had scripture passages to share and how extensive their search had been. It was exciting to see these men and women of God apply themselves to the study of God's Word.

I was also able to help them round out their list and help them see the correlation with Christian living and the responsibilities of offering acceptable sacrifices. It was heart warming to see the light go on in many of their eyes as they began to understand that all that we do can be an offering that is acceptable to God, if our attitude is correct.

After all Romans 12:1-2 says "Therefore I urge you brothers in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Vallen Prest

Monday - and the Work Begins

One of the best marks of a great mission team member is flexibility; and it is amazing how this team has pressed on through the adversities. India is not without its challenges to a visitor from a health standpoint, and we have dealt with an extended monsoon season that has frustrated our attempts to do things outside. But the team is still getting it done and connecting with all of the different CEM ministries. Here are a couple more team members' perspectives:

Darkness and Light

The thunder roars and the rain pours around us. "Do you want to walk with the kids to school this morning?" asks Chris. You better believe it! By the time we leave for school the rain has slowed to a shower. I take the hands of two sweet girls, and off we go. Always holding hands, we manage to miss most of the mud puddles, which is not always easy as the passing motorcycles, bikes, cars and buses are trying to do the same.

The sights along the way are amazing - pigs in the ditches, roosters eating garbage that lines the roads, goats playing freely and a large brown cow content to meander at the one major intersection. Horns honk continually.

The people we pass are busy living their lives in the way one does in Dowlaiswaram. Women washing clothes in buckets of water, children playing instead of going to school and men looking up from busy work as we passed by - some selling products along the sides of the road, others working on their bikes and scooters and still others content to just watch us pass by. 

As we walk along the muddy roads we count the puddles - one two three - and say silly things to make each other laugh. I look down and see bright smiles and sparkling eyes all around me. So much joy in the souls of these precious children… So much light in the darkness. 

Merri

A Senior's Perspective

I woke up around 12:30 am with a very dry mouth. I was already concerned about being stuffed up (constipated) earlier that night and asked the Lord for help, because I was not feeling myself, and I didn't want my condition to degrade and bring me down. This may seem like a very small concern, but it was really big to me. The wake up call was an answer to prayer. The Lord led me drink about 2 liters of water throughout the night. By morning I had gone to the bathroom, which fixed the problem that I was having, and I was back to normal! I didn't realize it at the time, but I wasn't drinking enough water during the day, until that experience of being "stuffed".

During the day we got to walk with the children to school. The children are all taught that "Jesus loves me, Jesus loves you, so I love you", but these are more than just words to the children. What a joy it is to have the children grab your hands and your heart with their earnest attempts to engage you in conversation while we were walking, even through the barriers of language and culture. They are so kind and sensitive to where you are at - being considerate far beyond their age.

After the walk to school, we did some crafts with the children from the JEMS (ed. note: the English school that CEM runs for neighborhood children). My team worked with the youngest children, helping them put together key chains. What a joy it is to be with so many bright eyes and smiling faces.

But what touched my heart was to have the opportunity to pray with the men and women in the Agape Old Peoples Home. Although it is a joy to be around the children, I can more easily identify with and have compassion for those who are nearer to the ends of their lives on earth - their aches and pains, their loneliness, and their infirmities. 

To try and show the hope and love of Jesus is not only a blessing to the receiver, but also for the giver. They would line up to wait for prayer, individually, with the apparent hope that their need would somehow be met. Because we didn't understand a word each other was saying, I would point to different areas of my body, to indicate that I was asking what to pray for, specifically (i.e. which ache or pain or disfunction could I pray for), and they would likewise indicate that area of the body that needed prayer. Sometimes a translator would be there to confirm the communication. 

Although we only communicated physical needs, I would pray for both physical and imagined emotional and spiritual needs. I would like to go back and try to go deeper and discuss the real emotional and spiritual needs that they have through a translator. After prayer we stood around and just held each other, in some cases, which appeared to be very much appreciated.

Rich

Work Boots & Talent Shows

Hey all - we finally found a little internet to send you an update! You'll be hearing from two of our FBC Prescott team members about their first days at CEM…

From the airport we all loaded into a bus. It was small so it required another full vehicle for our luggage to be transported. I had prepared myself in advance for a terrifying driving experience in light of accounts from other past visitors. It ended up being slightly less scary than I had anticipated. Still, there was plenty to be concerned about, lots of honking and lane changes and very little clearance between passing vehicles. My expectations had adequately prepared my mind and my nerves followed suite making for a peaceful ride.

It was through the bus windows that I would catch my first glimpses of the country I learned so much about over the past few months. I found it difficult to discern what I should have taken pictures of as everything I saw I wanted to remember. I decided to stop looking through the camera and began snapping at random so I could focus my efforts on processing all my eyes were taking in. The first thing that struck me was the poverty, to say that these people lived humbly, would by no stretch describe their situation. There were animals wandering aimlessly about, water buffalo, pigs, dogs, goats, many types of critters. 

The architecture was both ornate and rundown mixed in with hut-like structures made of dried vegetation and dirt.  There were people cooking over open fires and women holding their naked, dirty toddlers on their hips, many elderly people were hunched over and looking starved. The trash was piled high everywhere I looked along the streets, also there was a canal of sewer water. This was all quite foreign to me. I knew these things existed in the world but had never seen them beyond in photographs taken by others. Prevalent through it all was the people’s use of color. Color was everywhere in the brightest hues, in their clothing, buildings, signs and artwork. It seemed a stark contrast to their circumstances.

Once at the orphanage we were welcomed as if we were royalty. The children reached out their hands in hopes just to touch us for a moment. If there were any way I could have reached out my arms and hugged them all at once I would have. After the initial greeting we had time to begin interactions in smaller groups, each time was quite tender and personal. I began to fall in love, true love, as quickly as is possible for a person to do so. 

Each child whose eyes I’ve had the privilege to look in to exhibits a hope different than I’ve encountered before.  They refer to me and the other women I traveled with as “Sister”. They greeted at us from time to time in this way, “Sister, God loves me, God loves you, so I love you.” I inquired with one you girl about what lead her to the orphanage and her parents. The language barrier made it difficult so she said something to clear it all up, she said “Sister, YOU are my mother and YOUR HUSBAND is my father.” 

She did not mean that she was expecting me to literally bring her home with me, instead what she meant was that God has designed things in such a way that we are all relationally responsible and blessed to love and care for one another. She sums it up better than I ever could have. 

It is our most special fortune to love one another as Christ loved us. I believe when this idea is found only in words it is a “task” or a “burden” but when we apply action to the words they lighten in such a way that they rise up and feel practically weightless bearing little to no resemblance to a “burden”. This sums it up for me and will for you too if you take the scriptures found in James and throughout the bible and choose to be “doers” and not just “hearers” of God’s word. I’ve heard it said that “kindness is love with its work boots on”, I pray your hearts will be prompted to put on your work boots.

- Jamie

So far this trip has been fantastic! On Saturday when we arrived we were showered with flowers and every child wanted to shake our hand. We looked around a little bit and were pulled into a room by some sweet girls so that they could take our measurements. So they could work on an outfit for each of us. That evening when it was time to go to chapel all the little girls wanted to hold my hand and take me to where they sat. “Sit with me! Sit with me!” they would say or “you sit here!” chapel was amazing we got to hear so many kids singing and praising the Lord.

Then when I got up this morning Lakshmi had made us some wonderful coffee! I don’t think I’ll be able to settle for the stuff in the U.S. We then went to chapel with the kids and then ate breakfast it was delicious, as are all the meals we have eaten here so far. After breakfast we had a chance to see what church was like for them. Everyone there was so wonderful. We sang a song in church and even though they might not have understood what we were saying they all wanted to learn the song. After church we went down to the courtyard where we all got the opportunity to pray for all sorts of people children as well as adults.

Shorty after we got lunch which was again super delicious. we then went off to take some relaxing time time. We didn’t do a lot today because it rained quite a bit. The sewing women pulled us aside again to try some things on us to make adjustments. Finally later in the day we got to do a little dance for the kids as part of a talent show. All the kids participated, it was so much fun to watch them enjoying themselves. 

It is so wonderful when the kids come up to us and ask our name and ask if we want to know theirs. They are so precious to me and to God. I feel truly blessed to have been able to come on the trip. God is doing great things here. I can’t wait to see what he has in store next.

- Abby

First Day in Country

I started this sitting at a coffee bar at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, India, waiting with the team for the last leg of our travel to see our friend Jaya and all of the good things he is doing. The thirty hours of travel thus far are taking their toll, so I apologize in advance if my writing is a little incoherent. I rarely sleep well on planes.

The heat of the morning is already beginning to stir the hazy air, distorting the tail flashings of the planes sitting on the tarmac in the distance. All around me the terminal is abuzz with activity – janitors, wait staff, travelers, baggage handlers. But amid the din I still noticed workers stealing away for just a moment to catch up on the news or sit in the shade of a jetway to have a snack with friends as the stink of aviation fuel hangs pungent in the air.

I’ve been coming to India for over ten years now, and I am still struck at the triple espresso shot of concentrated humanity that I get when I arrive. So many people. So many lives. So many wills at work that it amazes me that the culture hasn’t reached a point of collective insanity. Perhaps it has, but the haze of sleep deprivation while I’m in country dulls my senses just enough to let it remain just out of apprehension.

But even amid the chaos there is design and things get done. We experienced that most recently on our shuttle ride between the international and domestic terminal and the fearless bus driver who drove headlong into a mass of oncoming headlights on a sometimes one-lane tramway. To the horror of the foreigners and the inattention of the nationals, he initiated toward the way-less-than-bus-sized space between two oncoming trucks and there is an indescribable, fluid process of challenge, collaboration and mutual yielding until all are back on their way.

And it happens way, way more than you would see in the U.S. It suggests to me that there is some kind of internal order amid all the chaos that is so ingrained in the Indian psyche that It would take more than the millennia that forged it to find out what had been really created.

Everyone is on campus now and quickly bedding down to start repaying their sleep debt. You’ll hear more about the delayed flight, the bus breakdown the iffy power grid and the flower pedal charged reception tomorrow. But I did want to drop you a quick line to tell you that it’s great to be back.

Chris for the Team

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. – St. Augustine

The All-Important Prayer Calendar

Hello Again -

We are just over 24 hours from the beginning of the adventure we have been preparing for for weeks. We are all excited and unified and waiting to see how God is going to reveal himself in new ways to each of us. I can speak for the whole team when I say that we could not do this without the support of our friends and families, and we need you all the more now. PRAY FOR US!

I wanted to leave you with an abbreviated calendar so that you have some idea of our plans and what you can specifically pray for:

Thursday the 27th:
- The FBC Prescott Team leaves at 10:00am to join the Kensington Team in Detroit
- Team departs Detroit Metro at 6:00pm with our first stop in Amsterdam.
- Pray for safe travel and good rest on the plane.
- Pray for Chris C.

Friday the 28th:
- Pray for continued safe travel and for quick acclimation as we begin to experience India and its many differences from our own culture.
- Remember that India is 9.5 hours ahead of Detroit Time!
- Pray for Dave & Bethany

Saturday the 29th:
- As you are getting ready for bed on Friday night, we’ll be boarding a plane for the last leg of our trip!
- We arrive in Rajahmundry around noon (9:30 PM EDT) to be greeted by the children and staff of CEM. The kids are getting pretty good at pelting us with flower petals, so pray that we know when to keep our mouths closed!
- Please pray that we will have a great time reuniting with Jaya, his family, staff and kids from the Grace Children’s Home (GCH) and the Jaya (meaning “victory) English Medium School (JEMS) and that we’ll get a good night’s rest!
- Pray also for Merri & Kaylee

Sunday the 30th:
- We'll get a heaping dose of culture as the team visits the market
- Pray that as we worship God on this day with the Way of Life Church that He will strengthen us and prepare our hearts to do His work over the next few strenuous days.
- There will be a lot of data gathering as we welcome some new kids for the nochild.org initiative
- We'll also spend time connecting with the GCH kids in the afternoon
- Pray for Rich

Monday the 1st:
- Today the team will be working on several fronts, including JEMS, the Sewing School, and visiting the clinic
- Some of us will be teaching, others will be connecting and building relationships with local community leaders
- Pray for the teachers as we teach across language and cultural barriers
- Pray especially for Mary Beth & Abigail

Tuesday the 2nd:
- India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti – a national holiday for Gandhi's birthday. Schools will be out that day and ceremonies in tribute will be happening all across the country. The United Nations has also proclaimed October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence
- The school that many of the GCH kids attend will be repurposed that day as a medical clinic, which some of our team members will help staff
- Today the team continues to work in all areas of CEM
- Pray for the JEMS, the Sewing School and for our sharing time with the orphans!
- We will be gathering images and stories of the elderly of Dowlaiswaram for Impact India 360
- Pray also for Kevin

Wednesday the 3rd:
- Another day of working alongside the CEM staff in all areas of ministry.
- Team members will get a chance to take in the city life of Rajahmundry on an evening visit
- Pray for Jamie & Olivia

Thursday the 4th:
- Our final full day with Jaya, the CEM ministry team, and the children!
- The Team will be visiting one of the many church plants that CEM has helped start
- Pray for The Team as we finish our projects
- Pray specifically for Chris G.

Friday the 5th:
- Today the team says their final goodbyes (that is the hardest part!) and gets on a plane for the first leg of our trip home.
- Pray for health, for rest, for joy and unity as a team, and for strength to begin the long flight home early Saturday morning.
- Pray for our families, who have supported us and are undoubtedly ready to get us back home!
- Also pray for an extra measure of grace as we say our goodbyes to the kids!
- Pray also for Valen

Saturday the 6th:
- Pray for continued protection and blessing as we complete the trip home, and that God will help us find the right words to express what He has done in and through us during this awesome trip!

Thanks so much for your support and prayers! You'll hear from us soon!

- Chris for the team

Meet the September 2012 Team!

We have two great groups coming together this time round. Kensington Community Church in Troy, MI is joining forces with First Baptist Church in Prescott, AZ to go to CEM India! Thanks for being a part of this adventure with us! We want to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves.

First, the folks from Kensington: 

Kevin Brody - I have only recently started in my relationship with Christ. He has asked me to take a leap of faith and go to India. I am a doctor, a dad, and a husband and this is completely out of my comfort zone; yet I am going anyway. I believe that God will show me the way and can do great things through me.

Chris Cook - Since my first visit in 2002, CEM and the people of India have been permanently woven into my soul. Every year around this time, I need to go and get a full dose of perspective that only the people of Dowlaiswaram can give me. I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends again and continuing to build the relationships that started years ago. As a photographer and teller of CEM's story, I'm also looking forward to bringing back a ton of photos!

Chris Gortat - Born and raised in Warren, MI by my wonderful parents, Don and Rose Marie. This will be my fourth trip to CEM. My brother, Greg, and sister-in-law, Jessica, were instrumental in encouraging me to take these adventures. I will miss them on the trip as they parent their new daughter, Priya. Life on this earth has been quite a roller coaster prior to and after accepting sweet Jesus into my life. He is the only way and I continue to pray for a continued daily surrender to our good God’s will. As part of His will, I am so looking forward to communing with our team and all the people of India. ~ Peace

Vallen Prest - This is my third trip to India. For the past year I’ve been reading about the persecution of Christians around the world and specifically in India. This trip I will be teaching the students of the Missionary Training School book of 1 Peter which will deal with persecution. The significance of this little book is especially important for 21st century Christians regardless of where they are in on this world. We are all living in societies in which we are marginalized and subject to ridicule and persecution.

Merri Reasor - This will be my first mission trip to India. I am looking forward to meeting Jaya and the beautiful children at Grace Children’s Home. I have a passion for sharing the love and saving grace of Christ with women and children around the world. I am looking forward to serving Him with this team, and am excited to see what God has prepared for each of us on this journey.


And the team from FBC Prescott:

Bethany Droste - This will be my second trip to India and I can't wait to see my friends on CEM campus again. I am looking forward to meeting the new children in Grace Children's Home and spending time with my previous friends. I know that the travel will be difficult, but that it will be worth it when we arrive.

David Droste - I am so excited to visit my friends in India once again! I have been drawn to pray for the people of India since the mid 1990's, but in 2005 God opened the door for me to take my first trip. I have been so touched by the ministry of Jaya and his faithful team, and blessed to work together with so many wonderful people. This year, I have the awesome opportunity to share my friends in India with some friends from Arizona! God challenges, grows and meets me each trip I have the privilege of taking, and I am praying for His grace to do the same for me and my friends on this trip.

Rich Fleming - This is my first trip to India and I look forward, (with some anxiety about leaving my comfort zone) to the joy of serving the Lord and the people of India in whatever capacity He has in mind. I am trusting God that I can be of some small help in Jaya’s amazing ministry, but at the same time, I won’t be surprised if I receive more than I give, if it’s anything like previous short-term trips that I’ve been on.

Abigail Lee - I am going to India because God has called me to share his word. About two years ago I felt a deep calling to go on a mission’s trip. I have been waiting for an opportunity for missions so when the India trip was announced I jumped at the chance. I am extremely excited for this trip and I am hoping God will use me for his purpose.

Beth Lee - It is with great excitement and anticipation that I am looking forward to my first trip to India and my second missions trip. For me, my trip has already begun as I have witnessed God's encouragement through his provision for this trip.


Jamie Procknow - Along with Olivia, who is also going on the trip, I am the mother of Estevan, Gabriel, Chloe, Isaac, Alex and Joshua, who will all be staying behind for. If I were to tell you nothing else about myself, you may be able to still draw some conclusions about me just based on the number of children I have. Yes, I LOVE CHILDREN!!! Most of my children, God has given me through the blessing of adoption. Still many others have come and gone from our home through foster care. I remain in contact with most of them still, and every child has made a permanent mark on my heart, regardless of the length of time spent in my home.

God has also put many children in my life who I consider to be like my children though they have not lived in my home. They too have made a permanent mark on my heart. I expect that the children and people of India will soon be making their permanent mark on my heart. I'm thrilled with the anticipation of the people I will come into relationship with and the experiences that will be had! I have seen how God has woven together experiences in my life to prepare me for what he has coming ahead and I'm certain that I will be seeing the truth of that in India too!

Olivia Procknow - This will be my first trip to India or anywhere in the world. I am so excited to go to India and show God's love and serve Him. I have six brothers and three sisters, some are adopted and others are my half siblings. God has blessed my unique family in many ways and I think that it is a very amazing opportunity to go and love on the people in Dowlaiswaram, India. God has put many amazing people in my life to teach me how to show my love to people, and I want to show my love to the people in India.

Kaylee Warne - I am so excited to have this opportunity to go to India! I can just feel that God is doing something amazing and I cannot wait to be part of it! My passion has always been missions since I was 6. Last summer I had a chance to go to Honduras but that door was closed. When I heard about the trip to India, I felt God telling me “go!” I am so excited to meet everyone and obey God's calling!

As you can see, this team is ready to go and can't wait to see how God is going to move through all of it - from the travel to the time on the ground. In the next post, you'll be getting a general schedule of how the ten days is going to unfold and how you can partner with us in prayer. Be sure to like our Facebook Page to get the up to the minute team events!

The Hole in our Worship

James 1:27 NIV - "Religion that our Father acccepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress ...."
The AMP version is even more revealing, "External religious worship that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need...."

The hole in our worship is simply thinking it is all about me and my edification while I think what this amazing scripture is saying is that if your religious worship does not impact the orphans and widows on this planet with meaningful care and help, God looks at it as impure and faulty. It may in fact mean if you do not know any orphans and widows or have significant community with them, your religion is suspect and questionable.

I am glad to report that this team was the church in action and truly became the hands and feet of Jesus to our Indian orphans and widows. At times I just wept to see the purity of God's love as He used willing people to demonstrate a kindness, compassion, help and care to these the least of these. Whether it was just being and holding the hands of the homeless poor widows of Agape Home or buying new shoes and backpacks and looking after the dental health of the children at Grace Children Home and JEMS, isn't any wonder that the Kingdom of God is forcefully advancing not by human effort but by the power of true compassion at CEM in India?
"To Him, who is able to do immesurably more than we ask for or imagine, according to His power at work in us, to Him be Glory, in the Church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever, Amen!" - Eph. 3:20-21 - Sal Aragona

A Simple Drink Offering

Philippians 2:17

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

This verse describes my experience in India! There are many opportunities to pour myself out for the people of India; the people that Jesus has called us to love in His name. There is a cost for sure; different diet, hassle of carrying a water bottle at all times, weariness from long days of teaching or playing or listening to struggles of others. Add to those minor trials, the pain of watching the poorest of the poor live a life of unbelievable struggle; children without parents, widows rejected by their own relatives, and empty hearts as people search for life in millions of gods.

I kind of feel like Paul, not that my offering is anywhere near the offering that he poured out, but rather in the joy that he felt in giving himself away. This week, I have had the amazing opportunity to serve God in India, and the Lord has given me such a gladness of heart in the minor sacrifice of service. I have been involved with a wonderful team, spoken the truth of God to eager students, shared smiles with children who now have a home, and prayed with widows who are being taken care of in the name and for the sake of Jesus.

I could go on, but the bigger story is this; this doesn't have to stay in India. When I leave this place, there will be people in my own region of the world, town, neighborhood, church, etc, that God is calling me to serve. Will I serve them with the same abandon that I serve in India? Well, that is my heart's desire. Will I be willing to look into the eyes of the homeless in my town, reach out to a lost child, support the lonely? Well, I will by the grace and strength of Christ in me. There is joy and gladness of heart in pouring myself out as a drink offering...even in my own little piece of the world.

I pray that you, too, are experiencing the gladness that Paul referred to as he poured himself out. Please keep your heart open to the sacrifice and service that Christ has placed in your path today.

Dave Droste

We Are All God's Children

Tuesday Feb. 21, 2012

Today we visited a satellite church of the Way Of Life Church. The chapel's pastor is a recent graduate of the CEM Mission in Training Program. Their goal is to create churches in the surrounding villages.

We traveled one twenty six miles by bus to get to the church, which was actually a tent. The road was rather bumpy and tortuous. There were about thirty worshipors who greeted us with song. They prepared a special service for us.

They honored us with a presentation of floral wreaths. Their pastor and Graig both spoke and prayed about our love for each other and all being children of God. They also offered us a cold soft drink which was welcomed on such a hot and humid day. After more worship, hugs and blessings, it was time to get back to CEM. We prayed that this church would be a beacon of light for the other villagers.

Therefore go out and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. - David Bryk

Seek His face

"Seek His face (first before asking for something). Just what the doctor ordered. Dave Droste spoke about this at chapel yesterday as he and his son, Matt, shared a skit to solidify the point. Personally, I have difficulty seeking God for who He is because I suffer from a disease called Me, Myself, and I Syndrome ....... Hmmmm, what can I do for myself today, Lord? Although, I would like to think I made a stride to Glorify Him (instead of me) today. Allie (our youngest team member) and I made origami with the JEMS (Jaya English Medium School) students. During this time, I searched to see His face in the JEMS children, the teachers, CEM staff and Allie. It was a joy to work with Allie as we ventured through 9 class rooms from kindergarten to 6th grade. My heart melted as the children were so proud of their work as they folded paper and applied stickers and jewels to their new crowns. The younger children also graced us with their ability to recite rhymes; what little angels! And the teachers and staff were such a delight by assisting us in making our journey a smooth one..............God, did I seek Your face first today? I believe our good God is saying, "Yes!".

Peace,
chris