Vision Trip

Another church planted by CEM in India with a small medical camp. 

Dr. Wes helping at the medical camp.

My last two patients from Agape Old Age Home.

Feeding, Preaching, Healing is the mantra here at CEM and my friend and Indian brother Jaya has certainly perfected this over twenty seven years of fruitful ministry. His vision to preach the gospel and use words when necessary has been transformed into a beautiful demonstration of Christ's love in action through the different segments of CEM mission. As a board member of Impact India 360, I have been privileged to lead a small but esteem team to CEM to serve in an amazing fashion. Particularly, we are inviting prospective high impact individuals to look at what God has already accomplished through Jaya at CEM and see if God is leading them to be part of our board in overseeing this incredible ministry. Maybe God is leading one or more of this esteem group to consider that possibility. After all it is to Him, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask for or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to Him be glory, in the church and in Christ Jesus, forever and ever Amen! - Ephesians 3:20-21

Time, Our Most Precious Resource

In Chris Rice's song, Teach Me to Count the Days, he writes:

Every day is a bank account, and time is our currency.
So, no one's rich, nobody is poor, we get 24 hours each.
So how are you going to spend?  Will you invest or squander?
Try to get ahead, or help someone who's under?

Can you imagine how different the world would be if we considered time our most precious resource? Time is the great equalizer, and we only go around this life once.  It's an asset that is rapidly depreciating, and there is an undeniable link to us recognizing what we do with our time, and the abundant life Jesus promised.  It's not an abundance of material things, but the overwhelming sense of love, peace and joy through the recognition that "Life means so much." So much more than achievement, accolades or accumulation.

Gina and I just returned from India, and realized that we had not blogged while we were there.  There seemed to be no time.  We were too busy teaching, loving, playing, watching, listening, laughing, hugging, talking, dancing, worshipping, praying, walking and crying.  Tears of pure joy, of course.  Because life means so much.

How many times do I check my investment account each year?  Too many.  How many times do I check my time account?  Not enough.  But for one week, we were well aware that our days are numbered.  We did not squander one of them.

One in Christ

There's something that happens to me each time I journey half way around the world to be with my Indian friends in Dowlaiswaram.  God reveals his heart to me in some special way.  On this particular trip he has reminded me of how he longs for all of his children to be unified in him through his son Jesus. 

I am often asked why I travel so far to help people when there is so much need in my own backyard.  At first I had to take pause and consider my motives.  I began going on missions trips because "that's what followers of Christ do", but eventually came to realize that in doing so I was fulfilling one of the God's great desires--to help create unity amongst his people.  I really feel that it pains God that his church is separated by denominations, socio-economic classes, skin color, nationalism, etc.  My trips to India are not just about preaching the Gospel to non-Christians through serving the poor.  They are also about showing my Christian Indian brothers and sisters that I love and support them, and share the same identity as them in Christ.  I not only travel across the globe to meet the physical needs of a struggling people, but seek to do life with those that already believe.  To pray with, to play with, to laugh with, and to cry with my Indian brothers and sisters.  Out of this the distinctions of "us" and "them" begin to crumble.

One of my favorite parts of these trips to India are the morning chapels each day.  In a small, sparsely decorated room a group of Indian kids and adults with some Americans sprinkled in start the day worshiping their awesome God.  It is during this time that I get a glimpse of heaven.  I don't see age, race, or color.  I see Christ.

Well, the trip is over.  We made it home safe and sound.  I feel that the unity God desires for his church was expressed and exemplified in our team.  Thank you to all that have prayed for and supported us on this endeavor.  Thank you to the team that made Chris and my job easy in leading.  And thank you, God, for calling us to India!!

"Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."--Col 3:11

The Christ of the Indian Way

Physical well being is a critical need in places like India. How can one consider the spiritual which typically is focused on future concepts of eternal life when the present life is bleak with pain and suffering? How can we who are Christ followers explain compassion without demonstrating it in action? Each visit to CEM, in particular, to the hospital, bring me such a sense of being on the brink of an amazing work in medical missions that is ready to explode! Imagine a place where there will be thousands of lives impacted monthly by compassionate medical care offered in Jesus name? Imagine a place where people receive both compassionate medical care and supernatural healing that offers an opportunity to consider the spiritual reality of the one true God that loves them more that they can think possible? I am excited to see this becoming a reality!

I taught for my first time to the MTS (Missionary Training School) in two separate sessions on Wednesday morning and afternoon on the subject of "Biblical Evidence for Physical Healing Ministry". I challenged these future Indian pastors and missionary's to include the physical wellness as an equal gift as salvation that Jesus accomplished in his suffering and death on the cross. We are given the authority by Jesus to bind and loose on earth as it is in heaven. God's preferred will is that we are physically whole and well. Again, what can a person who is presently suffering pain and disease consider spiritually for future eternity when everything is focused on the here and now? Many may think this is a strange topic for a medical person to teach on as it seems to be at odds with science verses the supernatural. I think that this does not have to be so.

The team on this trip utilized the dental unit in this hospital for several days and we served the poor in a medical camp effort several hours away on one day. Many people received kind, compassionate dental and medical care to address painful conditions. Many also received prayer before, during and after their treatment. It is a small example of the beckon of light that this hospital will eventually be in drawing many who are ready into God's Kingdom in places such as India. The field in India is ripe for harvest and I thank the few workers like Jaya Sankar who are working hard for the Kingdom expansion. This is the manner of the Christ of the Indian Way. - Dr. Sal Aragona

Wordless Books

What a joy to spend time with the little ones.  We walked them to school and tried to avoid mass chaos by not going up to their classrooms but it was hard to let go of their little hands because they show want us to see their classrooms and take their pictures.  On our way back we stopped by the Godavari River where years before there was a misunderstanding.  We were very respectful of the people there washing and praying in the water.  It is a beautiful place and I can understand why they would consider it sacred.  Back at CEM, several of us did a craft with the children while others went to the Agape home for the Old Aged.  Jamie showed each classroom how to put together their Wordless book starting with the littlest ones. After they finished they sang a song and we took pictures.  See video...

Each page on the folded paper is a heart.  The first heart is Black which represents the death of Jesus.  The second page has the Red heart representing the blood of Christ.  The third page is the White heart for His purity followed by a Gold heart of prosperity and a Green heart for the green pastures of heaven.  What a glorious gift to share with the children.  However, we are unable to tell the whole story to each child as not all of the children are CEM kids but we knew the meaning and prayed that they too would understand.  After the first class it became more organized and the kids in the upstairs classrooms could barely contain the excitement waiting for us to do their craft.  Even the teachers wanted a wordless book - they were explained the meaning of book.

Stories were told of team members doing the Macharana with the older folks and they just loved it.  Kristie was able to get a translator to help her talk to each person so she could personally know their story and pray for their individual needs.  It was a hot and sunny day and lots of people have serious tans but it all worth it.

A few of us had the chance to go with Jaya to see the gifts for MTS students.  The graduation is on Thursday and it is a holiday for the children as well.  There is  festival where a big wooden structure is pulled down the street and bananas are thrown everywhere.  WE may not be able to partake of it as the graduation may take several hours.  For the students who previously graduated and are starting churches they have Public Address (PA) systems along with the drums and tamborines and morrocas (sp?).  All of which needs to be transported away on a bicycle. Yes, not a car but a bike.  He also told us the story of how he came to adopt his four youngest children and how Deepti was not expected to live starting out at less than a pound and now she (name meaning a flame) is such a little spit fire with more energy than 10 children and 20 adults.

In the afternoon several team members picked up the children from school.  Then went to meet with the ladies in the Sewing School to do a beautiful craft for them which are two heart shaped pin cushion attached to each other to aid in their sewing.  They also completed all of our outfits.  Each of the ladies were given a beautiful Sari each in different colors with matching scarves.  The men were also made pants and shirts and we'll be wearing them during the graduation. 

The documentarians also made it as well as the last suitcase that was sent on an around the world trip.  They guys Davis and Chase were filming a festival that occurs every 12 years called Amarita that is the nectar that the meeting of the two waters turns to every 12 years which those who are in it will skip the next life and go to heaven.  Some 25 million people were said to be there for this festival.  They thought they might miss the flight but the last flight was delayed.  Finally, the ladies and men received great henna tattooes from to talented young ladies.  Each is different and so creative and will last for at least a week or more.  See picture..

Thursday, we prepare for a fun day of graduation, kids, shopping, kids and readying ourselves for Friday's sad farewell.

Thanks to everyone for following along on the blog to see how Great God is Working here in India
Lisa

Joyful Giving

"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Acts 20:35

We both strongly feel like our main purpose in coming here was to give of ourselves, but we did not expect to receive so much.  It's staggering to see the extreme poverty with the vast majority of the people we encounter.  Being here has opened up our eyes to the harsh reality that we are beyond fortunate and unknowingly ungrateful.  In the culture we live in, it is hard to be satisfied with what we have been given; we always "need" more.  In India, that is not so.  On our day trip Kakinada we experienced the genuine spirit of giving firsthand.  During the medical clinic, a few of our team members were invited on a tour around the village, while the remainder of the team stayed back to pray.  After the tour, one of the villagers became very enthusiastic about us seeing his home.  To us, his house seemed painfully small and run-down, but he was so proud of where he calls his home.  He first took us up to his roof where he freed his white pigeons for us.  We then went into the room and he asked us to pray over him and his household.  Greg led us in prayer, stating, "this man has so little, but obviously has so much."
We then met a little girl, Tabithe, who also escorted us to her home. Upon arrival we met her mother who immediately invited us to sit on her bed and offered us water and pastries. They were so happy to have guests and were so willing to share the little they had. Their joy was overflowing and contagious. It was so moving to be able to receive their gifts, yet deep down it was hard not to feel ashamed of our own selfishness. Reflecting upon this day has been so humbling for both of us.
- Teresa & Victoria

 

A Connection Without Words

He looked like he was 30 years older than me, but he was about my age.  He weighed half of what I weigh. I sat on his bed next to him, his feet dangling inches from the floor.  We did not speak the same language, and with no one to interpret, words served no value. We just sat together. And in the quiet of the moment I had nothing to do but to imagine his life. The lines on his face and the scars visible on his skinny legs suggested a difficult life, now near it’s end. A lot of pain and suffering.

It felt a bit awkward, to just sit there. I wondered if he felt the same, or was he just glad for some company? I felt useless, yet could not leave. He did not try to speak. He sat still, next to me. At one point I placed my hand on his shoulder and he leaned in a bit, I think. I was surprised at the bones I felt beneath his thin shirt. I wondered how often he feels any human touch. We sat there, my hand on his shoulder, silently in our own thoughts. What were his thoughts? What did he think of this strange white man coming into his room and sitting with him- hand on his shoulder?

In my14 trips to India I have picked up almost none of the language.  But I recalled the word for “name”. I did not know how to phrase the question “what is your name”, so I just said the word for name- mispronounced I am sure. But he got it. A smile broke across his face, he touched his chest with his hand and told me his name, which I cannot pronounce nor will I attempt to spell. I told him my name. And for a moment or two, our eyes met. As has been noted by many, eyes communicate often what words cannot. What happened to me is not easy to describe because it wasn’t really what I thought, but what I experienced-  a deep human connection.

It was actually painful for me. It every way he is just like me. A human being. Same anatomy. Same biological processes going on beneath our skin. And same needs and desires and aspirations. Two men came into the same world as baby boys, born in different countries and into vastly different circumstances, none of that of our own choosing. We had no say in the matter. Our lives unfolded very differently simply because of where we were born.

And here we are. I live in a nice apartment in the States, have a great job, surrounded by family and people who love me. I have so much to do, so much to keep me busy that I am never bored or struggling with a lack of purpose. I never worry about getting help for physical problems or dental issues. I never wonder when I will eat again, or where I will sleep at night. I have plenty of clothes and the ability to get more. I am all set.

This is where we differ greatly. He has none of these provisions and certainties. Alone in his later years, he would be living on the street, homeless if he had not been brought into the Agape Home for the Aged. It’s not much, to be honest. But he has three meals a day, chai tea twice a day, some companions, medical and dental care available on the campus of CEM, which he now calls home. He has young students studying at CEM who drop by for a visit a couple of times a week- and occasionally some Americans who come and spend a week. His teeth are mostly gone, his health appears fragile, and all of his possessions fit into a small drawer. But he is not sick. He is not hungry. He is not abandoned.

That could be me. What do I do with these feelings? Some suggest that comparing my life with his should make me grateful. Perhaps. But then, being grateful is easy- just appreciating how good I have it, and thankful I am not him. That honestly sounds shallow, and self-centered. Being grateful is not enough.

Today, looking into his eyes, experiencing his humanity and his value, has helped me understand a bit more why God has so much to say about caring for the poor. Not once ounce of energy or one dollar I spend is wasteful. Can’t say that about much else.

I am writing this on my mac computer. My I-pad sits nearby. Combined value may be more money that he earned in decades. I do not know what to do with all these thoughts, but God, I am listening.

 Craig Mayes

Our common experiences..............

    Our experience here in India is beyond words...the warmth of the people coinciding with the warm hot sun, the vivid colors of their textiles matching their colorful dialect and passion of how these passionate people talk and worship.  And it is fascinating to see the contrast of the thatched roofed shacks next to the intricate architecture of the shrines, the shriveled face of the basket weaver sitting in the dirt next to a shop selling Hello Kitty toys, Angry Bird t-shirts and all sorts of American candies.  It is easy to love India and its people.
     It was a privilege for our team to attend the grand opening of a church started by one of the graduates of the Missionary Training School (MTS).  As I sat in the chapel during the celebration, I was awed looking around at all the people from the community who had gathered and how their lives would be touched by the love of Jesus.  I had experienced it in Birmingham, MI, and now here I was in Kakinada, India.  The sharing of these two experiences and the common humanity, needs, and hope in Jesus moved me to worship our great big God.
     After the service, I was bombarded by women pleading with me, "Sistah, prayer?!"  They crowded us with outstretched hands, communicating their needs by touching their bodies where they were suffering.  As I touched they eyes, back, bellies, ears of each beautiful lady and prayed for them I was profoundly humbled.  That God knew each of their names and loved them, these sisters across the world, so similar to me yet such different life experiences in this great big world.  Some ladies smiled and others cried with me.  After I prayed I held each one so closely we could feel each other's very breath.  It was beautiful.
     The picture posted with this blog is one of me with my new girlfriends who are students of MTS, the few female students.  The day before Jiya told me I was the first woman teacher and yes, I was a little intimidated.  I taught many things in Chapel and in the two hour class - breath prayer, visualization of Scripture thru the story of the Samaritan Woman, Ignatious Spirituality of finding God in all things and the practice of the Examen, the discipline of gratitude, expanding our image of God.  I hope they were encouraged in their relationship with God.  I know I was.  And when they warmly welcomed me as their new friend and asked me if I was teaching again, I was grateful for the gift of the experience.  We are all thanking God we have the privilege of serving His Kingdom in these ways.

by Kristie McCormick

Tuesdays Dedication

After yet another lovely  breakfast served lovingly from Lakshami, we boarded  the bus for Kakinada.This city is about 2 hours from Rajamundry near the Indian Ocean.  We arrived to a beautiful welcome! You could see that the American visitors were greatly anticipated! Signs, fireworks, a beautifully decorated tent and Chapel were prepared with so much love.  Pastor Martin was so happy to have Pastor Mayes from NY dedicate this chapel and give prayer and hope for the new community.  It was a very touching experience to see this 20 x 20 ft chapel packed full of an eager and  hopeful new community that has such potential to spread the love of God. 

After the dedication the medical, dental, and prayer teams opened their triage clinics for the public.  For several hours the dental clinic saw patients who had pain and needed extractions. The prayer teams prayers enhanced the effects of anesthesia and filled the patients with peace.  For Dan it was a memorable experience to have his patients smile and humbly bow their heads in thanks for the hope of being pain free.  It was a great experience for him to work side by side with Sal, the widely known American celebrity missionary dentist.

After a lovely lunch at the Royal Park we took the short drive to the Indian Ocean where Adriel, our blonde beauty, inside and out, fascinated the locals with her loving heart and beautiful smile.  There is  a magical and deeply touching experience when witnessing our team pray with such love and sincerety of heart.  One can almost see the spirit between them. 

-Dan and Nicolette

 

What's my name?

The children of Christ's Evangelical Mission just love it when you know their names. The sounds of their voices are ringing in my head as I write this...............What's my name? What's my name? I can see their joyful faces when the team members recall and say their names..........Raju, Baby Chandani, Josna, Santoshi........This can be quite difficult when their are 180+ children!

As I sit and write this blog, I can hear their voices in school. As I close my eyes, I see their beautiful faces :) These children pine to be known, I pine to be known, and whether you realize it or not you pine as well! I am realizing more and more each day that our good God does indeed know my name, He knows all the childrens' names and He knows your name as well..............we are known to Him and more importantly, loved beyond our wildest dreams by a such a wonderful Creator!

~chris

1 Corinthians 13:13         
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

I am so overwhelmed with the amount of love and joy that the children and people of India have shown me. They demonstrate the pure joy that God intends for all of us to experience simply from expressing love, kindness and joy with each other as human beings. Their singing, smiles, eagerness to call you friend or sister, and joy for Jesus will forever be imprinted on my heart, and I pray that I can live by their example. I am so blessed that God allowed me to visit these beautful people, they have given me the greatest gift to humble my heart and always be joyful in Jesus who is the reason.

Hollie Barodte

 

^{Matthew 25:35
"} For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’"

Today we were truly able to fulfil what this verse talks about as we served the community of CEM a meal after church. We got to see each face and meet a physical need. There's nothing better than to share the love of Christ through action. It is not meant to keep to ourselves. I am grateful for the experience here. I also identify with the quote from Mother Teresa below:

"I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him. This is sick Jesus. This one has leprosy or gangrene; I must wash him and tend to him. I serve because I love Jesus."

-Adriel

Arrived at Last

Well, after nearly 40 hours of grueling travel we have arrived in CEM's grand fashion.  Weary, jet-lagged and repulsed by the rats that chewed their way into our luggage at Mumbai airport, the welcome from the children of CEM was heaven sent.  Upon walking through the gate of Christ Evangelical Mission we were immediately showered with flower petals as we walked a gauntlet of  children.

Re-energized from this outpouring of love, we then made our way over to the area of campus where ground will be broken for the new elementary school to be built in the near future.  Here, the future school slated to educate some of the world's poorest children was dedicated to the faithful God who has blessed this ministry time and time again.  Prayers were read and hymns were sung (in a down pour, I might add) as we asked for God's blessing for the success of this new school.

It's great to be back here.  It never ceases to amaze me how at home I feel here in India.  I am so grateful to have been part of this ministry for over six years now.  I am looking to this week in anticipation as God manifests His love in the coming together of His children from opposite ends of the planet.

Greg

Disclaimer:  The internet has been touch and go here in India, so our apologies for any slow posting to the blog. 

What time is it? What day is it? Where am I? Is there really a Pizza Hut in Hyderbad?  These are some of the questions that we have been asking each other in the past 26 hours. So far, this trip has been the smoothest one I have been on to date. That of course, comes to no surprise to people when they hear about my past travel experiences to India. Allow me to share a couple of memories with you involving my flights to India.

First, there was the time when I was ten years old and took a sleeping pill hoping I'd pass out for the entire flight. Instead I woke up crying because everything I saw was upsidedown. Word of advice, if you weigh under 100 lbs don't take a full dose of Ambien.

Second, was the time that I threw up on the floor of the airport in Amsterdam, and then was ushered right back into another plane.

Third, the time when I threw up on the floor of the airport in Hyderbad, and then was ushered right back into another plane.

Fourth, was the time when I threw up in the train from Hyderbad to Dowlaiswaram. The constant rocking of the train continued for the next 10 hours after throwing up.

Are you getting the theme here? Throwing up. So far so good. I've gone 26 hours of the 36 hour trip and I feel completely healthy. There's still another 10 hours left though... *Knock on wood*

On a more serious note, I cannot wait to be back with my Indian family. After living in CEM campus for 3 months during my gap year, I made deep friendships with some of the CEM staff members and orphans, and I cannot wait to see all their smiles again.

Everyone is feeling pretty fatigued at this point. As I type this, Mike is sleeping on the marble floor, Victoria is curled up in a chair with her hood up and eyes closed, and everyone else is sitting zombielike in a chair.

Please pray that God would give us the strength to make it through the rest of the trip safely, and that once we're in our surprisingly comfortable beds in CEM campus, we'll get a good night sleep and be rested for the days of ahead.

~Caleb Mayes

Brothers by Blood, Brothers in Christ

About ten years ago my brother Chris handed me a book and asked me to read it.  It was called "The Case for Christ", written by Lee Strobel.  He had rediscovered Jesus and was actively inviting me to do the same.  I had fallen away from Christianity years earlier and was highly skeptical of his being "reborn".  But here I was three years clean and sober, and seeking a deeper relationship with the Higher Power so central to twelve-step recovery.  What did I have to lose?  I read the book, listened to Chris' testimony, and started attending church.  This started me on an incredible journey of seeking relationship with Jesus and in ultimately surrending my life to Him.  The last ten years have been the richest years of my life and I continue to be blessed beyond my greatest expectations.  Following Jesus has reshaped my life and led me to do things I never would have anticipated.  The latest of which is to lead a team from Michigan with my beloved brother Chris to Dowlaiswaram, India to serve the poor.  Who woulda thunk?!  One day Chris is giving me a book about Jesus.  The next we're following Jesus half way across the planet.  What an awesome God we serve!

Meet the Kensington-Communitas-Prescott Team!

Hello fans of CEM India!

For the past several of years, the team blog has been a fantastic way for all of our family and friends to get live day to day updates on short term trips to the CEM campus in Dowlaiswaram, India. It is a live real time journal expressing what is happening on the trip on many different levels. It is a great way to pray for us as we know, this is ultimately a battle for the hearts and minds of precious people in advancing Jesus' Kingdom in places like India. An initiative like this would never happen without a great group of individuals who have been called into it. Let me introduce the team in their own words:

Ben Olsen - This will be my second mission trip but first one to Christ’s Evangelical Mission. My uncle Dr. Sal Aragona asked me if I would be interested in going this year. I have a heart for the nations, enjoying working with children and share the Good News. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and working together to share the love of Christ.

Adriel Ewert - I love Jesus and am excited to have the opportunity to work with his beautiful children through this trip. I have always wanted to go to India since I heard about Mother Teresa's ministry there when I was in elementary school. I am in my 3rd year as an elementary school social worker in the Wayne-Westland Community School District. I live with my older brother in Dearborn and enjoy having friends over and exercising at a nearby fitness center after work. I am also regularly involved with serving food at My Brother's Keeper in Detroit. It is truly in giving that we receive and I need to constantly be reminded to not grow weary in doing good and that it's through God's strength I am able.

Hollie Barodte - I was raised by my wonderful parents, Mary and Rod, with my 3 siblings on 10 acres in Shelby Twp, MI, on what I like to consider our small version of a farm. My mom is a Pre School teacher at St Peter Lutheran School and Church and has been a huge inspiration to me in my love of working with children. This will be my frist time to India or on a mission trip in general. God has truely blessed my life in huge ways and has lead me and comforted me through some tough personal struggles. I feel very fortunate that He has led me to this trip to reach out to His people in India, and pray that I may be a blessing and that the Holy Spirit will work through me.

Teresa Pizzimenti - This will be my first trip to India. I have always had a heart for children and within the past few years, God has specifically put India on my heart. I am astounded at the way He has opened these doors for me to be able to go! I am very eager to love on all the children at Grace Children's home, grow closer as a team and grow closer to Christ through this trip. I am excited to fulfill this calling from God and see where it leads!

Gina Petherick - This will be my third trip to India. I find myself in awe that I will be returning to India this February, considering I told my husband Jeff I would never go. I am looking forward to our time at CEM and can't wait to see all that God has in store for our journey. It gives me such joy to go and build relationships with the kids and staff at CEM and the kids we sponsor through No Child.org. I also enjoy the time I get with Jaya's family. They are gracious hosts. I would ask for prayer however because this trip is challenging both physically and emotionally.

Kristie McCormick - I am excited to go on my first overseas mission trip. I am a busy mom with two boys (in high school and in middle school) and a little 4-year-old daughter. I am excited to bring an open heart on my journey to India.

Natalie Forte - I am a mother of three great kids: Hannah (18), Nick (17) and Olivia (12) and married to an awesome husband, Christopher. I attend Kensington Community Church and am currently Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills. I am going to CEM in India because I wants to serve God's children and share His love.

Jeff Petherick - I made my first trip to India in February of 2003. I was captured by the children but convicted by Jaya. I had never met a man so personally dedicated to the betterment of others like Jaya. His unwavering faith in Jesus and his tireless work in his community told me everything I needed to know. I could invest my life into CEM, Jaya and his family and I would reap blessings beyond my imagination. On my trip the following year, I told Jaya I felt God ask me to dedicate my life to his ministry for as long as he has me on this great earth. Since then, I consider Jaya to be my true brother, not only in Christ, but in family. His family is mine, and I love them all deeply. I am excited to return this year for another reality check and a reminder there is nothing in my life worth complaining about.

Lisa Rocquemore-Ariza - I'm from the Detroit area except for going to Evanston, IL for undergrad. My parents had my brother and I late in life and we have a very close relationship. He is married and is father to my two amazing newphews Landon - 8 years old and Braylon - 6 years old. My parents are both still alive and while my mother has Dementia she is 82 years young and lives with me. Having grown up in the church my journey involved my pulling away from God throughout the years until about 7 or 8 years ago when I realized God wanted a relationship with me; not just an obligatory prayer here and there when life was tough and going to church to worship with others then returning to my regular life. God lead me to Kensington and in listening to His call He lead me to two great small groups, to become a Stephen Minister and a member of the Prayer team and a volunteer with the Kensington Kids. He also lead me to serve on a Mission trip to Belo Horizonte Brazil and La Carpio Costa Rica. During the week I work as a Business Analyst as well as own a Nanny agency. Now I am excited about how God will call me to serve my fellow team members and the people of India.

Dr. Dan Jenaras - I am a father of three. Lydia, 26, lives and works in Chicago. Alex, 22, lives in Boston, taking a year off from U of M and involved in a start-up called Fetchnotes. And Celia, 20, is a sophomore at Hope College. I graduated from U of M ant then U of D Dental School and have enjoyed providing General Dentistry to my patients for nearly 40 years.I am married to a beautiful woman, Nicolette, who I love sharing live with.I have an active full time dental practice in Waterford, MI. At one time, I thought monetary wealth should be my number one goal. Live life and learn that wealth can be measured in many ways, the most valuable is the love you give and receive. I have no regrets!

Nicolette Jenaras - People say I am always smiling...well there may be a little truth to that, but I do have my not so smiley times too. I do love people, being active, helping out, hosting parties, just being around and entertaining others, pretty much. I am a teacher by trade but have not been in the classroom for a while. My family is the coolest, starting with my wonderful husband Dan, awesome Greek guy, he's on the trip too, then there is Gabor, my 90 year old Dad living with us. Lydia is the oldest of our 3 Children, she lives in Chicago, super cool and fun 26 year old who works at Monster. Alex is next, 22, deferred from UM to work on a start up in Boston, Awesome, smart, techie who wants to make a change. Celia, our 20 year old student at Hope in Holland, Beautiful young woman who loves Jesus and wants to serve by teaching Math, of all subjects...they are all so smart and beautiful!! Cant believe that I get to go to India with not only my best friend, Dan, but with some other amazing people who will grow and learn and lean on Jesus in a big way! Thanks God...You continue to amaze and bless me in so many ways!!! Yours, Praying to be useful…

Chris Gortat - Being called for a 5th trip to India is quite an honor. I am so excited to be co-leading this trip with my brother, Greg! This adventure to India has given us the opportunity to grow closer with one another through prayer and preparation. We have a wonderful team! Please pray that He is the true leader so that the Team (which includes you) and the Indian people grow closer to one another through You. I am a pharmacist by trade yet will not be directly used in this capacity during our time in India. Please pray that I am used in whatever capacity needed to glorify Him!

Greg Gortat - In 2007 I took my first trip to CEM. The people there stole my heart and God connected with me in a special way. I've been back nearly every year since. This year it is my honor to co-lead the trip with my brother Chris. We have been blessed with what appears to be an awesome team! I look forward to serving with them in Dowlaiswaram, India and to seeing to how our Savior uses and grows us.

Dr. Sal Aragona - My first short term mission trip to India in 2003 was a defining moment in my life when God broke my heart for the poor in India. It had begun a journey for me to love a people half way around the world that I didn't know in a way I thought not possible. I poured a significant amount of my time and energy into a work that is transforming the lives thousands of precious people in unimaginable ways. In spite of this, what God is transforming even more incredibly is me. My experiences in India have wrecked my life in a deeply profound manner. My heart of stone is, piece by piece, being replaced by a heart of flesh that pounds for the poorest people that matter deeply to God. I am looking forward to my continued heart surgery!

Allie - I believe firmly in two things: 1) you should give more to the universe than you take and 2) life should be magical. Mind-blowing magic. And those little nuggets took me a long time to wrap my mind around. I spent the early part of my twenties trying to live optimally, feel connected and crack the healthy living riddle. And although I was shiny and smiley on the outside, my inside was in chaos. All I knew was that I was a pretty great person and a lot of the food, people and situations in my life were dimming my spark. So I cleaned house. And out went the garbage in my world — including excuses. I dove headfirst into the wellness waters, coming up for air once I realized that authentic and holistic living holds the blueprint for bliss and giving love, time and energy paves a life path. That led me to my first service trip to eSikhawini, South Africa, where I found the inner glow and magic I was searching for. As a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner and Certified Yoga Teacher, I believe that a nutrient-dense diet rules, exercise is imperative, having fun must be taken VERY seriously, and that love and travel are good for the soul. I received degrees in Psychology and Communications from the University of Michigan and attended The Institute for Integrative Nutrition of Columbia University, NY.

Victoria Viola - Never before could I imagine myself traveling to India or anywhere like it. I am a Personal Trainer in Manhattan and have lived in NY my entire life. The trials I encountered this past year have transformed my life perspective and created in me a deep need to serve. I truly feel like God has put the calling and courage in my heart for this trip. I pray that our team is a blessing to the children we meet. I am joyfully ready to be a part of the difference CEM is making.

Abigail Morris - I am both nervous and thrilled for this trip to India as I have never been outside of the U.S. before. I really look forward to being able to put the words of John 15:12 into action in a very different way from how I do here. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." I am unsure of what God has in store for us in India, but I am excited to find out!

Craig Mayes - I had the privilege of making the very first trip to be with Jaya in 2001 and subsequently to be a part of seeing this amazing work grow over the years. I am ready for another dose of beautiful smiles, joyful singing, deep friendship and much love - not to mention the warm February India sun!

Chris Mayes - India holds a very special place in my heart because of CEM. I am so excited to see everyone! I'm also very excited, as always, to see what God is going to do while we are there!

Michael VanConant - Wandenomolou! That would be hello in Telugu. This will be my 3rd trip to India. Over my time there, my eyes have been opened to many difficult realities about how most of the world really lives. At the same time my heart has been filled with joy and love for the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of meeting. I look forward to meeting the rest of the team and of course, being with my brothers and sisters at CEM. God willing, India will be a part of my life for many, many years to come.

Caleb Mayes - I've been building friendships with the people of CEM campus since I made my first trip at the age of ten. I can't wait to be back with all the familiar faces and smiles of the children.

David Droste - I often wonder why God has given me such a blessing to know and work alongside of Jaya, his CEM team, and the wonderful servants from various churches around the country who love him. This is my tenth trip and I can't wait to see the faces of the children, share life with the MTS students, and get to know members from other churches. In addition, I have the blessed privilege of traveling from Arizona with three amazing people who have been touched deeply by God to pour themselves away for His kingdom!

Josh Procknow - I live in Prescott, AZ. I'm a swimming pool contractor, an occupation I really do enjoy. I have owned my company for ten years but have been building pools for almost twenty years. I've been married to my wife Jamie for ten years. We have seven awesome kids. Both my wife and I love children. I went on my first international mission trip a few years ago, when I went to an orphanage in Beijing along with several others from my church. It was an incredible experience and I have wanted to continue serving the Lord in that way as often as I am called to do it. I am looking very forward to our India trip, especially after having heard from my wife and my daughter about their experiences there.

Jamie Procknow - I live in Prescott AZ. My husband and I have been married for 10 years. God has blessed our marriage in incredible ways. We have seven precious kiddos and have had the privilege of being parents to several other children through the foster care system for many years. I am a home school mom, which is both fun and extremely tough too. I rarely sit down (unless I'm on an airplane or asleep). I recently returned from an India trip and have high hopes that I will be able to return as often as possible. My life feels like a story book sometimes. I'm a very old and very young 34 year old. I'm a walking oxymoron, my family has had loss and prosperity lots of health, lots of sickness, lots of joy, lots of tough stuff, God has shown himself clearly through it all, and if you care to hear more, ask I'm an open book.

Beth Lee - I am excited to be returning to India. I have been a Christian for most of my life, and I have been blessed with a Godly Christian heritage which I desire to serve the Lord with on this trip. As a mother of 6 children ages 27-16 I have a love for children and a desire to teach them about the Lord, and use my other talents and training as He sees fit. I was very blessed during my last trip as I found that God can use even our weaknesses for His glory.

Thank You India...

This is my second trip to CEM to visit the children at Grace Children’s home and to help with the medical team.  My name is Leslie Escalante and I am a physician’s assistant specializing in pain management. I have had a wonderful time so far helping yesterday to teach the MTS and STS students about health and hygiene and today with our first of two village medical camps.

The spirit of the Lord is all around us here. This year I am joined by my oldest son Bracken. He has been received very well by the children and has immensely enjoyed the opportunity to serve here in India. Helping Jaya to fulfill his dream of creating a place where children can grow and learn to love Jesus and trust that God has a plan for them is truly a gift. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such an awesome adventure. I look forward to many more years of visiting CEM and seeing the vision that Jaya has come to fruition. God bless him and his family.

--Leslie Escalante