My three months in India is quickly coming to a close. In some ways it has seemed like it has flown by just because I can’t believe I’m about to go home, but when I think about family and friends at home I feel like I’ve been gone forever. In my time here, I’ve encountered three ministries who all do different yet equally impactful work for the kingdom of God (one thing I’ve been learning is that God is present in big and small things in life, the petty and important. He is in all and through all.).
The main reason I came to India was to help Katie Beth in her efforts to initiate Ashraya’s first after-care home for girls rescued from forced prostitution. Ashraya Mission is the name. You can read more about it here: http://www.ashrayamission.com/ We prepared a wonderful place for girls to come and experience redemption from their old life. They will be given a good education. They will be counseled to help cope with the trauma of their past. And they will be introduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I can attest that the Ashraya Mission after-care home is a special place. God has provided such a wonderfully perfect facility. We are so thankful. Eight girls are planned to live there this upcoming March. Katie Beth and I got the privilege to meet several rescued girls at a somewhat close by Hindu foundation. Those experiences affirmed our efforts and the need for this ministry. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for Ashraya Mission for His glory.
Ashraya Mission could not exist without our partnering organization: Indian Rescue Mission. These are the guys on the front lines doing the actual rescuing of the girls. They posted just yesterday on their facebook wall that according to reports filed with the Supreme Court about 40 minor girls under the age of 15 are forced into prostitution every day. Crazy stuff. Their faith continually astounds me. They do the most hardcore, rad stuff that begs me to praise their name, but I just can’t. James and his team are resting in the power of God. They never let praise come to their ears; they always direct it towards God, because let’s be honest, they couldn’t do this work without the protection and providence of God. I got to see tangible ways God was providing for this ministry. It was inspirational to see. These men are prayer warriors relying on the power of God to fuel their mission to set the captives free.
The last but definitely not the least ministry I have experienced is Asha Mission Children’s Home. I’ve never seen more love anywhere else in my life. God is here. It is obvious. Daily, I encounter the sweet image of Jesus in the faces of the 35 children here. The children come from a variety of places: some from Bihar, the poorest part of India, some from the leper colony, some are children of prostitutes, some were just left at the hospital. The staff is extremely intentional about instilling faith in these children and it truly shows. The house parents and staff are some of the most faithful people I’ve ever met. Each day I enjoy conversating with them about life and God. I just wrote a blog a few days ago about the Sharmas, the house parents, wonderful love for these children that so clearly points to the great Love of God. Jesus says you can know people’s hearts by their fruit. The fruit of love here attests to the staff’s devotion to God. I enjoy every minute I’m here. I fully believe Jesus when he said “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
One thing I’ve realized while being in India is that God and God alone is the one who turns people’s hearts. One particular story comes into mind; I blogged about it here: http://carolinemorris.tumblr.com/post/12205085885/pray-in-faith . I love thinking about it this way. God knew the need there. It’s kind of like on Google maps where you pick up the little yellow man and place him somewhere on Earth… Or if you don’t understand that analogy maybe you like me used to play Roller Coaster Tycoon where you could pick the little people up at the amusement park and put them wherever you wanted… ANYWAYS… God knew the need and said to the woman in Australia’s heart, “Hey. YOU give to this random organization in India.” Sometimes, it is a woman in Australia and sometimes it is us. God calls us. God turns our hearts. It might be a man from Singapore or the North Pole. Or it might be me. This morning I read the story of the poor widow in Mark giving her two very small copper coins. Jesus says in verse 44: “They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—-all she had to live on.” I usually read that story and merely think “oh. how sweet of her.” But, I think Jesus intended that teaching moment to beg the question: Do I give out of my poverty? Or do I give out of my wealth? For a long time I didn’t dare to ask myself that question. All this to say… I’ve encountered three incredible ministries here in India that are actively pursuing the heart of God, and He is in turn blessing their mission in times of plenty and not. If you are looking for a place to sacrifice your money, and one of these ministries caught your vision, I will be happy to get you more information on any of these ministries’ and their current tangible needs, as well as the info you would need to give. My e-mail is morrisac@mail.lipscomb.edu.
I usually feel uncomfortable writing stuff like this, but I felt like God led me to these thoughts. Anyways, thanks for reading this far on a blog asking you to give more… Haha, kudos to you. :)
