A people full of life, a culture abouding in tradition and a God full of majesty working in the midst....welcome to India.
I am watching the pages of National Geographic come to life before my eyes as I learn of the stories behind the people. Most stories tell of hands that labor with no end, feet the have traveled hundreds of miles to meet life's most basic needs and spirits that are continually joyful. Looking into the dark eyes of a child allows one to see directly into a heart that God is after.
I have seen God in power through the worship of seventy five grown men who secretly worship together and then return to villages where they presume the role of church leader in a culture that makes outcasts of Christians.
I have seen God's love for his people as I held a new born child who wore clothing of rags while his parents lovingly adored him from across a room of concrete walls and floor.
I have seen the mercy of God in the smiles of mentally challenged children taken in by strangers who understand that they are worthy of love and attention.
I have watched the serenity of God in the swaying fields of grain that sprout mustard plants with tiny seeds.
I have experienced the blessing of God when we are welcomed as royalty to a people who have never seen a white man.
I have seen the creativity of God in a culture full of color, dance, and music.
Things are great in India. I had a hard day yesterday missing my family, but today was wonderful and such a blessing to me. I am already really thankful for the things I have witnessed and the images ingrained in my mind. I know one reason for having such great days is because there are so many of you praying for our journey, thank you.
Saying that I have experienced culture shock would be an understatement...geckos in the toilet, goats wearing clothing with children running around naked, and three year olds walking alone in a street with cars, motor scooters and buses swerving are only a few of the fascinating sights I have seen.
Much love everyone,
Ash
See more pictures and updates on Lezlie's blog or here.
9 comments:
I am continuously praying for you and your team on this trip. Love the pictures!
WOW!!! I can't believe you are in India, my mom told me that she had a prayer assignment from you so I decided to come see for myself and...WOW is all I can say. Ron Nistler (aka Mr. Bean) is with yall to I think it said on your church website. He's a great guy if it's the same one I know. Well, be careful and I'm excited to follow along and see how things continue.
Today was my day of prayer for you sweet friend. My heart has totally been in tune with God today praying for you as you minister to so many lost ones and as I watched the peaceful transfer of power. I will continue to lift you up and your family, too. I know they are certainly missing you and I know you miss them, too. Praying for you sweet sister!
What an amazing sacrifice you made to go and share Jesus with such a sweet people in India. You are such a gem, and I am so honored to pray for you as you follow God's calling for you there at this moment in time. It is my prayer that each of the people you are with will see the radiant light of Jesus in you, because it is so apparent and vivid. Nathan, Noah and I are praying for you each day. And for your precious family. Love you!
First off it is so good to hear your "voice" and how you are doing. Second off it is music to my ears to hear the way the Lord is at work in that country and how he is using you as you are there. We are continually praying for you. Good luck tomorrow; I know you will do an amazing job! Love you!
I will be praying for you guys as you speak at the retreat tomorrow. I know you will do great and bring words of wisdom and love to the women there. I've been thinking about y'all and praying for you! I hope you are enjoying every moment!
This is so awesome, Ashley! What a brave soul you are... there is no doubt in my mind that God has you there for more reasons than we can even understand.
Praying for you, friend...
praying for you and thinking of all the wonderful things you are doing and seeing. The blessing you are to all that you touch!
Travel safe, my internet friend.
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