Musings of an “organized” American, By David

 We have arrived in the northeast Indian city of Patna, the capital of the state of Bihar. We will spend 4 days here conducting a music and arts camp based in a storytelling library. Several local doctors operate the library as a service to the community to further English skills of children that cannot afford other extra schooling.

 

These past 10 days in India have reminded me that our American ways are not the only way. I never thought of myself as very organized or efficient- but there is so much that we as Americans take for granted- including clean water, good roads, schools for everyone, and not facing extreme discrimination based on religion. Being in one of the most densely populated areas on Earth has allowed me to see how a culture thousands of years old copes with its problems. The ways we solve problems does not work in India. For example, as a planner I think there is always a solution to traffic problems- build better roads or put people on mass transit. That does not work in an area where the government can experience gridlock where no action is taken.

 

Heather and I have now seen four different areas in India. One common theme is the country does not enough resources to go around. We have seen many faces of suffering. It seems like many of the things have been doing are just a drop in the bucket. There is so much need. It is everywhere you turn. We have seen many areas of extreme poverty by car, train, and on foot. It is difficult to understand how people live in such hard conditions.

 

The people we have met might not understand the motivation for us being here, but are still appreciative of our efforts. Our small acts of kindness have brought excitement and a glimmer of hope to the people we have been able to meet. For example, as we traveled here to Bihar, we gave out lots of bottled water, fruit juice, apples, chips, and cookies to children, adults, and elderly people. Many of these people were either begging for money or selling goods on the street. Giving out food and drink it not only Scriptural but seems to fulfill a basic need and to be welcomed by all. We gave an apple to young boy that was particularly grateful. His smile as he ate the apple was unforgettable.  Another interesting aspect of our time here is the way Indians are drawn to Heather like she is a rock star. Many times along our jounrey, people have asked to take pictures with us- sometimes just Heather. Children seem to be drawn to her just like at home- maybe it is the smile and small wave she gives to children that often are ignored. Perhaps, the people are reading the presence of the Spirit and responding in the only way they know how. In any case, Heather takes each interaction with the Indian people as chance to pray silently for each person and dialogue with them as much as possible.   

 

 

 

 

These pictures below show some of the hard things we have seen as well as moments of hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hearts Overflowing with Joy!

  

 Greetings from the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is very beautiful here but hot and humid! Heather’s hair is very curly and David glasses keep fogging up. However, the sticky weather cannot take away the joy we experienced meeting our Compassion Sponsor Child, Sajeena. She is just precious! We had such a wonderful visit with Sajeena, her family, and the Compassion project staff that it is hard to describe with words. However, we will try anyway.

 

Getting to the Compassion project that Sajeena attends took about 1 ½ hours in the car. The project and her home are in a rural hilly area, covered by coconut trees, palm trees, and rubber trees. When we first arrived at the project, the children were waiting to greet us. As we exited the car, a small band (boys with horns and drums) began to play, the children cheered, and they gave us traditional flower garlands to wear. Sajeena was waiting right in front and we were able to hug her right away. Tears began to stream down Heather’s face from the overflow of joy she was experiencing. After meeting the staff of the project, we enjoyed fresh Indian mangos and pineapple with Sajeena and the project staff.

 

The children who attend the project were having a VBS entitled “Streams of Life Giving Water.” They sang the songs of the VBS for us with great pride and excitement. Heather was able to teach the children two songs that are big favorites with the kids at FBC (Trust in the Lord with all Your Heart and Jesus in the Morning). Both Heather and David were asked to speak to the children as the project staff translated. We told the children how much Jesus loves each of them. We also told them how special they all are in God’s eyes.

 

  

While the type of fanfare we experienced at the project is typical when welcoming a guest in India, we later learned that we were the first sponsors to visit the project. Thus, they went all out to welcome us and show appreciation for our Sajeena’s “Auntie” and “Uncle.” It was unforgettable!

 

Next, we drove a short distance to Sajeena’s home where we met her parents and her brother (Santhosh). Sajeena’s father taps rubber trees and her mother manages the household. Their home is very modest but in a lovely shaded area. Their home only has four rooms and no electricity. The mother cooks meals with firewood. They have two cows, several roosters, and a cute dog.

 

The family showed us the gifts we had given through making special donations to Compassion at Christmas and on Sajeena’s birthday. These gifts included plastic tables, plastic chairs, a lovely wooden bookcase, a battery lamp, and a cot. It was great see how the money we have sent has been used to help the whole family. Sajeena also showed us the letters we had written her, school photos, and a photo of Lyla (our dog) we sent to her several years ago. She really was curious about Lyla and asked how she was doing several times.

 

As poor as the family is, they gave us such wonderful hospitality in their home. The father cut down coconuts and offered us the milk to drink. They also offered us a special candy they made from a palm tree. The family also gave us a small handmade boat that we will treasure always.

 

We delivered all the presents from the FBC children to the family. They loved the gifts! Sajeena especially like the puppet that Helen H. made and the quilt the Melanie L. made. She also loved the teddy bear and the clothes the children sent. We gave several things from the suitcase to her parents and brother too. David taught the brother to play Frisbee and use the yo-yo. He also did a puppet show for the family. They were all so grateful.  We showed them pictures of the FBC children packing the suitcase and told her how the children in our church prayed over each item that was sent.

 

Through the translator, Sajeena’s mom told us her family would be praying for the FBC children! How cool to know we have people praying for the children in our church on the other side of the world!! Just amazing! Before we left the home, we had a special prayer time with the entire family and the project staff who accompanied us to the home. The project staff asked Heather to pray and the Holy Spirit really filled the little house during the prayer time. It was a special moment of worship that linked our hearts to the hearts of this precious family forever. All of our hearts were just overflowing with the joy of the Lord during the home visit. 

 

After the home visit, we went back to the project to learn more about the work the local staff is doing and how Compassion works in India. About 250 children attend this Compassion Project (Sneha Jyothi) several times each week. At Sneha Jyothi, the children learn about Jesus, the Bible, basic hygiene, and other life skills. The staff of the project is just amazing!! Compassion has a large impact here in India. This organization reaches out to more than 600,000 children in India alone! (That’s 6 lacks of children as they say here in India).

 

Our last adventure for the day was a late lunch with Sajeena and the project staff at a local restaurant. Through Sajeena’s facial expressions it was obivious she does not come to town very much. She was wide eyed as we drove into town and seemed a little nervous in the restaurant. However, the hugs, smiles, and kisses were priceless throughout the entire day. She is such a loving little girl and so beautiful. She told us she wants to be a nurse when she grows up! We are thankful that she and entire family are Christians and faithful members of the CIS (Church of South India). 

 

Our visit with Sajeena was a day like none other! Even now as we write this blog, our hearts are full and overflowing with joy! While saying goodbye to Sajeena was hard, we left praising God for his wondrous love and abundant grace that binds us together as brothers and sisters in Christ! Amen.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacation Bible School Highlights

 

On Friday we conducted a Vacation Bible School under a lovely Indian tent next to the Westfall’s home. Children from two Christian Children’s homes attended the VBS. These kids astounded us as they spoke excellent English, displayed a deep knowledge of the Bible, and demonstrated a love for the Lord that was just amazing. Watching them do a “Solomon’s sword” Bible drill and recite several scripture passages from memory was a real highlight of the day!

 

One of the most exciting things about the day was that a little Hindu boy came to the VBS. This little boy is from a very poor family and a low caste. In fact, he and his parents live in a small brick shack and are working to build someone’s house across the street. The kids from the Children’s Homes welcomed him into the group with open arms. The children along with the Westfall’s dear friend Merci translated for him and helped him learn about Jesus in his native language of Tamil. Throughout the day, his parents were watching as they went about their daily work. His mother beamed with smiles as she watched all the children, but especially her son, singing and playing games with the other children. Since the VBS, the little boy calls out to us each time we leave the house or go outside. Please pray for him and his parents! Pray for continued watering of the seeds that were planted at the VBS as the Lord continues to use the Westfalls and their partners to reach out to this precious child and his parents.

 

Another highlight of the day was the show that we did with the puppets that Helen H. made. David also did a puppet workshop as one of the stations. The kids loved playing with the puppets and learning how to use them to sing songs. Heather worked at the music station and helped to lead the singing in the general sessions.

 

Partnership was another key theme of the day. The team worked very well together. Each person’s unique gifts were put to use at the VBS. Additionally, we also had the privilege of serving along side many Indian Christians at the VBS! The Westfalls have made some wonderful partnerships here in Bangalore. It has been so great to serve with and learn from the Christians here in India. Their dedication and determination to serve is a powerful witness to the light and true testimony to the hope that is in Christ!  

 

 

 

Medical Camp Day 2

On the second day of the medical camp we served 61 people. Most of these people were dealing with more severe health issues than the people we saw on the first day. However, the Spirit was present throughout the day moving among the people. In addition to medical care, about 13 people asked for prayer and counseling. Heather had the opportunity to pray with a blind boy and his mother. The boy and his mother both hugged her when they left. Throughout the day, David conducted blood sugar glucose testing. He is now an expert at picking fingers and cramming his hands into latex gloves several sizes too small. He also assisted the doctor in dressing wounds when needed. Heather floated around to various jobs throughout the day. She helped keep track of who was next in line for the doctor, assisted with medical screening, and enjoyed spending time “talking” with the women, children, and elderly people who came to the camp.

 

Many of the people who came to camp on the second day were from a nomadic tribal group known as the “Bull People.” This group earns money by painting cows and herding them from house to house to beg for money. Thus, they are very poor and really in need of medical attention and love. When the group first arrived at the camp, they had hopelessness in their eyes that will not be easy to forget. Many of them seemed a little suspicious of us too! However, they warmed up after awhile and were smiling and waving at us when they left.

 

The Pastor who offered his home for the medical camp has been trying to make inroads among the “Bull People.” Recently, he has started a small church in the slum area where they live. Five people have accepted Christ and have been baptized. This Pastor also made multiple trips (25 kilometers each way) to transport the people to and from the medical camp. Considering the crazy traffic in India, we were very impressed by his love for these people and his desire to serve in this way!

 

One of the neatest things about our experience in India so far has been witnessing how God is using Indian Christians to share his love in such powerful ways! Having the opportunity to meet such passionate and servant-hearted brothers and sisters in Christ here in India has been a blessing. Additionally, seeing how the Westfall’s are collaborating with Indian Christians to do ministry together has been inspiring and a true picture of the body of Christ at work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking the Language of Smile

We spent the day working in a medical camp that was set up in a house church. This camp severed primarily women and children from a slum area in Bangalore. Many of the people who came did not speak English. Instead, they spoke Tamil (one of the many regional dialects in this part of India). In fact, the kids tried to teach Heather how to count in Tamil but it did not stick as she can now only remember the Tamil word for Ten!

Since we are not in the medical profession, our job was to keep the kids entertained and keep track of the people who were waiting to see the doctor. Throughout the day, the kids taught us games, sang us songs, and enjoyed playing with stuffed animals and musical instruments. Since most of the people did not speak English, we had to rely on what Heather calls the “language of smile” to communicate.  The “language of smile” of course involves smiling but also includes animated facial expressions, gestures, handshakes, hugs, and kisses to communicate an idea and to show love. It was so amazing to see how the “language of smile” became a unique and visible demonstration of Christ’s love for both the children and their parents as the day progressed.  Enjoy the pictures below…. and notice all the wonderful smiles! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Have Arrived! by Heather

Praise the Lord, We have arrived in India!!!!!!!!!!!! We wanted to let you know that we made it safely to the home of Jay and Cokie Westfall in Bangalore, India. We were welcomed at the Airport by Jay, who went out of his way to come and get us and drive us safely here last night! We have felt so loved and at home, as the Westfall’s have really gone out of their way to provide wonderful hospitality. We had a really great devotional time with the whole team this morning. (Mike, Linda, Denise, Joseph are the other members of the team)

 

A pack of adoring dogs that live outside the Westfall’s home also greeted us warmly last night and this morning! While were are “dog tired” today our new canine friends, make us feel at home too!

 

We are still missing one bag but we are safe, sound, and ready to begin working! God has really provided well for all our needs! This morning our team is planning the various ministry aspects we will be involved for the next 6 days.

 

This afternoon we are going to ProVision Asia, a ministry that serves people with disabilities and special needs. We are not sure exactly what we will be doing there but are ready for whatever ministry opportunities God places before us. Tonight, our hosts are throwing an Indian style Barbeque to welcome the team and allow us to meet the community. It should be a wonderful opportunity to form new friendships. We hope to post some more pictures but for now enjoy these photos of our new canine friends in the sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still Waiting, Serving Along the Way, and A Box of Chocolates Too!

We are still in London but we are ministering to those around us despite being in the midst of a very frustrating situation. We boarded the airplane yesterday and were all set to depart. Then, everyone was asked to deplane due to a mechanical problem with the auxiliary power generators. Hours of waiting followed. During the waiting, we were able to make many new friends in our fellow passengers. We talked with people from many different countries and all occupations. We spoke with children, young parents, students returning home, young couples visiting their families, businessmen, businesswomen, grandparents, and frustrated airline employees. In all these conversations, God allowed us to minister through encouraging words, warm smiles, and the art of good conversation. Heather particularly enjoyed encouraging the parents traveling with tired and cranky children by actively drawing out sweet smiles from the kids! In reflecting on how God was able to use us in the airport today, we were reminded of Jesus’ model for ministry outlined in his life and in the Great Commission. Yes, we, as followers of Christ, are all called to serve along the way and make disciples as we go!!

 

To make a very long story short, finally our flight was rescheduled for Monday morning. The airline put us up in a hotel and gave us food vouchers. We were able to purchase some lovely chocolates for our mission team with the left over balance on our vouchers.  The words of Forest Gump’s mom really are true: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.”

 

Sometimes it’s the frustration of delayed plane when you really want to get there and sometimes it’s free chocolate just because its delicious! I guess that is what the faith journey all believers are on is really about! As follows of Christ, we experience the good along with bad and we experience the spectacular along with the ordinary. However, we depend on God in all things no matter what unexpected circumstances arise. As we regularly profess at FBC: God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!

 

 

Please pray for Us! Currently our prayer requests include:

 

-Pray that we will be sensitive to the Spirit’s leadership as we talk with people and encourage others around us.

 

-Pray that we will be bearers of the light even though we are tired and frustrated too!

 

-Pray that others would see Jesus in us as we seek to listen, encourage, and love at all times.

 

-Pray that we and all of our luggage will arrive in Bangalore soon! Currently, we are missing one bag that contains many of the art supplies we brought for the Camp at the Children’s Storytelling Library. The airline says the bag is in the system and not lost, however, it is not in our hands at this time.  

Again, we love you all and will keep you posted on our progress towards India and in serving others as we go!

 

 

Waiting, Reflecting, and Abiding

We arrived in London on schedule Sunday morning (5/4).  Currently, we are waiting for our flight to Bangalore that leaves early this afternoon. So far, our travels have been smooth. It is interesting spending a Sunday morning in an Airport, it feels strange not to be at church. We may have to get a worship service going in the waiting lounge.

Over and over again, I (Heather) have been reading John 15 this past week. It was a hard week! With three finals, speaking at another church, packing, and making arrangement for my absence at FBC, I found myself constantly returning to Jesus’ words in John 15:5:

^“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (NRSV)

I know we will cling even more tightly to these words in India over the coming weeks. However, this morning it is especially nice to just be sitting still in the London Airport, waiting, reflecting, and abiding in Him!

Love to All!

Heather and David

FBC Children help pack a suitcase

For their Wednesday night mission project, the FBC Children packed “Sagina’s Suitcase” with love and prayers. Heather and David will take this to Sagina in India. She is an 11 year old girl that is part of the Compassion International program.

Commissioning Service April 27,2008

Heather and David were blessed to participate in a service of commissioning on Sunday, April 27th at First Baptist Church of Elizabeth City, NC. Our church family is so loving and affirming! Heather can’t wait to return to India to serve in love. David is really excited too! To read more about how the Webb’s will be serving over the coming weeks- click here.