Children of God (India Mission Fall 2010)

           First it is an honor to be part of this mission team. God has assembled a loving, prayerful and united team. Thank you all for praying for us.

This is my third India mission trip, yet each mission trip is always different. This year, I faced a personal health challenge because I had surgery about 6 months ago and I reflected whether I should undertake such trip. I prayed and as I flipped through the pictures of previous mission trips. I saw the smiles of people of India, young and old. The scene from Luke 18:16 - 17 came "But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

And the Lord reminded me that I would be going with a medical doctor, 3 dentists, 2 registered nurses and many prayer warriors. “So do not fear my child!” and He walked with me on this trip. Just focus on the tasks ahead to serve the Lord where His glory is unknown. Go share the gospel to the children of God in India!

On this mission trip, I served in the children outreach ministry. Part of this ministry is to support the medical & dental team, as the team setup a medical clinic in Mal Bazaar North West Bengal. Sister Priscilla was children outreach team lead, sister Sherry would teach crafts making using prayer beads, sister Alice would teach bible stories and I would help with games. The local youth pastor, Dave helped with the translation. We also had health sessions such as teaching children how to brush their teeth and also de-worming the children. We would give them a gummy bear, de-worming medicines, water and a few hours later out the running gummy bear.

We run mini VBS camp in 3 different villages. We expected about 50-60 kids but God has doubled, triple blessed the camp size. At the first village we had 137 kids, at the second village 131 kids and the third village 170 children. Many children come from Christian families in those villages yet many are Hindu. We were holding open air VBS camp and every time I saw children walking by, or a child taking a cow to the pasture while another bicycling past the camp, I would wave and greet them and invite them to attend the camp.

As for the game site – we would play games such as <Jesus says>, <Passing back balloons>, <Black magic>. We also did <Duck, duck, goose> which we localized to <Gele, gele, murgi>, <Gele> means duck, <Murgi> means chicken. When the children said <Murgi – “gi” pronounce it as in “giggle”> it would just bring big smiles and I would take pictures! They were so joyful and happy. It was like a revival, encouraging the local pastors and co-workers in these churches. Jesus so loves the children!

What I saw was the great need of these children. While they may be lacking in material things, they are so rich in spirit, their smiles so beautiful. I wasn’t in India to just pass out slippers, giving out toothpaste and toothbrushes. Slippers and toothbrushes will wear out in a matter of time, toothpaste will run out. For those tea pickers who earn an average of $60NT/day – it is a luxury to buy slippers, toothpaste and toothbrushes. The team’s primary call is to share the gospel. In John 8:12 – Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Indeed to know Jesus at such a young age is far richer and valuable in life. God’s precious Words will live in their heart for the rest of their life, sustaining them in the best and worst of times. And during the invitation at the first village, more than 60 out of 137 kids wanted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior! God is good!

On the last day as we were turning off the lights at the medical clinic, the children came to us, shaking our hands, 

hugging us. They told us <Jai Mashi – Victory in Christ>. And my hope and dream is to see them again in Heaven singing <Jai Mashi> and<God is so good> all for God’s glory! We felt relieved; we were ready to go back to Taiwan.

However the Lord had another plan, tasks for everyone on the last few hours before we were boarding our flight in Kolkata, India. Indeed, for me to be a patient at the Missionaries of Charity – Mother Teresa’s house and all the others their call of duty as doctors, nurses and prayer warriors. While paying homage to Mother Teresa, I felt sick – part dehydration, part traveler’s diarrhea. All I remembered was that I was lying on a bench and the doctors and nurses were taking my pulses. I could feel the prayers of everyone, even the nuns at Mother’s House. “Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 says ~ God loves His children young and old.  There is nothing to fear for God is in control of everything. He loves us so much to harm us. I was administered oral rehydration and it was my turn to get “de-wormed”!

Moreover, mission team members were so caring and thanks to their prayers and those of GBC’s brothers and sisters I am well. This is love in action. In the words of Mother Teresa “I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper's wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord Himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?" God is certainly present in the Missionaries of Charity! God cares and He listens and I’m proof of that small miracle here sharing this message. “In Him we were also chosen having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will. In order that we who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:11-12. 

Jesus loves children, all the children of the world and what a blessing to be children of God! God has placed the burden of serving in missions in my heart. To have Jesus in our heart is such a wonderful thing. Lord, whenever and wherever You call me to serve in Your missions, I shall go and serve You where Your Son Jesus Christ and Your glory are unknown.