March 7, long awaited internet access.

3/7

Here we are, well into our journey here in India. We have finally found an internet connection, conveniently enough right here at the hotel. We have lodged here in Chennai at YWCA, where we will be until we go to Culcutta.

We have hit so many places since we got here. Initially, we only had a tentative schedule that our organizer, Henry Waller has set up for us. Fortunately, as we meet more people, our schedule is getting filled up very quickly.

Our first stop (3/4) was to Oasis, which is a community development organization. We sat down and met many of their people and heard their hearts and what they are up to. What a great thing they have going. They are working so closely with so many people in these communities, helping connect them to Christ. So after us meeting the leaders, we went to a few slums and checked out a few of their locations and what they were doing, hands on.

The next morning (3/5) we head on out to play soccer or futball with Vigi and some kids that he was coaching. We met Vigi at Oasis the day before, and we were captivated by his passion. We played for only a half of an hour, but were sweating bullets. We were quite exhausted. Vigi sat the kids down and we introduced ourselves and Jonathan told them a bit of his story.

From there we went to a “small” school. We walked down a small road where there were tons of motorbikes and people walking in front of numerous amounts of shops until we finally got to the school that was tucked away as if it had no significance next to a large Hindu Temple. Once we met the vice mistress though we learned that they had 700 students crammed into this narrow three story school. We heard about their needs with intention to try our best and meet some of the needs. How beautiful it was to see all 700 of those smiley faces that were so ecstatic to see us.

Then to finish our busy Thursday we went to a prayer group that Vigi was putting on that included a lot of kids that were at soccer/futball that morning. We had about 35 kids and us crammed into an upper room at a home where we sang songs and then Martin and David shared their testimonies and then Jonathan shared a message from the Gospels where Jesus called the fishermen out after providing for them. What a great time to see those kids passionately praising God.

The next morning (3/6) we once again played futball with Vigi and some different, younger kids. Then I (Jared) shared a little of my story and then Jonathan reiterated how excited we were to be here with them. David and Jonathan have had quite a blast being able to play futball again. After we met back up with Henry, we went to IJM, International Justice Missions. We were pretty excited to hear what they were up to. They work closely with the government of India to bring justice for people who are being exploited by their “bosses” which sometime expand to some extreme conditions.

Since then we have been given the chance to recoup and reenergize with some coffee and a movie with Henry. We are still so excited to see and help with what God has got going on here.

 

Personal India Testimonies

“Our trip has been such an amazing experience so far. All of my expectations have been totally blown. Most of the people here live such a lifestyle there’s no comparison to in Alaska. I now truly recognize the need that these people have, and the difference that I/you can make. We have met some amazing people here, people that are truly passionate and devoted to serving the Lord. It is so encouraging! The Lord is certainly changing my heart everyday. Thank you for all your support and prayer.”
-Kyle Clapp

“My very western way of Christianity is being challenged, and God is removing the scales from my eyes! These people are showing me how to worship God. In the midst of having absolutely nothing, they worship Jesus as if they have everything.”
-David Kropf

“So far, the impact that India has had for me is how I take my lifestyle for granted. And how people here are very grateful for what they have and how they live. I thank God everyday for bringing me here and opening the eyes of my heart and allowing me to see the big picture and also how God is moving in India.”
-Martin Munoz

“I’ve been having an amazing time here in India. I’ve really enjoyed playing soccer with the kids that Oasis is working with. It’s humbling to see what these people live with compared to what we have in America.”
-Joel Tutt

“I am having trouble finding words to even describe how I feel about this trip. There is so much to see, and so much to take in. It is somewhat overwhelming at times. God is moving here in an amazing way. The other night in the upper room was very touching to see and experience. In a way it was like a first hand experience of the disciples in the upper room. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in the rest of the trip."
-Colten Tutt

“Oh, how God is good! I have been praying for God to give me perspective on this trip. He has certainly showed up and revealed a numerous amount of truths to me. I am continually captivated by God's beauty through these kids and their smiles and their heart. I look forward to sharing with everyone the details of this journey when I get home. Praise God!"
-Jared Baker

“I am consistently amazed at the power of the poor. Every time I join them I am called to something higher and deeper than I have subscribed to before. I find that the poor have an ability to call out the best in me, they have the abilityto walk free from the snares of this world that challenges me to look for new paths to trod, and many posses a joy that is free from circumstances. As Mother Theresa would say, ‘If you want to be with Christ be with the poor.’ “
-Pastor Jonathan