Monday, February 8, 2016
Friday, February 5, 2016
Anurag Day 5
Anurag: Day 5 By George.
In our 5th day of our mission trip, I’m starting
to see a pattern unfold; even with our devotions in the morning. God is speaking to us through his Word
unveiling the spiritual warfare we’re in reminding us daily that in Him there
is victory and that we have no reason to fear.
He is bigger than anything that may come against us.
Today we had a chance to spend more time with the kids. Basketball with the boys. They were so engaged. The attention we gave them was not in
vein. The excitement and their behavior
was so rewarding for us. We played long
after our energy ran out.
To top off the day, we headed out to Teen Camp which is
certainly a highlight for the kids. Once
there, they sang a song about God the creator which was music to our ears. After having dinner with them, we are now
lying in our bunks just processing all the joy, laughter, and connections we
made hoping we touch their lives as much as they touch ours.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Thursday at the Taj Mahal
Post by Joanna
Today we experienced the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. It was definitely a day I won't forget. All the pictures I've ever seen of the Taj don't do it justice. The building is amazingly beautiful. All the detail and hand carvings are incredible. I never really knew the story behind the Taj Mahal and the Mughal Empire until today. The building was built for one reason and that's to house the tomb of the Mughal's beloved wife. It took 22 years and over 20,000 laborers to build this beautiful shrine. Despite its beauty, as I stepped inside to see the tombs I was very surprised by how dark it felt. Such a sense of hopelessness. Death was the end and there was no hope of eternity. I found myself praying for all those who entered. Praying they would find light and hope in the only One who can provide it, Jesus Christ. In a country that is full of beautiful people and beautiful colors, I find myself fighting off the weight of dark forces. As I looked around I saw all different nationalities, all different religions, men and women, boys and girls and I was reminded that as believers we are called to be light to a dark world. What I've quickly realized is Anurag shines that light so beautifully. What a privilege to be able to see this first hand. Lord may you continue to bless the work of the people who carry a torch for You.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Anurag Day 3
Dave and Karl: Anurag
Day 3
The day started with a visit to the home of one of the
staff members at Anurag who was also the first student about 25 years ago. She and her younger sister lost their mother
when they were very young and were cared for by Anurag and were provided
a meal, education, and the word of God. Overtime,
they began praying to Jesus for basic needs and saw those prayers answered. This lead to them accepting Christ, completing their education,
and then becoming staff members at Anurag.
Later in the day we were able to spend time in the class
room with the kids. George jumped in and helped teach an English lesson
and had the kids captivated. With the
help of a translator, Andrea read a story to the children about Daniel and the Lions’
Den. After the story, we all pitched in an
helped the kids put together a colorful craft.
The energy in the room was just
awesome. The kids seemed to have so much
fun interacting with us and many wanted us to take pictures of them with their creations
afterwards. They love selfies…
Our devotion today was from Isaiah 61: 1-3.
The
Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring
good news to the poor. He has sent me to
comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and
prisoners will be freed. He has sent me
to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with
it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a
crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive
praise instead of despair. In their
righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own
glory.
There are many parallels that can be drawn between this
passage of scripture and what is taking place in the hearts of the kids and
people that are being touched by the work that is going on here through Anurag. We pray that you can begin to get begin glimpse
of that through some of the words and pictures posted here.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Day 2 at Anurag
Day 2 at Anurag
Upon arrival at Anurag we were treated to an amazing show by the kids. Various age groups were featured performing dance routines in colorful costumes on the rooftop terrace of the school. After the show we were blessed with the opportunity to meet with the Anurag students sponsored by families and friends from Immanuel and Plymouth Covenant. In the afternoon we shared a time of worship and devotions with the Anurag staff. Pastor Joe shared an encouraging message from 1 Samuel about David's anointing to be king, showing how God uses the seemingly insignificant in unexpected ways.
In a country like India or back home in the States it can be easy to feel insignificant and helpless at times. Joe's message reminded us that there are no insignificant people in God's eyes.
It has been incredibly encouraging to see God's work lived out in front of us through the lives being changed at Anurag.
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