Why India, people ask.

Why not, I say. Then people say, ‘but it is so far’ or ‘I would be so afraid’. When God calls, no distance is too far and I have NEVER been afraid.

My first interest in India was because of my friends who serve there. I was interested to see what all they do and I wanted to visit them, as well. Little did I know what I was going to experience. My first trip was in Dec. 2013, BUT it wasn’t my last and hopefully there will be more return trips in the coming years.

In 2013 the orphanage was in full swing. There were about 80 children, one of whom I had been supporting and what a joy it was to meet him face to face and see the wonderful care he had been given and the gospel truths that were taught to him and the others. Children are precious and so trusting, loving and playful. I returned home looking forward to going to India again.

March of 2015 I was back in India with my friends. Things had changed a great deal. Scores of orphanages had been closed throughout the country and the children were dispersed. My heart was sad at not being able to see “my boy” again. The Bible College was also closed for that year. There were many battles, but hope prevailed. The scope of my friends’ ministry took on new dimensions, as did my time in India. Encouragement was my main focus. It had been a difficult year and my friends had been faithful, but being human, there had been much discouragement.

In talking with people and hearing their concept of a mission trip, made me stop and evaluate what really defines a mission trip. I found that many people look at statistics: how many buildings were built, how many medical patients were treated, how many received the eternal plan, how many this and how many that. According to people’s standard, mine had not been a mission trip. I had no statistics to share. Never the less, I KNEW I was in India at that particular time in March to be an encouragement to my friends and their precious family. We often are excited to go to a foreign country to do something for the people who live there, BUT what about the people who have dedicated their lives to go to a foreign country to minister to the national people. Who ministers to those people, like my friends?

India still pulls me back and in March of this year, 2018, I was again able to return to visit my friends and help in their ministry. I had met a young girl on my first trip by the name of Sonu. She holds a very special place in my heart. After finishing school, she decided to attend the Bible college this year. I was privileged to assist her with the college expenses, So it was with great pride and love that I was able to spend time with her and to see her graduate. She is planning to continue college in the area of education and become the principle of the ministry school when she has her degree. Sonu is another, of many, success stories of the children who grew up in the orphanage under the supervision of my friends.

Sonu receives her certificate

The week prior to graduation, a conference was conducted to encourage and teach leaders, their wives and all the graduates. There were over 200 hundred in attendance. Special speakers came to share and pour into these men and women who are serving so faithfully under some difficult conditions, or preparing to go into the fields of service. What a rich time of soaking in the Word. I also had the opportunity and privilege, through the assistance of wonderful translators, to speak to the women to encourage and build them up. I am a huger and I enjoyed hugging each of these precious ladies. By the end of the conference, women were approaching me for hugs. There is nothing like a touch of love to brighten someone’s day. Hugs and smiles work in any language.

I was also able to reconnect with the The White Peacock. What began years ago as an outreach to the local women has developed into a profitable business for these talented women and the ministry. The items they make either by hand or using a treadle sewing machine are amazing, beautiful, functional, decorative and so much more. I remembered several of those attending each week and many remembered me. What a joy to share with them, give each a hug and see how their talents have expanded. Again, I had the privilege of sharing the Word with this diverse group of women. This area of ministry has truly grown, not just economically, but in faith, as well.

Many things have changed in the ministry in India over the years, but there has been so much progress. Even though the orphanage no longer is open, the ministry has faithfully continued to provide for the children’s needs. Many who have grown have attended the Bible College, preparing to serve either in my friends’ ministry or in other areas in India. The Bible College has grown from 1 campus to 5 and this coming year a Bible College class for the blind is planned. A public school has been open for two years in a village near the ministry property outside of the city. There are medical clinics held most week day mornings at the ministry center and monthly clinics are held in the villages near the ministry property.

The ministry property is 25 acres that is being developed into a self sufficient complex. What a joy to see the transformation from mostly dirt and fields of lentils on my first visit to now seeing a large building erected, being readied for the next Bible College class. Orchards of oranges, pomegranates, date palms and other fruits are flourishing. A herd of cattle to provide fresh milk and chickens for eggs and meat is also in place. Two wells have been dug to provide clean water. As the finances come in more buildings will go up and ministries will be added to include the surrounding villages.

Just because there have been some challenges, doesn’t mean the ministry has stood still. It is growing and progressing, blessing so many people and training many each year to go forth and minister to their own. The Gospel is being multiplied over and over with eternal results. I consider it a privilege to be a part of this ministry both financially and physically. I KNOW what my time and money are accomplishing. I am investing in eternal values. I have seen first hand and I am the one who is blessed.- LH, Forest City, NC