Thoughts on incredible India and our amazing God!

As I sit here in my cool little Canadian apartment, struggling to get my body and heart back from the warmth of India, I am increasingly amazed at what I have been privaledged to be a part of these past two weeks. This JOC to India- Vishakapatanum, was one of the best I have ever been on!

Echoing my fellow Impact teammates, the Friends Meet team is one of the most sold-out groups of believers I have ever met. They tirelessly served the Lord by serving our team these past two weeks and I am still in awe.

Our medical clinics were smooth and productive- we saw many people touched with the love of Christ through receiving their 'hope in a bag' vitamins and the tender kindness of people to listen, guide and pray for them in the clinics. I felt like our little tent was a bit of a sanctuary at times.

We were especially blessed to serve many elderly people who would normally have been unable to travel to reach other medical services. This group really touched my heart as they reached out worn hands to caress the cheek of folks like me who spoke love and kindness to them. Many times eyes watered when we listened and held their hands. A few times the stories of lonliness and despair would flood out, and would be met by the tender and strong love of Christ that is unfailing and unending. I got to introduce Jesus to more people on this trip than any other I have ever been on! Despite my awkward wording and unsure 'repeat after me' prayers, I know that the one true God is real to them.

This team of 'Impactors' was extra sensitive to the spirit and full of joy. I love seeing who and how the Lord coordinates our teams, tailor made for each adventure. Who but God would have known that we needed a business-minded believer, 'get your engine going' prayer warriors, joy filled dancers and even some rockstars on this trip!? Each one was brought for their specific gifts and stories; each one touched lives in ways no one else would be able to. I love it!

The miracles I got to participate in this JOC were every bit as awesome as any I have ever encountered! I love how the Lord gives us that privlege as believers! I'll share one story: on the way to the third clinic I noticed a lady dressed in a golden yellow sari walking stooped over on the side of the road. I wondered what kinds of burdons she had sitting on her back that would keep her so bent over. As the day went on, I had the chance to go and do some health teaching to the crowd and on the way back into the tent a woman stopped me to pray for her poor vision (the people are hungry for God's touch!). I prayed for her and the vision improved as did her headache and neck pain. Then another hand reached over to ask for prayer; wouldn't you know it belonged to the lady in the golden yellow sari! She wanted prayer for a sore hip. "what about your back?" I asked. "Oh, it doesn't straighten" she replied. So I prayed for her hip.... and her back. Then I took her hand and told her to stand up tall. And there, just as easy as that, she stood up- taller and taller and taller! Her face changed. The women around us started chattering. I cheered! And then told her about how much God loves her and the truth about Jesus wanting to be with her forever. I left after we prayed for Him to be in her life- I think I may have been standing taller too!

Praise be to the God who figures all things out, lets people like you and I get involved in the spectacular, and who loves us all enough to see us stand tall!