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There is one body, and one Spirit,

Just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One God and Father of all

Who is over all and through all and in all. 

~ Ephesians 4:4-6

 

Greetings my dear sister!

He’s got the whole world in His hands…….

India…. a country that has four times the population of the USA, squeezed into a land mass that is a little less than one third the size of the USA. The population of Christians is very small, about 2.3%, so on average, out of 100 people in a room, 2 or 3 might be Christian. 

Christianity is a barely recognized part of Indian culture. Unlike here in the USA, there are no casual or inherited ‘identity’ Christians. To be a Christian in India could mean endangering yourself or your family.

So, how does one go about sharing the goodness of the God Who longs for all the earth to know Him? In this visit I learned that first, we, as His children, show His love to one another. Not only to other Christians, but to Hindus, Bhuddists or whatever people might be. I learned the value of personal touch that is without discrimination. I learned about spending time and paying attention to people around me. I learned to be humble and meek, accepting with gratitude and grace from others what had cost them dearly that I could have easily provided for myself.

I learned to remain joyful, even when tired or hungry. I learned to maintain a positive attitude and a smile on my face even when things went wrong; to have a sense of humor and laugh sometimes at the absurdity of our very existence. In other words, not to think more highly of myself than I ought.

The people ministering to me might not have been able to understand my spoken language, but they certainly were capable of reading my body language! So I was careful to keep a joyful heart, and an attitude of gratitude! And you know what? I really did have joy and a thankful heart throughout our whole visit!

I was able to see past the inconveniences and little trials and be grateful for how God is moving in the midst of my brethren every day! Which finally brings me to the Scripture verse posted at the top of this letter. 

This ‘one body’ and ‘one Spirit’ exists far beyond the body of believers at HCF! Even far beyond the boundaries of the USA! When I met my brothers and sisters in tiny, unpronounceable villages in a remote region of a crowded country, the Holy Spirit was instantly recognizable in each of us as we shared fellowship in worship and prayer even though our languages were not the same. Truthfully, most of the time I did not know if people were praying in their own language or a prayer language born of the Spirit, but sometimes I would catch the gist of what was happening and wondered if the Holy Spirit was translating for me. I felt enveloped in the love and fellowship of the Spirit whenever we gathered together!

We came to India to encourage and build up the brethren, but I wonder if we have received the most encouragement. Seeing the sacrifice, joy and dedication of these people, living by faith in a country that is hostile to Christians, yet having all their needs met by God…

Their faith and trust humbles me. They have strengthened me to dare to trust God more. They have reminded me that sharing the Gospel is truly what matters in life.

I have seen miracles and heard of many more, but they all come at a cost to those who minister to people who have never heard the Gospel. We have met young men and women who have counted the cost and are moving forward into God’s calling for them. They give up all, and God sustains them. Again, it is humbling.

Forty-some years ago, an Indian missionary came to preach to our congregation of young believers. He talked of ‘Christian soldiers’ in the army of God. He asked us what kind of soldiers were we, a true soldier or a chocolate soldier? I’ve pondered that question all these years. I think I know the answer now. 

Keep loving Jesus and keep moving forward my dear sister, growing into all the goodness and maturity that is pleasing to our Father! Seek Him and step out into all that He has planned for you! He will give you purpose for your life that will fill you with motivation and satisfaction! 

God bless you as you seek Him!

With love, your sister, Celeste