i can picture it While in Calcutta we spent a few hours in Mother Teresa's House for the Destitute and Dying. I will never forget it. Ever. There is a saddness that goes with seeing hopelessness that I can not describe. And as grateful as I was that those people were receiving care and were not alone in their last days, it was a hallow satisfaction because I knew they were on the edge of eternity. There physical needs were being addressed and for that I was grateful, exceedingly grateful. But I could feel "time" and "eternity" in the place and it was sobering. People all over each large room waiting..... simply waiting....to be done with this life. To die. I felt helpless and I remember longing for the gift of healing. I wanted the power of Paul and Silas, of Peter and others who raised the dead and healed the sick and delivered the tormented. I wanted the language barrirer gone and I wanted more time with them and I wanted Jesus to walk into the room and make all the difference that needed to be made!! I'm trying to describe it and I just can't. But I will never forget it. And it reminds me even now that: we NEED saving. Jesus is the hope of the world. His coming as Emmanuel matters. He came into this mess, Jason. He is not a God faraway or untouched by the feelings of mankind's infirmities. The best part of WHO He is, in my opinion, is Emmanuel, God WITH us. Mercies on us. Mercies on them. And God bless you to hear with your heart what difference in the world He wants to make through you. I'm praying for you, brother.
Foundation Jason,
You are probably the first person to ever speak Truth to this precious young girl! I can see God's hand working in the time that you spent with her and how He used you to minister to her needs. You gave her your time, which was obviously needed and appreciated by her. You kept your promise to wait until she came back, showing that you are dependable and trustworthy. You listened to her in her time of distress and gave her comfort and hope.
I imagine that Mony will always remember the American guy who sat with her and spoke of a savior named Jesus. I will pray that other missionaries will follow you in the years to come to water the seed that you have planted and pray to God that he will make it grow!
"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." 1 Cor. 3:6
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is buiding on it..." 1 Cor. 3:10a
I love it that you have such a merciful heart. God is going to use you in a mighty way in India.
<
Traci Carr (Danielle Reed's Foster Mom)
"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes." Deut. 10: 17-22
May God bless you for your willingness to be used by Him to accomplish His good work.
You are in my prayers.
Traci Carr (Danielle Reed's Foster Mom)
wow this can really make one think... i couldnt imagine what it would be like to see first hand, that's certainly NOT something you see from day to day here. We eat to leisure and glutony.. it makes me sick to think about. :( i know im guilty of walking past without a care sometimes.
im really glad youre there helping i hope this inspires others to do the same i know it does me.
hope your trip continues to be a great mission thru God.!
<3, miranda oakes!
that last line was depressing D:
remember who you are there to tell people about ,
Our God who ANYHTINGG is possible through!
Don't give up hopes on Mony, im sure you planted a seed through God that he will continue oneday, in his own way somehow.
your in my prayers, be careful & come back safe! we <3 and miss you
It's sad the you have condemned the whole of the Indian nation to hell just because you erroneously believe that Jesus was exclusive. Wake up, people !
service In a world filled with people who hope for change yet leave the actual labor to others, you are a shining beacon. Never underestimate yourself and what you do - each act of kindness and love will reap many rewards for mankind......take care
wow Wow Jason, it's crazy that you are experiencing this aspect of life. I'm sure that these memories will change you forever. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of what you are seeing. I love you!
Jason, you are giving us faces and people ~ and helping us to experience your trip in a small way. I pray that through your kindness and listening ear...and your speaking the name of Jesus to Mony - that this precious soul will respond when she next hears His name! Your experiences move and inspire me.
Action packed days Wow, Jason, it looks like you will have very little time to spare on your journey. I wanted to tell you that you are very brave for doing this, and we all admire you so much for your commitment to the Lord! We will miss you, but look forward to your return. Take care, and we'll be checking in on ya!
LouAnn
hi there hi,
I'm a design student and an architect here in India and I'm researching on the problems that
tourists face while finding there way in Indian Cities. Please mail me your comments, ideas,
observations on this. I'm based in Delhi and this research is for the improvement of signage
systems in the city.
Thanks
Raman
Jason, I would dare say that your incredible love and kindness to her has opened the door for Jesus to that little girl. I'm sure you have made more of an impact on her life than you realize. Don't under estimate God's power through you!!
(none) It's hard to imagine such a hospitable country. Think about if you would've taken a walk in Downtown Roanoke at 5 in the morning. The most interaction you would've gotten would've been strange looks from the people in the cars driving by on the street. It makes me think about how many more people we could show Jesus to if we all stopped and talked to strangers like they seem to do there in India. Yes, sometimes it would put us in a bit of a pickle, but I feel as if it would often result in making a new friend and possibly a new brother or sister in Christ. I bet these people will never forget the tall American they once met in October 2009. I'll keep you in my prayers.
love,
Emilee
(none) I think what you said about the irony that the saving of our lives is done through the brutal death of the man we're said to love the most was very profound. This really made me think about how we do look at other religions in a rather condescending way, when in reality, our relationship with God and Jesus Christ is looked upon in a similar way by people with differen't beliefs. I imagine that they don't understand the joy we can get from the death of our savior. It really is a shame that in our belief system we do see that salvation comes only through faith in Christ, I do have some hope that God will show the same mercy that he shows to us, to people like Mony. I'll be praying for you and your work in India, I can't think of a better way to be spending one's time. Be safe, we all miss you.
Love,
Emilee
Hey Jason!! Our traveling nephew! You are such an inspiration!! So happy to read of your safe arrival. As I read your blogs, it is as if we are sitting in the living room listening to your voice. Keep them coming. . . I will be eagerly checking on you each day. May our good Lord keep you safely in the palm of His hand as you reach out to his children that don't and need to know Him. God bless and we love you dearly!!!
the beauty of india The gray and the grime of the city and traffic contrasting the vivid beauty of the fabrics on the women of india, riding the back of the bicycles behind their men, sometimes balancing a child on their lap -- this is a picture among pictures I have in my mind of the India I saw
It is indeed a place of contrast.
Blessings brother. I find myself praying that you will have a "hearing heart."
Hey Buddy, Glad that you made it! Sounds like the Taxi Driver got his license in Haiti. LOL. I'm praying for you man! God's going to do some cool stuff with you over there. Stay strong and be safe! We love you! Looking forward to your next update!
Jas-meistah! Sounds like a very eventful start to your journey! We are happy to hear you have arrived safely. Kim and I are going to be enjoying reading this and we are glad you are blogging. I am going to be praying over you and this trip man. I know God is going to use you in mighty ways and we are so excited to see that fruit! Be blessed, remain faithful, and know that you have a lot of people who support and love ya over in the US.
melissa
non-member comment
i can picture it
While in Calcutta we spent a few hours in Mother Teresa's House for the Destitute and Dying. I will never forget it. Ever. There is a saddness that goes with seeing hopelessness that I can not describe. And as grateful as I was that those people were receiving care and were not alone in their last days, it was a hallow satisfaction because I knew they were on the edge of eternity. There physical needs were being addressed and for that I was grateful, exceedingly grateful. But I could feel "time" and "eternity" in the place and it was sobering. People all over each large room waiting..... simply waiting....to be done with this life. To die. I felt helpless and I remember longing for the gift of healing. I wanted the power of Paul and Silas, of Peter and others who raised the dead and healed the sick and delivered the tormented. I wanted the language barrirer gone and I wanted more time with them and I wanted Jesus to walk into the room and make all the difference that needed to be made!! I'm trying to describe it and I just can't. But I will never forget it. And it reminds me even now that: we NEED saving. Jesus is the hope of the world. His coming as Emmanuel matters. He came into this mess, Jason. He is not a God faraway or untouched by the feelings of mankind's infirmities. The best part of WHO He is, in my opinion, is Emmanuel, God WITH us. Mercies on us. Mercies on them. And God bless you to hear with your heart what difference in the world He wants to make through you. I'm praying for you, brother.