I don't have much time, but I wanted to update for all of you out there.
India is absolutely BEAUTIFUL in every way!!
The people here are so amazing! I have really been asking God to allow me to see them through His eyes. Especially the women and children.
The poverty is immense, and there's so much hopelessness in their eyes. From the smallest child begging on the street to the Sadhu's- Hindu's "Holy" men. Their all desperate for love, joy, peace.. anything to fill the void in their hearts.
Being a female here is difficult too. In America were treated as equals. The women here, however are treated as lower then dogs. According to Hindu tradition, they don't even have a hope for salvation. Could you imagine living like that??
My heart has been so broken, seeing these beautiful people worship the over 300 million Gods they have here, when all along the one true God is just wanting to take them in His arms and love on them!
I'm learning so much about denying my own flesh and just being Jesus to people.. even if it only means a big smile as I pass them on the street while riding in a Rickshaw. (Which is a whole adventure in itself.) :)
Pray with me for the people of India, and all the unreached peoples of the world!
It's time to learn Gods heart and find HIS bride!!
Letter one to Jo Jo Feb. 25th 2010. Part 1
ReplyDeleteLetter one to our grand-daughter, Jo Jo. on the mission field in India.
Granny and I are ecstatic tonight as we sit in Nashville Tennessee reading your blog from the land and people that we love so much, India. The first nation we were missionaries too in the 1970's. Oh! India your masses cry out for the one true God who can only satisfy your soul and feed the needs of your hungry bodies.
Joelle you are the first of Granny and Poppa's God given grandchildren to leave the shores of your birth and to answer the greatest duty open to man, "The call to preach the Gospel" in India and Africa.
Jo you have been in preparation all your life as have our other three beloved grandchildren who are at home in Youngstown praying up a storm for their sister. Your dear parents Kevin and Cindy Rauch have been exemplary example's of a man and woman who love their Savior supremely, and have always had the interest of Christ. Jo you have sat under the Pastorate of two of God's choicest leaders and servants in America today Bro. Dave and Sister Cathy. And you have been sent out by a truly wonderful church that has vision and has commissioned you.
Granny and I are eternally thankful to the Master tonight and tickled pink, that you are following your Grandparents footsteps to India, where we were missionaries first in the 1970's, our work still thrives today under the auspices of the "Dr. Ray & Lynn Elder Trust" which includes an orphanage for 46 orphans, amongst other things in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India.
We love you and you have made us cry and praise this day. We will be praying still for you the adventure with the Holy Spirit is just beginning. Our love to a wonderful grand- daughter. Granny and Poppa.