Back to Bangalore

Those of you who've known me in college might know that one of my best experiences during those years was when I went to India. The autos, the food, the history, the smells, the chaos. Great place to visit. The people there are the best part.

The southern half of the country is similar to the Midwest here in the States -- doesn't get lots of outside attention (all the restaurants here are north Indian, they have the Taj Mahal, Delhi, Mumbai), but a lot of genuinely great people. What's even better, though, is all the work God is doing there. From talking with people, to going to service, to hearing story after story after story, to be welcomed so warmly in home after home. Sometimes you can see God working in other cultures easier than you can see him working in your own.

Add all this together, and you can see why I'm very excited to be going back to Bangalore.

There's 4 different themes which I would like to explore during the next couple weeks there:

1. Reconnect with the people, being intentional about being an encouragement. When Nathaniel and I spent some time there with the "Summer of Service" program, JP frequently had to remind us, "If all you do is get a bunch of work done, you'll miss the point. Mom and Dad could easily hire someone to help with the work." This time, there is less work there, I probably won't be in an office all day. Which will be great. It will give me a chance to work through what this "ministry of presence" is we've been talking about at Park (church). So much of the time, people take short-term missions trips, which are great for sure. But the follow-up isn't really there. Following up is such a big deal, and can make the whole experience ten times better, both for you and for the hosts.

2. Setting up computer training modules for local pastors. Bringing an American to India for computer work? Yeah, I'm very replaceable there. That's a good thing. It will be nice to have something to do, though I'm not going to overdo it and spend too much time there.

3. Explore future options. Many of you have expressed interest in going to India yourselves. It is a great opportunity, and you really couldn't ask for better hosts to do it with. I'm looking forward to sitting down and talking with the locals to see what that might look like, and how we can do it without being a burden on them.

4. Have fun. Seth Currier is visiting Chicago and we're having loads of fun right now.

Support:

Prayer is always the most important aspect, and that remains true. Please pray. The abovementioned items could be topics of your conversation with God.

Finances are always mentioned here. Praise God that he has given me the opportunity to make this a self-supported trip. If you are sitting cash and are looking for ways to use it for kingdom work, the ministry is looking for people to sponsor audio Bibles.