Sunday, January 26, 2020

One body with many parts...

We are a very eclectic group of travelers, each with unique and special gifts, but together we are one body. We have been blessed with the opportunity to come to India to build relationships behalf of all who faithfully support Joyful Journeys Ministries. It has certainly been a joy to me thus far to witness each person grow within this experience and today was no exception.  Seeing everyone step outside their comfort zone, remembering that that looks different for each person, was especially prevalent throughout our full day of worship. 

We began our day in Novahu's church in Madhavapatnam with singing, testimonies, scripture readings, communion, prayers and blessings. I reflected on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 which compares the church body to the human body...if everyone were an eye, you'd never be able to hear, and if everyone were an ear how could you smell... So it is with our group, as well as their church family. No one person is more important than another nor are the gifts they offer better than the next persons; we are better together as a whole, than apart because then we are complete.





Following worship, a meal was served to "Oma's Oldsters", a ministry that provides assistance for basic needs to the elderly within that community. Individuals also received a washcloth knit by our very own "oldsters" along with a bar of soap. 

 


After the Oldsters ate, the hostal children had their lunch.

In the afternoon, we drove to a church about 45 minutes away through bumpy back roads into a very remote village. (I almost got puked on as the little boy sitting by me got car sick).  We were initially greeted with petals of flowers and cheerful smiles. It was decided to hold church outside opposed to in the palm frawn hut since there were too many of us to all fit inside, plus it was smokin' hot today! I must say, I've never been to a worship service before where fighting roosters raced through the congregation and a wild dog wandered in and fell asleep at our feet. Nevertheless, the Spirit was present and love filled the air!!






















It's truly been non stop since we got here, so the travelers opted to call it an early night and headed back to the hotel for the remainder of the evening. We had our typical time of processing the days events, which is always so meaningful, then turned in...but not before a taste of home (or close to it)! And, they even deliver!! ;)   Ahh, the little things...

There really is so much more I'd like to say each day as we see how Joyful Journeys is impacting so many, I can hardly believe how far this has all come in the last 15 years, but I hope these little snippets are at least giving you an idea for now.

To all our family back home, rest assure we are doing well, and rejoice in how your loved ones are "shining"; I am blessed to be a part of this body that has some pretty amazing parts!!

Namaste'
~Jenny