Friends and family, I’m almost home! Its hard to believe that the trip is nearly over and my time at my ministry sites has come to a close. This past week I have begun to read my journal entries from the beginning of the trip and they have allowed me to see the extent of the amazing work that God has done in me while I have been here. Some of you may know that during the beginning of the trip I really struggled to feel anything for Inida or for the people who I was ministering to. During the first month I cried out to God telling him that I would rather have my heart torn out and left here when I leave than never love this counrty. Well I am now a living testimony that the Lord answers prayer lavishly. Though the pain I have felt leaving those I love has seemed consuming this past week, I know that it is in reality an amazing answer to prayer and I am so grateful. I am leaving a piece of myself here, but I know every person I have said goodbye to has been left in the loving, merciful, faithful hands of the one who truly loves them. The ache I feel is a constant reminder to pray, one which I would not want silenced. And so as I close my India trip I wanted to write a last prayer for you to partner with me in praying.
My Beloved Jesus,
Lord I love you so much. Thank you for taking out my heart of stone and allowing me to feel what your heart feels for the people of India. Thank you that you revealed to me the emptiness of my own love and the vast measurelessness of yours, and that you filled me with the latter to pour out onto those I was with. Lord, as I come home, my heart feels like it is in many broken pieces, please take those pieces and make them into something even more beautiful, something that can bring you glory until you brake and reshape it again. Father, as I ache for those whom I am leaving I bring them to the foot of the cross and place them in your outstretched arms. I know that you love them more than I could ever imagine. So Lord…
For Sidappa, please contiue to pursue his heart that you may capture it with the joy of your salvation. I know that you alone can heal his broken body and spirit, and no one wants to see that happen more than you do.
For Sunita, please Lord may she know you as the perfect lover of her soul, who laid down his life for her. Lord whisper to her promises of your faithfulness and your eternal life until she responds in surrender. Woo her Lord, captivate her heart with your beauty and adoration and let her know that she is worth all of it.
For Sapna, please Jesus be her protector. Lord, when she seeks to fade into the gray walls of Emmanuel and disapear from sight, seek her out with your gentle, relentless pursuit and let her know that you see her and are not displeased. Let her know that she is beautiful in your sight, and even when everyone has left her, you still remain. You will never leave her nor forsake her becuase you love her.
And Lord for all those who have remained unmentioned for the list is far too long (praise the Lord), I give them to you Jesus, to protect, to pursue, to love. May they know your saving truth and live in your limitless love.
Amen
