Imagine...a winding curvy road, streaking up past herds of monkeys, acres of trees, misty valley below, placid cows, and temples to idols every 100 meters. Wind up that road in your mind, and imagine a village built into a hillside, so steep that the houses and buildings are stacked onto the side of the mountain like a smashed layer cake. That's where ikt was, this school I visited the last two days.
It's a Christian school, which got my juices flowing of course, but there are no Christians in this area. Sikhs, and hindus, but no Christians. The teachers at this school, even though its a Christian school, can't even preach Jesus openly, but must sow subtle seeds because of strong opposition. Nevertheless, they toil on day after day, in tiny overcrowded classrooms, living in houses without comfortable beds or tvs or showers, not getting any recognition from anyone for the amazing work they are doing every day. Yet they are joyful, receiving us with immense hospitality and openness and friendship.
I am put to shame by these teachers. I get discouraged even in a life full of comfort and appreciation, complaining about so much, having to take a year off, when they keep going with nothing, not even a church to go to besides the other teachers, because there are no other believers for many many miles.
Yet even in the two days I was there, I could see God's faithfulness. The wives of the principal and his right hand man have been best friends for forever. Slowly but surely the Word is bearing fruit in the lives of the children- I had conversations with the students that proved this. The school is growing in popularity and in size. Those who run the school do so with excellence zeal and devotion, and have a clear vision and big dreams for this highly unreached area of the world.
Oh it was good to be with teachers and students in a school again!
There is real idolatry here, like people actually bowing down to idols.
We went to the mouth of the Ganges river. Its a place full of spirituality but no truth, desperate seekers looking in the wrong place for answers.
I've also enjoyed this culture, and am trying to learn bits of it!
I have so much more to say but will conclude with the verse that has been on my heart this week:
Turn to me and be saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is no other.
Pray that this would happen in Northern India!
