“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” —John 12: 26 I have been making annual mission trips to India since 1998. I have to admit looking back, in the beginning, I was drawn to the place more by my love for adventure than my passion for souls. The passion for souls came as I sensed the spiritual darkness of this place and began to see the hunger and desperation of the beautiful people of India. On one Sunday while we were in India on this last trip, as we traveled around an old building we came into a courtyard area where a small church group would usually meet; however this day was a little different. The courtyard was surrounded with houses and buildings giving it a closed in, more intimate effect. Today, the small courtyard had run out of room as there were many in attendance. Why such a large crowd? Because many had heard that after the morning service a medical team from the United States, would be seeing patients and tending to physical needs. God had a bigger plan! That morning started early as the team not only traveled a long distance, we had to prepare all the supplies that would be needed for our journey and for the camp. Our Indian brothers had several ministry needs to tend to while there, so our 1 large team had to divide up into 2 teams on this day. The medical team would travel a long distance to make it to the poor and needy people living in Tea Garden Village. Most of those living there worked in the Tea Garden. Normally speaking in order for a villager to receive any medical treatment it would take a long journey which would require money, which most do not have, to visit a physician and receive treatment. The other team headed off to visit another distant village church, where funds had been previously given to build a new Church facility. The US team traveling with us had provided the funds to build this new facility and while in the area the pastor and area leaders wanted us to come and dedicate the new church building. What an incredible time we had as we dedicated the church building in this mostly Hindu village! The church building provides a place for those whom have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior a place to Worship. The church building also legitimized the ministry in the village and the villagers would have a greater respect for the Pastor and his ministry. In turn, many more in the village would come and hear about Jesus Christ and receive Him as their Savior. The small village church was abuzz and full with anticipation, knowing westerners were coming. We were overjoyed because we knew the Word of God would go out to many more people and they would give their lives to Jesus! Back at the medical mission site, one of the team members shared the Gospel where many responded and many came for healing prayers. God performed marvelous miracles that morning! Just as the service was ending, the second team traveled to the Tea Garden Village and joined forces for the long day ahead while working and praying for the medical needs of the villagers. We began preparations to “open” the clinic as hundreds filled the courtyard, eager to be seen and treated by physicians. As always there were many more villagers than we could be able to see, but everyone did all they could to see as many people as they could in caring for, touching, diagnosing and praying for every person they seen. The day came to an end simply due to nightfall as there was not enough light to assist anyone further. In total at that village, we seen close to two hundred patients; unfortunately there were countless more needing to be treated. As I looked over all the faces who had been seen and treated and then looked in the faces of those not treated there was joy, but also a tremendous sadness – IT WAS DIFFICULT! So many people, so many needs! I remember praying and asking the Lord: How do we help them all? It hurts to turn them away without being seen? His answer was, “Do what you can for those whom you have seen, leave the rest to Me.” I am not sure what answer I expected or if I expected Him to perform a miracle of making the daylight last longer. But I knew He was right, I had to give it to Him. It didn’t make it any easier, but I knew it was what He wanted. I was reminded we help one person at a time, do all we can and leave the rest to HIM! “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” —Psalms. 40: 1-3 In total we held 4 different medical clinics during our time in India, God healed so many people through this incredible team that gave all they could to be a servant for Jesus Christ. A medical mission opens the door in many ways to share Jesus with people. As you can see the anticipation of being seen by a medical person for physical healing opens opportunities in numerous ways for spiritual healing. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! ]]>
