Because of her testimony

John 4 has always been one of my favorite passages of scripture. I just love it, the whole passage! It was through sharing this story that I saw a man dying of AIDS believe on Christ and come to faith in Brazil 10 years ago. It was through that experience the Lord radically burdened my heart for the nations. Since that time I have studied this passage and been challenged by it numerous times. While in South Asia, the Lord challenged me again through this passage and 8 illiterate women...

These women came to faith about two or three months ago. Since that time they have been faithful to share the Good News with many people....around 1400 people! 1400 people....I do not think I have shared with that many people in the nearly 20 years I have been a believer. They have also started 10 small group studies and want to know what to do with all the people that are coming.  These women wanted to hear encouragement from us!
I was, and am, humbled and broken over my lack of boldness and zeal for the gospel. These women are not esteemed by their culture, they are illiterate, and have nothing the world counts as gain and yet they are faithful to proclaim the Living Water in a very dry and dark place. I, on the other hand, am educated, seminary trained nonetheless, and live in a society where women are respected, and yet I remain silent about my Savior...

but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong...so that no man may boast before God. ~ 1 Corinthians 1.27,29

I thought of John 4.39 when I sat with these women. I pray many in their city will believe because of their testimonies and the same would be true of me.

From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified.

South Asia Snapshots

My time in South Asia was really amazing. I can honestly say I loved the country, the culture, the people, and yes even the food! There are so many things I would love to share about what I saw, experienced, and learned. Here are a few pictures of my trip. I hope to add more soon with some of the things the Lord burdened my heart for as well.

Let the adventure begin...













Still smiling after a 10 hour layover in Chicago, 13 hour flight to South Asia, a little over 3 1/2 hours sleep, and at the airport again at 5am to head to Jtown....notice the coffee to keep us going!


The first few days Kate and I had the blessing to minister to the family we stayed with, especially Rhonda and the kids. I was reminded what a much needed ministry it is to care for our workers on the field!  Just being there to chat with her and have coffee was a blessing.

Rhonda and her girls...They took us shopping for some local clothes and then to a super yummy restaurant.

Our first solo rickshaw ride...its kind of like being on a ride in Disney World, but with no seat belts:)

We were able to take one Saturday morning to be tourists and see some of the famous sites around the city.

 

While we were hoping to ride a elephant, instead we "enjoyed" a brief camel ride. I held onto Kate for dear life, because I felt like I was going to slide off the back! 

Kate and I had the opportunity to share our testimonies and encourage a group of women at a special ladies event, while Rhonda taught and we heard the amazing testimony of a women who had recently come to faith.

One of the sweetest days, for me, was the day we drove out to the village. Well the three hour drive on some very bumpy roads was not so sweet, but the time out there and seeing the country side was amazing. It really was like stepping back into time.  While we were in the village, Kate and I were able to teach about the promised Deliverer. How precious to proclaim the name of our Savior in this distant place.

I have tons more pictures and stories to share. I hope to post some more up here soon and even better to share with some of you in person very soon!