Recently I've been reading through the New Testament. I've been trying to study Paul a little bit more and have a better understanding of what it means to truly live for Christ. While reading Philippians one verse stuck out to me. Phil 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." I began to wonder could I truly say that? I quickly realized no... But I think I need to understand what that truly means. I think that reaching a point where you truly grasp how to live only for Christ and to be so in tune with God and His will and to understand what treasures and peacefulness are waiting in heaven is something everyone should strive for.
As we drive around India going to schools or shops or internet shops we pass countless temples. I see so many people going to worship gods and perform rituals in hopes of gaining a better position in their next life. I prayed that God would break my heart for these people, as His is broken. I think he answered that prayer, at least a little bit to allow me to see the need for Him here. God longs to see everyone of His children praising Him and loving Him, yet so many people are lost and simply hoping for a better next life. When I realized how sad and lost I would feel if I thought that my every action was being counted towards my worthiness of a better next life, I began to understand the desperation that Paul had to bring people to know Jesus. I began to understand why he would want to say "to live is Christ". If we know who God is and who Jesus is and we know of His love and salvation, we know that we have an eternity in heaven with Him. So how could we not want to share that with the lost? How could we not see someone who is bowing down in front of an idol made of medal and jewels and not have our hearts cry out for their brokenness and need? I don't think I completely understand this. I don't think I'm even anywhere near fully understanding this but I am continuing to pray that God teach me and help me to understand.
So anyways that's a random thought I've been having and thinking about. If anyone is so inclined I'd love feedback or ideas or anything really.
As for life in India. I've begun taking weekly walks through the village. All of the women from the jewelry group have shown me their homes and I've met many of their families. Even the women who are in the tailoring class have been welcoming me into their homes. I think if I accepted the invitation to eat at every person who offered an invitation's home I would have about 15 meals each walk. But I've been learning a lot about the village and the people. One thing for sure is that I absolutely love it here. I love the village and the people and the kids at LF. They're all so sweet. Of course like typical kids there are arguments and fights but I really am enjoying being here. So anyways my time at the internet cafe is up, the car drops me off on the way to pick up the kids from school and gets me on the way back. But I hope everyone whose reading this is doing well, and I truly appreciate the prayers and support!
Bye!
~Amanda
As we drive around India going to schools or shops or internet shops we pass countless temples. I see so many people going to worship gods and perform rituals in hopes of gaining a better position in their next life. I prayed that God would break my heart for these people, as His is broken. I think he answered that prayer, at least a little bit to allow me to see the need for Him here. God longs to see everyone of His children praising Him and loving Him, yet so many people are lost and simply hoping for a better next life. When I realized how sad and lost I would feel if I thought that my every action was being counted towards my worthiness of a better next life, I began to understand the desperation that Paul had to bring people to know Jesus. I began to understand why he would want to say "to live is Christ". If we know who God is and who Jesus is and we know of His love and salvation, we know that we have an eternity in heaven with Him. So how could we not want to share that with the lost? How could we not see someone who is bowing down in front of an idol made of medal and jewels and not have our hearts cry out for their brokenness and need? I don't think I completely understand this. I don't think I'm even anywhere near fully understanding this but I am continuing to pray that God teach me and help me to understand.
So anyways that's a random thought I've been having and thinking about. If anyone is so inclined I'd love feedback or ideas or anything really.
As for life in India. I've begun taking weekly walks through the village. All of the women from the jewelry group have shown me their homes and I've met many of their families. Even the women who are in the tailoring class have been welcoming me into their homes. I think if I accepted the invitation to eat at every person who offered an invitation's home I would have about 15 meals each walk. But I've been learning a lot about the village and the people. One thing for sure is that I absolutely love it here. I love the village and the people and the kids at LF. They're all so sweet. Of course like typical kids there are arguments and fights but I really am enjoying being here. So anyways my time at the internet cafe is up, the car drops me off on the way to pick up the kids from school and gets me on the way back. But I hope everyone whose reading this is doing well, and I truly appreciate the prayers and support!
Bye!
~Amanda
