REACH 2017

Some more various photos from our trip. Some faces of friends that we made overseas, as well as a photo from a small Christian wedding we were able to be a part of.

Another photo of Alex making the girls laugh!

Alex greatly enjoys making people laugh! These girls had so much fun watching Alex and Christina do illusions. After, we took them through some small games and they laughed so much! I do believe God uses laughter to help people feel loved. It was a blessing getting to know these girls and hear their stories. They are so passionate for God! They surprised the whole team and encouraged us to be more bold in our faith! Praise God!

We made it back!

About to get on the plane back to Canada! The team is going through mixed emotions of returning to Canada and leaving India. It has been an amazing experience, a trip of a lifetime. I'm sure none of the members will forget what God has done in India and in their hearts.

Just preparing to go to the airport for our return to Canada. I have appreciated each person on this team thru the ups and downs along with Roy and Anu, our hosts. Pray that there will be no issues like health - Alex is not feeling very good - and travel hiccups - like the potential one in the photo below.

From Jacob - Today was our last day of planned programs. It was also the day that I was asked to give the message as I had yet to do that for any of our programs. This whole trip I have been battling walls built up in my life from my time growing up in the west. I have been challenged greatly on this trip to step out and boldly share my faith and convictions, even if I didn't feel ready. And I can honestly say that I'm still not great at stepping out of my comfort zone and approaching random people, striking up a conversation, and sharing Jesus.

But I have learned so much about myself through this trip. I have had opportunities to share the gospel and how it has affected me, and I have seen God working through our time here as a team. Now back to the part about me sharing the message. I struggled with whether I was in the right state of mind to be sharing about Christ. I knew I had things to say, yet I battled whether I could stand and share those things without feeling like a hypocrite. I believe God was able to use what I was able to share and I pray that I will continue to grow in understanding and knowledge.

This trip has show me many things and I pray that God will help me understand how to grow in my areas of weakness. One thing I will not soon forget, is the kindness of the people here. I have been looked after where ever we have traveled and the people are always so friendly.

I know God can use anything to further His kingdom, and so I pray that all the glory goes to Him in whatever our team has been able to accomplish during these short three weeks. For it is only be His doing that we are here in the first place. Thank you to everyone for your continual support in prayer. God is doing incredible things here, and I encourage you to continue to pray for the people here long after our team departs, especially for Roy (our host) and his wife Anu and their children, and for all the ministry that they do for the people here. Pray also for the Miller team that will be coming here in July.

From Mark - Another awesome day today!!!

From Mark - Yesterday was the hottest day I have ever experienced and Ive been doing this for almost 25 years. The team did so well serving wholeheartedly with no fans and no air movement in a very cramped space. My hilite was to see the kids respond sincerely to our message. Many of them in the developing orphanage are children of prostitutes. One of them named Zoey... told us about her faith in Jesus and being healed 3 weeks ago from chicken pox. It was difficult to hear too of unnecessary deaths like a 2 year old who fell from a balcony the day before. It was meaningful to pray for the staff there before we left. As we left I couldnt help but ask myself "Would I be will to serve and persevere in a difficult place like that?"

From Shari - I'm still processing the events that happened this past Monday. The Spirit of the Lord was throughout the entire church where we were doing a performance for s*x workers from the brothel nearby. I have been so moved by the power of the Gospel on this trip and how it continues to affect me and transform me. To see the Gospel change lives of women who are trapped, broken, and hurting.

After the program, I was drawn to the courtyard to a group of four women who were a couple years younger than me. Their teacher had brought them, but I found out that they were hesitant to come since they usually sleep during the day. My heart dropped. What a life.

I later sat down with one of these girls, age 17, over samosas and had the privilege of chatting with her. To hear her story and opinion of the performance we just completed. Through translation, Anu and I were able to share the joy we have in Christ. We prayed a blessing over her life, which was so powerful and moving. She was given a Bible in Hindi and immediately started reading and asking questions.

I have no idea what happened to her after she left or what that night looked like for her, but I am trusting that as she searches and questions, God will make Himself known to her. He was so evidently moving in her heart that day, so I will continue to pray for all around safety and salvation for this new friend of mine. May I see her once again in eternity.