Our day began just like any other "normal' Sunday morning: We awoke refreshed in our cozy Salem beds, ate our breakfasts and put on our "Sunday best." Pratti Stephens had told us we'd be ministering at a village church. That's where "normal" ended.
After a 45 minute drive, we arrived at a pretty little chapel, already filled with the sounds of singing and clapping. We were escorted to the stage and sat in a neat row of plastic chairs while the congregation sat on grass mats on the floor.
As I sat down, I was literally rendered breathless by the sight: 100 pairs of beautiful Indian eyes staring back at me. It seemed as though those eyes were saying, "Please. Come. We've been waiting so long to hear from The Lord. Bring us a word."
Time seemed to stand still but yet it rushed on and two hours later, it was over. Pastor Abel introduced Pratti in glowing terms and Pratti in turn introduced the team. I (Brenda) was called upon to sing a song. I gave a short testimony and then launched into an old spiritual, "Give Me Jesus." As I sang a capella, the pastor tried to join in on the keyboard. Let's just say it was the shortest rendition of that song I've ever been blessed to share!
Holly was called upon to preach and preach she did! She poured out God's Word on the people from Isaiah 61. My tears began to flow as she implored the congregation to "proclaim freedom" and "bind up the brokenhearted." I saw women near the front begin to weep as they took those words to heart. I have no way of knowing why they wept and for whom, but they wept.
As Holly concluded, Pratti and Pastor Abel invited the congregation forward for prayer and blessings. The aisle filled as they streamed forward toward us. The team moved among and through the congregation, praying with individuals and families. Mothers brought their children forward so that we could bless them and pray for them. It was an experience beyond expression. I had no idea why they came forward and they had no idea what I was praying, but God did. That's all that matters.
If nothing else happens for the rest of this trip, today's church experience was worth every bit of time and effort and money that you gave to make this trip possible. The Spirit of The Lord came upon them and they, and we, will never be the same.
Tomorrow: Bangalore again!
Goodnight from Brenda!
After a 45 minute drive, we arrived at a pretty little chapel, already filled with the sounds of singing and clapping. We were escorted to the stage and sat in a neat row of plastic chairs while the congregation sat on grass mats on the floor.
As I sat down, I was literally rendered breathless by the sight: 100 pairs of beautiful Indian eyes staring back at me. It seemed as though those eyes were saying, "Please. Come. We've been waiting so long to hear from The Lord. Bring us a word."
Time seemed to stand still but yet it rushed on and two hours later, it was over. Pastor Abel introduced Pratti in glowing terms and Pratti in turn introduced the team. I (Brenda) was called upon to sing a song. I gave a short testimony and then launched into an old spiritual, "Give Me Jesus." As I sang a capella, the pastor tried to join in on the keyboard. Let's just say it was the shortest rendition of that song I've ever been blessed to share!
Holly was called upon to preach and preach she did! She poured out God's Word on the people from Isaiah 61. My tears began to flow as she implored the congregation to "proclaim freedom" and "bind up the brokenhearted." I saw women near the front begin to weep as they took those words to heart. I have no way of knowing why they wept and for whom, but they wept.
As Holly concluded, Pratti and Pastor Abel invited the congregation forward for prayer and blessings. The aisle filled as they streamed forward toward us. The team moved among and through the congregation, praying with individuals and families. Mothers brought their children forward so that we could bless them and pray for them. It was an experience beyond expression. I had no idea why they came forward and they had no idea what I was praying, but God did. That's all that matters.
If nothing else happens for the rest of this trip, today's church experience was worth every bit of time and effort and money that you gave to make this trip possible. The Spirit of The Lord came upon them and they, and we, will never be the same.
Tomorrow: Bangalore again!
Goodnight from Brenda!
Amen! Continuing to pray.
ReplyDeletePrayers going up!!!!! I got the Holy Ghost goosebumps reading that blog! I had to read it three times, all the while chilling with great excitement! Praise Him who is able to so much more than we ask! Dee
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