Reflections . . .

All I keep thinking is “Wow, what a trip!"

In many ways this trip was the fan to the flame of my own faith. It is often said that we go on mission trips with the intent of blessing the people; however, we usually are blessed more by them than we could ever give out. I definitely feel this way about India. . .

Yes, it was a rough trip both spiritually and physically, but it has been said that when we are the most defenseless is when we give God the chance to show up the strongest. And boy did He! I have to say that my favorite moment was the rain during the last night of the crusade. It didn’t just rain – it POURED! All I could hear in my spirit was the chorus of the song, “Let it rain” ---- “Open the floodgates of Heaven and let it rain!” The remarkable thing was that it not only rained in Kurnool, but it rained in the majority of the state of Andhra Pradesh! God honored everywhere that we had been preaching the Good News!

In that powerful moment, I felt that the Holy Spirit was cleansing and baptizing the people . . .

As I was praying for those young people to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, I felt awestruck, and intense humbleness . . . even brokeness. . . I mean who am I that God would want to use me to minister to His people??? My thoughts immediately returned back to my previous statement . . . it is when I am the most defenseless that I give God the greatest opportunity to show up the strongest and use me to the fullest!

It often takes moments of witnessing the supernatural power of God to break the stronghold of complacency in our faith and to take our faith to that next level. This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone and restored in me the desire to be a witness to my faith and to remain in a constant state of humbleness and submission before God.

God has great things in store for the people of India! In reflecting back over our trip, I pray that where a seed of faith was initially planted . . . that it was watered and fed during our time there. I pray that people were rescued from religion in exchange for lives being radically changed and hearts set on fire for a true relationship with Christ!

Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it --- Jeremiah 33:9

Kelley

A VIDEO...

Here is a short video I took of the HPC drama. Angela came up with the idea and we were able to perform it a couple times throughout our time in India. Life Church also had an awesome drama (complete with costumes and everything) but I didn't get to capture theirs on video. Anyone else have it?

From Katherine -

It's hard to believe that the trip is over. So much planning and preparation went into it - and it finally came, and then it went. The trip seemed to happen so quickly. So, I pray that the moments and memories stay with me for a lifetime. Here were some of my highlights:

Seeing all of the members of the team step out of their comfort zones and minister with their whole hearts. I was so amazed to watch God use each and every one of us in ways I could have never imagined! I'm so proud of each of you. I see the change it has had in our lives. We will always have this in common - we stood, with shaking knees, in front of 1000's and proclaimed the name of Jesus - on the other freaking side of the world!

























Getting to know the other half of our team from Life Church. I know that even if we don't email or talk everyday, our relationships are locked into the common experiences we all shared. We may not know each others personal lives well, but if we were ever to be in India again together - we would be the best of friends - family even.

Our leaders Kim and Adam. It was such an honor to serve with them. I believe we all felt protected, loved, supported, provided for, and safe under the authority and covering of Kim and Adam Braud. I am so thankful for their hearts for us, the people of India, and especially for God. Thank You Kim and Adam we love you!

Well, for the sake of time and space, I'll let those be my top three highlights. There are so many more moments that I can recall and I hope that I never forget.

Some last words from our leaders...

Hey India Team!

Well, I’m sure by now everyone is back at work, & hopefully, eating & sleeping normally. Rabbit trail… anyone still a little sick? The Braud house is S-T-RUGGLING… It’s amazing what a little bad Indian food can do to somebody!!!!

Anyway, I must say we had a great time! This team was probably the best team we’ve ever led. I have such a huge respect for each & every one of you. The relationships formed, words spoken (especially Adam Bartlett’s “Come on somebody!” while he was preaching), time spent ministering, and even the toilets hugged have left us with great memories & a fresh fire!

I’ve been thinking about the team lately & re-living those God moments we all had, and it makes me think of the story when Jesus feeds 5000 people. At the beginning of the story, the disciples are so focused on their inadequacies / insecurities, but Jesus pushes them into a realm of trusting Him & seeing the supernatural firsthand. I think each of us can relate… It seemed before we ever left for India, we were a bunch of nervous, inadequate disciples boarding a plane and by the time we returned, we can truly say, we have seen God move in the supernatural…. I’m in awe of how every one stepped out of their comfort zone & chose to trust God in front of thousands of people. You have truly inspired Adam & I…

Sooooooo with all the mushy stuff outta the way, all this “inspiring” has earned you all nick names. Here goes…

Adam “The Bishop” Bartlett (Come on, somebody!!!!!)

Angela “The Mouth” Musso (don’t act surprised, gurl)

Steph “Gandhi” Durbin

Kelley “Thank God You Came On The Trip Or We’d All Be Dead” Scott

Fern “The Preach!” Dillard

Katherine “Thunder” Sharkey

Kelly “Most Likely to Sleep in the Bathroom in a Foreign Country” Finegan

Dustin “Powerade” Anderson


Caleb “Brush Yo Hair!” Brown

Gered “The Disposal” Lambert (you ate everything man!)

Brandi “The Heart” Lambert (girl, you got some heart for those kids!)

Kelly “Iron Stomach” Pitts (how are you the only one that didn’t get sick?!)

Jennifer “Mama J” Marlowe

Aubrey “Celly Cell” Harris (you are fierce with a text)

Love you guys,

Til next time….

Adam & Kim

Home...

You think about home when you're away from it.

And I've been doing some thinking.


As with the end of most trips, I'm looking forward to going back home but still wanting more. I do miss home. But in the end I've begun to ask where is my home? I feel at home almost anywhere I go now, as long as I'm with people I love and enjoy. Tell me, is Hyderabad home? What about Kurnool? Or Nandyal perhaps? Baton Rouge? Memphis? Alabama? Does location matter at all? I'm beginning to truly believe it doesn't. I just want to be where I can be used best.

What else can India give me? I'm not sure. Though I wonder how much more I could've given it. I feel like I gave a good bit, but I can hardly call it a sacrifice. For every drop of sweat or frustration or stomach pain, there was a much greater amount of smiles from children and opportunities to be served and to be a blessing. Honestly, what can I give that hasn't already been given. These people get in your head. You go to bed at night with their faces on your mind, and all you can think about is how you can point them a little closer to Jesus.

We went to a Hindu temple today. And I think about how small what we've done really is. There are so many lost people. They come and worship their gods, and I'm guessing don't get much out of the deal. Lies are vicious, perpetual black holes really. The lie asks for all of you and offers nothing.

But maybe, just maybe we helped one person. Let's pray that the one we reached was the right one. Let's pray the one we reached will grow up to change the whole nation. It's all for the one. It's all for the Son.

Amen.

Caleb (Khalab)

Back in Hyderabad

From the team...

We still don't have enough words to express all that God has done. The team has really bonded through all the things we've been through together and watched God do in our midst. We're getting ready to go to the JMM office in the morning. We are really excited about this. Today we traveled from Kurnool back to Hyderabad. We're staying at one of the local American missionary's houses. This evening we've been able to spend a few minutes listening to him share about his family and some of is history in India and missions. We have really enjoyed the day and are looking forward to tomorrow!

In Came the Rain

From the team...

We just wrapped up our last night of the festival. This was the most awesome experience we have ever had. Jesus was moving and we saw tremendous miracles!!!!! Jesus was coming in with the wind and rain (in a land where we were told it WOULD NOT RAIN for another 3 weeks - its the dry season) It began to storm right before our leader, Kim, gave a word to some of the youth and we saw several baptized in the Holy Spirit!! Words will never be able to express the utter amazement and joy that is in our hearts!!! We sit right now eating our late meal still close to tears at what God has started in this country, and subsequently, in our lives.

We love u all at home and miss u, and will see u soon! Pray for Gods continued movement in this country!