Global Urban Trek 2008
Faith in UncertaintyJuly 7, 2008
It has been two weeks since we arrived in Kolkata. We have survived the initial emotional shock but are still trying to cope with the harsh realities. For the past few days, most of us have been sick and are aware that God’s grace is enough for us.
In the mornings, the city is usually hectic but by the afternoon time, shops close, streets empty out and calmness is restored. At night the city becomes alive and is so beautiful.
There is so much despair in the streets but so much joy and liberation in the people we encounter. One of my sisters, Jocelyn shared of how the women she worked with ran to comfort her when she cried during prayer. She was amazed at how they had wiped away her tears with their scarves and relentlessly asked her if she was okay.
Our placement sites have been going well. Ariel and Jacob work at a school and love the children they work with. They said they were humbled by the way the children proudly welcomed them into their homes in the slums. Eunice works with children in the slums and says even though it is tiring and overwhelming doing so, she reminds herself that receiving and loving them is like receiving and loving Jesus.
Matt, Jane Marie, Houston, Emily S. and Deanna also work among the children in the slum communities with the knowledge that God is at work. At times they have felt ineffective and questioned how their presence makes a difference, but they are consoled with the reality that God honors and works through even the little interactions. Ashley, Emily R. and Bethany were able to go into brothels and spend time hearing the stories of women working there and interceding on their behalf.
Like Sean and Jocelyn, Rosa and I work with women who have been rescued from the prostitution line. We work in small facilities where they make cards, bags, blankets etc. to make a living. Rosa and I both struggle to overcome the language barriers. We try to communicate the best way we know how: through smiles.
A few nights ago, I shared my frustration with my team and asked God to fill my insufficiencies. The next day we went to our site where a girl brought me a phrase book. I was completely in awe. God, you saw my frustration and you heard my prayer. It wasn’t all that big.
I still cannot speak the language, but the gesture reminded me of God’s sovereignty – He is faithful and in control. My spirit was mended and I began to interact with the women with more than just smiles. I have grown to love them each and have dared to pray for them by name.
Someone once said that faith is born in the realms of uncertainty. That reigns true this moment as we wait on the Lord for direction, wisdom, peace, true joy, health and, of course, faith amidst all this uncertainty.
- Rajee
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