Global Urban Trek 2008
Familiar OrientationJune 23, 2008
After twenty-four long-awaited hours of traveling, we finally arrived in Bangkok, Thailand for orientation.
During our first session, we were invited to have a “sacred experience” this summer in which Jesus has a sacred gift waiting for us. We spent our days at orientation allowing God to holistically prepare us for our journey by asking Him to grant us His eyes ad His heart for His people in Kolkata, India.
The past few days have been an introduction to this anticipated sacred experience. We came face to face with many of our struggles and fears and were able to align ourselves with Christ in our identity, lay down those fears that crippled us and empty ourselves so that Jesus could fill us with His glorious presence.
Upon my entrance into Bangkok, I expected brand new things, smells and concepts. However, after walking down the streets, I realized that the smells, sights, empty faces and sounds were not new, but rather quite familiar, and I found myself walking thirteen years back to my time in India. As memories began to flood my mind, I began thinking of the reality of this trip and wondered if I was truly ready to go back to my country.
I grew up in Kerala, India and have been exposed to much of the Indian culture. As a child, I have seen destitution and ingested the smells, sounds and poverty that India has to offer. Faced with the realities early on, I left with the intention never to return. Obviously God had different plans. As I journey back to a country I vowed never to return to, I asked the Lord to hold my heart in His hand as I allow my heart to break over my people.
As my team and I were challenged from Luke 10 to leave back our cumbersome and lofty comfort items and immerse ourselves among the poor, I pray that God would give us His eyes to look upon His people with the dignity that He has given them. We anticipate mutual transformations as we allow both God to change our lives and the Holy Spirit to work through us unto them.
As we fly out to Kolkata tomorrow morning, I look forward to seeing God’s faithfulness in our lives and in the lives of those whom we encounter.
This summer, my team and I prayed for a heart to go and be, rather than to go and do. I believe God is at work both in our lives and in Kolkata. He is challenging me to pray boldly and believe that He is God of all flesh. There is nothing too hard for him.
This is my hope for the team as we leave the land of smiles and head into the city of joy.
- Rajee
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