Trip to Khandali

“I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands” (Ps. 1:1-2)

“The transformation of a mind through the study of God’s Word cannot be accomplished via shortcuts.” – Glenn McDonald

Last week I had the privilege of sitting with many Christian Indian leaders. We were planning courses and curriculum for some Seminaries around the country. I felt truly humbled being with them, as most of them were pioneers in the mission field in India. One morning they gave me the task of holding devotion prior to breakfast.






















It was a wonderful experience to be around so many missionary pioneers, as combined there was well over 70 years of missionary experience. Our days were filled with sitting around 6 plastic tables put together and a table cloth thrown on top. The three day meeting was held at one of BBCM/ACPL’s medical clinics. This is also where we slept. We slept on single beds with mattresses that were like sleeping on cardboard, and that is no exaggeration. That is actually how they like their mattresses here, hard like rock.




























Our days were spent composing curriculum to be used by IIM (India Institute of Missiology). We would build a curriculum with two others and then the rest of the group would critique, which made the time very efficient, as we were able to develop 6 courses completely and then just tweak the others. Another aspect of the meeting was to adjust the credit system and work load for Seminary and Doctorate students, because it was lacking in both areas.

The days were long, as we would rise at 7am, so we could have our own time of devotion, then have breakfast. Afterwards we would sit and spend time in meetings until lunch at 1:30pm. It was very efficient, as we would work with little distraction and then during lunch we would stop and socialize. The Indian culture uses meals for socialization and work is not discussed at all. It is quite amazing. After lunch we would work till 7:30pm and then have dinner and same rules apply as above. After dinner we would work until around 11pm and start over the next day.

We did take one long break where I was able to walk with a few men to see the village. This is an extremely poor area, and it was very apparent upon entering their village center. My camera decided to break and I was not able to get as many pictures as I would have liked, but it was nothing to see little children running naked and men sleeping on the side of the road. It is always a humbling experience being in these areas. It would probably be like going into the poorest communities in the U.S., but without welfare availability or social services available. Not to mention they don’t care here about little children running naked in India.

These men to my surprise were extremely open and vulnerable with one another during our group devotions. They talked about not putting their wives first in their Christian walk, dealing with humility in their own life, about some personal struggles within their families. They said it was sinful and said they need to repent continually over these issues and asked us to pray for them. I was extremely humbled by the answers and it allowed me to be open as well. These are men who have lived up to 20 years in the ministry field, or are still in the field. Men who have lived each day waiting on God to deliver their meals sometimes, and would at times live off 2000 Rupees a month ($50 USD). Trust me it is not much in India either. The average poor family will still make around 6000 Rupees a month at least.

In my eyes they were true men of faith who have sacrificed the easy road for the sake of Christ. You can see how God has blessed them and how their faith has been used to bring many to Christ in India. Again they were teaching me and the other Americans there about vulnerability and openness with other men of faith. They truly longed to walk closer with Jesus and to develop a deeper relationship.

It presents a great challenge for all of us as believers. Are you afraid to be open with other believers? Why? Do you care more about what they think or what Jesus thinks? Why are we so worried? Maybe they will tell others. And? If we are truly walking with Christ we should not be worried about it. If there is something you are so afraid of sharing with other believers, then you truly need to work on that sin and even more so need to find help in overcoming it through your pastor or Christian counselor. Even then, you would probably help many by sharing your struggles, especially if you are a leader. People need to know that everyone struggles, as we all fall short of perfection.

The only way to truly overcome is by knowing the truth as Christ says in John 8:31-32, “ ‘If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” We have to be in the Bible, and truly long to follow the commands it tells us, as that is the only way to overcome. We have to long to follow what Christ says about overcoming sin and developing a deeper relationship with Him.

What is the hardest part of following Jesus for you? Have you shared that with other believers so they can pray for you? If not, why not?

Can you say like Jeremiah did in 15:16, “Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”

“The further we move ahead as disciples, the more we discover that God speaks to us through the same text of Scripture in ever deepening ways.” – Glenn McDonald