God has given me such a sweet reminder of my heart for India these past couple of weeks. I got the opportunity to host a dozen college girls in my apartment for an evening of Indian festivities. I ordered Indian snacks from a local Indian market, hired a henna wallah, had the Bollywood movie playing, and the chai ready. I can honestly say I haven't been in my element, as much in that moment, for longer than I can remember. I was overwhelmed with emotion getting share a place that has meant so much to me with people in my community here. I love it when people love India, the traditions, and the people.
I was however blessed when God gave me opportunity to share the gospel with "Uncle Ji" at the party. I, of course, had been engaging him in conversation, making him chai, and telling him some of my crazy stories about living in India. We engaged each other in spiritual conversation which at some point involved me sharing the FULL gospel with him. He asked about the purpose of the church, convictions, sin, heaven, and worship. I was reminded how easy it is to have spiritual conversations with Hindu's and how it easily leads to the gospel. The highlight of my evening was when I played Yeshu Bagans (Jesus worship music in Hindu style) and he went on and on about how wonderful they were and even asked for a copy!! I walked away from this evening with a huge part of my heart that had died revived with a new spark and excitement for my upcoming adventures in India again this summer and the Indian people.
God was gracious to me TODAY again in reminding me of my love for India. I went in to the shop where Uncle Ji works to get my eyebrows threaded. And the minute I walked in, Uncle Ji shook my hand and hugged me. I might also add it was a little awkward. An Indian male has never given me a frontal hug before! But it was totally the hug you would give a family member. Then he was quickly on the phone with his wife telling her I was in the shop! He soon mentioned too that He left the Yeshu Bagan CD at my apartment and that I needed to bring it ASAP because he wanted to play it in his shop. I was of course invited to come to his home and eat indian food and to bring my pictures to the shop.
I am most excited that the gospel through song will soon be playing in his shop once I give him the CD.
So today my Indian heart is full, yet again. Full because God sent me there over 5 years ago to fall in love with it's people and it's culture, but more importantly because I have the life giving gospel to share with them. I am so thankful that God connected me with this family. I pray this will be the beginning my ministry to Indians in Southern California!
