Past Missions

Previous Missions > India 2011 > Gill

6 months before the trip to India, I sat with a broken jaw when God dropped into my heart that now was the time for Ian (my husband) and I to do something new for Him together. Believing God was directing me, I stepped out in faith and saw the miraculous happen - I was granted term-time leave from the school where I worked to go to an orphanage in India.

The trip was in two parts - a few days in a children's orphanage and then a Bible camp for 100 children and teenagers. I immediately fell in love with the beautiful, smiling, affectionate, happy children who were so excited to see us. We enjoyed lots of arts and crafts, taught and played games indoors and out. The team helped make safe the outside area and ordered gates for the compound that protects them.

Two things stood out. First, the children's unwavering servant heart - truly humbling and challenging. Second, the difference Jesus makes in their lives. Many have been beaten, seen parents die from alcohol-related incidents or have had to beg. One had witnessed a family member being murdered in front of them. Yet they do not feel sorry for themselves, nor are they bitter. They are filled with joy and knowing Jesus loves them. I will never forget standing on the orphanage roof as the children led worship, dancing and singing praises to Jesus, loud and clear into the surrounding Hindu community. They pray with confidence and powerful faith, they cared for us and each other and want to give back.

The Bible camp was themed "Mighty Men and Women of God", with a mixture of teaching, crafts, team games and fun (water fight!). We taught them about David and Samuel - called as youths to know and serve God, Esther - an orphan (like many of them) called to do mighty things for God, and Ananias - who had to obey God despite his fear of man.

An amazing trip! It was a privilege to be part of the transforming work that God is doing!