rickshaw ride, anyone??

Calcutta. It’s a crazy place. But I love how the beauty of the Lord shines so much brighter in a place where there is such thick darkness and oppression. I would have to say that I have seen this beauty most in the children here. The first time I ever saw Indian children pray was at the tiny school house where we were teaching Sunday school, and I was blown away. All 50 children had their eyes closed tightly; hands clenched close to their heart, and were praying passionately and loudly to their Heavenly Father. You could tangibly feel the power in the room. It is the most amazing/ strange experience when you can look into the eyes of a small child and see a mature Holy Spirit moving and working inside them. That is our God! Their simple devotion and purity of faith has challenged me beyond belief.

Ryan and I went prayer walking yesterday, and I have to say it was the most peace I have felt since we arrived here. We walked around the streets of the slum, praying and talking to some of the children, and then we went to some of the believer’s houses. With each family we prayed with, it was as if the Holy Spirit was so eager to move, that all we needed to do was be there. The words of our prayers did not matter. The Holy Spirit just wanted our willingness and obedience to be vessels of its power. It was truly beautiful. God does not need us. We are nothing. But when he does chose to use us to pray healing over a sick child or a man dying of tuberculosis, it is overwhelmingly humbling.

One of the other things that the Lord has really been impressing on my heart is the importance of our roles as intercessors for this place. As I was reading through Exodus the other day, I came across the story of Moses interceding for the Hebrews. The Lord wanted to wipe them out because of their disobedience, but Moses’ petition caused the Lord to relent and withhold his anger. The people were so used to their bondage that they could not understand the freedom that God was offering them. One man’s pure and humble intercession saved an entire rebellious nation. I truly believe that in a place like this intercession is the jumping off point for breakthrough, and effective prayers come from identifying with the people and always striving to have our hearts in a worshipful position toward the Lord. I want the Lord to use us to break boxes of idolatry when it comes to religion and culture. I want these people to taste and see the freedom found in Jesus.

I want to thank all of you again for blanketing us in your prayers and encouraging words. Rest assured that we feel them and that they are being used for the advancement of the kingdom! Our God is living and victorious, even in this place. Blessings and all my love to all of you!!

-Sara

~ by Ben on July 3, 2008.