Out of the Ashes

  Three weeks ago, the country seemed to be moseying along as if COVID-19 was just a distant problem, and would never come to us. Two weeks ago, we saw an active interest in preventative measures that were actually impressive for a third world country like Indi@. There were gloved workers everywhere with disinfectant cleaning everything; masked staff members working in stores; and information being passed around the community on how to stay safe.   Waiting for food/rations It was during this time, that we saw what COVID-19 was doing in other countries, and we decided to stock up dried foods for a few months and go into self-isolation. We decided it best to send the 3 boys that live with us back to their villages, so they could be close to family during these uncertain times.  Their exams for which they are studying (and one of the main reasons they stay with us) were postponed the day after we sent them home. Two days later all buses and public transportation stopped

It’s been almost 6 years living here permanently in India and I think I have only seen three people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus before me. I know so many seeds have been planted. I know many people are on the verge of truly following Christ, but ouch, three people seems so few. I wonder what I could do more or speak. I read this today by John Piper: “Not one life spent in the cause of world evangelization is spent in vain. Not one prayer or one dollar or one sermon or one letter of encouragement or one little light shining in some dark place — nothing in the cause of this advancing kingdom is in vain.” I have to remind myself. Nothing I do for Christ is in vain. Even the little hugs to neighbors and neighbor’s children count.  Someone told me this past Sunday, “Christina, you love everyone”! They said not just like you pretend to care but you really care. You truly love people.  My heart sang. Not out of pride but because this is my prayer. I pray I can genuinely love