You’re Not Welcomed Here; Go Home!

March 1, 2006

I have arrived safely in India. Thank God. After traveling for more than 2 days, across over more than 3 continents, and covering over 7,000 miles, my parents and I have finally arrived in Hyderabad, India. Hyderabad is located in the southern, middle region of India in the Andhra Pradesh state. We are staying at the Harsha Hotel located in center of Hyderabad. There is a population of over 1.5 million people living in this city alone. And even now, while it is 1:49 am in the morning, there is a constant noise of cars and horns and people right outside our hotel window.

This is a brand new journey. A different kind of journey. Last year my parents and I went to West Africa. It was a rewarding and life changing trip. I’ve always wanted to go to Africa. It is the motherland, the seat of civilization, the roots from where “my people”, African Americans and Caribbean people descended. We immediately had a connection to the food, the culture, the history, the land, and the people. The Ghanians welcomed us with open arms, as if we were prodigal children finding our way back home. They received us warmly, bestowed great acts of kindness upon us and openly listened to our message. For me it was part of a journey of finding my way back home.

But this, this is a new kind of journey. I’ve never thought seriously about visiting India. In my mind, it has always been a fascinating place, a place of great mystery. But never did I imagine my journeys would take me here?! When my father suggested going, as part of “missionary effort--part 2”, I was extremely hesitant. After all, I’m still recovering from missionary effort – part 1. The thought of being outside my comfort zone, again, for many weeks, again, was……..something I would have to seriously think about and pray about. And I did. I thought and prayed and thought some more, prayed some more. And then it was time for an answer. But I didn’t have one. I had no strong opinion one way or another whether or not to go. My parents wanted me to go. My logical, rational, business minded, and safe part of me did not want to go. Mainly because I did not want to be “uncomfortable” …..and of course there was work. (Beware of retired, adventurous parents, with no work to hold them back or slow them down) :-0

A new kind of journey. In the midst of my internal struggle, I got a word that helped me to solidify my answer. God said, I have people there that are ready and awaiting the Word. How will they know, if no one tells them? You do My work; I’ll take care of yours. So I agreed, almost reluctantly. And began preparations. And God did come through on His part.

So we are here. We’ve been here for one day so far. And it has been very interesting. The limited infrastructure, poverty, lack of hot water, toilet paper and occasionally the lack of a toilet itself, remind me that I am far away from home, in a different kind of world. The travel was long, but we got to fly north past Greenland as we crossed the Atlantic Ocean. We continued our flight over Europe, Russia, then headed south over of parts of western Asia. We arrived in Delhi, India and awaited our transfer flight to Hyderabad. On the plane local Indian papers were given out to passengers to read. I find out that Pres Bush is to visit India this week, with a stop over in Hyderabad this weekend. What timing?

The US sentiment on this side of the world does not seem very favorable. The front cover of “The Hindu”, India’s national newspaper showed a full color picture of protesters taking the streets in one of India’s states, expressing solidarity with Iraqis and protesting the bombing of the Iraqi shrine. In the article it refers to the US as imperialistic murderers and in a separate article calls Bush a war criminal. “The Times International” headlines “Terror Cloud Over Bush Visit” and speaks of active campaigns that have been setup to protest the upcoming visit, including marches, banners and gory pictures.

I began to panic. What are we doing here? They don’t want us here. Our country represents imperialistic values to many of them. Will they even receive us? Will we be safe? The questions began to mount.

Then I remembered, “You do My work, and I’ll handle yours.” I’m slowing beginning to see the full extent of what God had in mind. When we finally arrived at our destination, the local church received us warmly. We found out that our assignment would be right here in the city. In the past, much focus was given to spreading the Word in the villages, but the cities were overlooked. Our family has been chosen to work in this city while the others go into to the surrounding villages.

As I look out my hotel window, I notice the cars, buses and taxis have slowed down a bit but are still pretty constant. There are millions of people living in this city. The majority of people are Hindu and believe in multiple gods. There are many other faiths including Islam, as well as “cultural” religions. Many don’t know anything about Christianity, nor do they know that God loves them. I am reminded of Paul as he walked through Athens. This new kind of journey has definitely begun.