God's Heart

There was no way to prepare me for a world 

 outside of my own—I had to trust in the Lord and have faith that he would give me grace.  After a day and half of air travel we made it to Nagaland.  It is a breath taking place and culturally more different then I had expected.  Some people lived in houses, others in 5 story apartment buildings, and even some in huts made from bamboo and tree leaves.  As I sat in the car soaking it all in, I realized that it all was not as different as it seemed.  These huts I saw are no different from North American trailer parks.  Garbage was scattered along the streets but I saw just as much garbage along the streets in New Jersey.  On the car ride, I am sure I looked like a kid at a theme park for the first time, but by the second day my awe had turned into familiarity and love.  Needless to say, Nagaland now has a place in my heart, and I am sure it will be there for the rest of my life.  I learned a lot about the territory and its history, some of it by just observing and the rest by listening.  

The first thing that greeted us as we got off the plane in Dimapur was two armed soldiers. On the drive to the schools, we went through various army check points and of course two cars full of foreigners attracted their attention.  It was revealed to us that there is a political tension over the land: India and Nagaland both claim it as their own.  About a year ago a cease fire was signed and foreigners were allowed to travel within Nagaland without a restricted –area permit.  

Upon meeting the students, teachers, and school heads, I got to see some small things that point back to their tribal roots, but also, see how much they are like us.  They dress no different than a south Korean or North American, and they speak at the least 3 languages. Their population is 19 000 000 and farmers are the main driving force of the economy.  The country does not export their agriculture mainly due to lack organization, but also do to small crops and unaccommodating roads. 

The people I had the privilege of meeting are just as beautiful as the land, they were very hospitable and welcoming.  They took care of our basic needs with warm caring hearts and just loved us more then I could have imagined. Nominalism is wide spread there, but I could not see it in these students or teachers.  From what they said, the churches are rigid toward certain types of growth or changes.  This response to changes I am sure can hinder growth and possibly foster this spirit of Nominalism. The students were so hungry for God.  They were very interested in small groups and one-on-one discipleship but they didn’t know how to start them, and felt the pastors would be unwelcoming of such programs.  I did hear some stories where they were doing something like a small group through outreach in small villages.  So that is a step in the right direction.  If God puts these people on your heart please pray for improvement in education especially within the church, that the people would grow in the knowledge of God and share a deep relationship with him, and that the students would bring Godly changes and growth into the lives of those God brings them to.  

On the way home while digesting the trip God placed before me a verse that sums up my trip nicely.  “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon 1:6).  And through my sharing I was able to learn about and observe the heart of God.  I saw and experienced how God provides for his people, from monetary needs to accommodations, and so much more.  The schools drove us to where we needed to be, they gave us a bed, a room, and food.  And I could see how He provided teachers, students, facilities, etc. for the schools.  

It was such an honor to have that opportunity to teach seminary students, and how all I had as credentials was Jesus Christ.   I learned to trust Him with planning my workshop lessons and give me peace to teach in front of the classes.  He gave me the courage to tell my testimony and even converse with the female students.  He gave me, my husband, and my child grace as I was away from them during training and during the mission trip.  God gave me and my family the strength, energy, and focus while I was there to do His will.  Before leaving, I would reflect on the fact that I was leaving my family and I would feel so sad, but then God would give me Luke 14:26-27.  It was like God was asking me who was more important in my heart.  After the mission trip, I returned to a sermon on exactly that topic, and interestingly enough the pastor used going on a mission trip as an example.  The sermon hit home and confirmed for me one of the important lessons God taught me through this experience.