I've been writing quite a bit about the hardships of women in India, but today I want to talk about some of the most moving service I've seen.
In the churches at both Siliguri and Kolkata, the young men of the congregation served the women during the conferences. They did everything from sorting and straightening the women's shoes (you should have seen them flying as they entered the santuary!)....
to cooking and serving lunch.
It was truly beautiful to see. In a place where many of the women were suffering hardships at home, the young men are being trained to be servants to all.
The young man below is one of the young leaders that Barry and Peggy Lane have known since he was 14. This man is a tae kwon do champion, but he lives in a room at the school and serves with his whole heart. His pastor told us that this young man is available day or night when he's needed and every morning he calls his pastor and asks, "How can I serve you today?"
I was so challenged to examine my own heart. Are there places where I'm resistant to service? Is there anything that I feel too good to do? Do I use fatigue, status or convenience determine my willingness to serve?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Lessons from India--Countercultural Service
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3 comments:
Hi, Amy. I am currently on sabbatical in Quito, Ecuador. My husband is serving as volunteer professor at our denomination's seminary. I have noticed that EVERYONE here, from the students on up to the President, are what we would call in the States,
"over-committed," but seem to sense an urgency for service and evangelism. Your comment about what excuses we use to not serve resonates with me. Do you think it is a cultural excuse that we use in the States (I'm striving to maintain balance, I'm practicing saying 'no', etc.) that so few of us serve wholeheartedly? Or is it a biblical principle of focus (as in Acts 6, I Cor 1, etc.)?
Debbie, I'm struggling with the same questions on a personal level. There's so much I want to do, but I feel stretched already. I'd love to hear your perspective after spending time out of the country. Sometimes you see things more clearly when you're not in the middle of it!
Amy
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