Incredible India

India was almost like returning home for me after all my years growing up in neighboring Pakistan. Ironically, my birthplace in the Punjab became an issue as we applied for a visa, but permission came through and we were able to visit three very different ministries-each reaching out to many Indians.

The passion of Truth-Seekers in New Delhi is to see the caste system truly eradicated from India. Like many westerners I was not aware of how deeply-rooted it still is. It was an eye-opening experience to see individuals from many different faiths gathering together in the unity of the One who claimed to be the way, the truth, the life.

Before that we visited the slums of Mumbai and Pune with social workers from the Hindustani Covenant Church. We saw thousands of children, gathered in cramped little rooms, given the opportunity to learn to read. The hope, we were told, was to persuade parents that education will pay out more in the long run than having their children pick through the dumps to recycle plastic and metal.

Then we visited the brothels. Many of the women had been sold by their own family members. The streets were dingy and squalid. I was humbled as I saw the love of the workers--one, herself a redeemed prostitute--seeking to rescue women from their miserable circumstances.

I was reminded how much I take the love of my family for granted. I was reminded that Jesus didn't shy away from the outcasts and prostitutes. Yes, the circumstances were depressing, but the compassion of the Hindustani Covenant church shone brightly.

As we ended our trip in southern India, I was delighted to learn that what I took for legend about St. Thomas and his days there is considered part of local history--including the hill where he was killed.

It was inspiring to see the dedication of the staff of India for Christ Ministries as they handle hundreds of children in multiple settings. We watched enthusiastic children play, sing and practice their English. Where in America would I ever see such respectful, enthusiastic kids singing their hearts out? Maybe we need to have our privileges taken away so we can learn a little gratitude?

A Small Language School with a Big Impact

I stood there and gave thanks. On our first visit to this Covenant-affiliated training center in a small Asian city, I was on the 4th floor of a vocational school looking at a map of the nation on a billboard. On it were pictures of scores of students. Each picture had an English name the student had taken when he or she entered this 2-year program. And each picture was linked to a different city or province. Equipped with English-language skills I had been told, these students were finding jobs in almost every province.

As the students have gone out, many of them have also taken with them new outlooks and values as a result of the unique educational environment they had experience. English immersion and small class sizes--two of this school's distinctives--have made it possible for many close friendships to develop between students and teachers. I thanked God for a core of visionary people who had opened this school and developed the programs to this point.

The impact of this school has been significant in every way. While some of the teachers expressed regret that they could not follow up on these students in a more intentional way, it became clear that many long-lasting friendships have been made between teachers and students, and many teachers have made efforts to stay in touch with students after they have left the school.

Much work has been done to develop a quality curriculum, systems, and structures to ensure that students gain a good grasp of English. Furthermore, much work has been done to enable North Americans to come for short periods of time, to teach, to live without undue stress in what could be an intimidating environment. Comfortable apartments, a well-organized program, and good orientation materials ease the transition of North Americans from many age brackets into life and work in this rural Asian city.


The testimony and return of many of these teachers for multiple periods is evidence that they have found the experience fulfilling and life-changing. One retired ethics professor from a school in the U.S. said to us: "I am almost embarrassed to admit to my peers back home how much fun my times at this school have been." He talks about what a joy it is to teach students who are motivated to learn and who treat him with respect and gratitude. While most of the team is considerably younger than this professor, they have a strong desire to continue to improve the program even while occasionally struggling with the challenges of living in a difficult environment. We praise God for the faithful service and commitment of this team.