I learned that my worst day is probably better than the best day some people will ever have. I learned that the job that I have (that I sometimes don’t want to wake up for) is a profession that I chose, and that I had the opportunity to pursue. Millions of people do not have that chance in India. I get to teach children in a school, and not only that, I get paid for it. It allows me to live in a home that has air-conditioning, warm water, a comfortable bed, sheets and towels and even an occasional treat of Starbucks café latte, or eat out at my favorite restaurant. These things are unimaginable for many in India, yet we consider them a normal part of our lives. When I walk out my door I breathe in fresh air. I never thanked God for fresh air before. I never realized the blessings God gave me in the little things.

When I looked out at the masses of people from inside the car while being driven around the streets of India, I saw such suffering and sadness. I thought to myself “Where is God? Can’t He hear the children crying out for food? Can’t He see their naked bodies, their empty souls looking for love? They should be safe, happy, and loved. Why are the children sleeping in the streets where anyone can mistreat them and why are they working when they should be in school?” What emptiness I saw on their faces. It’s like looking at the living dead.

The Christians in India are a minority and some of the congregations that we met didn’t even have a shed in which to worship.  The beggars on the road may one day have a chance to sit at Jesus’ banquet table as princes and princesses. This is my prayer for India.

I have also seen the richness of faith and the true sacrifices of people in India for a cause they believe in. A single parent with two children had no money to send them to school, yet donated the little land that she had, to build a worship shed in one village. Incidentally, God did provide for her children so they could go to school this year for free.  They share what little they have with those who have even less. What motivates them? It is the love of Christ that burns in their hearts because they knew what it meant not to have Christ at one time. I learned that I cannot keep living with blinders over my eyes to the sufferings of others. As one person, I might not be able to do much, but together, we can help some of these children find eternal life through Christ. They deserve a roof over their heads, a chance to go to school, a chance to love and be loved. I think  while I thank God for all of His goodness, I also need to sacrifice a little so others can have much, much more than what my little sacrifice will mean to me.