Matthew’s Gospel reports that the imprisoned apostle John sent his disciples to find Jesus and ask, “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?” Jesus told them, “Go back and tell John what’s going on:

                The blind see,

                The lame walk,

                Lepers are cleansed,

                The deaf hear,

                The dead are raised,

                The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side

Is this what you were expecting?” (Matthew 11:3-6, The Messge).

In today’s media-driven society, there are lots of agencies and societies claiming to be doing good works on the mission field of the world.  They have programs, schools, clinics, churches, workshops, and more.  Some are well-intentioned but not very effective.  Others are more focused on “fronts” and fundraising than meeting needs.  Thank God, there are many who are pouring out their very lives to reach lost and hurting souls with the saving and healing power of the gospel of Chris.

Some time ago, I had the privilege of going to northern India with Pastor Paul Leaming and traveling in six “states” with Dr. P. G. Vargis, founder of Indian Evangelical Team (IET).  In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, we ministered in a pastors’ conference and dedicated an impressive new orphanage facility.  I met dozens of extraordinary men who literally were risking their lives and families to persecution and serious sacrifice to save the lost.  I wept as dozens of orphans (and Indian Christians too) crowded around Pastor Leaming to receive “the blessing” (see Numbers 6:24-26).

I must have visited twelve or more churches along the way as Dr. Vargis took me to Jammu and Kashmir, across the Punjab to the regional Bible Institute at Pathankot, where scores of young men and women were studying.  Later, in the Semiliguda region of Orissa state, I saw some of the neediest people on earth, living in primitive conditions.  In the churches there, ladies brought a cup or two of rice in a shawl to put in a common container as their offering – literally all the had to give.  I felt humble in their presence.

How those people could sing and pray and worship! How those children could laugh and dance joyfully before the Lord.  How they trusted God for food, shelter, protection – for life itself.  Even with so little, how they shared!  In the midst of incredible need and deadly opposition, I saw that the Church is alive and well!

So if you’re wondering where to find “good ground” in which to plant your seed gifts, let me tell you from firsthand, on-site experience, the IET out-reaches are the real deal!  Where IET’s workers go, the hungry are fed, the hurting are healed, the orphans are loved and cared for, the gospel is preached, and the lost are saved.  Is this what you were expecting? Then do your best, give your best – be part of what God is doing to reach and bless India’s millions!

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