Identified

It was such a sweet moment when the women received the long awaited PAN Cards. For the majority of them this was the first documentation of identification they have ever been given. It was also the first piece of mail many of them have ever opened. This will open doors and provide opportunities for them that they may not of had otherwise. The best part of them receiving these identity cards was the opportunity to share of the new identity that is given in knowing Christ personally. That Christ makes a way for slaves to become sons and daughters of the King. Sons and daughters of the Most High. Pray with me that the Lord would send His spirit to their souls, and seal their identity in being His. In being a daughter of the Most High God. 

All of her identification has been edited off the card, but that sure is a sweet smile!

Mountains of Hope

This picture doesn't do it justice, but you will find these huge mounds scattered all over South Asia. Unfortunately, they are worshipped by many here because they believe that snakes live in them, and here snakes are idolized and worshiped. However, we know the truth about the creation. As believers we can marvel at the creation knowing that every created thing has a creator. There is only one God, and He is the only one who can create beautiful things out of nothing. We can look to how much more amazing and beautiful the creation's Creator is. So, some of these huge mounds are several feet tall, and some even taller than me. Yet they are created by tiny little ants. God gave some of the tiniest creatures the ability to make something huge. I am sure the ants never have any idea of what they are building, but they sure are faithful in consistently carrying those tiny grains of dirt. However, one ant could never do this all alone. They all work together. There are many difficulties fighting against trafficking in India while fighting for women victimized by human trafficking. Many is the number of walls to break through daily. However, we have the Great Creator on our side! Just as he allows these tiny ants to build huge mounds, He uses us. Oh how much more must He use us, as His children that He dearly loves. Individually we can feel tiny, and may sometimes feel that we contribute little. The enemy may attack with lies about our insignificance, or say that we are failures. However, thankfully we are all working together over here in India. We are not alone, because we also have those of you helping and supporting from the states. When we all work together we contribute to a great movement, a mountain you could say, of Love that is active, and it is moving persistently in preventing young girls from becoming captive, setting the captives free spiritually, and restoring the freed. So, pray, give, and serve. Wherever you are do whatever He calls you to while knowing that you are the Lord's favorite. He loves us all so differently, but each so perfectly. In walking with Him He gives us every tiny ounce of ability, strength, faith, and courage needed to move forward in building the mountain. He gives us a role in His active love and work to set the prisoned souls free. 

Psalm 146:7 " The Lord sets the prisoners free" 

Isaiah 44:2

CEV

I am your Creator.
You were in my care
    even before you were born.
Israel, don’t be terrified!
You are my chosen servant,
    my very favorite.

KJV

Thus saith the Lord that made thee, 

and formed thee from the womb, 

which will help thee; 

Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; 

and thou, Jesurun, 

whom I have chosen.

Minni's* Story

Age:19

When Mini was 14 years old she was married to her brother-in law.  When her baby was one year she went to the hospital because she was sick. The second time she went alone. It was 8:00 at night when she was coming home.  Waiting at the bus stop. And one lady asked her where do you want to go, and she said I want to go to village, and she said I want to go to the same village. And mini said ok. And before Minni got on the bus she took her to a small restaurant. After the restaurant the woman told Minni to drink some Sprite. After she drank the sprite she woke up 3 days later. In Mountie Forced to see 8-10 purchasers a day. She tried to leave the place, but the lady beat her.

She stayed in there for 4 years.  Every time the police came through she hid because she had asked for help, but they never helped her. One time there was a man that came to see her a lot, and he told her that he loved her. He shared with her how he wanted to marry her. So, she left with him, but he took her and sold  her to another brothel. She remained there until she was taken in a police raid. First she was placed in a hostel near the brothel, but she did not want to stay there. She wanted to come back to her home town where her family lives. 

After she was rescued and sent to a Hostel in her home town her family was located. She was taken to her husband and family excited to reunite after many years. However, Her family would no longer accept her. They said that this was not their daughter. They said that Minni had died years back. They would not acknowledge her existence because she was prostituted and trafficked. She was now defiled in her families eyes. This is a sad reality for many of these girls. 

In conversations with her we found that Minni was so excited to marry this man who is a teacher/van driver for a nearby school. He is known in the community as a good man. She said that this is God giving her a second chance at a new life. 

We were invited to her wedding reception. The director of the center said that the 2 staff members and us were the closest thing to family for her. We had the privilege of attending her wedding reception, and communicating care and love as a family would. At the reception Minni seemed to feel very loved. She said that she was very happy to be married. 

Pray for Minni as she journeys through a new marriage and family. Pray that in this new physical life she would find freedom and new life for her soul in Christ. 

Psalm 146:7 "The Lord sets the prisoners free"

*Name changed to protect identity

Sweet Little Smile

In March this sweet little one would be horribly afraid of us every time we walked into the aftercare center. All we had to do was look at her, and she would start screaming. She would try to run when the ladies would try to get her to shake our hands. We never tried to shake hands, but even just the suggestion was scary for her. Not all of the babies are like this. Sometimes they are unsure, but never have they been completely horrified. Only this little one. Several weeks went by, and she continued to be horrified. We tried chocolates and everything, but nothing worked. However, last week something was different. We walked in the center just like normal, and there she was to greet us with a smile! We have no idea what, but something changed for her. Instead of looking at us and screaming she looked at us and smiled. She was genuinely happy to see us. There are many reasons for this child to have a great fear of us and the world around her, but we are not sure what changed all of a sudden. Whatever the cause we are thankful for God's favor and to see her sweet little smile. 

Isaiah 43:6&7 I will say to the north, Give up, and the the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth,  everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.

Pray with me that God would call out to these girls even this young child to bring His daughters to Himself, and that they would experience joy and freedom in belonging to their Father the  King of heaven and earth. 

Behold the Lamb of God

The other day I was ridding in a car gazing out the window. Then all of a sudden there was this sheep. It was grabbed by the neck and slaughtered. It was a traumatizing moment because most of you that know me understand my deep love for sheep. Not necessarily the actual animal, but the Biblical symbolism they represent. So, sheep are likely the least intelligent animals on earth. They cannot find water or food on their own. They will follow each other off a cliff. Sheep require constant supervision, leadership, and guidance. They require a shepherd's care for their very life. In this brief moment I could not take my eyes off of the sheep being slain. There were so many thoughts running through my head. I was thinking no, no, no. Don't slaughter the sheep. The Shepherd cares for the sheep. He does not slaughter them….. No, He doesn't. Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He is the Lamb of God that was slain. He cares so much for the sheep that He was willingly slaughtered in our place. The Bible says "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world". Just as in that moment I could not take my eyes off of that sheep neither should we take our eyes off of the Lamb that is slain. This is the Glory of God, The Risen Lamb!

John 10:11 I am the Good Shepherd. The good Shepherd Lays down His life for the sheep. 

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and he said "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."

REVELATION 5:6-14

⁶ And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. ⁸ And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
⁹ And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
¹⁰ and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.”

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,

¹² saying with a loud voice,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”

¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

¹⁴ And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Praying that beholding the Lamb would be characteristic of all of the redeemed, as well as, the women we work with.

Pray with me that God would give the grace and faith for these women to behold in their hearts the risen lamb of God that was slain.

Empty Bottles

So, for some reason our home has been collecting plastic bottles over the past two months. Finally, today I remember on my way out to bag them up an take them along. There is usually a plastic truck or two in passing that they could just be thrown into. However, those bottles didn't even make it 10 feet down our road. Today these sweet little faces stopped to ask for chocolate. Sadly the chocolate supply was finished a few days ago. We seem to stay out of chocolates even though we buy it constantly for them. 

So, one of the girls points to the bag as if she is wondering what is inside. So, I show her it is just bottles, and then wait for her to be disappointed.  However, quite the opposite happens. Her little face lights right up. She is so excited, and starts reaching her hand into the bag and getting out as many as she can hold. Then the others begin to do the same. They were very grateful. 

God has such unusual ways of humbling our spirits. To stand and see these faces of gratitude for a few plastic bottles. Moments like these can really show our soul the depth of consistent gratitude that should be present.

 Now, I must ask what all do you have to be thankful for today? Thank Him, and now that you have read this just take a moment to look at these precious faces and pray over their young lives, and souls. Pray that their hearts would be filled with the living water that is found in Christ. 

John7:37-38

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

She Laughs

A young woman sits in the corner of a Hindu run aftercare center for commercially sexually exploited women. During the first 4 visits she sleeps through the class. There could be many reasons for this, but it is likely because she is exhausted from the terrors of her night. However, during the fifth class she remains awake sitting in the corner, and listening from afar. We begin to try and gently engage her, and learn she speaks a different language from our translator. She is unable to communicate because most of the women around her speak a different language, and the translating is not done in her language. Thankfully our translator can speak a little of her language; so, we can engage on a basic level. However, she prefers not to speak. She prefers to remain unknown. The feeling of invisibility likely feels safe for her. In her present moments she can trust no one. Not even herself. Her broken spirit is most evident among the other 33 women because of her expressions and demeanor.  As she sits in the corner it is as if she is drowned in hopelessness and despair. So, we will call her Hope because we know there is always hope for the weary and broken hearted.  During the sixth and seventh classes Hope sits in the circle with the other women while we share the story of the resurrection and eternal hope for souls. We bring treats for the women in honor of Good Friday and Resurrection Day. Hope participates and eats the treats, but seems to remain devoid of any joy. Maybe it has been a long time since she experienced the feeling of joy, or maybe never in the 19 years of her life. The 7th visit was similar to the others as Hope sits in the circle unengaged and unable to understand. However, the eighth visit is a little different. The women sit in lines, and Hope sits in the corner toward the front. There is usually a bible story, and then an informal Math or English Lesson. This time the discussion is about hygiene, and more specifically how to care for the female body. At the end of this class we share the story of creation and fall of man from Genesis. The henna design is used to communicate the the story in a different way. Sheets are passed out of images that show the henna designs, as well as, henna cones for the women to practice sharing the story with each other. For whatever reason many of the women do not want to do the henna on each other. Maybe they do not know how to do it very well. The women practice telling the stories to each other, but many do not want to do the designs. So, two use my hands to practice. As I am sitting among the young women Hope is sitting in front facing to the side, and working with another woman. A woman is doing the henna on her. When the woman finishes she leaves. Hope is sitting there alone in the corner just looking at the design on her hand. She stares at it for a moment, and then she looks up and smiles the most beautiful smile. She looks at it again and gazes intently, and looks up to smile once more. Then she begins to look at the paper with the design and smile. All of a sudden she laughs. She laughs out loud not knowing anyone is watching. She does this for about 3 minutes. She Looks, studies intently, and then smiles and laughs. When asked why she is so happy and laughing. Her simple response: " I am studying the paper, and while looking over it I am thinking how fun it will be to make these designs." 

We may never know the details of what this young woman has experienced, but in this moment she experiences laughter. She laughs.

Pray with me that she would find the everlasting hope and joy that exists in the only God of salvation. 

Psalm 126:2 esv

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Joyful Noise

Yesterday was a celebration called the color festival. It is interesting how this celebration is the same time of our celebration of the Resurrection. They call this festival Holi. Just as we celebrate Holy week for the death and resurrection of Christ. I did a little research on this festival to gain some understanding.  In reading about this day and trying to understand more I became perplexed at the concepts of this worship. 

Legends

The foremost is the legend of demon King Hiranyakashyap who demanded everybody in his kingdom to worship him but his pious son, Prahlad became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be killed. He asked his sister Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon which made he immune to fire. Story goes that Prahlad was saved by lord himself for his extreme devotion and evil minded Holika was burnt to ashes, for her boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.

In South India, people worship Kaamadeva- the god of love and passion for his extreme sacrifice. According to a legend, Kaamadeva shot his powerful love arrow on Lord Shiva to revoke his interest in the worldly affairs in the interest of the earth. However, Lord Shiva was enraged as he was in deep mediation and opened his third eye which reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. Though, later on the request of Rati, Kaamadeva's wife, Shiva was pleased to restore him back.

Honestly it does not make sense to me, but I was shocked to find out about how they celebrate someone not dying. And in South Asia a god considered to be loving and compassionate. 

So around 11 pm on this night I heard worship. There were instruments and loud singing coming from somewhere near our home. I assumed it was the holi festival going on and celebrating the idols. Wouldn't you?

I bet you are wondering at this point why this blog is titled The Joyful Noise. Well, at this point I opened the window to hear the sounds more clearly. The sound was so sweet to my ear and heart. It was worship to the True Living God, and this was the song of praise to the King.

With Grateful Heart Hymn

With grateful heart my thanks I bring,
Before the great Thy praise I sing;
I worship in Thy holy place
And praise Thee for Thy truth and grace;
For truth and grace together shine
In Thy most holy Word divine,
In Thy most holy Word divine.

I cried to Thee and Thou didst save,
Thy Word of grace new courage gave;
The kings of earth shall thank Thee, Lord,
For they have heard Thy wondrous Word;
Yea, they shall come with songs of praise,
For great and glorious are Thy ways,
For great and glorious are Thy ways.

O Lord, enthroned in glory bright,
Thou reignest in the heavenly height;
The proud in vain Thy favor seek,
But Thou hast mercy for the meek;
Through trouble though my pathway be,
Thou wilt retrieve and strengthen me,
Thou wilt retrieve and strengthen me.

Thou wilt stretch forth Thy mighty arm
To save me when my foes alarm;
The work Thou hast for me begun
Shall by Thy grace be fully done;
Forever mercy dwells with Thee;
O Lord, my Maker, think on me,
O Lord, my Maker, think on me
Source: http://www.hymns.me.uk/with-grateful-heart-hymn.htm

It was convicting and encouraging to hear those voices praising the King at 11 pm. What boldness and courage to worship so clearly and loudly when all else is silent. There was such a desire to just go walk and find them and worship with them. However, we have been heavily encouraged to not go out at night. So, I worshiped with them from the window. God is at work here, and things are not always as they seem.

Yea, they shall come with songs of praise,
For great and glorious are Thy ways,

Psalm 100:1 and 2
Make a joyful noise to the LORD , all the earth!
Serve the LORD with Gladness! Come into his presence with singing. 

Summary of 4 Sun Risings

Sunrise in India

Well, here we are. We are in South Asia, and beginning to do life here. So far we are learning tons from Mackey who is out amazing mentor right now. She is 70 and has lived in India for 5 years. She has been super encouraging, but has not hesitated to push us to do things on our own. There are a lot more things to remember to do here, and its obviously difficult directionally in getting places, especially with the language barrier. However, we are beginning to learn where we are through land marks. 

So, We arrived at about 12:30 am on Thursday the 7th, and made it to our new home at at 3:30am. The next morning I was up at about 6 am ready to go. So Wednesday we spent some time going to the grocery store and getting acquainted with our new city. We walked around about 3 miles to the grocery store. Which is actually kind of like an Indian version of Wal-Mart. They even had some things that said great value. We will pretty much be able to get everything we will need there. That afternoon we rested a while. Friday morning I woke up at about 4:30 am ready to go once again. On Friday we were able to spend time in the aftercare center. Unfortunately our translator was not able to go with us on that day, but we went anyway. Currently 25 women live there that were previously CSW's, and also 15 little boys that had been rescued from begging traffickers. It was so exciting for me to finally get to see those faces and meet those souls. Oh, what awesome things can King can do in these souls. When we arrived most of them came toward us, and wanted to hold our hand. We shared what we could, but we didn't get to spend much time there because we could not really communicate with them. They seemed glad we were there. I'm sad I will only get to go there for a few hours a week. We are only able to get a translator on Tuesday and Friday. We can only go for 1.5 hours in the afternoons, but we are praying that God will provide a way for me to spend some more time there. On Tuesday we will be going back to do a lesson with them and share a B-story with them. On Saturday we went to this touristy street. We were able to get some Indian clothes to be able to fit into the culture better. Mackey took us to lunch at a restaurant that was yummy. It was kind of an overwhelming place. So many people. So many lives. So many souls. So, today, Sunday, we were able to go to this church and meet two other americans doing an internship with a "company" here. They are very encouraging and have been here about 2 months. We were also able to meet with some partners about the work we will be doing in the slums. This is where we will be spending a good bit of time until more develops with the aftercare center. We will go here Monday-Friday. There are two stitching classes one in the morning and one in the evening. There is also a young girls class in the afternoons for young girls that are at high risk. We will go to the classes for the first time tomorrow. 

It really didn't take long to get adjusted, but I'm probably still running off adrenaline. I am looking forward to sharing more details as the days unfold. I just wanted to do a little 4 day summary of what that days have looked like. 

I pray your soul is well and filled with joy in the King!

Training

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
We are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The bible tells me so

Sometimes I forget how weak I am. I forget my status of being a little one. However, it is a sweet reminder of my complete dependence on Him. He reminds me that to Him I will always belong. The first few nights of being in Gainesville I was having trouble going to sleep, but it was sweet time to be with the Lord. He kept putting this sweet little song in my head, and I would drift to sleep singing it in my mind. All the while remembering that I belong to Him. It doesn't matter where I am because I am always in Him.
In just a few days of being here I can already recognize the heaviness of the lies that satan often surrounds me with.  He has used these in the past to distract my focus from Christ. You are no good. You can't do this. You are inadequate. You will fail. These are just a few of them, and these lies are tricky because they are mixed with some truth. I am no good (without Christ). I cannot do anything (without Christ). I am inadequate( only Christ in me is Adequate). I will fail ( but Christ has already won). Satan tries to make us focus on ourself, and how weak we are. However the truths are more powerful than the lies, and The King will come and only the truth will stand. He and His Kingdom will come.
This past week of being in training has been so challenging, and so wonderful. I have learned so much. I'm learning to share with Muslims through the Camel method and Hindus through a book written by a Hindu that became a Christian. We have also walked through great material on biblical missions, authority, team hosting, the benefits of short-tearm missions, and we have prayed a ton. I am also learning about the ministry of Rahab's Rope, and it just gets me so excited to be a part of this team. Prayer and dependence on God are so heavily valued within this organization, and everyone is very relational. God is doing a lot through Rahab's Rope both here and in India. He really is using Rahab's Rope to impact nations and generations through trafficking prevention methods (life skills classes with the young girls in the slums)(preschool classes), direct intervention (going into the brothels and sharing with the women), and the aftercare program (safe home). Pray for God to continue to bring His lost sheep to Himself in India. Also please pray that God would lead and guide the way.

I will leave you with the Psalms. May you find refuge in the Father, Creator and Sustainer of All. May He be your greatest Hope.


In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame!
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me, and save me!
Be to me a rock of refuge,
to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.
For you, O Lord, are my hope,
my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
(Psalm 71:1-5 ESV)