Campus Blogs

Today is Wednesday July 25th, and our trip is almost over! By Monday we will be back in the US, but for now we’re still out there experiencing the culture of India. For example, this morning we started out our day with a little bit of yoga in the city of Ambala! The man who hosted us yesterday (Tuesday) thought it would be good for us to try something that has been used in other religions, but with a little Christian twist. He advocated having yoga as a form of maintaining ones health. In addition, he encouraged meditational prayer as a means to connect to the Lord. While this had been a different experience for many of us, our group enjoyed participating in the fusion of these two concepts. This practice of meditational prayer reminded me of the verse in Psalms 46:10 which states, “Be still, and know that I am God...” I won’t go too much into detail, but our experience of literally “being still” was a good change of pace. We had the chance to pray in a calm and relaxed atmosphere making it easier to connect with the Lord. By taking the time to push everything aside and simply focus on God, our day in Ambala was off to a great start. Have a blessed day! -Jorge

The last few days we have been in the beautiful city of Amritsar. Being walking distance from the Golden Temple, the Mecca for Sikhism, makes me feel like royalty. As we walked to the sacred place, shops lined the streets with knifes and shoe stores. The beauty was overwhelming.  The men bought handkerchiefs to cover their heads and we dropped our shoes off for respect. Our filthy feet were cleansed at the entrance. Walking around the Golden Temple, I saw countless people touching the structure, offering money, washing in the cleansing water, and bowing in respect and prayer to their dietys. I do not understand the majority of the religion, but my respect grows for them as I hear about their values of standing up for what is right and maintaining high respect for their gurus. I have always wondered at the men with turbans that I see at home, but now I have had the pleasure of understanding their religion more. Meeting some individuals that have chosen Jesus as their one and only god has helped build my faith and be confident in my journey with Christ. Theses charismatic individuals are overflowing with stories and questions about their faith. The journey has not been easy for them to reject their family values and religion. One friend of ours was told not to contact his family. I am so blessed to not have to reject my family for my faith. Knowing that many Indian immigrants of America are Sikhs encourages me to remember what I have seen and heard. These people do not know that Jesus is the only way, but they value morals and respect. I hope that in my future I can maintain a higher respect for Sikh individuals. Their giving spirit and devotion is a beautiful characteristic of their religion. - Gina Hilty 

We arrived at our first destination the Bible College. So far the weather feels good and I'm just enjoying all the nature and getting to know all the people here. I can't even describe how I feel right because everyone is so welcoming the hospitality is great and everyone treats us like family. The food has been great I think it will be easy for be to adapt to the food. In a sense I feel like I'm at FPU. Overall I'm very great full that we have arrived safe and that we have reunited with the rest of the group and got to hear from there experience in India so far. 

God is so amazing! I have been in India for a month now and I have had the privilege of visiting various churches, ministries and other Christian organizations throughout all of India. During my many weeks of preparation for this trip, I was aware that Christianity in India was only a tiny speck of a percentage of India's population, but what I wasn't aware of were the wonders of works that God was doing all over this country. Many different types of Christians flourish in India, like Presbyterians, Baptists, Mennonites, Pentecostals and you name it! The beautiful part of these churches in India is that God is so faithful here and these people and churches are glorifying God amidst cultures, traditions, and other religions that are not always so accepting.  I am continually amazed when I hear testimonies or short stories about the people I have met here and learn the struggles they endured before becoming believers and the struggles they still face daily. It is somewhat comforting to know that some of the personal struggles of the people here are similar to our own struggles, because it connects us even more as human beings seeking after Christ. There are also other struggles within the church in India that are similar to struggles we see in the churches in our own country. God has the same desires for everyone everywhere. We as Christians believe this to be true, but it wasn't until I came to India until I fully realized and understood this. Walking through the streets of India and seeing the immense amounts of people everywhere, it is mind blowing to know that God has a plan for each and every one of them. I have travelled all over India and seen various types of churches, people, ministries, ways of worship, and even Christ-centered organizations that are calling for awareness and solutions for social issues. My heart has had to double in size so that I can fit my love of India in it, and God's faithfulness, grace, and wonders have far surpassed my greatest dreams and hopes.  My prayer for these ministries, churches, people and for all of India is that God would continue His work here,that His will would be carried out and that individuals of every nation would come, not only to love India, but to love and respect one another. -Landi Mello

Today has been a hectic day. We have visited several places, but have been rushing all over the place. I can say that the highlight of the day for me is that three of my team members and I got lost. We were supposed to be heading for lunch to McDonald's but the driver took a wrong turn and went the opposite way. It was interesting because we had help to find our way to our destination. I felt nervous and scared but I was happy that George one of our team members was with us. It's was a good experience to get lost and be confused without being able to communicate very well with the person who was helping us.

Staying in India has been a blessing for it has opened my perspective and my heart. When we drive by in our buses or other means of transportation, we constantly get smiles or waves from many people. You can see the love and the welcome within their eyes. It has been a great experience going to the churches, but it has been the experiences outside that have made me aware of His presence and work. Even when we ride on the train, seeing the countryside and the small huts, there is beauty displayed. There may be large amounts of poverty present, but it is the people's joy despite their hardships that is encouraging and valued.  When traveling around this country, I cannot help but notice the juxtapositions that are placed between the poor and wealthy and traditions versus modern practices. You will see beautiful hotels with iron gates, but in front there are people sleeping on the ground with nothing but the clothes that they wear. There are buildings wonderfully made with large arches and golden columns that were built by people carrying the dirt in a bowl on their heads. There is a sense of harmony at play between the paradoxes that are shown. Even when we are in the villages, there is this connection with the land and the life that they live. In the cities full of many people, bustling cars, bikes, and motorcycles, there is peace found within the chaos. I have truly been able to find this. I walk through the streets and find myself relaxed and appreciating what I am seeing and what I have within my life.  I am looking forward to the next few days, especially practicing yoga and meditation. I am interested at how things will come to play and how His word will be spread through the cultural practices.  As this journey comes to a close, with only a week left, I feel this sense of conflict within. I would love to stay longer and experience more what India has to offer, but I do miss home. And I am truly excited to see how I will respond to America now that I have gone through this journey.  My life is my message-Ghandi M - Nicole

Ever since being in India, everything has been incredible! India is filled with so much diversity, the people, the villages, the city, the food and the experience itself.  I have learned so much about it's culture and religion. One thing that really struck  me the most was when the idea of Satsang was introduced to the group.  Satsang is a type of outreach that incorporates Hindu traditions with Christianity. The idea is to introduce the Christian faith into the middle and upper class of Hindus without having the fear to completely losing their culture. In my opinion, I thought the idea of "incorporating" cultural practices to Christianity to help spread the word of Christ was a good thing because it allowed Hindus to relate their culture to the idea of Christ.  Having the opportunity to experience first hand in a country where it is filled with diversity in every aspect of life is such a beautiful learning process. By far, India has been a great trip and I am hoping that this won't be the end of it for me. -Lena Vang

Coming back home was not only one of the happiest moments in my life but also the most awaited. Even though I was home something seemed different. I appreciated even the smallest of things more now than when I lived in India. As a twelve year old when I first visited the Taj Mahal, my first reaction was "Is this it? It looks better on TV." My reaction was quite the opposite this time. It looked really cool but was too  hot for us to be there. We were drenched in sweat like we would be  in a sauna. In addition, the claustrophobic and humid environment added to my misery. But yet the 370 year old architecture was worth every drop of sweat. It was not that the site was just another building to me but something that was so familiar and cherishable. I felt proud, I always was. It was something so memorable ever since childhood, just like my home.  Finally, my friends were able to share that feeling with me and experience my  culture. That made my visit even more enjoyable than the first. I was glad they had such a great time and were excited to visit the Taj. They've made every part of this trip fun-holding a black cobra from a snake charmer, waking up at 5 am for the trip, the bus ride, teaching them to eat mangoes the Indian way, etc. After the  Taj tour, we were drained of every energy but the day wasn't over yet. Next was to the richest fort in the world. The main throne of the emperor alone was twice the amount of the cost of the Taj Mahal, which was about 24 billion dollars in present day. It was hard to fathom that richness. However, right outside the red walls were desperate beggars, young and old, mothers' and children. It was definitely a result of British exploitation and the corrupt government today in India. It was difficult now to give to a child begging at my feet, who did a hand stand and raised up his disabled feet just for a few Rupees. As I collected some alms from the group, one member gave me some candies and another 100 Rs (an equivalent of less than 2 dollars). The boy had the biggest grin when I handed my collection. It seemed like a dream come true for him. But that wasn't one case in India. They are millions to the point where it seems impossible to help all people in desperation. India has many beautiful sites and richness but in the other hand, it is filled with the poorest of the poor possible, who need help.  I hope those on this trip didn't come solely for fun but for us who are privileged to appreciate the little things we have rather than complain about what we don't have. I hope they've come to not only take something from India but also to give back. Most of all, I hope they've seen the world from a different point of view and treasure what they've experienced here.  -Sam Panderla (Sam is from India and currently studying at FPU)

I was assigned to reflect upon yesterdays experience but my thoughts are still tied to the beautiful bungalow I was wonderfully welcomed into in Deverakhonda. Pastor Isaac and his lovely wife were wonderful hosts for Antonia and me. We were given a very comfortable room and our own bathroom (with a flushable toilet! I know right?!). That night, they gave us beautiful orange flowers and delicious chai. In addition, we had the luxury of having a TV and watched tennis, cricket, and news. It was truly a blessing. We also had the privilege to see Pastor Isaac's photo album of his Jerusalem trip and talked about the holy sites and relics. I really loved his laugh. It reminded me of my dad's, which made me nostalgic. He treated us like his daughter's and he was like our father. It was very sad to hear that his only daughter had passed away. I hope that our stay was encouraging for him. That night, he slept on the ground in the living room right outside our bedroom door to keep watch over us and be there if we needed anything. It was really sweet and humble of him. This morning, his wife prepared for us a delicious breakfast of bundi, mosa, boiled egg, sweet bread and fruits! Pastor Isaac even drove out to buy us some bottled water. I was really surprised at how hospitable they were because they were pastors and yet they served us! We also had the chance to meet one of their two sons and got to know him. It was quite hilarious talking to him because he was doing the Indian nod so fast and simple that it took me awhile to realize that he was nodding, haha! After breakfast, they gave us sweet scented Jasmine flowers for our hair. I was super ecstatic because I definitely love to put flowers in my hair. Our departing wasn't desired much because we wanted to stay longer. But we said our goodbyes and kissed our hostess and left that humble and beautiful family. Not only have I received such wonderful hospitality from my hosts' but also everywhere in India. I had no idea they were so generous and welcoming. They truly have a servitude heart, regardless of their economic circumstances or religion. Hospitality is found everywhere in India. I did not expect such love and respect when I came and was rather left in embarrassment of how undeserving I am to be called hospitable or humble. I thought my people and I were a good example until I came to India. In all my travels, it is the place where I found genuine humbleness and servitude. Not only has it taught me to be a great host but also a great servant to God. In order to please Him, I must give Him the best that I have because His temple resides in me. Once I have humbled myself and done His work with a genuine heart, He will find my service satisfying and sweet to His presence, just like the Jasmine flowers. - Coua

Greetings from India! Our team is finally united as the second part of the group arrived on the 12th. We are staying at the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College in a city called Shamshabad, near Hyderabad. The college faculty and students have made us feel very welcomed. We have a wonderful kitchen staff that makes amazing food! They even accommodate to our eating needs by going extremely light on the spiciness. Yesterday (Friday), we joined the college students and administrators for their chapel service. We were asked to perform a few songs for them, and Darren was asked to preach. All in all, it was a very enjoyable service. Afterwards, we had chai tea with everyone and we were honored with a traditional Indian welcome. We were each given flower garlands to wear and took time to introduce each one of us. We have greatly appreciated the amazing hospitality of the college and are certainly blessed to be able to spend a few days at such a beautiful campus. -Dallas