reaching out: india
From June 20th to July 6th, 2008, three members of St. Andrew’s participated in a Youth In Mission trip to the Bhil Mission Field in central India. They were joined by eight other youth from across Canada. Dieudonné and Aisling along with Rev. Andrew left Ottawa with open hearts and minds and have returned with them filled to the brim, excited to share all they have experienced.
They sang, they danced, they played cricket, they learned of the Presbyterian Church’s history in the area, and they witnessed health projects supported by PWS&D – they even managed to present vests and hats lovingly knitted by the WMS to hospitals in Jobat and Mendha.
They worshiped every day, sometimes 2 or 3 times, along with a group of Bhil youth who traveled with them for nine days. Even though there was a language barrier God enabled them to communicate with each other. Haltingly, and sometimes in mime, they shared details about their families, daily lives, and faith.
Although the Canadian youth had set out thinking they were participating in this mission for God they also learned that this mission was God’s. God built relationships. The Canadian youth were inspired by the Bhils’ enthusiasm, strength of faith, and passion for Christ. In turn, the Bhil Christians were inspired by the Canadian youths’ presence (a first!), by their willingness to try new things, and by their friendship.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada is no longer the "mother" church as retired missionary Pauline Brown reminded everyone. She was right: after nine days of sharing and learning together the youth had become brothers and sisters in Christ. The friendships that God created between the two communities were uplifting for both sides and will, no doubt, last a lifetime.
In February 2010, St. Andrew's sent a team of five members to visit the congregation of First Church Amkhut. The group met with the people of First Church Amkhut and continued to strengthen the ties between our two congregations. Photos and an update from the team will be available shortly!
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