Saturday-Day 3
We woke up early to go work a clinic at a school, and arrived to find a dirt court outlined in chalk and a team a girls excited to play volleyball. After coaching them through some drills, we were able to play a mini match against them, and they were incredibly excited at the opportunity to get to play against the Americans. Afterward, Megan gave her testimony and outlined the importance to them of how we can try and try again and still fail, but with our hope in God, nothing is done in vain and hope is very real. Afterwards, we were all able to share more with the girls individually, and talk with them about the gospel. Some had questions, and all of them fell completely attached to us, so much so that they ran after our "took-tooks" (taxis) when we were leaving.
Later, we went with Paul Moses and his lovely wife Grace to go shopping for proper Indian attire! We had a fabulous time, and tried on anything and everything the store had to offer. Grace was a wonderful guide, as she told us what was fashionable and worth buying. (We totally looked like locals wearing our bright clothing to church on Sunday.)
We then went to an awards ceremony run by the organization we are teamed with here...made up of Christian athletes here in Chennai. It was awesome to see the faith of so many young people in one area, who have been bold with the gospel here in India-using their sport as a means of ministry.
Sunday-Day 4
Today we woke up early to travel across town and go to a church service. We attended and spoke in two services (the first for adults and the second for youth). During the first, we all spoke and shared a little bit about ourselves and the things we loved about Indian culture and what God had been doing in our lives. One of our main goals was to encourage them in their faith. During the second, we girls performed a skit and then a few of us shared our testimonies after and what God had been doing in our lives. Both Robin and Coach Scott also shared.
People here worship with such passion. No one cares what they look like, and no one cares how loud they are singing. The worship was so loud inside our building, and often is every Sunday, that people in the surrounding neighborhood often blast HIndu music to drown out the church. Do we worship like this in America? Do we challenge the belifs around us enough so that people feel they have to quiet us because of our faith? THe answer is more often times than not is no, and so that is why it was such an inspiration to see the passion of the individuals here.
After church we were invited downstairs to a man named Xavier's home, he lived in the same building as the church. WE met his beautiful family and shared in a wonderful meal complete with INCREDIBLE coffee they made for us. Seriously, Starbucks has nothing on the tea and coffee here. The faith of this family was also inspiring, as they shared with us the history of the neighborhood and the opposition they sometimes face.
We then all went down the coast to the beach and ate at an incredible seafood place, all with Reegan, who is not only a great tourguide, but a great friend and leader to us here.
Monday-Day 5
Today we got a lot of bonding time in the morning with our team. Kassen shared her testimony with the group, and it was wonderful getting to know her better and share in her story. We all eventually will share with each other.
We then went to a Christian run school (1,100 kids, 10% Christians....50 teachers, 60% Christians) ...and did a clinic with the boys team. THen we played against the boys team (and won :)) and then shared the gospel with them. It was so fun getting to know them and racing the little boys and playing tag(they were so active and LOVED our attention to play games)...
That is all for now! Keep checking in! We love you and your prayers are much appreciated!
We woke up early to go work a clinic at a school, and arrived to find a dirt court outlined in chalk and a team a girls excited to play volleyball. After coaching them through some drills, we were able to play a mini match against them, and they were incredibly excited at the opportunity to get to play against the Americans. Afterward, Megan gave her testimony and outlined the importance to them of how we can try and try again and still fail, but with our hope in God, nothing is done in vain and hope is very real. Afterwards, we were all able to share more with the girls individually, and talk with them about the gospel. Some had questions, and all of them fell completely attached to us, so much so that they ran after our "took-tooks" (taxis) when we were leaving.
Later, we went with Paul Moses and his lovely wife Grace to go shopping for proper Indian attire! We had a fabulous time, and tried on anything and everything the store had to offer. Grace was a wonderful guide, as she told us what was fashionable and worth buying. (We totally looked like locals wearing our bright clothing to church on Sunday.)
Afterwards, we had a match against a college team who had a Christian coach. Some of the girls on the team were Christians, but it was cool to be able to share our faith openly with a group of about 50 girls before the match. In a country that is 98% Hindu, it was awesome to see the coach's passion for Christ, and how open and willing she was to speak of Christ. After the match we talked with all of the girls, and they were excited at the opportunity to get to hang out with us more...(which i think will happen later in the week...)
We then went to an awards ceremony run by the organization we are teamed with here...made up of Christian athletes here in Chennai. It was awesome to see the faith of so many young people in one area, who have been bold with the gospel here in India-using their sport as a means of ministry.
Sunday-Day 4
Today we woke up early to travel across town and go to a church service. We attended and spoke in two services (the first for adults and the second for youth). During the first, we all spoke and shared a little bit about ourselves and the things we loved about Indian culture and what God had been doing in our lives. One of our main goals was to encourage them in their faith. During the second, we girls performed a skit and then a few of us shared our testimonies after and what God had been doing in our lives. Both Robin and Coach Scott also shared.
People here worship with such passion. No one cares what they look like, and no one cares how loud they are singing. The worship was so loud inside our building, and often is every Sunday, that people in the surrounding neighborhood often blast HIndu music to drown out the church. Do we worship like this in America? Do we challenge the belifs around us enough so that people feel they have to quiet us because of our faith? THe answer is more often times than not is no, and so that is why it was such an inspiration to see the passion of the individuals here.
After church we were invited downstairs to a man named Xavier's home, he lived in the same building as the church. WE met his beautiful family and shared in a wonderful meal complete with INCREDIBLE coffee they made for us. Seriously, Starbucks has nothing on the tea and coffee here. The faith of this family was also inspiring, as they shared with us the history of the neighborhood and the opposition they sometimes face.
We then all went down the coast to the beach and ate at an incredible seafood place, all with Reegan, who is not only a great tourguide, but a great friend and leader to us here.
Monday-Day 5
Today we got a lot of bonding time in the morning with our team. Kassen shared her testimony with the group, and it was wonderful getting to know her better and share in her story. We all eventually will share with each other.
We then went to a Christian run school (1,100 kids, 10% Christians....50 teachers, 60% Christians) ...and did a clinic with the boys team. THen we played against the boys team (and won :)) and then shared the gospel with them. It was so fun getting to know them and racing the little boys and playing tag(they were so active and LOVED our attention to play games)...
We then went to a "cell group"-meaning a group that meets regularly to worship. The boys in the group were seated on a rooftop of a house when we arrived. it was so cool-they clapped so loudly and sang their hearts out and were SO EXCITED we were there, and were so excited to share their testimonies with us about how the Lord was working in their lives. ...they all LOVE futbol/soccer and after the time meeting they were SO ANXIOUS to meet us and tell us their names. Most of them lied to us and said they were famous soccer players, I knew they were up to something when one of them said he was David Beckham.
The family who was in charge of the cell group was so humble and blessed by our presence, when in fact it was they who touched our hearts. That is all for now! Keep checking in! We love you and your prayers are much appreciated!
Love, Abbie
