“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Coming into STSM season, I was carrying the weight of brokenness from this past year, both in myself and in those around me. These burdens clung so closely. I thought surrender meant endlessly letting go, swallowing my pride and holding myself to a standard of good- all by relying on whatever strength I could find within myself. But in trying to do it on my own, I lost sight of Jesus. It felt like my hair was full of knots, each one representing lies the enemy had planted in me. But over the past month in India, I experienced God patiently combing through each of them. It wasn’t easy or comfortable. I faced a lot of internal tension, just as untangling real knots takes time and patience. But through it all, there was a deep sense of peace because it was my Father replacing every lie with truth.

Prayer became the place where God aligned my heart with truth. Every day at St. Paul School began with early morning prayer. In the daily rhythm of surrender and turning to Christ, I discovered that prayer is an active and persistent contending with God. The brokenness we witnessed in India is what fuels the prayers of the believers there. There were many discouraging moments- having to cut village outreach short because a local was angry about our presence, speaking with students who viewed Jesus as just another god among many, or even just facing the harsh realities of life in a third-world country. But what struck me was that these believers don’t allow such things to hinder their faith. Instead, they bring these very burdens to God. They fix their eyes on Jesus and actively invite Him to speak truth over what may seem so hopeless. They contend for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done. And it is this posture that sustains all that they do. One look at the cross and we are reminded that Jesus reigns in victory and His faithfulness endures.

In this predominantly Hindu nation, the ministries we served with- St. Paul School, the IEC church plants, and Grace Ashram- are like cities on a hill, shining the light of Christ in their unique ways. Just steps away from these peaceful places are the busy and chaotic streets of India. But despite the sharp contrasts, the ministries shine brightly. It’s so evident that the Holy Spirit dwells within. Each of these ministry locations stands as a testament of the faith and obedience of the believers here. Through their testimonies, I saw how God delights in using His children to do His work. Because of their steadfastness, our team was able to experience so much fruit. Yet the beauty of it all was that their faithfulness pointed me back to the One who is faithful forever.

God reminded me that His love is constant, His grace is sufficient, and He is near to His children. He is working powerfully in India and He loves this nation so much. I wrap up this mission trip knowing that I am running this race with believers across the world. In my weakness, I will continue to fall, but my prayer is this: that I would cling to the Gospel and continue to fix my eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of my faith, in all that I do!