What are you up to this summer?

I have the privilege of living in a city which is saturated with unreached people groups from all over the world. Everyday I meet people from parts of the world I likely could never visit as an American citizen which is one of the reasons I absolutely love my city.

Two years ago an American man visiting my city on a short-term summer trip knocked on the door of a woman named Vinder to conduct a survey.  Vinder is an elderly South Asian woman who has lived in the Western Europe for 40+ years. Vinder’s home was filled with hand-made idols which she worshipped on a daily basis – she looked to these idols to save her from the torment of evil spirits which had been facing for five straight years. Vinder was a fearful woman who was desperate for peace and deliverance.

For six straight months I (along with others at my church) visited Vinder once a week in her home to pray and read scripture. Vinder began coming to church as well as weekly women’s Bible study as she felt accepted and loved.  One evening Vinder expressed a desire to put her faith in Jesus and asked if I would pray for her to receive salvation. I told her that was something she would need to do on her own. At first she was upset but then suddenly she said “ok, I am ready to pray.” Her prayer was incredibly sincere and brought tears to my eyes. Vinder recieved New Life that night. About two months later Vinder expressed a desire for baptism. We told her that we would love to baptise her but she would need to get rid of the idols in her home (removing idols often takes time due to culture ties). “Please! Come take them out of my home!” she said, and surely enough they were removed that evening. Exactly seven days later, Vinder was baptised at our church and was welcomed in as a member! Vinder still has struggles but she knows that Jesus is God and that He loves her deeply.

Short-term trips matter –  So, what are you up to this summer? Consider joining in on what God is doing in the world and pray about going on a short-term trip! You NEVER know how God may use you!

—Lindsay