Eyes to See and Ears to Hear

Dear friends,

We have just completed the Word for the World conference in Kodaikanal, India and have returned to Maudurai before heading to the Asir's home in Chennai. The conference was wonderful; it was held to encourage the sponsers in their spiritual walks. The conference emphasized the importance of not only praying and sponsoring Word for the World, but also the importance of partnering with Word for the World in their mission to spread gospel truth and love (especially in thier families and in their everday lives).

After having an intense discussion with my team last night, I realized how easy it will be to live in the safety of my team and to actually miss being here in India. The word for today is "do not hide." In all the missions' settings I have been in so far (Ukraine and Haiti), I have come to acknowledge how capable all the missionaries already-on-site were. They are following the Lord and are bringing in the Kingdom. Then, my team shows up. A rag-tag bunch from the "America" (in a country accent). The question always come to my mind, "Why am I here again?" In the briefness of the prior trips, I have only been able to answer this question when I have come home, but I am in India for another nine weeks.
I have met people here whose lives have been faithful to the Lord longer than my dad has been alive, and they, themselves, have been in ministry longer than I have been alive. Yesterday, I met a woman, who was sponsered to come to the United States to do research on cardiovascular heart diseases. Two days ago, I met a woman who, in my opinion, reminds of an Indian Beth Moore. To say the least, whenever this lady spoke, everyone's attention was captured, and everyones' hands were writting down her thoughts. During my first Sunday here, Uncle Augustine gave a message that challenged me as a man, as a Christian, and as a spiritual leader. Again, I am reminded of the very clear and sure leading I felt from the Lord to come to India. I am sure that I am supposed to be here. The question is, "Why?"
Because of my American mind, I am always trying to fix people and trying to become the Holy Spirit in their lives. In my short time here in India, God has called me to a deeper understanding of "humility." He has shown me that India belongs to Him, and not me. He has shown me that if I am to be used by Him here, then I, as one of His sheep, will have to learn to really listen to His voice. This is my plea for today that I would meet God in India as I determine in my mind and heart to surrender to His leading to serve the people here in anyway that He sees fit. All things belong to Him, and all things are being reconcilied to Christ's feet. May God give me the "humility" to not miss Him and to not miss India while I am here.

In Christ Alone,
Seth Flores