Arrived safely!

After a blessed 9-hour flight, in which we ate the most delicious rice dish ever, we arrived in Chennai (Madras). There we were met by Prabha, who together with her husband had been waiting for us for two hours. We were warmly welcomed and straight away had scarves placed around our necks. We were welcomed as children of the King. Photos and videos were taken while we went looking for our hotel.

During this drive we heard Prabha's testimony. She told us how she gets up at 5:00 every morning and starts with prayer, and from 06:00 she is at the service of the gypsies until 22:00 at night. India has a caste system in which people are born into one of three different 'castes' and can never get out of it. The gypsies even fall outside the Indian caste system and belong to the poorest of the poor. Prabha told us about the hardships this people goes through, but also how humble she is and how God answers all her prayers. She shared how as a 14-year-old girl she was able to bring God's love with patience and perseverance, and how more than 15,000 people have now come to faith. God is restoring this people.

After fighting for 12 years, Prabha has succeeded in getting ID registration for this people, so that they too are recognised as residents of India and receive the rights that come with it. Prabha also told us about a flood a few months ago, during which she literally had to rescue babies from the rushing water by holding them above her head. Although many children also died, she did not dwell on that at the time. She kept sharing stories about everything she experiences and how God gives her the strength to keep it all up.

The government and the media are amazed at the work she has been able to do. These first-hand stories touched our hearts deeply, and I pray that we may always remain moved with compassion for the outcasts, widows, the poor and orphans. Pray for us, that we may bring the right insights and carry God's beating heart for this people, in the midst of deep darkness and grave circumstances in which their survival is uncertain.