SERVE India

Dear epray friends,
I have been waiting to send out this epray because I wanted so badly to say that John was back and the land deal was finished… but alas, neither has happened yet… SO, please keep praying… we are ever getting closer to the end, just tiny steps at a time and much time between each step! I am continually reminded by the Lord that He has greater purposes than we can see, and He is trustworthy. Please do keep praying because we really want John home for our trip with my parents coming up in a few weeks… Thank you!
I have included an excerpt from my journal from our trip this past Spring. We are ever so grateful for your prayer and care for us. Thank you and much blessing!
His joy, Love,
The Nanda’s

Thoughts from Terri
I am always amazed, but thankful, that even after so many years of seeing so much the suffering still makes me cry…
We visited one dear young man, burned from his head to his toes, including all of the skin around his eyes, and causing his hands to be crumpled up, not able to function properly or lay out flat. He had been burned trying to save his wife from a fire that blazed from a propane explosion in their hut. His wife was not saved and he was nearly lost, too… he should have been, but the Pastor explained how they had prayed so fervently. He is the only child to his parents, and his little daughter needed him, too.
What a miracle… I wondered if he thought so, too. He looked like he felt ashamed when we saw him… of his looks, I wondered? … maybe… one of the first things that was told to us was that he used to be very handsome… I wished they hadn’t said that.
I tried to meet his eyes with only kindness, as if there was no disfigurement to see past… he wouldn’t look at any of us at first. He seemed to be feeling shy to even be seen by us at all.
We spoke softly to him and laid our hands softly on his shoulders, after making sure that the contact wasn’t going to be irritating wounded skin, and we prayed for him. We prayed for his heart to heal from the grief of so much loss, for his body to heal, for successful surgery to correct his hands so that he would be able to function normally, to live, and work and provide for those who are dependent on him…And we prayed for Father’s presence to be so real and full and strong for him to rest in through it all.
We walked back to the car quietly and that is when I cried.
I am so thankful that our Father knows of our suffering, every tiny and large suffering,… because our Jesus endured suffering we can know that He is right alongside of us, with complete understanding… we are never alone, never, no matter what… He has known it all, and has compassion, and His Presence comforts.
Thank You, Father! Hallelujah.