"Behold , the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son", and they call His name Immanuel which means God with us. Merry Christmas Everyone, I hope this finds you all well. It is a weird feeling not to be around for Christmas, to be honest it doesn't even really feel like Christmas here in India. It will be a different one for me for sure, but excited to see what the Lord reveals to me this year. The children are doing a play that my friend Stephanie and and other staff member wrote here. It is based off a movie called "Micah's Treasure" It is about a young boy that doesn't understand why if the Lord is so good then why does He allow so many hard things to come our way. Micah discovers that his treasure is when he comes to the birth of Jesus. Please be praying for this time, ( I am not good at putting my thoughts down on paper) but my heart is kind of feeling anxious about this play. Some of the children's parents will be coming, and they come from Hindu backgrounds, and also they are street beggers, rag pickers or other hard core lifestyles. The play will be done in English but they won't necessarily understand, please pray that the language barrier won't be in the way of hearing the Gospel message. Also just pray for the nation of India, in some parts of India it is illegal to celebrate Christmas and if they are found they could be killed. Same with so many other things, such as church, doing ministry, going to Bible school, and so many other things. I realize that my last few blogs have been about how lost India is but it is so SAD and it is breaking my heart. India needs more native people stepping out in faith and sharing about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. But it can be so dangerous here. Let's today just say a prayer for INDIA... for the many needs. Please remember them as you celebrate Christmas. They don't know what it is to celebrate because so many of them don't even know or want a Savior. I hope this is not too deep, May the Lord bless you this Christmas season. Love you all , rachel P.S. Tutoring is going well, at times it is hard to fit in all that I want to teach but I am doing my best.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Thoughts!!!!
I haven't written on my blog for a few weeks and so I thought I would just send you a little of my thoughts. First I hope you are all doing well and getting ready for the Holidays coming up. Things here have been busy preparing the Christmas program, although I haven't really helped that much because I was sick all last week.
Something I have been really feeling is how lost India is... how much of Jesus this nation needs. It dawned on me that these children are being trained in the Lord for a reason, so that they can carry on the work of Jesus. Last night at prayer time Usha was asking them who is going to carry on the work, and this young boy said we will. Because of the life that they have been given they want to give it back to others.
Well I think I will finish this one, things are going well here, busy but I am doing well. Being blessed each day by the work the Lord is doing in my life. Missing you all and thinking and praying for you.
Love you,
Rachel Asha
Something I have been really feeling is how lost India is... how much of Jesus this nation needs. It dawned on me that these children are being trained in the Lord for a reason, so that they can carry on the work of Jesus. Last night at prayer time Usha was asking them who is going to carry on the work, and this young boy said we will. Because of the life that they have been given they want to give it back to others.
Well I think I will finish this one, things are going well here, busy but I am doing well. Being blessed each day by the work the Lord is doing in my life. Missing you all and thinking and praying for you.
Love you,
Rachel Asha
Monday, October 31, 2011
Learning times!!!
I can't believe it is November 1st. I know have been here for two months and the time just seems to be going by so quickly. The Lord has been showing me a lot since being here in India.
This time I just wanted to share with you some of the lessons I am learning being here. Honestly this trip has been a lot different than I had expected. The Lord is convicting me on things, asking me to FULLY surrender my pride to Him. It has been different.
On Sunday we were studying Romans chapter 8 and the first verse says this: " Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. " Rom. 8:1-2 . After reading this verse, I began to think how we are free in Christ Jesus. But do I live in that freedom? Do I believe the lies I hear in my head? Do I stand up for who I know that Christ has made me to be? Do I live victoriously in Christ Jesus?
This is something that I believe the Lord is wanting me to fully grasp. It is time to be set free from these things. I want to know what is to walk closer to Jesus in this way. I want to not believe the lies.
Yesterday I was tutoring Namratha and we were working on math. Math is not my strong point and I actually still really have a hard time with it. I was so frusterated because how do I teach something that I don't understand myself. I started hearing the lies in my head "oh Rachel" you are not good enough to teach this, just don't try... I am free in Christ. Namratha doesn't need me to be an expert but to show her love and patience and I will do my best.
Well that is all that is on my heart. I pray you are all doing well. May Jesus be all we need in this time. I pray that your holidays will be blessed.
Bangalore Homes
This time I just wanted to share with you some of the lessons I am learning being here. Honestly this trip has been a lot different than I had expected. The Lord is convicting me on things, asking me to FULLY surrender my pride to Him. It has been different.
On Sunday we were studying Romans chapter 8 and the first verse says this: " Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. " Rom. 8:1-2 . After reading this verse, I began to think how we are free in Christ Jesus. But do I live in that freedom? Do I believe the lies I hear in my head? Do I stand up for who I know that Christ has made me to be? Do I live victoriously in Christ Jesus?
This is something that I believe the Lord is wanting me to fully grasp. It is time to be set free from these things. I want to know what is to walk closer to Jesus in this way. I want to not believe the lies.
Yesterday I was tutoring Namratha and we were working on math. Math is not my strong point and I actually still really have a hard time with it. I was so frusterated because how do I teach something that I don't understand myself. I started hearing the lies in my head "oh Rachel" you are not good enough to teach this, just don't try... I am free in Christ. Namratha doesn't need me to be an expert but to show her love and patience and I will do my best.
Well that is all that is on my heart. I pray you are all doing well. May Jesus be all we need in this time. I pray that your holidays will be blessed.
 | ||||||||||
| Indian Village |
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Two week holiday
Our two week holiday in Bangalore is coming to an end on Thursday. We have spent two wonderful weeks with some dear friends of mine and now of Stephanie's as well.
Coming here I recently learned how deep my passion goes for India. Recently walking down the streets here in the city, my heart burdens for the poverty here and how broken the people are. How I see little children roaming the streets with no traces of parents.
I have a hard time writing down what is going on in my head and heart right now but please be praying for India. This is a very lost place, where Hinduism is so important to the people here. How devoted to their idol worship, some people even have idols in their home. This is such a sad thing to me, breaks my heart to see how devoted they are and it is so difficult for us to share Jesus with them.
When we go back to the Children's home, we will be so busy planning our Christmas program. The kids should have been learning their lines while we were gone. I am excited to see where they are at with it.
I pray all is going well back at home with Thanksgiving coming, may we truly know what it is to be thankful. What a special time to celebrate our thanksgiving to the Lord. I love you all and miss you.
Coming here I recently learned how deep my passion goes for India. Recently walking down the streets here in the city, my heart burdens for the poverty here and how broken the people are. How I see little children roaming the streets with no traces of parents.
I have a hard time writing down what is going on in my head and heart right now but please be praying for India. This is a very lost place, where Hinduism is so important to the people here. How devoted to their idol worship, some people even have idols in their home. This is such a sad thing to me, breaks my heart to see how devoted they are and it is so difficult for us to share Jesus with them.
When we go back to the Children's home, we will be so busy planning our Christmas program. The kids should have been learning their lines while we were gone. I am excited to see where they are at with it.
I pray all is going well back at home with Thanksgiving coming, may we truly know what it is to be thankful. What a special time to celebrate our thanksgiving to the Lord. I love you all and miss you.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Is He enough?
If you washed away my vanity, If you took away my words, If all my world was swept away would you be enough for me? Would my beating heart still sing?
If I lost it all would my hands stay lifted, to the God who gives and takes away. If you take it all,this life you've given still my heart will to you.
When my life is not what I expected,the plans I made have failed, when there's nothing left to steal me away, will you be enough for me? Will my broken heart still sing?
Even if you take it all away, You will never let me go. I'm still Your's, I'm still Your's.
I'm Still Your's by Kutless
I heard this song by Kutless the other day and it really touched my heart. Here' s why: since being in India, I have been asking myself, "Will Jesus be enough?". I answered a call out of obedienc to the Lord, but honestly, at times it has been hard to want to BE... Recently, looking into the kids' eyes and seeing just how much they exhibit this simple faith: Jesus is enough for them. It has been so encouraging. I am coming to realize that Jesus is enough for me. He is enough for the times of feeling lonely, He is enough for my failures, He is enough for me...
This is such a awesome thought to me that no matter where we are in the world He will always be enough for us. I just want you all to know, just how much He loves you. Praying for you all and hoping your days/ weeks are going well.
If I lost it all would my hands stay lifted, to the God who gives and takes away. If you take it all,this life you've given still my heart will to you.
When my life is not what I expected,the plans I made have failed, when there's nothing left to steal me away, will you be enough for me? Will my broken heart still sing?
Even if you take it all away, You will never let me go. I'm still Your's, I'm still Your's.
I'm Still Your's by Kutless
I heard this song by Kutless the other day and it really touched my heart. Here' s why: since being in India, I have been asking myself, "Will Jesus be enough?". I answered a call out of obedienc to the Lord, but honestly, at times it has been hard to want to BE... Recently, looking into the kids' eyes and seeing just how much they exhibit this simple faith: Jesus is enough for them. It has been so encouraging. I am coming to realize that Jesus is enough for me. He is enough for the times of feeling lonely, He is enough for my failures, He is enough for me...
This is such a awesome thought to me that no matter where we are in the world He will always be enough for us. I just want you all to know, just how much He loves you. Praying for you all and hoping your days/ weeks are going well.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
the title i can't think of
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquitites; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion: who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle. Psalm 103: 2-5
Here in India it is October 1st. It is weird to think that back home it is fall there and it is still very much summer here. So many things to do in the states, such as decorating your home for Thanksgiving. How fun!
I figured something out recently. Since being here in India, (which on the 6th will have mark a month here) the Lord has really brought me to a place of repentance, healing, and a time of getting to know my Savior in a more intimate way. A dear friend of mine gave this verse to me and it has been a huge encouragement to me, so I thought I would share it with you all. This has been a time of refinement for me, something that I would never expect to have happen in India, but the Lord knows what is best for my heart.
Things are going well here. This week is a hindu holiday celebrating Mahatma Ghandi's birthday, so the kids do not have school. I am looking forward to being with them all day and getting to know them more. We have a lot of fun games planned for them, such as Capture the Flag and Pictionary (ok,ok, i know what your thinking - it's NOT telephone pictionary).
Tutoring has been going well, too. At times it's hard to understand the way the Indian school system does things, but we are figuring things out. It has been neat to see how Namratha has really opened up with me. Two weeks ag,o she didn't say anything except "hi" and now she is sharing with me how she is struggling in school! Such a blessing she is to me.
Also, now that is October, we will be launching into the Christmas program. We have most of it planned already, but we will start getting the kids involved now. This is going to be such an awesome time of sharing Christ with all who come. Some of the kids' parents come to this event, so please be praying for their hearts! And ours as well!
Well, I guess that is all I have for now. I am thinking of you all and hoping you are all doing well! Remember: The Lord is faithful when we seek Him out!
Love you,
Rachel
Here in India it is October 1st. It is weird to think that back home it is fall there and it is still very much summer here. So many things to do in the states, such as decorating your home for Thanksgiving. How fun!
I figured something out recently. Since being here in India, (which on the 6th will have mark a month here) the Lord has really brought me to a place of repentance, healing, and a time of getting to know my Savior in a more intimate way. A dear friend of mine gave this verse to me and it has been a huge encouragement to me, so I thought I would share it with you all. This has been a time of refinement for me, something that I would never expect to have happen in India, but the Lord knows what is best for my heart.
Things are going well here. This week is a hindu holiday celebrating Mahatma Ghandi's birthday, so the kids do not have school. I am looking forward to being with them all day and getting to know them more. We have a lot of fun games planned for them, such as Capture the Flag and Pictionary (ok,ok, i know what your thinking - it's NOT telephone pictionary).
Tutoring has been going well, too. At times it's hard to understand the way the Indian school system does things, but we are figuring things out. It has been neat to see how Namratha has really opened up with me. Two weeks ag,o she didn't say anything except "hi" and now she is sharing with me how she is struggling in school! Such a blessing she is to me.
Also, now that is October, we will be launching into the Christmas program. We have most of it planned already, but we will start getting the kids involved now. This is going to be such an awesome time of sharing Christ with all who come. Some of the kids' parents come to this event, so please be praying for their hearts! And ours as well!
Well, I guess that is all I have for now. I am thinking of you all and hoping you are all doing well! Remember: The Lord is faithful when we seek Him out!
Love you,
Rachel
Friday, September 23, 2011
His Little Blessings
Wow, I can't believe it has been almost 3 weeks since being here. It has been a crazy cool adventure with the Lord so far and can't wait to see what else He has for us.
This is home is such a miracle and it makes me so happy to be here. These young girls are from all types of backgrounds and it continues to amaze me that the Lord chose me to be apart of their lives. My life is being changed daily.
Tutoring has been really busy, during the day we are preparing things for them to do when they get home from school. I really have enjoyed this time with them. Seeing them open up with us is so special. Also been teaching some choreographed songs, they love to sing and dance.
Life here in India is so different from the states. But here it is so evident how Jesus is all they need. I love hearing the children sing as their worship to the Lord. They are such encouragements to us.
Things I ask prayer for:
* A young boy, his name is Boula was bitten by a snake. This home is in Ooty which Impact is also in charge of. He is 8 years old.
* The village that we are in. Hindu village
* For the girls here and also the 7 boys, that God will be all they need.
Love you all,
Rachel Asha
This is home is such a miracle and it makes me so happy to be here. These young girls are from all types of backgrounds and it continues to amaze me that the Lord chose me to be apart of their lives. My life is being changed daily.
Tutoring has been really busy, during the day we are preparing things for them to do when they get home from school. I really have enjoyed this time with them. Seeing them open up with us is so special. Also been teaching some choreographed songs, they love to sing and dance.
Life here in India is so different from the states. But here it is so evident how Jesus is all they need. I love hearing the children sing as their worship to the Lord. They are such encouragements to us.
Things I ask prayer for:
* A young boy, his name is Boula was bitten by a snake. This home is in Ooty which Impact is also in charge of. He is 8 years old.
* The village that we are in. Hindu village
* For the girls here and also the 7 boys, that God will be all they need.
Love you all,
Rachel Asha
Friday, September 16, 2011
So as of yesterday we have been here for a week. Up until yesterday it was really hard for me to be here. The ministry here was a lot different than I had anticipated. The orphanage is more like a home and the girls and a few boys are very well loved and taken care. It seemed as we were very much uneeded.
They attend school from 8-4:30 and then from 5:30 til 7:30, they study...this is the time that we help out with tutoring. Stephanie and I are planning a Christmas program now and also will be implementing a Sunday school curriculm.
Yesterday the Lord gave me a small glimpse into His plan for me during my time here in India.The Lord is so faithful to me in my sometimes wrestles heart. I was tutoring a girl on Wednesday evening and as I was hearing all the lies from satan that I couldn't tutor cause I have learning disabbilities, I saw that this girl learns like me. She has been really struggling in school and does not understand simple things. The lies were filled with truth that maybe I could bless this young little heart, and share with her my experience. Soon realized if that is the only reason that I am here than it is worth it.
Well I need to go and eat some breakfast, love you all and missing you . May you feel the power of the Holy Spirit in your lives today.
Rachel Asha
They attend school from 8-4:30 and then from 5:30 til 7:30, they study...this is the time that we help out with tutoring. Stephanie and I are planning a Christmas program now and also will be implementing a Sunday school curriculm.
Yesterday the Lord gave me a small glimpse into His plan for me during my time here in India.The Lord is so faithful to me in my sometimes wrestles heart. I was tutoring a girl on Wednesday evening and as I was hearing all the lies from satan that I couldn't tutor cause I have learning disabbilities, I saw that this girl learns like me. She has been really struggling in school and does not understand simple things. The lies were filled with truth that maybe I could bless this young little heart, and share with her my experience. Soon realized if that is the only reason that I am here than it is worth it.
Well I need to go and eat some breakfast, love you all and missing you . May you feel the power of the Holy Spirit in your lives today.
Rachel Asha
Monday, September 5, 2011
India here we come...
Well we are all packed right now and ready to leave. I can't fully explain to you all what I am feeling right now. Maybe a little anxious, a lot excited and just can't wait for those dear children to run into our arms.
The Lord has taught me a lot about myself in this journey though and I can't wait to share with you all, the amazing things that the Lord has done in my heart. Today I was thinking about the verse in Jeremiah 29:11-13 which says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you, You will seek Me and find me when you seek Me with all of your heart... This is such a neat verse to me of complete trust and humbleness before the Lord. I am looking forward to that being played out. He only knows the plans that He has placed before us, but in all of this we must run to the throne of Jesus and surrender our lives to Him.
Well I update you all more as we enter into India. I love you all and thank the Lord for the love that I have felt in the last few months.
The Lord has taught me a lot about myself in this journey though and I can't wait to share with you all, the amazing things that the Lord has done in my heart. Today I was thinking about the verse in Jeremiah 29:11-13 which says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you, You will seek Me and find me when you seek Me with all of your heart... This is such a neat verse to me of complete trust and humbleness before the Lord. I am looking forward to that being played out. He only knows the plans that He has placed before us, but in all of this we must run to the throne of Jesus and surrender our lives to Him.
Well I update you all more as we enter into India. I love you all and thank the Lord for the love that I have felt in the last few months.
Friday, August 5, 2011
India- Sept 6th
Well things are coming together quiet smoothly here for my upcoming trip back to India. This time I am going with an organization called Impact of Hope International. I will be working with an orphanage that rescues baby girls from the slums surrounding the area.
For now we( my best friend Stephanie) know that we will be tutoring, and also planning their Christmas program. I am sure though that there will be much more things that we will do when we reach Coimbatore India.
Please be praying as we prepare for closing our lives down here for a while. We have our apartment here in Colorado that we are to be moved out on by the 1st. So until Sept 6th, which is our departure day for India, we will be with Stephanie's parents. They have graciously offered for us to stay with them til we leave.
Thank you all for your love and support as we venture out on this journey. I will try and keep you posted as much as I can.
~ Rachel Asha
Friday, May 6, 2011
Testing of my faith!!!
Dear Jesus,
I am so confused right now... not sure what is happening with my job, just as I am seeking India things at work don't work out. Is this You testing me or is this satan trying to bring me down? In James 1: 2-4 says, " Consider it all joy, my breathren, when you encounter various trials , knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. "
Maybe it is Jesus just asking me to trust Him. Jesus do I fully trust You? I think back to all the times you have come through for me. How I looked at something and it seemed like it just was not going to come through but it did. I love you more than ever.
Your Daughter
I am so confused right now... not sure what is happening with my job, just as I am seeking India things at work don't work out. Is this You testing me or is this satan trying to bring me down? In James 1: 2-4 says, " Consider it all joy, my breathren, when you encounter various trials , knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. "
Maybe it is Jesus just asking me to trust Him. Jesus do I fully trust You? I think back to all the times you have come through for me. How I looked at something and it seemed like it just was not going to come through but it did. I love you more than ever.
Your Daughter
Monday, April 18, 2011
What a weekend?
This was my birthday weekend and it was great. I felt so loved and blessed by all the people that blessed me. I wanted to share something that Jesus has been teaching me these last two weeks.
Last weekend I went out to Estes Park, for a time of being with Jesus. It was awesome, it was a retreat with the young adults group that I am apart of. On Sat night, during worship time, the Holy Spirit really spoke to me. I was singing some songs and was prompted to get on my knees before Jesus and so I did. I suddenly broke down in tears at who Jesus was really to me. I didn't understand how and why I had become so dull. I think I kind of got so use to living the Christian life that I forgot about Jesus. My heart broke in so many ways... it was amazing. I have never felt so repentant in my life.
Last weekend I went out to Estes Park, for a time of being with Jesus. It was awesome, it was a retreat with the young adults group that I am apart of. On Sat night, during worship time, the Holy Spirit really spoke to me. I was singing some songs and was prompted to get on my knees before Jesus and so I did. I suddenly broke down in tears at who Jesus was really to me. I didn't understand how and why I had become so dull. I think I kind of got so use to living the Christian life that I forgot about Jesus. My heart broke in so many ways... it was amazing. I have never felt so repentant in my life.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Wasted Life
I have been thinking a lot about what Jesus has been teaching me. What does it mean to say that I truly give my all to Jesus? Why is it so hard for us to totally lay down our lives for Him. I heard this quote by John Piper, " God created us to live with a single passion to joyfully display His supreme excellence in all spheres of life. The wasted life is the one that is without this passion." What a powerful statement.... So often I get so wrestles with my life and don't want to stay where I am but often miss out on all His blessings for me.
I have been thinking about how we have a reason to be here on this earth, and that is to share Jesus with the world. How many opportunities we have to shine. Our lives should reflect this life of Jesus, that is our true purpose.
Oh Jesus, we are nothing without You. I am so in love with who You are. Thank you for loving me, more than words can say. Thank you for providing a way for me that is everlasting.
This is just a little bit of what Jesus is revealing to me.
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