Helmes, Amy: Thoughts on our Mission Trip to India. Where He Leads 1/2001.
In mid-February, I had the privilege of travelling to India in the company of four Christian brothers. Our team consisted of my father-in-law, Alvar Helmes, Richard Juuti, Carl Lamppa, Mike Hilman and myself. Travelling across the world with only men for companions was an experience in itself, but having been asked to write an article, I'll try to highlight those experiences more directly related to the mission work.

The first place that our team spent time was at the church compound in the Bargarh District of Orissa State. S.P. Limma is the pastor of the brightly painted, tile- roofed church there. Standing at his side as he serves are his wife, Prabha, his one-year-old daughter, Gloria Rose, and his dear mother, Bijilamati. Also at the compound are a host of dedicated servants and friends, His desire to serve the Lord and his devotion to his flock became apparent as we spent our days visiting area tribal churches and leper colonies. Our spirits and voices were often joined together in songs as we hurtled down the dusty roads in Pastor Limma's Sumo, with the wind whipping through our hair. With the horn in use most of the time, we were continually dodging a myriad number of vehicles, pedestrians, and animals, enroute to our next destination -without seatbelts.

From way back in my teenage years, I have felt drawn toward the disease of leprosy. I had read books on the subject and also found information on the Internet to become more informed prior to our trip. Because of this, our visits to the leper colonies were probably the most meaningful part of the trip for me. The Hockinson Sunday school had given a donation that Pastor Limma had used to purchase items for us to distribute. At each of the four colonies that we had the opportunity to visit, we were enthusiastically greeted with "nemeste, nemeste," by the residents, accompanied by folded hands, smiles and sometimes even tears.

We began each visit with a prayer and short message. During this time, I also had an opportunity to work with the children in India. I had filled a large suitcase with over 4000 colourful pipe cleaners, most of them fastened into kits that would be used to create a small toy. As I sat with these tattered-looking children clustered around me, i1 wasn't long before their somber faces were breaking out in tentative smiles as they watched a tiger, lion, butterfly, flower or eyeglasses being created. These children, even those who don't have the disease, are considered "untouchable," so I had to move slowly and smile a lot, before they would let me hug or hold them. I knew that they were considered contagious, but it was as though I had to touch them.

When I was finished with the children, we lined up the adults, ladies first, and began to distribute blankets. Even though the weather is very warm most of the time, these bright, plaid blankets will protect them from mosquitoes and in many cases, the hard ground. Also, during the winter, the weather can get quite chilly and the blankets will be put to good use during those months. Their appreciation was obvious as they received their gift. They would often take my hand and hold it to their face or kiss it. After the adults all had blankets, we passed out clothing to the children, dresses for the girls, shirt and shorts for the boys. They proudly hugged their new garments as they lined up to be photographed.

Farewells were difficult for me. It's painful to see others suffer and its hard to understand God's purpose in allowing it. But even amidst the confusion and pain, God brought a small measure of comfort to my heart. While we were at the second colony and I was pondering this, a small sparrow began to flit around in the dust near the children, and I knew that it was sent as a reminder of Matthew 10:31 -Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. God knows each of the souls there, and if they receive the Gospel and the promise of eternal life, they are richer than a king in his palace. Psalm 34: 10- ...but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

There would be many other experiences to share if space permitted, but I'll just close with this thought. Each member of our team came to bring the Gospel, as we felt inspired by God to do so, along with a measure of hope and encouragement, but each of us took home far more than we brought...