my september prayer letter...a moment of reflection.

At the moment, I’m one week back in the saddle, and have the distinct odor of re-entry, still nursing the wounds that goodbyes tend to rip open. And reeling from the sweetness and quickness of being near so many people I love. Although with my team arriving next week (Aug 17) there’s little time to sit idle.

As I reflect on my time at home and peer into this next season I see a horizon of lessons rising upon me. It seems that every time I return to Kolkata it’s a page turn, blowing open to a new season. I have this simple picture of my trusty backpack, the one I pack to explosive tensions, and I see that in this season the many things I carry about this city, God is going to help me unpack. Perhaps it’s the modern backpacker’s version of the ol “my burden is light” promise Jesus gives. See, I trudge around this city, around this life with an unnecessary pack, like going camping with your hair dryer…I’m lugging around my fears, insecurities, prejudices…and I see that God wants to loosen the straps and change my load. It’s like own personal enlightenment.
I see, as always, that we are learning how to love here. Its definition always fluid, Love is changing and growing and calling me to stay close to Jesus. And I’m realizing that love is less like something I carry around in my pocket and more like the lenses I wear over my eyes. Seeing this city, the girls, my teams, myself…through a pair of untainted glass, or perhaps ridiculously tainted?…
Either way, I am going to gain vision.
Vision that bears fruit.
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:16
But it’s not romantic, this love. Because to see others through a lens of love is to wear a dangerous type of willingness…to acknowledge brokenness, fear, the possibility of hurt and betrayal and to move ahead anyhow. These lenses do not turn the world rose.
I think instead it turns our hearts to soft.
And it’s something I want to run full force into and frantically away from, all at the same time. Because it’s hard to look at people and care to love. And be bothered to care. And see people, instead of any other number of adjectives…
So, speaking of pain and softness…

Painful things happened at Sari Bari while we were gone, three of our friends chose to leave the business. There are lessons to be learned through this, and I pray freedom will be gained for these ladies, not only from the sex trade but from their fear and brokenness. Please hold them close in prayer.
Also, we are in the very beginning stages of a move. And by very beginning I mean we have a long way to go before we actually move. It’s a place very close to the Gach, with room for a new Sari Bari to start and possibly a half way home later down the road. My simple request? Ask God to make this move VERY clear to us as we begin to explore. These are big steps with big commitments and we’d like a mighty large confirmation!
Also hold our community close in prayer as we welcome this new team of 6 into our lives for the next four months. Pray that I will be the shepherd and voice they need and that God will move in their hearts in beautiful heart breaking ways.

I love you all. And as always, thank you for your love and prayers and voice into my life. Until next time, I’ll be here, un-packing.
Much love,
Beth