Josh's update
I just want to say before I get started is that I hope you don’t expect the same size up date from me as you just got from Austin! If you really are interested in what we have been doing, down to the last detail you should just take a week off and read Austin’s new book! I will hopefully be able to inform you with as little writing as possible, on how we are, and what we have been doing here in India, and more then that how God has been faithful to us.
This trip has been such an eye opener for me! We have seen and done so much that have caused me, and I am sure all of us, to think about things that we never would have. And I am sure that I have missed so much of what God has done for us. But the things I have noticed and been encouraged by I will write about. I will start in Roma and from there on, who knows where I will go. Roma was an amazing city to be able to see, and I am so glad we spent a week there. I am not sure what Austin wrote but we got to see most of Roma, at least that is how I felt about it. And by far I liked the catacombs the most, it really just blows your mind when you can go down into this place where the church started. And to see the coliseum, and all that really old stuff was a lot of fun. But while we were here there was so much going on with us as a group, and a lot for us to think though. Clay had just told us that he was thinking about staying in Athens; and that wasn’t really as hug of a deal as I though it was going to be. Sure we talk about it every day after that, but what was good for me was I was really challenged to really think about what it was that I believed, and why. And I am going to challenge all of you to just take a min. to think about your faith. Is it something you just do because that is just the way it has always been? or is it real? Are you learning and growing closer to Him every day?
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you-James 4:8.
I wish I could say, now that I have been thinking and praying about it that I know all the answers, but I cant. I can say that it has challenged me to really put my trust in God more than I thought I ever could.
I will say of the Lord, “ He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2.
And it has been so good to be on this trip with two of my closest friends and to learn and grow with them has been huge. After Roma we had some crazy train rides and one fairy ride to get to Athens. If you want to know about that read “the book”. Athens is really close to being one of the most beautiful places we have been on the trip. While we were there we got to camp across from the Acropolis on this amazing little hill. It had been a while since any of us had a shower, and one guy we meet through this little church that Clay was going to, asked if he could buy us a room some where so we could get cleaned up (I added that because I don’t think Austin put that in “the book” or is really aware of the whole smell issue). So we went and found a hostel to stay at for a night, and we able to get cleaned up. And just to tell you how good God is, it rained that night in Athens and that was so nice not to be wet for a change. But what got all of us thinking in Athens; was while we were at the hostel we meet this girl from the U.S. and she started tell me her life story. Which wasn’t that crazy in the hostel setting, that is just what they do there. I will spare you her story and just tell you what it was that got us thinking. It all started when she recommended a book for me to read about the times we are living in, and how after she had read this book her life made since. And how we really don’t have to worry or even think about anything right now. Because there is going to be a leader coming that will unify the world and when that happens everything will be clear and we will just have to do what he tell us, and it is going to be great! I bet you can just guess what I was think by this point. I just sat there trying to figure out how to get away for this girl. But it went on forever it felt like. And she told me about how it wasn’t just her but most of her friends and family that were at the same place as she was. LOST! All I can say is that I was challenged to think. To think about the time I have been given, and what I am doing to be ready for the days that I know are coming.
But don’t overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years one day. 2 Peter 3:8
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
After that we headed out to a Greek island to hang out and see what it was like out there. And it was so nice, we camped right on the sea and got to cook most of our own food. It was are last few days with Clay and they were so good. We really didn’t do a whole lot on the island, but it was by far some of the best times we have had as friends.
It was off to India for Austin and I the morning after we rolled back from the island. We were packed and ready to roll, a little jealous that Clay did have to carry his pack any more. And we had a long trek to the metro that went to the air port. This is an other way that God has really shown Himself to us. We had all the things we needed to get to India, packs, tickets, everything. But Austin insisted that we stop at a internet café to print out his copy for our itinerary. We had seen a internet café earlier so we headed that way even though it was about twice as far to hike. We got there Austin got his copy made and we were just trying to get some time out of the internet we had bought, a ½ hrs worth, I was done and on my way out when Austin told me that Mallory was on. Which was amazing in the first place because it was like two in the morning there! So I singed right back on to my computer to say “Hi”. And it ended up being a lot more than just a “Hi”! for the first time we found out what was happening in India and the turmoil that was going on in Mumbai. The city where we were planning to stay for our first few days there! Mallory called my parents so we could talk with them and it was just crazy for a while. Our plane left in less than 3 hr and we were about an hour from the airport still, and we were trying to figure out if we should stay or go. But if we were going to figure out anything we were going to have to go to the airport, said our goodbyes and I was so thankful that Mallory had got a hold of us to tell us what was going on. So, off to the airport we went, we were in a huge hurry to get there and Clay was only going to the metro. We said good bye to him and were off. When we got to the airport our flight was checking in so we had no time! we went to the main cheek in both to ask them what they thought we should do, and they didn’t even know what was going on! So they called some people and checked to see what it would cost to change our tickets. And after about 10 min of that we had to make the choice to go or to stay. The only comfort I got out of this whole deal was the fact that people checking us in though we would be alright because we didn’t look like tourists, but more like hitchhikers. We didn’t have any time to think it through, but we were checked in and waiting to get on out plain before we knew it. All we could do is just pray and trust God that we were doing what He wanted us to. We flew all night and had one layover, I was able to call home and make sure everyone knew that we were doing exactly what they asked us not to. But I got to spend a lot of time reading my Bible and praying and I can say that I was really filled with peace on what was happening. I have been reading Romans and now I have just been in 1 Cor .There was so much there to be encouraged by. But so far my favorite verse so far has been Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope.
We landed in Mumbai at 6 in the morning. We didn’t get a lot of sleep on the flight but we had time to think it though and had an idea of how to get to Pune. Which is were we were planning on going after Mumbai to help a friend of Austin’s for a while. It was so good to know that you were all praying for us and as soon as we got off the plain God started answering all of them. We had to cancel a hotel reservation and find a way to get to this place in Mumbai where there were gov. bus going to Pune. We got so much help from all the people we ran into and after a ride in a van and then a taxi we were at the bus station. It was so easy and the guy that was suppose to drive us to the hotel canceled or reservation and got us the taxi that we needed to get to the bus, and not only that but he talked the taxi driver into doing it for less than he was going to! It was amazing to see how God was working through these people. We got on the bus, and we both feel sound asleep for our 6 hour bus ride. When we arrived we didn’t know what to do next, but we had an address and a rickshaw driver that wanted to take us anywhere. We showed him the address and we were off again, only to find out that we had the wrong address, so our driver took us to a place were we could call Daniel. Thankfully we had his phone number, so we called and found out we were on the wrong side of town, and just so you know…this is a big town! So we talked to our driver and he said he would take us but it was going to cost about 20 dollars! We though that was really cheep and we were off again the only problem was our driver didn’t know where to go on the other side of town so we had a little detour to his parents house were he asked his dad and brother for directions. It was so crazy fun to hangout with them for a few min. and as soon as he know where we going we were off. It took about 2 hr in sold traffic but we made it, and Daniel was waiting for us. And I was just amazed that we had made it! There was now way that we could have done it on our own and I am so thankful for all your prayers. God has been so faithful!
We spent the rest of the day walking around looking at all the projects that C.G.C.E ( the co. that Daniel works for) . The next day we just slept and checked out the town a little bit, that is when Austin wrote his book! After that we started working with Daniel. He is in charge of making tripods to be shipped around the world. It is a huge project and it is tons of fun to work with the Indians. As for the mission, I am not sure what it is other to employ poor Indians who need a job. But I will write more about that when I know more. We had to have enough tripods put together and packed before Wednesday so they could be shipped out to wherever. I though we were doing really good we had made so many of those things. Then it came to the last day and we still had a lot to go! We went to work earlier than normal and ended up finishing the whole process the next morning at 4:30! I am writing this on our day off they work on Sunday and have Thursday off. And we did the shipment of tripods last night. We are planning on just hanging out to day and then tomorrow we are going site seeing with Daniel since he got two days off. I think that is just about all I have for know, I cant tell you how thankful I am for all your prayers! And please don’t stop any time soon. I hope you will be encouraged by what God has been doing in my life! And this is such a little bit!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods.><>1 Chronicles 16:25
Thanks again! Josh
I asked and found out a lot about what C.G.C.E. (Chikali Great Commission Engineering) is. So I will try to explain it to you, and if you have any questions just ask. Or visit there web site at www.gct-usa.com to find out more!
The company C.G.C.E. is trying to get itself into a position where they have a say in the government. Why? Legally the cast system doesn’t exist but with the Hindu influence the Muslims and so many other religions that have all the focus on self, it makes out for madness here in India. Everyone is out to cheat their neighbor. So what this company is doing is getting a trust built up with the government and with people in the importing business, and doing it all legally. Which is a big deal because not very many companies are doing it legally, or are very honest about this type of work that is being done. Ultimately they are trying to set a standard, by being a Christian owned and run co.; they want to get noticed. When they get to the place where they have a say in gov. then they will be able to change things a little bit more than they are now. And hopefully start to change the focus of this country.
What they are doing now is working with the people of India. Not just poor Christians who need help, but any one who is willing to work for them and meet there standards. They expect there workers to be honest and do all there work as good as they can. And through that it opens a door to explain why, and they have a chance to share there faith. It is so much different than what I am used to doing on a mission. But God is truly at work here, and He is working through this company. I am so glad I have gotten to be part of what God is doing here! Thanks again for all your prayers. God Bless Josh
This trip has been such an eye opener for me! We have seen and done so much that have caused me, and I am sure all of us, to think about things that we never would have. And I am sure that I have missed so much of what God has done for us. But the things I have noticed and been encouraged by I will write about. I will start in Roma and from there on, who knows where I will go. Roma was an amazing city to be able to see, and I am so glad we spent a week there. I am not sure what Austin wrote but we got to see most of Roma, at least that is how I felt about it. And by far I liked the catacombs the most, it really just blows your mind when you can go down into this place where the church started. And to see the coliseum, and all that really old stuff was a lot of fun. But while we were here there was so much going on with us as a group, and a lot for us to think though. Clay had just told us that he was thinking about staying in Athens; and that wasn’t really as hug of a deal as I though it was going to be. Sure we talk about it every day after that, but what was good for me was I was really challenged to really think about what it was that I believed, and why. And I am going to challenge all of you to just take a min. to think about your faith. Is it something you just do because that is just the way it has always been? or is it real? Are you learning and growing closer to Him every day?
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you-James 4:8.
I wish I could say, now that I have been thinking and praying about it that I know all the answers, but I cant. I can say that it has challenged me to really put my trust in God more than I thought I ever could.
I will say of the Lord, “ He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2.
And it has been so good to be on this trip with two of my closest friends and to learn and grow with them has been huge. After Roma we had some crazy train rides and one fairy ride to get to Athens. If you want to know about that read “the book”. Athens is really close to being one of the most beautiful places we have been on the trip. While we were there we got to camp across from the Acropolis on this amazing little hill. It had been a while since any of us had a shower, and one guy we meet through this little church that Clay was going to, asked if he could buy us a room some where so we could get cleaned up (I added that because I don’t think Austin put that in “the book” or is really aware of the whole smell issue). So we went and found a hostel to stay at for a night, and we able to get cleaned up. And just to tell you how good God is, it rained that night in Athens and that was so nice not to be wet for a change. But what got all of us thinking in Athens; was while we were at the hostel we meet this girl from the U.S. and she started tell me her life story. Which wasn’t that crazy in the hostel setting, that is just what they do there. I will spare you her story and just tell you what it was that got us thinking. It all started when she recommended a book for me to read about the times we are living in, and how after she had read this book her life made since. And how we really don’t have to worry or even think about anything right now. Because there is going to be a leader coming that will unify the world and when that happens everything will be clear and we will just have to do what he tell us, and it is going to be great! I bet you can just guess what I was think by this point. I just sat there trying to figure out how to get away for this girl. But it went on forever it felt like. And she told me about how it wasn’t just her but most of her friends and family that were at the same place as she was. LOST! All I can say is that I was challenged to think. To think about the time I have been given, and what I am doing to be ready for the days that I know are coming.
But don’t overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years one day. 2 Peter 3:8
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
After that we headed out to a Greek island to hang out and see what it was like out there. And it was so nice, we camped right on the sea and got to cook most of our own food. It was are last few days with Clay and they were so good. We really didn’t do a whole lot on the island, but it was by far some of the best times we have had as friends.
It was off to India for Austin and I the morning after we rolled back from the island. We were packed and ready to roll, a little jealous that Clay did have to carry his pack any more. And we had a long trek to the metro that went to the air port. This is an other way that God has really shown Himself to us. We had all the things we needed to get to India, packs, tickets, everything. But Austin insisted that we stop at a internet café to print out his copy for our itinerary. We had seen a internet café earlier so we headed that way even though it was about twice as far to hike. We got there Austin got his copy made and we were just trying to get some time out of the internet we had bought, a ½ hrs worth, I was done and on my way out when Austin told me that Mallory was on. Which was amazing in the first place because it was like two in the morning there! So I singed right back on to my computer to say “Hi”. And it ended up being a lot more than just a “Hi”! for the first time we found out what was happening in India and the turmoil that was going on in Mumbai. The city where we were planning to stay for our first few days there! Mallory called my parents so we could talk with them and it was just crazy for a while. Our plane left in less than 3 hr and we were about an hour from the airport still, and we were trying to figure out if we should stay or go. But if we were going to figure out anything we were going to have to go to the airport, said our goodbyes and I was so thankful that Mallory had got a hold of us to tell us what was going on. So, off to the airport we went, we were in a huge hurry to get there and Clay was only going to the metro. We said good bye to him and were off. When we got to the airport our flight was checking in so we had no time! we went to the main cheek in both to ask them what they thought we should do, and they didn’t even know what was going on! So they called some people and checked to see what it would cost to change our tickets. And after about 10 min of that we had to make the choice to go or to stay. The only comfort I got out of this whole deal was the fact that people checking us in though we would be alright because we didn’t look like tourists, but more like hitchhikers. We didn’t have any time to think it through, but we were checked in and waiting to get on out plain before we knew it. All we could do is just pray and trust God that we were doing what He wanted us to. We flew all night and had one layover, I was able to call home and make sure everyone knew that we were doing exactly what they asked us not to. But I got to spend a lot of time reading my Bible and praying and I can say that I was really filled with peace on what was happening. I have been reading Romans and now I have just been in 1 Cor .There was so much there to be encouraged by. But so far my favorite verse so far has been Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope.
We landed in Mumbai at 6 in the morning. We didn’t get a lot of sleep on the flight but we had time to think it though and had an idea of how to get to Pune. Which is were we were planning on going after Mumbai to help a friend of Austin’s for a while. It was so good to know that you were all praying for us and as soon as we got off the plain God started answering all of them. We had to cancel a hotel reservation and find a way to get to this place in Mumbai where there were gov. bus going to Pune. We got so much help from all the people we ran into and after a ride in a van and then a taxi we were at the bus station. It was so easy and the guy that was suppose to drive us to the hotel canceled or reservation and got us the taxi that we needed to get to the bus, and not only that but he talked the taxi driver into doing it for less than he was going to! It was amazing to see how God was working through these people. We got on the bus, and we both feel sound asleep for our 6 hour bus ride. When we arrived we didn’t know what to do next, but we had an address and a rickshaw driver that wanted to take us anywhere. We showed him the address and we were off again, only to find out that we had the wrong address, so our driver took us to a place were we could call Daniel. Thankfully we had his phone number, so we called and found out we were on the wrong side of town, and just so you know…this is a big town! So we talked to our driver and he said he would take us but it was going to cost about 20 dollars! We though that was really cheep and we were off again the only problem was our driver didn’t know where to go on the other side of town so we had a little detour to his parents house were he asked his dad and brother for directions. It was so crazy fun to hangout with them for a few min. and as soon as he know where we going we were off. It took about 2 hr in sold traffic but we made it, and Daniel was waiting for us. And I was just amazed that we had made it! There was now way that we could have done it on our own and I am so thankful for all your prayers. God has been so faithful!
We spent the rest of the day walking around looking at all the projects that C.G.C.E ( the co. that Daniel works for) . The next day we just slept and checked out the town a little bit, that is when Austin wrote his book! After that we started working with Daniel. He is in charge of making tripods to be shipped around the world. It is a huge project and it is tons of fun to work with the Indians. As for the mission, I am not sure what it is other to employ poor Indians who need a job. But I will write more about that when I know more. We had to have enough tripods put together and packed before Wednesday so they could be shipped out to wherever. I though we were doing really good we had made so many of those things. Then it came to the last day and we still had a lot to go! We went to work earlier than normal and ended up finishing the whole process the next morning at 4:30! I am writing this on our day off they work on Sunday and have Thursday off. And we did the shipment of tripods last night. We are planning on just hanging out to day and then tomorrow we are going site seeing with Daniel since he got two days off. I think that is just about all I have for know, I cant tell you how thankful I am for all your prayers! And please don’t stop any time soon. I hope you will be encouraged by what God has been doing in my life! And this is such a little bit!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods.><>1 Chronicles 16:25
Thanks again! Josh
I asked and found out a lot about what C.G.C.E. (Chikali Great Commission Engineering) is. So I will try to explain it to you, and if you have any questions just ask. Or visit there web site at www.gct-usa.com to find out more!
The company C.G.C.E. is trying to get itself into a position where they have a say in the government. Why? Legally the cast system doesn’t exist but with the Hindu influence the Muslims and so many other religions that have all the focus on self, it makes out for madness here in India. Everyone is out to cheat their neighbor. So what this company is doing is getting a trust built up with the government and with people in the importing business, and doing it all legally. Which is a big deal because not very many companies are doing it legally, or are very honest about this type of work that is being done. Ultimately they are trying to set a standard, by being a Christian owned and run co.; they want to get noticed. When they get to the place where they have a say in gov. then they will be able to change things a little bit more than they are now. And hopefully start to change the focus of this country.
What they are doing now is working with the people of India. Not just poor Christians who need help, but any one who is willing to work for them and meet there standards. They expect there workers to be honest and do all there work as good as they can. And through that it opens a door to explain why, and they have a chance to share there faith. It is so much different than what I am used to doing on a mission. But God is truly at work here, and He is working through this company. I am so glad I have gotten to be part of what God is doing here! Thanks again for all your prayers. God Bless Josh
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