A Mosque, Monkeys and the 13-mile Hindu Journey

To hear about something is one thing, but to experience it is a totally different story. Yesterday we were able to experience Muslim culture and the way that the people of Islamic faith worship. We removed our shoes and entered into the biggest mosque in South Asia. There were many people there, men, women, and children. Some were just hanging out others were praying. We sat on the mats and we prayed, then we were able to talk with some of the people there. We then went off into the busy bizarre market and we were able to talk with others as the spirit lead. My group in particular got to engage in conversation with one family. There were two young girls who were outside cooking dinner for their family which included their mother, brother, and their father. They were so kind and welcoming, even through the language barrier, Gods love was transcending. They shared their food with us and we were able to give them a DVD. At night we drove a distance to stay at a hotel in which we could prepare for today. 

Today we embarked on a journey, a 13-mile prayer walk. We walked the grounds on which Hindu’s believe is “holy” around several villages. There were several temples along the road and many shrines of the Hindu God’s in front of homes and in garden areas. Throughout the walk we came across many beggars, mostly children. We saw many men with painted faces who were considered to be the “holy men” of Hinduism. Best of all, we were bombarded with monkey’s that took our food. 

The thing that got me the most today were the numerous Hindu’s who were doing a pilgrimage. The pilgrimage consisted of 150 stones that needed to be moved one at a time, body length, in front of a stick. When completed they must repeat the process until they have finished the 13 miles. I heard someone say that this pilgrimage could last more than a month. Yesterday at the mosque and today during the prayer walk made me realize how great God is. Other religions have “rules and rituals” that you must follow in order to win favor, make it to “paradise”, or be considered worthy. Salvation must be earned through many sacrifices. Not with God.  As we continue to go out and build relationships with the people of India, please join with us in prayer that they may come to experience the Fathers love.

~Shelisha