God also ministers to those who minister...

Leaving a place such as Khuttar after you’ve built strong relationships is far from an easy task. After all, I had developed such great friendships and my ministry in Khuttar was extremely productive, why should I have to leave? However, on April 6th I reluctantly stepped foot into the rusty old Jeep, filled with 9 Indians, which was to take me to my new ministry location. As I drove away on the dilapidated, pot hole filled road, I couldn’t help but feel helpless, as though I was leaving behind my family. I felt empty, and even a bit depressed to be leaving behind such a great little town. The very town I hated when I arrived had become my second home, and I didn’t want to leave.
I arrived in Sampurna Nager late in the evening on the 6th. My host family placed me in a small room in the back of the home with no window. I felt even more helpless and suffocated. What in the world had I gotten myself into? The next day I was to begin teaching, but yet I couldn’t even imagine spending another second in this terrible place. It was going to be a long four weeks.
The next day I woke up to begin my temporary career as a teacher. I was looking forward to going to the school and looking forward to meeting the students. I was greeted by 250 smiling students—and instantly my spirit was lifted. I began my day by visiting a very excited 7th grade classroom. They were incredibly excited to have a foreigner teaching them, much less an American. Surprisingly, their English was quite good. I began teaching my subject—none other than English.
After some time, I began to get used to my routine of teaching during the day, playing badminton in the evening, and then eating late at night. As my hosts began to learn me needs, they moved my bed outside, where I could sleep better. Thomas and Siscily were my host parents-and after I adjusted to the change, they were great. They even went so far as to build me a western style toilet stool so that I would feel more comfortable.
I was able to build great relationships at the school. The students loved me. I had 250 students from 2nd class to 10th class. When I left the school last week, many of them gave me gifts. I now have nearly an entire suitcase filled with various gifts. When I arrived, I hated my new location. However, when I left, I felt as though I was leaving a piece of me behind.
The time in Sampurna Nager wasn’t easy at all. Continually I had to rely on God to help me through the tough times. With no electricity, super hot heat, and a sickness that just would not quit, I found that God continually ministered to me, more than I ever could minister to others. I found Romans 8:26 particularly helpful. “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Through the hard times, I found a renewed faith in God that I never could have gotten elsewhere.