[Mission India] The Return Home

[Dr. Alan Seymour]

We are now back in the United States and settling into our home. We are so thankful to everyone who has helped prepare our home and those who donated food and furniture for us. You have made us feel so loved and we are thankful for every one of you. Your help has made this transition smooth and stress free for us.

I, Alan, will be starting testing shortly to see what is exactly going on in my body, and I appreciate all your prayers. Please continue to pray that our insurance will be easy to attain and that our crate will make it to our place very shortly.

During our last week in India three young adults came to visit and see what the ministry is all about and what I did during the past year. Though a week is not really enough time to see everything and truly get a feel for what is going on, they were impacted nonetheless. It is hard not to be when you personally see what is happening in India and how many Christians live, often in severe poverty, and so contently.

We took them to Khandili to visit the medical center and then had the pastor take us into the villages to visit some of his congregation. All of them lived in mud huts with thatched roofs made of palm leaves, but they were so welcoming and loving that it is overwhelming if you are not prepared for it. They are totally reliant on Christ for everything and they are so content.

They gave of what they did not have. They gave us coconut juice and coconut to eat, and then cut up mango to eat and then handed us a bag of fruit to take with us. Their demonstration of love to visitors is amazing, as they were giving their very own food that they “need” to live as gifts to us. We prayed at each house we visited for the family, and it had to be done through an interpreter, as none spoke English.

It was a bittersweet experience to leave India, to say the least. Of course, we were saddened to have to leave early due to health issues. We grew to love the people and the country and had thoroughly adjusted to our new way of living. We were blessed to be involved in ministry right up until the end, teaching and mentoring and preaching. Much still needs to be done in the ministry there, but much was accomplished, as well. God was so good and blessed our time there and made it very productive and fruitful for His Kingdom.

My involvement with India will not end because I am back in the U.S., as I am still a part of committees and will continue to be part of helping BBCM/ACPL grow and develop from here. We are looking at avenues where I can continue to mentor and be part of the ministry. As areas develop, I will let you know what is happening within the India ministry.

Thank you for your support and prayers and continue to pray for us as we look at where God is going to place me next, and as I start medical testing.

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Posted By Dr. Alan Seymour to Mission India at 5/29/2009 01:31:00 PM