Jeremiah 29:7 says: "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which i have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."
In my last post, i'd been super critical on the situation in India, particularly Mangalore. But after some weeks of listening to my pastor George Matthew says, i begin to look at the whole thing in a different perspective.
Physically, things seems bad and stupid. All those Hindu's extremist action is just so annoying. Many Indians around me are just so frustrating. But, i wasn't sent here just to finish off my degree and leave this place. God has a purpose, a well crafted and purposeful plan for me. Believe it or not, there is not a single "safe" place on this earth. But the safest place you can be at is wherever He wants you to be, always at the right place at the right time. Thank God i wasn't in Mumbai when the terrorist attacked. Thank God the church where i was worshiping wasn't attacked. Thank God nothing happened to me when those Sri Ram Sena ppl threatened to trouble all couples they see.
On the other side, spiritually, things are seemingly much better, and still going according to His ultimate plan. At first, those ppl attacked numerous churches and injured many pastors and church members, but none of the believers stumbled. In fact, their resolution and passion for God grew stronger and firmer. Christians from all over India, as well as whole world, prayed hard for those sufferers. God answered their prayers, restored them and brought them to a new spiritual level.
Later, God diverted those ppl who're supposed to attack the churches to a local pub and beaten up some innocent indian girls. This incident is so sickening that it shocked the whole world and angered the whole educated and high class society from every where. People from all countries stood together and condemned these stupid people. From only chirstians community, god has enlarged the scope of hatred towards these devils to all secular community.
Now, there is confusion in enemy's camp. The government BJP, who was all these while supporting them, do not know what to do anymore. Things they'd done are too embarrassing. God even single handedly changed some important post in the government from those extremist kind of man to the secular and responsible ones.
It is obvious God is making a revival in this city, as well as in this country. Believers here had been praying day and night for God to claim this land and take it to the next level. Look at China, before they were so strong, enormous number of Christians suffered so so much but still fought on for the country's revival. And now, they're one of the leading countries in the world. Look at US, they were the strongest country in the world for centuries because their ancestors feared God and look into God in every policy they make. But now, their people are neglecting God more and more and they're suffering so much right now.
The general election of India is coming soon next month. We all have the responsibility to pray that God will take charge and choose a secular and open minded and transparent government for this land. We could not afford to let the Hindu extremist to take over as things are going to turn sour, especially towards all Christians and Muslims in this country. We, students from other countries, have to take on the responsibility to pray endlessly for the revival of this beautiful land full of incredible people and unique cultures and extraordinary history. We do not come here just as a stepping stone to our future. We came here for a purpose, to learn something and more importantly to make a difference in this place. We must stand in the gap, so that corruptions will be broken down; useless traditions will be stopped; dark markets will be exposed; and all people from all caste will be able to taste the country's wealth. If this place that we're living now become prosperous and peaceful, we too, will be prosperous and have peace. What else is better than that?
God bless India.
