Last year I was privileged to travel with Compassion International to India. I could talk about that trip for hours but there were two things I walked away with.
1. Compassion is doing an amazing work. Our family’s compassion child is in India (Sammy) and we’ll continue to support kids through compassion. I love and believe in the work they’re doing around the world. If you’re interested in sponsoring a child in India just click the banner in my sidebar.
2. I was blown away by the extreme hopelessness and paralyzing poverty that exists there. With 25% of the worlds population living in India the ministry opportunities are almost overwhelming. I’ve honestly never visited a place where there was such a heavy spiritual oppression. It took me months to emotionally recover after my last visit.
When our team left India on May 1st I knew in my heart there was still some unfinished work there for me. I knew on the plane ride home there was a burning passion that life could no longer go back to the way it was. I had to get back there as soon as I could. Since then I’ve started a non-profit called Cries of Love to help the children of India to be filled with the Hope of Christ while helping meet their basic needs.
So today, nine months later, I’m finally getting the opportunity to go back. I’m traveling with Jenni Catron, our Executive Director at Cross Point, and Ryan Bult, our Pastor of Missions. Since returning from India not only have the families of Cross Point literally sponsored hundreds of kids in Kolkata, India, but we’ve also helped start a school and feeding center there as well.
We’re going to check on the new work that has been started and also scout out the logistics for future trips we hope to take as a church.
We should be on the ground in Kolkata, India Thursday morning (I think that will be Wednesday night here in the US). I’ll try to blog a few times while there but I believe our internet connection will be unreliable at best. In the meantime I would appreciate your prayers.
1) Pray for our safety. The State Department just released a new travel warning.
2) Pray for our productivity. There are a lot of meetings and decisions that need to be arranged while we’re there. While I believe in the future of Cries of Love there are several things that need to fall into place to ensure the future and effectiveness of this ministry.
Here’s a few posts I wrote on my blog during my last trip to India:
The Source of My Passion
Looking Into The Eyes of Bondage
A Reminder of Nothing
Sometimes I’m Miserable, Poor, Pitiful and Blind
I’ll be praying. Be safe!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..On The 7th Day =-.
Here in VA. I’ll be praying, for your collective safety and those in India. Trust God in whatever it takes.
(Btw, couldn’t open the links. Operator error – meaning me?)
We sponsored a little girl in India because of that blog trip last year. It’s completely changed my life.
I’m praying that your trip will be safe, productive, and that God will minister to you just as much as you minister to the beautiful people there.
Praying. I can’t wait to go back with ya’ll.
.-= Lindsey Nobles´s last blog ..The Sin of Omission =-.
Godspeed and God’s blessings!
.-= Randy Kinnick´s last blog ..Imitation is the Sincerest Form… =-.
Praying for you and your team’s safety and that God would bless the work in India.
.-= Heidi H´s last blog ..On the prairie =-.
Looking forward to whatever words you can send our way from India.
Would love to be there with you all in the physical, but am already there with you in spirit.
.-= Tony York´s last blog ..Church Hunt Week 2 =-.
praying for you, pete. and for brandi & boys as they stay behind.
i love your heart for the nations. thank you for living that out so loudly.
.-= alece´s last blog ..she was my first =-.
I pray God moves in a mighty way there.
.-= Michael´s last blog ..Why I am in the Ministry =-.
praying for you all and your family here too…I look forward to hearing about how God is working in India
.-= joyce´s last blog ..Try a little kindness =-.
Praying for you guys! So excited to see what God has planned…
Will be praying for you, Pastor Pete, as you continue to do the work of Jesus.
.-= *~Michelle~*´s last blog ..Groundhog Day =-.
Whoa. Just read that Travel Advisory from the State Department. Scary stuff, Pete. But we’ve got your back – and Ryan and Jenni’s – and we’ll keep you guys smothered with prayers for safety. Blessings every moment on all of you!!
Wishing you a safe and productive trip, Pete.
Spent three weeks in India and it absolutely changed my life! (Hyderabad, Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Agra)
May God bless your efforts and may you not forget to take your malaria medication!
.-= Rachel H. Evans´s last blog ..Embracing Doubt =-.
I can’t think of 3 better people to go over there and carry out the work of our Lord! Please know that my family will be praying for each one of you and for your families that are staying behind. Cross Point is SO BLESSED to have you guys! Thanks for all you do!
We’ve got your back. I just had me and my boys pray for you at the breakfast table. Will continue to do so.
.-= Faith Barista | Bonnie´s last blog ..The Love Challenge: Day Two — Falling Divinely In Love =-.
Will be thinking about you and praying for you, Pete!
I’ll tell her ‘hey’ for you!
Thank you guys for all the prayers! They mean the works to me!
You’re lifted up Pete!
.-= Michael Holmes´s last blog ..How to Prospect Like Jesus =-.
Praying right now. Soon as I hit “Now, click to send it out”.
.-= Bill Foote´s last blog ..What would you have said? =-.
I’ll be praying for you, bro.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..I’m not really sure God wants me to do this =-.
Prayers sent. God speed.
.-= katdish´s last blog ..Don’t Drive Angry =-.
Someone actually delivered them to us as we waited at the airport. We got them just in time!
Praying for all of you [and that the visa came through in time]… love the work you’re doing and the heart behind it. Will be anxious to hear more!
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Brought to You by the Letter P =-.
Praying for you guys going to India, but mostly will be praying for your families at home. No disrespect intended. I just know that when I travel my family comes under such spiritual attack it’s not funny. I will be praying for Brandi and the boys and for the families (assuming there are some) of Jenni and Ryan. Many blessings guys. Can’t wait to hear reports about my friends in India!
.-= Eldon Kelley´s last blog ..Do I? =-.
Pete, I’m praying for you friend. I understand the wrecking that occurs when God touches our heart deeply and when we see things that have wrecked his heart first. I stopped this morning when I was out walking to sit for a moment and pray for you and Jenni and Ryan. I prayed specifically that God would go before you in all ways. This is repeatedly how I felt God move me to pray for you all.
I leave for India next Wednesday. The travel warning made me a little nervous as well but Phil reminded me that I went to Israel and never blinked.
I’m trusting that God will be with me, and with you.
Blessings of hope, peace, joy and a deep contentment be yours! It’s encouraging to see you do what God has called you to do. It’s convicting to see you look into the eyes of hopelessness and poverty and not politely look away and forget, but to do something about it.
.-= Jan Owen´s last blog ..Can the Church Benefit from the Female Voice? =-.
We’ll just miss each other!
would have loved to have the opportunity to get a peek at the ministry you’re doing there! maybe one day!
.-= Jan Owen´s last blog ..Can the Church Benefit from the Female Voice? =-.
I’m definitely praying for you guys!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..A few people… =-.
Praying for you all this week. Don’t let Ryan cause to much trouble.
it’s too late!
Prayers for you and the amazing ministry there.
Praying. Let us you know you all got there safely if you can!
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Chasing Daylight Chapter 1 =-.