Mission Report
Standing on
K
icking off her dusty shoes, a sari-clad white lady steps into the quiet interior of a church that stands at the heart of a bustling Indian village, right where the unpaved road divides. The cool cement floor drains the day’s warmth from her tired feet. On her way here, she passed the Lake of Shining Waters where large acacia trees look down at their own shadows. Nesting Indian cranes search for lunch along its banks, their long stiltlegs rippling the glossy reflection with each step. This lake is seasonal. Five months ago, these same acacias stood in the burning heat of the then dry, rocky riverbed. Only Editor’s Note: Thanks to red-coat goats and their lungi-clad herders braved the blazing It Is Written supporters, heat of those June days. Now transformed, the engorged Lake of over 50 churches were Shining Waters shares refreshment with fields of quivering rice. reopened in India last Tiny fingers slip quietly into the lady’s hand. That gesture year and staffed with dedicated and trained interrupts her gaze on the crucified Christ brightly painted on Bible workers. Josephine the sanctuary’s front wall. She looks down and finds a small shares the following story group of children assembling. Their laughter and smiles disfrom one of the reopened arm the small measure of fear that entered the church with her. churches.To support this important project, please Back when the June sun blazed and few ventured far, she had select Missions when you come to this dead church determined to resurrect it. But within give to It Is Written. moments of arriving, a brow-furrowed mason appeared and began to shout. Though at first she didn’t understand his words, body language clearly stated JOSEPHINE BIEGLER is the his mounting rage. Other masons who worked It Is Written India Mission nearby slipped into the church, slowly surroundCoordinator. She and her husband live in the Northwest ing her. Their words began to crescendo into with their three children. angry demands that she repay the theft by the Bible worker previously assigned to the church. 8
It Is Written impressions
