Jet lag...

I am just returning from India and awaiting my final flight into Kansas City. I am still adjusting from being overstimulated by people everywhere, testimony of Christian persecution, and the traffic patterns that rely on horns and some sort of innate ability to stop on a dime, accelerate across multiple lanes of traffic, and dodging pedestrians. Before I left, everyone who had been there gave me a knowing smile. Now I understand why.

The trip made a deep impact. I learned staggering facts about unreached people groups in Northern India. Millions have never heard the name of Jesus. I was honored to meet around 60 to 70 pastors and ministry leaders and listen to their stories of sacrifice and perseverance. Many lead multiple churches and travel by bike or on foot for hours to reach their villages. Their joy and dedication are definitely next level.

I saw the Taj Mahal and multiple other Temples’ Mosques and Forts. The architecture and attention to detail truly is breathtaking. Yet, the beauty hides a tragic story. The Taj was built by the 5th Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his late wife. However, his own son placed him under house arrest after killing three of his brothers. The structure stands as a reminder that the greatest works of human hands cannot erase the brokenness in the human heart.

Then there was the traffic. I truly enjoyed riding through weaving and braking drivers. We rode in a tuk-tuk and even took a high-speed train ride. I still cannot explain how we survived. Picture a sea of people, a literal symphony of horns, and an unspoken understanding that lanes are optional. That is India.

One of the most moving moments came when I viewed a lesser-known, 3D embroidery of The Good Shepherd. A Muslim artist named Shams Uddin created it after a dream he had about Jesus. It took him 18 years to complete the piece, and he became blind shortly after he finished it. The artwork is stunning, and the story behind it is even more powerful.

Then on the way home, I ran into Steve and Carrie McCoy in the Paris airport of all places. After a long flight, it felt like a gift from God to see familiar faces. And yes, I held a cobra. There is a long story there ?.

Travel opens my eyes and shrinks my pride. The world is enormous. We are small. God cares for people we will never meet. One pastor told me that when he introduced Jesus to someone in a remote village, the man asked if Jesus was a type of food. That moment increased my burden for those who have never heard.

This Sunday, we will study Luke 1:39-45 and see that God’s eternal plan offers joy now and forever. Mary experienced it. Elizabeth experienced it. We can experience it too. I have plenty of stories to share, and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Services are at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am. Also, we would LOVE for you to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Troy