Kolkata, India
Travel can be tough, but it’s necessary in order to reach people in need. Whether that means walking across the room or flying across the planet, connecting with others ultimately requires that we take a first and then more steps in their direction. History illustrates what can happen when we fail to do that. When Marco Polo’s father and uncle met with Kublai Khan, this great Mongol leader asked them to bring one-hundred missionaries on their return trip so that his people could learn about God. Marco joined his father on the return journey, but the Pope sent only two priests instead of one-hundred. Within a short-time, these two missionaries turned back because the journey became too difficult for them. These two men decided to use their remaining strength to return home instead of continuing toward those in need. This sad episode stands as the greatest missed missiological opportunity in the history of Christianity.
Charlie sharing at airport.
I will be the first to admit that travel can take its toll on you. I have spent countless hours traveling to far-away places by planes, trains, automobiles, boats, horses, and camels. But, every time I reach my destination and look into the faces of those I meet, it makes every mile worth it all. Our Kingsland students can say the same. We left Houston on Monday and arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday with nothing more than cat-naps along the way. We arrived sweaty, tired, and a bit ripe. But the moment we collected our luggage and exited the airport, everything changed. The sights, sounds, and smells of India were like a shot of adrenaline. We loaded almost one-hundred bags into our waiting transportation and then dived into the fast-moving current of Kolkata’s traffic. When we arrived at our guesthouse, our boys off-loaded the luggage and carried it in through a gauntlet of beggars and curious onlookers.
After lunch, we walked from our guesthouse to Shishu Bhavan, the home Mother Teresa founded to care for destitute children. The Missionaries of Charity hold their orientation sessions for volunteers in the courtyard of this old facility. Our fifty volunteers were among at least fifty others who have come here to serve from various countries. I am inspired by the numbers of people, young and old, who have come here to serve over the past thirteen-years since Mother Teresa died. Because there is no pre-registration for volunteers, those who come here never know where they will be asked to serve. That’s why they must come with a heart willing to serve wherever asked. The decision for where volunteers serve is made based upon the current number of volunteers in each home and how many are still needed.
Our students have been assigned to serve at Kalighat (Home for the Dying), Prem Dan (Home for the Destitute), Daya Dan (Home for Disabled Orphans), Shanti Dan (Home for Mentally Challenged Adults and Children), and Shishu Bhavan (Home for Destitute Children). Over the coming days our students will come face-to-face with the people who live in these homes – all precious individuals made in the image of God and deserving of love and care. Mother Teresa said, “There are thousands – millions – of people who die for lack of bread. There are thousands – millions – of human beings who grow weak for lack of a little love because they would like to be recognized, even if just a little.” We will do our part over the next two weeks to show God’s love through our attention, touches, embraces, and care for those in need. Our students will undoubtedly face new challenges as they interact with the residents of these homes. But, I am confident that they will not turn away or run away, but instead take however many steps are necessary to care for Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor.
Go Beyond 
We are praying for the team. We are in awe of GOD Love that will be shown through this journey. Tell each of the young men & women they have a strong prayer team in Katy behind them.
By: Jacque Bateman on July 7, 2010
at 9:30 PM
Prayer warriors in Grand Prairie Texas too….
By: terrip2 on July 7, 2010
at 9:58 PM
I will be praying for all of you as well as the people in India whom you are helping to serve. I know this will be a profound experience for everyone involved. May the light of God’s love shine upon you all!
By: Jessica on July 7, 2010
at 10:34 PM
You go Charlie.. we can see the Lord with his hand on your shoulder and smiling down on you… We are all here in Katy praying for all of you..
1 Corinthians 15 >> 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
By: John Eaton on July 7, 2010
at 10:46 PM
Glad to hear you arrived safely and getting down to touching the lifes of the poor and needy.
We will be praying for you throughout your stay.Our pray that some among you will want to spend greater periods in Kolkata.
A time is coming when many will know the Lord’s name and His Love
God Bless
Paul & Sarah Beniston in UK
By: paul beniston on July 8, 2010
at 1:21 AM
WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU. YOU ARE TRULY BLESSED…Erica…we look forward to your sharing when you return home. Love You….Grandpa
By: ed and sandy on July 8, 2010
at 7:29 AM
I am so glad you are there safely!!!! I will be praying for each of you!!! I hope you find someone so precious to love on today!!! Remember…” to whom much is given much is expected”!!! I know God is using each of you.
much much love,
Judi Post
By: judi post on July 8, 2010
at 8:46 AM
Prayers go up from Irving, TX, for all of you. God will surely bless each one, who is willing to brave such difficulties in His name.
One question comes to my mind. How do you manage to get past the first beggar in that gauntlet you mentioned? I guess I’m really wondering – where do you start? The need is so great, so overwhelming, embodied in so many around you. I suppose you just hold God’s hand and follow Him to the particular place, the individual, He has in mind for you.
Blessings and strength for all of you!
By: Lanni on July 8, 2010
at 10:23 AM
Father, I know you watch over and protect our children always. They are under your wing. You hide them in the cleft of the rock. So I am making an unusual request for our kids–bring them much wisdom on the trips they are on, speak to them in a new and fresh way, give them insights into themselves and into what you would have them to do. Make them bold and “dangerous” for your Kingdom Lord. Don’t let them hold back–let them proclaim the kingdom news. Let them be a shining example to all those around them. Help them step up to the plate and do what needs doing without question. Grow them up in you Lord. Change lives because of their witness. We honor you this day and commit them to your service. You are so awesome God. Hang in there Caitlyn S. We love you so much.
By: Karen Sampson on July 8, 2010
at 10:24 AM
Lord our family thanks you for the leadership and wisdom of Omar Garcia to lead our growing children to see more of the characteristics of YOU, Savior and Sovereign LORD. Give these students lessons they can keep and draw from as they transition into indepenent adulthood. Bless them with a knowledge of your strength working through them. Fill them with Your compassion and love. And please send them all home better than they left. Praise and Glory to You Lord. ~Tonya LaTorre
By: tonyalatorre on July 8, 2010
at 12:30 PM