Incredible India! is the current slogan of India’s tourism industry. India first captured my heart and imagination in the Fall of 1998 when I journeyed to the subcontinent to lead a prayer initiative in the Khondhamal Hills in the state of Orissa. Traveling for hours toward this remote region engaged every one of my senses. Every mile of the way introduced me to fascinating sights, cacophonous sounds, unusual smells, interesting textures, and savory tastes. I returned home two weeks later convinced that India was indeed incredible! I was hooked and knew that I would return to this fascinating land again and again.
Over the years, God has progressively drawn me deeper into the heart of India and put India deeper into my own heart. Through these intervening years God has opened doors of opportunity for our missions ministry to construct a boarding school for one-hundred boys from among the persecuted Christians of Orissa, to mobilize volunteers to serve the least of these at Mother Teresa’s homes, to teach on the sanctity of human life, to engage with a slum school, to support an aftercare home for one-hundred fifty girls rescued from brothels, and to engage with various justice initiatives in Kolkata.
Because of the scope of our work in India, I asked my friend and Kingsland member Kay Smith to serve as our missions ministry’s point person for a specific slice of our work on the subcontinent — women’s justice ministry initiatives in Kolkata. Kay has a compassionate heart for young girls and women who have been rescued from brothels and who are longing for a new start. She led our first team of women to work with our justice partners in January 2012 and will lead a women’s team to India annually to serve the victims of human trafficking.
Since starting this blog in September 2008, I have written many stories about our work in the justice arena in India. I am happy to announce that we have just launched the second of our missions ministry’s country-specific blogs: GoBeyond | Kolkata. We have started this blog to specifically post information and reports about our women’s justice ministry initiatives in Kolkata. I encourage you to visit our new blog site often to read about our work, to pray, and to help champion the rights of the oppressed in Kolkata and beyond.
Go Beyond 
Priase the Lord for leading you deeper into the works of Kolkata. The Lord’s heart is indeed for the abused ladies of Kolkata. For too long the enemy has had sway in Kolkata. For so long the beauty of the folk of Kolkata has been marred by prostitution. Every blessing for Kay as she takes on the role of link to the work for Justice in Kolkata.
My Indian friend Satya who is a mighty prayer warrior prays and supports those who work throughout India will be very encouraged by your work. He formally lived in Kolkata.
God Bless
By: Paul & Sarah Beniston on July 18, 2012
at 5:08 PM
Paul and Sarah, as always, thanks for your encouraging words and prayers. Thanks also for your heart for Kolkata.
By: Omar C. Garcia on July 18, 2012
at 5:48 PM
I love India… or I guess I should say Kolkata since this is the only place I have been to in India. But, for sure the Lord is at work there and I am so proud of Kay and was so honored to be part of that trip in January. I will never be the same because of the City of Joy… and how the Lord has changed my heart since visiting Kolkata.
By: Sterling888@aol.com on July 18, 2012
at 10:04 PM
Thanks for sharing, Sterling. God indeed does good things in our hearts when we are willing to go beyond.
By: Omar C. Garcia on July 18, 2012
at 10:21 PM