A Day in the City Village

After driving for 30 minutes to a ãcity villageä (village lifestyle within the city) we turned onto a road·.well, more of a muddy trail, driving for a few miles in 6 to 8 inches of mud. It is monsoon season. Our destination was a small church that serves also as a discipleship and church planter training center. However, our teaching time was wonderfully delayed.  Just when we thought we were ready to begin, a pastor walked in with a family saying the young girl (in her 20's) with them had placed her faith in Jesus and wanted to be baptized·..IMMEDIATLY!  Baptism is a huge step for people here and is never taken lightly. It is seen as the definitive sign that they have broken ties with Hinduism or Islam and can result in persecution. Long before she knew God, she was given the wonderful name when translated means Mercy.  What a joy to participate in such an event.

I stood in amazement, my feet covered with flies, as the scene unfolded before me in the courtyard outside the small house-church. A mosque and a temple were just down the street. An obviously devout Hindu family watched curiously from their balcony the simple act of obedience below them. Tears of joy flowed down Mercy's beautiful smiling face. I stood in amazement and could only recall one thing·.God is at work and it is He who brings the increase.

- anonymous, Asia

Back to Stories Archive Index