Jumping Jax: the work

Shortly after Jason and I moved to India, we spent most of out time asking, "Now what do we do?" Almost two years later, that question is still unanswered in many ways. But, we are beginning to figure things out.

So you might ask, "What do you do?" Well, the majority of my time is spent raising two little boys, cooking meals, cleaning, and learning Hindi. If I can keep things settled at the home front, Jason is allowed more freedom to do "the work!"

I don't typically get to travel with him, so I was excited to tag along recently when our friends were visiting India.

His title is "Church Strengthening Strategist." Most of his work involves training pastors in our state. The training is designed to teach them how to multiply churches and carry the Gospel faster and farther in India. Usually a pastor organizes a meeting with other pastors from the same area. Jason will, then, travel to that area and train pastors for a few days.

Here's a look at a recent training in the city of Khandwa:

We left on a Sunday, stopped in a nearby city for the evening, and then finished the trip on Monday morning. Along the way, we passed a river where hundreds of people were attempting "to wash" their sins away. Just one of the many reasons these people need Jesus.

Some people were just out there getting their job done for the day.

Our ride was L.O.N.G. There were times I just wanted to get out and walk home. A few people found it easiest to sleep through the trip. I'm not sure how this was possible with my rowdy boys in the back, but "where there's a will, there's a way!"

We started the meeting much like most church gatherings in America start... with prayer, but these people have PASSION. It is written all over their faces.

Jason did a brief introductions, and then Troy took the stage.

These guys are devoted to what they do, eager to learn, and so attentive to what is being said. All of them are bivocational- when they aren't sharing the gospel or leading churches, they are plowing fields and cutting wheat.

Jason took some time to see the ministries of these men. Each person came up and shared what was going on in their lives. You can see a little about his guy's ministry in the second picture. He pastors four churches- one with 50 members, one with 12 members, one with three members, and one with 8 members. I'd say God is definitely blessing his efforts to multiply churches.

This guy also has some awfully cute kiddos that were front and center with their daddy during our time of worship. So sweet!

As we closed for the evening, Jason challenged them to go out for the evening and share with those they came in contact with.

They returned bright and early the next morning to report what occured while they were out sharing their faith. It was so neat to see how their efforts were rewarded. They witnessed to 51 people, and 30 made professions of faith! That's pretty awesome!

Troy shared again during the morning session!

You may have noticed this guy in the pictures above. His name is Pastor David. He is Jason's main national partner. He has been such an answer to prayers and makes Jason's job such a joy. He coordinates so many of these trainings, translates for Jason, and just loves the Lord. He's a jewel.

At the close of the training, all the pastors knelt. Jason, Troy, and Pastor David, prayed over them. This is such a special time for the pastors and those praying over them.