"Learning how to study the Bible in a new way," Samuel, the newest member of our ministry in India, responded when asked the highlight of his week. I remember having a similar response when asked the same question after my first experience serving with G.O.D. Int' l as a high schooler over fifteen years ago. But more than just conjuring nostalgia, Samuel’s response signaled to me that we had a good week.
Last week, Heather Maute, Nick Sherrod, and I returned after serving with our ministry team in India. We each facilitated projects to assist our Indian community in preparation for our next season of ministry together, including academic and pastoral care workshops and skill training seminars. Foundational to the success of each of those projects was our study of the first three chapters of Exodus. We examined Moses' birth story and his initial experiences in Egypt and the wilderness. Then, we discussed how God used those experiences to form Moses for the calling he received.
The Lord gave Moses a responsibility for a community of people. He used him to enlighten and liberate an entire community. We discussed the work of God happening in India and how it is connected to communities across the globe, including East Africa, the Philippines, Latin America, and our base in Nashville. In each of those locations, identity has been birthed out of an understanding of who God is through his Word. That understanding forms our goals and objectives, just as it formed Moses'.
During our time together, we were able to set up several upcoming projects for the next year that we are looking forward to accomplishing together. However, in my opinion, this wasn't our greatest success. At the core of our week was our study of how God’s Word informs our identity and our responsibility. Fifteen years later, that’s still my highlight.
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