A taste of things to come...

Population Two

It's hard to begin to put into words the things I've seen and the emotions I've felt after today. I mean, you expect to have life altering experiences on a trip to India, and in that sense, I'm certainly a changed man. Yesterday I was worried about my income going down by $1800 or so per month. Now I'm just thankful I'm not living in the slums. But surprisingly, the people I met today who live in abject poverty seem to be much more satisfied with life and happy than I feel day to day. Something's wrong with that. 

This is the outside of the school we visited today. It's located in the heart of the slums and is pale in comparison to what we as Americans expect a school to be.

We were welcomed warmly with big full malas or traditional Indian flower necklaces as they are called. 

This particular school prepares the poorest of children for the test they must pass if they want to go to a public government school. The truth is however, most of these kids are stuck and have no hope of escaping the poverty they were born into. In fact, some of the kids at this school attended a public school but for one reason or another had problems keeping up with the other students. The public schools response was to daily whip or beat them until they stop just coming. This school however has a different approach, educating kids in a Christian environment.

I was lucky enough to get to take pictures of each class and immediately print up photographs for them to have. What a cool feeling it was to do that! I'm serious. The teachers were so grateful and all of life's problems seem to melt away when you see that you are truly bringing joy to another human being. I just really got a kick out of doing that and tomorrow were going to another school where I'll get to do more photographing and printing. I can't wait. 

The people who live in these slums, rummage through trash looking for recyclables to sell for money... money they use for rent. Yes, they have to pay rent for the privilege to live in conditions like this.

Many of the huts people live in have tarps for roofs. It's so hard to see this, to walk on mud and ground covered in feces, and wonder how I got so lucky, or how these people were so unlucky. I mean, who chooses to be born into poverty like this? In America, we say the rich worked hard for the money they have, and the poor are simply lazy, or have done something to deserve being poor. Indians have a similar but thought process. They believe that if they are born in extreme poverty, it's because they did something in a previous life to deserve it. And those born in to wealth and privilege did something in a previous life to warrant their position (just like the rich worked hard for their money and deserve it). Everything is destined, and this justifies the disparity in wealth, which seems to me much worse than in America. But after the mission trip to West Virginia, I'd have to say not by much. For this reason, the belief that higher cast people some how deserve what they were born into, and those in the slums equally deserve to be there, is a major reason why Indians are not inclined to give to the poor, or have any compassion what so ever. It breaks my heart. 

Before we went to the school, the mission guide made it clear we were not to leave the school grounds, that no westerners were to be roaming. It wasn't safe and they didn't want any problems with authorities as "conversion" by Westerners is totally illegal in India. But they wanted me to go out with the tour guide to get pictures and video which I was very happy to do. So SJ and I headed for the villages within the slums. SJ asked me to stay in the car while he made sure it was okay for me to come and take pictures. When I got the all clear and got out of the car, all these kids ran up and swarmed around me. They were not clean, some were without clothes, but all of them were thrilled and happy and so excited. I took their picture and showed them what I had taken on the LCD screen and I could tell it was magic to them.

Many people asked me to take their picture, and I feel like I got some of the most amazing portraits I've ever taken.  As I said before, it's really hard to describe in words all the emotions I was feeling... honored to be among people who thought so highly of me, horrified to see the conditions my fellow human beings were living in, guilty that I'm American and live a life of privilege. 

I had to opportunity to speak to them through the interpreter and I told them all that where I come from, we don't have areas like this and many people have no idea what these people have to deal with on a daily basis. I wanted so badly to fix this terrible situation. I mean, what can I do really? What can I say? So I said the only thing I could think of and I was shocked by a young girl's response. 

I told them all for the rest of my life, I'd be praying for them. That's all I could think of. And the young girl spoke up. While I waited for the SJ to interpret, I noticed the girls body language. To me it looked like she was saying don't pray for me, I don't believe the same as you. But what she really said was that they don't want to leave this place, they just want to government to take care of them... provide education, running water and that kind of thing.

In the United States so many people want to government to not take care of people. The poor are poor because they are lazy. This attitude absolutely disgusts me. We are all humans and we all deserve clean water, food, shelter and medical care. 

As I was making my way back to the car, SJ told me that there was a woman who couldn't walk, that wanted her picture taken. I'm so used to people not wanting their picture taken (in real life situations), it's still a little weird to me, but I was all too happy to oblige her. So I walked up to her hut and this is what I go. 

I feel as if her face tells such an amazing story. When I showed her the picture on the camera, she melted, and so did I. How can doing something so simple as taking someones picture, even when all they get is to see the thumbnail, bring such happiness to someone? I can tell you the joy and happiness was 100% mutual. 

Yesterday the ladies had the opportunity to go to the Pricilla Vocational Institute. The men had to stay behind because I guess they would have felt uncomfortable with guys being there but here are some of the pictures the ladies were able to snap.

This is skin bleaching. Women do it because it's supposed to remove facial hair, but also because lighter skin is considered more attractive than darker skin. Typically those in a higher cast have lighter skin. I know this is also an issue sometimes with African American's in the States. It's too bad we live in a world where people are considered beautiful because of the person they are on the inside rather than their skin color, cast, or socioeconomic status. I guess that's asking too much.

But they learn other skills too, like hair, massage and eyebrow threading (something I'm particularly interested in as my eyebrows are on a mission to take over the world... but I digress).

Stay tuned for more updates. I was able to charge my computer in someone else's room today but tomorrow we're moving to a new hotel so we'll just have to see what happens. 

We made it!

Originally I wanted to do daily video updates. But I'm not sure that will be possible unless I'm able to get an adapter that works with my lap top. In fact, I've got 8% batter power left right now so I'm going to be very brief.

First let me give you the back story behind these pictures...

This is the team right after hopping the pond. We were lucky enough to have a 12 hour layover in London. Bloody hell people! Look at those blokes:)

 This was the school we went to today. I'll write more about how this school works, but in a nut shell they basically train people on how to effectively minister to people. The thing that most impressed me was that they follow a model of pray, serve, then share. Pray for the person, help them out in some way, and share the Gospel when they ask, why are you doing this? It's how Jesus ministered and I never really realized that until I heard how they operate today



This is a picture of the students taking a break in the court yard. Everyone was so hospitable. They offered us chi tea, which was not like the chi I'm used to but still good none the less.

I really have so much more to share. I've been shooting video and taking pictures like crazy. But alas, my battery is down to 4% now and if I don't post soon, it wont get posted. So... keep coming back. I'll try and add more as I'm able.

Please keep our team in your prayers.

Murder Mystery

I'm thrilled to report the Murder Mystery Party was a lot of fun. We had a wonderful turn out and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. There are definitely a few tweaks and changes we'll make before the next one, but overall I feel like it was a complete success.

When it was all said and done we raised a total of $290 which puts us less than $300 away from the $1800 goal I gotta meet by the end of June.

A very special thank you to everyone who came out and those who continue to help support Mission: Impact India.

Also, thanks to www.playingwithmurder.com for a wonderfully written murder mystery party and their gracious support for Mission: Impact India.

Below are a few pictures from the event.

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Work

I just found a blog about some mission work already going on in India. The author is a friend of our pastor and I found it very interesting as this is the mission field we'll be heading to. The latest post "Big Jesus" is a great read. Check it out.

http://impactindia2013.blogspot.com/2013/05/big-jesus.html

Mom

Thank you mom, for putting up with me, for being my biggest supporter and helping me with all these fundraisers. You are the bomb. You are my mom. I love you. Happy Mothers Day.

Light Reading

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

Flower Bananza!!

Okay ladies and gentlemen, I've got two dozen, count TWO DOZEN origami roses. One dozen are white and the other are made of magazine paper and are super cool. Both are $25 a piece and are first come first serve. Check out the pictures below.

Set Sail For Disaster

The murder mystery dinner party is less than two weeks away (Saturday May 18th 6:30pm-9:30pm). Please RSVP ASAP so I can get your character to you. $25 gets dinner, intrigue and MURDER. All aboard!

Salsa Success!

You'd think going to a Salsa lesson, assuming that's not already your thing, might be a bit awkward, and you'd probably be right. But last night's fundraiser was anything but. The food was good, the company couldn't be better, and before you knew it, it was all over.

I'm posting a few of the pics.

A huge thank you to Edna for volunteering to instruct and Cara for taking pictures. I'm also very grateful for everyone who came. It was a blast.

The event brought in $60 which now puts the grand total within the $1100's! More to follow on the June deadline and exactly how much I need to come up with.

Two more weeks until the Murder Mystery Dinner Party. That will also be a lot of fun.

Busted 1K!!!

THANK YOU to all the donors who have helped pushed the total amount of money collected for Mission:Impact India over $1000. I'm really really thankful and honored for the support.

Please continue to pray that these fundraisers are successful and I don't embarrass myself too bad. This weekend however, embarrassment may not be avoidable:)

I should have some pictures of the event posted by Sunday so keep your eyes peeled.

¡Ay, caramba!

So we're hard at work planning the next fundraiser. It's this Saturday at my place. We have a dance instructor who will join us for dinner then give us a lesson in Salsa! This is me definitely stepping out of my comfort zone so if you'd like to see me get down (or try to)... you better plan on being there.

$15 at the door will get you dinner and the lesson (or you can just watch me make a fool out of myself - I'm okay with that.)

On the menu:

Mexican Lasagna
Chicken Quesadilla
Fresh Salsa

Please give me a call or an email or a heads up if you're interested or have questions.

12 Origami Roses that NEVER DIE for ONLY $25!!

My mom folded these and she's working on some white ones and ones made out of magazine paper which are pretty cool. If you have a special request just send me an email. 100% of proceeds go to the mission trip. First come first serve. Send me an email at james.kever@gmail.com if you're interested.

Sushi night a success!

I'm happy to report tonight's fundraiser was a total success. $86 was brought in and we really had a good time. Jeff took pictures and he did an excellent job. I'm very grateful for the support. Here are some of those pictures.

Totally Getting Pumped

Thank you Paul for your generous donation.

This Saturday will be the first of several fundraisers and I'd be lying if I didn't admit I'm a little nervous. A few new people I don't know very well are coming so I'm looking forward to the opportunity to get to know them.

There's still room if you're interested in coming. It's make  your own sushi dinner and it's only $15 at the door, or what ever  you can afford. I wont turn anyone away who wants to come but can't afford it.

I'm also really excited to see God working. Things are happening, and I feel as if it's God doing his thing. What an amazing feeling it is to feel like God is working through you. That really is the paycheck of the missionary, and it beats any feeling material wealth can offer.

Publicly, who do you endorse?

Whoever publicly acknowledges Jesus before others, Jesus will acknowledge also before the angels of God.

That Guy

I created a tri-fold pamphlet on the mission trip and how people can support it. I'm going to start passing them out, putting them on cars and just getting them out there as best I can. Maybe people will get annoyed. I suppose I'm willing to take that hit.

It may not be Easter...

But Jesus is still risen and alive. I am so grateful to be able to say that and believe it with every atom in my body. I've met people recently who don't believe and don't want to. Unfortunately nearly every one of them considered themselves at one time Christian. It's too easy to say they weren't sincere enough. It wasn't really real, or what ever we as Christians would like to say to explain it away, but the truth is, you believe or you don't.

We have free will and can do anything we want.

I believe. I truly truly believe. What a wonderful gift that is!

What does a missionary do? The missionary spreads the gospel, the story of Christ rising from the dead, and how accepting him has the consequence of eternal life and a terribly interesting life while here on earth.

My mother, wonderful woman that she is has donated $125! Thank you mom. I'm so grateful. $25 of that donation came from a dozen origami roses she folded and sold. They say behind every successful man there's a woman, and for me, that is my mother. Her support encourages me to press on. Which is what I'm doing.

Update...

Hello everyone. I had a donation come in yesterday for $25 from Janet B. Thank you Janet. You get access to the daily video updates during the mission trip and the final DVD.

I'm getting ready for the upcoming fundraisers. The next one is Sushi night on April 20th. I'm going to start promoting that in about a week or so.

I'm also drafting plans to put together a video where I'll talk to our contacts in India via Skype about the work that is being done there and will be done there when we come. I'm also planning to speak with Melba, the missions pastor at the church to discuss specifics about the mission trip.

I'm starting to get questions from people about the trip and a video might be a good way to answer these questions for everyone.

What I really don't want people to think is that this is some sort of vacation. I can see the temptation in that. Try and get people to pay for my vacation to India, right? There is more to this trip. I'm not sure exactly what that "more" is going to be, but I invite you to join me and see.

Fundraiser Schedule

I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter celebration. I know I did. I apologise for taking so long to update this blog but I promise lots of work has been happening behind the scenes.

First order of business! I have the schedule for the fundraisers. There is a calender at the bottom of the blog but here is the official schedule:

Fundraisers for Mission: India

All events will be at 66 Richard Ave, Severn MD 21144

Hosted by James Kever: 443.691.7564

Make your own Sushi dinner
April 20^th 7:30pm - 9:30pm
$15 at the door. Fresh Sushi Grade Tuna along with cucumber, avocado, cream cheese and ginger.
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Dinner, snacks and a Salsa Lesson

May 4^th 6:30pm – 9:30pm
$15 at the door. Dinner and a salsa lesson.
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Murder Mystery Dinner

May 18^th 6:30pm – 9:30pm
$25 at the door. Must RSVP by May 4^th to receive your character.
Limit of 12 tickets to be sold. Dinner and intrigue included!
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Origami Bingo

June 1^st 6:30pm-8:30pm
$10 per card. Snacks and music.
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Murder Mystery Dinner 2
June 15^th  6:30pm – 9:30pm
$25 at the door. Must RSVP by June 1^st to receive your character.
Limit of 12 tickets to be sold. Dinner and intrigue included!
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

Kinect Bowling Tournament

June 29^th 6:30pm – 9:30pm
$10 at the door. Snacks and food served
100% of money collected goes to Mission: India

A couple details: The murder mystery dinners will be limited to no more than 12 people. This is to ensure a good time will be had by all and that nobody gets lost in the mayhem. Everything else is open to as many people as would like to come.

If you'd like to pay with a credit card, that is completely okay. I've got the PayPal card reader.

I'm really looking forward to this and I'd ask for prayers to ensure everything goes off without a hitch!

Thanks everyone.

Jamie