Opportunities
Prayer Updates
Stories
Projects
Asia Pacific
Impressions of India
14 March 2007

Greetings from India—land of a billion people, 300 million gods, and 1,500 different languages and dialects.

Yesterday, I saw a woman worshiping a tree, her hands closed reverently in prayer, her head touching the tree's scaly bark.

The night before, I sat alongside thousands of worshipers at a holy river. Fires sprang up in front of us, and the mighty current of the waters bore leaves and orange flowers woven into little boats with candles ablaze, each an offering to a divine presence.

Saturday, we stood by as several deceased Indians were relegated to the hereafter amidst flaming fires, after which the eldest son would smash the skull of their mother or father to release their spirits to what is to come. Their ashes would then be strewn upon the waters.

To say that India is amazing is an understatement. Every mile is different, every town and city a contrast to the one just passed.

We have felt no fear or apprehension, unless it stemmed from the traffic, or overwhelming masses, or the possibility of getting lost in such a foreign land—foreign to even a seasoned world traveler.

The roads are filled to overflowing with cars, taxis, scooters, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, ox carts, horse-drawn wagons, wandering dogs, sheep, cattle, and hundreds upon hundreds of people darting every which way. Horns are deafening and constant.

The people, of all races and creeds, are wonderful and welcoming. The Hindu people smile, and their children surround us with smiles and giggles and gentle touches. The Muslim men seem to truly enjoy conversation, opening their world to us without reservation. The veiled women, meanwhile, stand aloof out of custom. Still many offer a smile.

India is home to over a billion souls adrift in a sea of gods. Please pray for God to reveal Himself to many people in India and for Him to strengthen those who serve there.


Photos and text by photojournalist Peter W. Morris, on short-term assignment in India, March 2007
Donate

Resources

Sign up now
Sf Close