India is a country filled with a wide variety of religions ranging from Islam to Christianity to Hinduism to Buddhism and everything in between. Yesterday we explored one of those extremes as we visited the largest mosque in Southern Asia (I think I got that right), right here in Dehli! Much different than mosques I've visited before, this one was almost entirely outdoors, with a cleansing fountain featured in the middle of the courtyard made of scalding stone...reminiscent of my Lotus Temple experience last year. We sat on the prayer rugs and talked about what it looks like to be an Indian Muslim. We spent some time praying (it is a mosque after all), looking around, and soaking in the ambiance that is a mosque. There was such a contrast between ourselves and other foreigners we saw, snapping pictures and talking loudly. The women who had come "immodestly dressed" had to wear appropriate coverings for being in the mosque. We were fortunate that we had all worn modest kurtas (shirts) and brought dupatas (scarves) to cover our heads, and thus were saved such inconvenience. We then spent some time wondering in the nearby marketplace, praying and practicing our Urdu. Salaam alaykoom!
Today, however, was a completely different experience. We found ourselves in a village, or rather a group of villages, that is totally unreached. Instead of being surrounded by beautiful architecture we were surrounded by dirt, cows, and a plethora of monkeys. In answer to your question, yes, monkeys really do eat bananas, as well as oranges, granola bars, and anything else they can swipe from your hands or scare you into dropping. While they start out apparently cute and non-threatening, we had more than one showing his or her teeth and hissing at us today in exchange for a banana peel or a piece of orange.
As we walked around these villages, once again praying for the people who live in them, my heart was touched for these sweet people. The vast majority (if not the entirety) of the area is Hindu, very devout I might add. We were walking on a road that is often used by Hindus to pray in a very unique way. They place their idol a few feet away from their head, lay their prayer mat on the ground, and proceed to create a pile of rocks with each prayer they pray (someone said it's usually around 150 rocks!) which then moves with them as they travel the 21 kilometers...aka 13 miles.
This demonstration of their faith really challenged me to think about my definition of ministry. What is ministry? Is it just telling people what I believe and hoping they accept it? Is it taking care of the poor and the needy? Is it doing prayer walks like this one to prove how devout I am? I don't think so. What is different about God? While theologians could argue any number of differences, I think one that stands out is his love for humanity. And what is the best way for us to learn about this love? Experience it. What is the best way for others to learn about this love? Experience it. I think ministry is about sharing the love of God with those around us. That's what real ministry should look like. It's what makes the smiles, handshakes, salaam alaykoom's, and namaste's important. Showing love is showing that you genuinely care about the people around you, and so does God.
Today, however, was a completely different experience. We found ourselves in a village, or rather a group of villages, that is totally unreached. Instead of being surrounded by beautiful architecture we were surrounded by dirt, cows, and a plethora of monkeys. In answer to your question, yes, monkeys really do eat bananas, as well as oranges, granola bars, and anything else they can swipe from your hands or scare you into dropping. While they start out apparently cute and non-threatening, we had more than one showing his or her teeth and hissing at us today in exchange for a banana peel or a piece of orange.
As we walked around these villages, once again praying for the people who live in them, my heart was touched for these sweet people. The vast majority (if not the entirety) of the area is Hindu, very devout I might add. We were walking on a road that is often used by Hindus to pray in a very unique way. They place their idol a few feet away from their head, lay their prayer mat on the ground, and proceed to create a pile of rocks with each prayer they pray (someone said it's usually around 150 rocks!) which then moves with them as they travel the 21 kilometers...aka 13 miles.
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