Emma

Final Reflections

Kolkata is a city of extremes, extreme fear and extreme Joy, extreme hardships and extreme love, extreme poverty and extreme wealth. And somewhere in the middle of that strange dichotomy we set about looking for God in a very alien city.

This trip to India was a great experience for me, I love the attitude of the Indian people, the business of the streets and the daily adventures hanging off a tuc tuc or avoiding a heard of goats in the street. I found the place very chaotic, haphazard and the people easy to warm to. It is funny how in such a sort space of time the most bizarre of things seems normal.

They call Kolkata the city of joy and I can see why, there is a lot of hope in the city and one of the great things about working with BMS is that we have been able to pick up the thread of God working in and amongst the various communities we have visited. We have met some amazing and truly inspiration people who have given up their whole lives in order to gain something much more in Christ. They have devoted themselves to others and continue to change the lives of many. One thing I have learnt over my time here is that God’s calls are focused and powerful. There are so many causes to help in Kolkata and we have many people volunteering in many different areas. However those who make the most impact have a very distinct calling to one ministry, and never waver. They are devoted to particular people in particular situations and give all they are and all they can to serve God there. In a city where it would be easy to wear yourself thinly God had chosen to channel there passions to astonishing effects.

It has been a very humbling experience for me seeing the faith these people have and the faith it grows in the people and children they work with. Their ministries are not flashy but honest and simple, sharing the love of God with each other.

It has been so great to go on this journey with the group too, I have seen the girls grow and develop so much (another humbling experience) and I am glad we have had the opportunity to do this together. I am excited for the future and look forward to sharing more of what we have learnt with our church family and communities at home.

Kolkata in three words for me, hope, colourful and buzzing

Em x