India, indeed, was an experience that will stay close to the hearts of Eastbound ’26 for a while to come.
Our time in the Country of Spice started at a brisk 02:00 on a Wednesday morning. It is safe to say that we are gaining experience from—and building immunity against—the taxing effects that extended travel has on a person. That being said, we looked beat. We spent the rest of the morning recovering what sleep we could and sheltered ourselves in the cosy waiting area of the Mumbai Airport. Once awake, and with the help of a questionable amount of Nutella cookies, we spent time in thanksgiving and prayer, shared our excitement about arriving in our first Eastern country, shouldered our bags, and took our first steps into not only the lively streets of Mumbai, but also the beginning of our ministry in the East.
It’s a good thing we listened in kindergarten because we were hit with some strong senses. The smells of India became a common topic among the team. It continued to baffle us how at one street corner, you would happily eat into your retirement annuity in an attempt to consume everything your nose led you to, and only a few strides later, never want to eat food again. Smells that follow you around like a bad conscience. We are not joking. If you want an olfactory experience that will rock your world, go walk the streets of Delhi.
Now let’s talk about the second-best thing that makes India India. The food. The spice. During our time in the geographical heart of the spice nation, we tried everything we dared. Butter chicken that explodes and then melts in your mouth. Garlic naan that complements a dish better than salt does pepper. Ice cream so affordable that three a day became morally acceptable among the team. And Tibetan momos we can only encourage you to try for yourself.
It was a challenging game to play. The more street food you ate, the higher the chances of encountering the infamous and crippling Delhi belly. Let’s just say some played the game well, and some did not. During this time, these individuals were reminded of the wise words of Tannie Tertia when warning us on this very subject saying, “Either way, you will meet Jesus in India.” Luckily, despite a few close calls, all of them are still with us.
India is empty without its people.
It may seem like it is the sights, the food, or the smells that give this country it’s flair, but it is the people who bring life into it. This is a nation that is kind, generous, and open to all. There was hardly a day that passed where we were not greeted with the legendary Indian head shake and warm smile. We were blessed with chai, delectables of all sorts, and even random shopkeepers offering us their stock as welcome gifts. People wanted to know who we were. They wanted to know where we came from. They genuinely wanted to get to know who you are. This was the whole point.
Conversations became friendships, and friendships opened doors to conversations about Jesus. Some happened over tea, AKA “Chai”. Some happened while wandering through markets. Others happened while sharing meals or simply sitting together. Ministry in India often looked less like an event and more like a conversation. This is exactly what our main ministry point taught us.
Our point was located near Dharamsala in the north of India, and it quickly became one of the team’s favourites.
The structure was quite different from anything we had experienced before. Most of our previous hosts had focused on physical work projects. Here, people were the point of ministry.
We were given the freedom to customise our day with many different activities that pushed us towards connecting with the people. One morning, you might find yourself sitting across from a Tibetan monk discussing life, faith, and culture during an English class. The next, you are designing a new café and creative arts centre. A few days later, you find yourself serving tea to strangers who somehow became friends by the end of the week. We served at youth camps, we shared games, and we told stories. The Gospel was preached to children who had never heard the name of Jesus before. In cafés around town, we spent hours with new friends, allowing trust to grow naturally before sharing what mattered most to us.
There was no rushing. There was little pressure. Just people.
Every morning, the team gathered for worship and we were even given the opportunity to facilitate a Sunday morning service. We slowly stopped feeling like visitors and started feeling really just at home.
Hannah, Josh, and Richelle were added to a WhatsApp group consisting entirely of Tibetan monks. The name of this group is “Happy Friends.” Yes, it got a good amount of “awwws” from us too.
We were also given the freedom to undertake a few adventures as well. The boys set off on a scenic motorbike trip through the mountains to one of the highest paragliding sites in the world, while the rest of the team tackled a 2-day hike into the heart of the Himalayan mountains, where they experienced sub-zero temperatures. You could say that both parties had their prayer life boosted during this time.
This mission point refreshed the team. Things and places fade away, but people last forever.
People are the reason that Global does what it does. It is the reason why us as a team do what we do. People are the reason that we as believers still walk this earth. People are the reason God sent his Son for us. Our mission field is not a place, it is God’s people, and they are literally everywhere.
The first country of our East leg was different. Different from any of our Africa stops. While Africa brought the team closer to the Lord in unique ways, Asia feels like the place we have been preparing for all year. Stepping out of Mumbai Airport on that first morning, the excitement was electric.
We have arrived. And we are excited and expectant for whatever the Lord has planned for next. India, we absolutely loved you. Many of us hope to come back one day.
Eastbound 26′ out 😉