One of the best things that has happened to me since embarking on my kingdom journey is encountering a severely limited independence.

No matter what I do, the truth is I’ll never have the level of independence here that I have at home. There are logistical reasons for this, social reasons, environmental reasons and more. As a result, I cannot escape needing people. And I don’t mean needing others as in “gee it would be nice if I had some help with this.” No. I mean needing people in the sense that if someone doesn’t help me, this will not happen. 

It’s been a long long time since I’ve been in that position. But that’s where I am now. And God is totally stretching me.

He’s also showing me the greatest level of provision through community that I could never imagine. There are so many people here who care about me, about each other, and about others – they are hard working missionaries after all. We worship together, pray together, eat, laugh, shop, and entertain together. And we give and receive together. And I don’t know why I’m so surprised about it, but I am. It surprises me to be shown time after time how much they care and how giving they are. I’m not used to it. I feel like I’ve gone back in time to the early church.

The Believers Form a Community

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer.

43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

It’s has been incredibly rewarding to find myself in a position of need and have so many people willing to help meet those needs. It’s breaking down walls for me. I’m experiencing people in a richer and more positive way. This situation is surely increasing my faith in God’s provision.

That said, my fears associated with receiving have not vanished overnight, nor am I completely free from my desire to operate independently. For example, I can’t just jump in my car and go wherever I want to go in a decently ordered manner. Whenever I leave on my scooter – not car – I have to battle for my life on the truly mean streets of b’lore and If I need to travel beyond 5 km, I need help.  I’ll never love that.

However, I’ve recently noticed that I am more inclined to reach out for help with something, even if it may be possible for me to do it alone. By reaching out to others I’ve found I’m less overwhelmed and I’m more energized for the things I do need take on solo. Not necessarily because I saved energy by working together, but because when God shows His faithful provision, it’s energizing and motivating.

I pray that this is not a lesson I quickly forget when I return to the States.