Shiona Howard

We began the day with a guided tour about the history of Bengali culture in Kolkata. It was here I heard the words of the poet Mirza Ghalib after he first visited the city. He said “every time you mention Calcutta it pierces my heart”. That beautifully captures what I’ve felt after being here for only four days. This city…with its sights, smells and sounds overwhelms every one of your senses. You can’t look away. But what pierces my heart are the people.

Later in the day we visited Kali temple, which is dedicated to one of the main goddesses of Calcutta. It was full of striving and chaos, with goats ready to be sacrificed and lines of people holding offerings to be given.

People waiting to enter the temple
Goats waiting to be slaughtered

We then transitioned to a ministry that teaches Sunday School to children. These children come from around the neighborhood each week to learn about Jesus. We taught again on the protection of God.

I can’t help but think about the contrasts between the two experiences. Our brief tour of the temple felt overwhelming whereas the time spent with the children felt peaceful and full of hope.

Pray. Pray for the people of India. Pray for the believers to have endurance and be strengthened in their faith. Pray for those who are here working every day to be a light.

“We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspires by the hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

-1 Thessalonians 1:2-3