Seeing the One

Mission India

If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome! I’m so glad you read my devotion, He Never Gives Up, and decided to visit my blog. 

Here I’m sharing a story about a woman whose life was changed through the literacy program of Mission India,

the Proverbs 31 Ministries International Initiative partner this year.

I probably shouldn’t admit this, but sometimes when I am looking at Facebook or Instagram and I see all the pictures, it overwhelms me. With a quick swipe, I can get past the sad story and move on to the pictures of my kids or my friends. The ones that don’t make me feel a certain way.

You too?

Today, I don’t want to share with you a sad story, but an empowering one! A story that makes me happy whenever I think of her’s.

Emerging from the van, the stench pushed me back. Having never witnessed deep poverty like this before, the raw sewage and animal waste filling the trench-lined streets caught me off guard. Even the smell wouldn’t extinguish my excitement for the day, though. This day, my friend Amy Carroll and I, as a part of the International Initiatives team with Proverbs 31 Ministries, were witnessing first hand the life change God was bringing to small, slum communities through the work of Mission India.

Steps from our vehicle, John, our Mission India host, led us to the home we were invited to visit.

Slipping off my shoes, I stepped across the threshold and there she stood. Strong. Beaming.

Her poise seemed so out of place. 

Sunita is changing her community; one woman at a time.

The soft, delicate blush-shaded sari swirled around her slender frame as Sunita stood at the entrance of this home greeting us. Her gentle, yet sparkling eyes twinkled as a smile graced her sun-worn face.

Her poise was so out of place in this residence of deprivation; her loveliness set amidst scents of sewage and sights of scarcity.

John introduced this woman, who is now recognized in her community as a leader, a woman who brings change. She has not always been.

Several years prior to our meeting, Sunita had become a student of a literacy class sponsored by Mission India. Unable to read or perform basic math skills needed for daily living, Sunita was held captive by poverty. From a social class that has for centuries been told, over and over again that they are uninvited; considered worth less than nothing. The cows roaming the streets of this village were of greater than worth than she.

Cow roaming street in India

Sunita is not alone nor is her group of people small. Hundreds of millions of Indians are trapped in poverty simply because of the origin of their birth. Sunita has another strike against her: she is a woman. She has been told from her very beginning that she has no value; she is an untouchable.

Then Sunita was invited to a literacy class by Mission India, where she would be given the one thing she had never experienced: opportunity. She took it.

 

In this Bible-based class, Sunita gained not only the power to read and calculate; she was invited to meet Jesus. Her life was transformed when she said “yes”. Lies spoken over her and to her were slowly stripped away and she began to truly see. She began to see just how the One True God saw her, as His precious daughter, the one He was compelled by love to come for. She learned that she was not worth less than nothing; she was worth more than rubies!

Mission India Literacy Class

This was what I saw beaming through Sunita’s smile; peaceful joy radiating there. Eyes that before would have only looked at the ground now looked me in the eye. She is of great worth and now she knows.

Through our translator we began to hear her story. With this new and powerful knowledge, Sunita’s heart began to burn to bring this transforming truth to the women of her community. She didn’t succumb to the scarcity mentality that Lysa speaks of in chapter 10 of Uninvited. Instead, she wanted to spread this good news and success with as many as she could! She recognized immediately the truth that God made us for giving.

Sunita became a non-formal teacher, bringing the knowledge she had gained to the poor in her slum society. When five families in her class came to know Christ, she was inspired to become a project manager, overseeing five Mission India literacy classes.

[tweetthis]When you bring Jesus to a community, Jesus brings everything else. #uninvited @LynnCowell[/tweetthis]

Sitting in the classroom that afternoon, I could see the same sparkle I had witnessed in her eyes on the faces of each beautiful Indian woman in that room. They had gained knowledge; they could read to their children; calculate their costs at the market. But they had come to obtain so very much more: the knowledge that they are valued.

What changed Sunita was truth. Truth changed the way she thought about herself and when her thinking changed she changed.

There is an abundant need in this world for your exact brand of beauty. Sunita is living that out.

God's amazing work in India

I am so honored to be pictured here with Amy, Sunita (the project manager of the literacy class),
and the beautiful teacher and her son.

Today I want to share with you a video telling the story of just one woman whose life has been dramatically changed when given the opportunity to learn important life skills and even more importantly about Jesus!

[field name=video]

Some literacy classes graduates start home-based businesses and increase their income. Today, I am giving away to one commenter a necklace and earrings made by one of the literacy classes as well as a copy of Uninvited: Living Loved When you Feel Left Out, Less Than and Lonely.

Uninvited and jewelry made from a Mission India Literacy Class

To enter for a chance to win, share how Sunita’s story impacts you or simply say, “I’m in!”

Are you interested in learning more about Mission India? It takes only $30 for one woman to receive a year of literacy classes.

Lysa TerKeurst’s book, Uninvited, is impacting this beautiful ministry and others.

**** The winner is Terri who posted on 10/5/16 at 12:00 p.m. Congratulations, Terri! ****

Lynn

166 Comments

  1. Tiffany Green says:

    I’m in! What a powerful reminder for this morning. ♡

  2. Linnae Peifer says:

    Praying for peace in the pauses of life. I’m in with the peace that only our Heavenly Father can supply. Sooooo need to have these daily reminders that there is more to our striving than what the rewards of this world produce. . God’s plan is greater than that!

  3. I’m in. Is there website to purchase this jewelry and such? Thanks

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Some of my favorite organizations that empower women are Karama and Fashion and Compassion. Thank you for asking!

  4. Susan Compton says:

    What a powerful testimony to the glory of God! I’m in!

  5. I’m speechless, to be honest. It’s incredible what we complain about here in the United States when across the ocean your sweet friend Sunita is finding ways to be thankful to her Father in the midst of a poverty-filled land that most of us wouldn’t even be able to witness without falling to our knees. Thank you for sharing.

  6. Thank You, Jesus, for saving my soul & those of women like Sunita.

  7. Stephanie says:

    Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience. This is definitely something I would like to speak to my husband about giving to. It’s encouraging to read about their grateful hearts amidst their place in life and their surroundings. A humbling reminder for me to do the same.

  8. Sunita is a woman impacting the world that she lives in with joy and peace from her Savior. I, too, want to have that kind of impact in any and all circumstances that God places me in. To the Glory of God!

  9. I’m in! So inspired by this story of hope with tears of joy for the impact of the gospel in India. I love how practical this ministry is giving the people education and teaching so that they can make a living. Truly a hand up, not a hand out. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Sheila Meiste says:

    Thank you for sharing and making us aware of ways we can help and give a hand up!

  11. This was an Awesome story! It teaches me that no matter what God is Always on our side & He can help us thru anything!

  12. Until you see poverty with your own eyes, you cannot comprehend it. Until you get to know Christ as your Savior and Friend, you cannot hide it.
    Dear Lord,
    May you find us always on the “front row” awaiting your teaching and guidance. In Jesus name, Amen!
    This story blessed my heart. Thank you.

  13. Angelia Roberts says:

    I love this story. I am so glad that these precious people are learning about Jesus! It encourages me to share my faith here in my community. Everyone needs to feel the love of our Heavenly Father! God bless all of the ones helping these people in India!

  14. Sun Sunita is inspiration to us all. And what a reminder to be content in ALL circumstances. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
    I’m in!

  15. Such an amazing story!! We can all learn from Sunita. God Bless you & all that you do.

  16. Ericka Tingley says:

    I am in! God is so good and reminds me every day of his blessings!

  17. Karen Conner says:

    Sunita’s story so reminds me of the E-Women’s conference this past weekend where a speaker shared how we get so distracted by “life” and forget the important things. These ladies have bare necessities, yet they are happy in Christ! Why can’t we-having so much just bask in the knowledge of knowing Christ as our Savior and Lord and that He loves us so much! I so want to put aside the distractions the Be Still in Christ as these sweet ladies have already discovered!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!! (LOVE the colorful clothing they wear. That would definitely cheer me up too!!)

  18. I’m in. Always praying. . .make me a blessing to someone today.

  19. What a beautiful story! I’m in!

  20. What a beautiful story of hope and redemption. Today was also a great reminded to be thankful.

  21. I have always struggled with poor self-esteem. Sunita’s story helps me understand how wrong I am. This thinking is a sin and it cripples me from being and doing what God has for me. Thank you for sharing Sunita’so story.

    1. Jeannette Burroughs says:

      Ditto these words. I’m in, too. Thank you for your desire to be a blessing and to serve through this ministry.

  22. I’m in! We have a large Punjabi population where I live here in Indiana, and I have such a passion for Indian culture and their community. I have dreamed of traveling to India, and it’s like God brought India to me! Keep up the good fight!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Thank you for sharing Christ’s love with these beautiful people!

  23. I’m in! Such a humbling and powerful reminder. I often wrestle with the “why God?! Why such poverty and suffering?”…I should be wrestling with the “what God?! What can I do with the time and resources you’ve given me?!”

  24. Leah Hout says:

    Thanks for sharing this story. It’s easy for me to feel sorry for myself, but I don’t have any reason to complain. I know Jesus and that is the only thing that matters.

  25. I’m in! Thank you for sharing Sunita’s incredible story. Prayers.

  26. Absolutely precious! The beauty of Jesus in these womens’ eyes! What an impact Jesus has made! So grateful to be a part of this ministry to women on the other side of the world!

  27. Krista Morales says:

    I’m in! 🙂

  28. Rebecca B says:

    Your story brought me to tears. It reminded me that there are women all over the world who are told they are worthless and do not know their true identity in Christ, as daughters of the King. I am asking God to open my eyes to those women around me that I can share God’s love with, right here in my town, because there are hopeless people everywhere. Thank you for the reminder.

  29. Karen Alexander says:

    I’m in. This is a powerful story. My husband and I have multiple sclerosis and I feel so left out in being able to complete tasks. Just this week our church had a dinner and fire at a another church attendee’s house by invitation only and my husband and I were not invited. I feel so lonely and left out sometimes. Thank you for posting this it gave me great inspiration today! Thank you Jesus!!!

  30. KATHRYN TISSUE says:

    What a convicting message–thank you for reminding me of God’s grace and innumerable blessings–totally without merit in me. My prayer today is that He would help me to be more compassionate and look for ways to share His love.

  31. This reminds you how fortunate we are to be in America. Makes you wonder why people dishonor our flag and our country and take up a cause that has nothing to do with what the flag really stands for and say they will not stand for the national anthem until things change. You know what, Colin, why don’t you change? Change starts with you and with you appreciating what you have (and you don’t). Seeing these families just reminds me that I have so much and these families have NOTHING yet they are smiling and happy. How many Americans are smiling and happy and have everything? Not many I’m afraid. Is there a website we can go to and order the jewelry or donate money to their cause?

  32. Thank you for sharing!! Praise God that we are all created in His image, no matter what our culture says! I’m in!

  33. I’m in,
    Such a powerful reminder of how a gracious heart can overcome any situation.

  34. What encouragement I have received through your sharing in this post this morning !
    I pray the Lord will use it to impact many, and that He uses me for His purposes and glory as I step out into my day……..

  35. Rachel Isaak says:

    Oh how I am in love with Sunita’s story! Sometimes I forget to love as God loves and see as He sees. Sunita’s story reminds me that God calls us to share these things that we know. Sunita answered that call absolutely and wholeheartedly! She is turning not only her life upside-down, but her community’s as well. And then some of them will go on to turn someone else’s life around. She and many others have started such a beautiful chain reaction! We always see the sad story not realizing what we can do to change it, even if it is just through math/reading lessons and inviting them to know Jesus!

  36. Such a powerful testimony! Thank you Jesus that you work all around the world and in the lives of those who feel they are not invited or loved by anyone.

  37. I’m in! Thank you for sharing the need and giving us a gentle reminder of how blessed all of us are as we send you a message via the internet, from our computers, sitting in our homes or offices!

  38. Jenny Rohr says:

    Precious. Sunita is an amazing lady and I cannot wait to visit with her in heaven! Thank you for sharing this story and reminding us of how blessed we are. May my attitude be full of joy for Jesus through thick and thin.

  39. Connie Peterson says:

    The story brings tears – I visited India in 1998 and after coming home was introduced to Mission India
    The trip itself was life changing – riveting and heartbreaking, too – to this day
    I can close my eyes and vividly remember the sites, smells, sounds but most
    of all the beautiful faces of these dear people
    Praise Jesus for the work of Mission India and others who bring the message of Light
    and Hope to these precious hearts and lives!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Yes! Praise you, Jesus for Mission India!

  40. I’m in! And I’m so touched by the beauty of this story! Your writing put me there, in the stench, but I could clearly see the beauty of Sunita sharing The Word! Thank you for sharing the experience and your eloquence of it.

  41. I’m in. Such a beautiful reminder of God’s provision.

  42. I’m in tears. Seeing this video and hearing Sunita’s story makes me realize that I have been placed on this earth for so much more than what I’m currently doing. I’m not sure where God is leading, but I think the journey is about to begin. Thank you for sharing this woman’s story!

  43. Melinda Funk says:

    I’m in. This story brought me to tears. What a powerful message and reminder of God’s amazing love and transformation. Thank you for sharing.

  44. I’m in!!
    What a fabulous way to spread Sunita’s story than by wearing this incredibly beautiful jewelry. Such a strong testimony of what God has done in the lives of these women.
    Also, thank you so much for your devotional. The verse brought tears to my eyes as I am encountering one of life’s storms and the enemy whispers to me “He’s given up on you….see? These pains and trials are because you are nothing, He is punishing you.” Of course I know in my heart that this is false, but the flesh is weak.
    Thank you thank you thank you for reminding me that Jesus is my Heavenly Father and that He loves me far more than all of the precious jewels in this world and that HE IS NOT FINISHED with me yet.
    You and your ministry are a blessing. Thank you so very much!!!!!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Thank you so much, Charity!

  45. What amazing stories! As I read Sunita’s story and watched the video at the end, I cried with joy. Praise God that lives are being changed! I’m in!

  46. Susan Christian says:

    What an inspiring story. Bless all of you with Mission India as you continue to be the hands and feet of our truth-bearing, worth-producing, love-delivering Savior! Thank you for sharing.

    Susan
    The Woodlands, Tx

  47. May all women feel the joy of radiating His beauty! I’m in.

  48. Would love to see jewelry available for purchase
    and learn more about this project.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Hi Kathy, my favorite organizations that sell jewelry here in the States that is made by impoverished women are Fashion and Compassion and Karama.

  49. Thanks for sharing. I’m in.

  50. Beautiful story about God’s beautiful woman…..all over his world. Thank you for sharing your experience and opening up opportunities for the women in India.

  51. Karen Cantner says:

    I’m in! Thank you for going over there to India and touching those lives. Glory to God!

  52. Jan Coton says:

    As I sit here in my very comfortable bedroom having my second cup of coffee, this story hits like an 18 wheeler. I am so blessed, yet my thanks to God seem trivial in the face of the poverty of these women. But they are God’s true blessings on this earth!! Thank you for your story and for being a light in the darkness!!

  53. I’m in! He never gives up on us! He is faithful!

  54. I’m in! Thank you for sharing how God is using someone with so little to do so much.

  55. I’m in! How humbling Sunita’s story is. In America we have so much, so many people are empty and hopeless. Her story reminds us that just the opposite of excess and abundance is truth! And how our Jesus can meet our needs and He is more than enough!

  56. Sandra Welch says:

    This story is amazing! They show true joy in the midst of tough circumstances! So happy Proverbs 31 Ministries provides a way for these women to develop skills. May God richly bless this ministry ❤️

  57. I’m in! What an amazing story and you can just see how God is working and will continue to work.

  58. Elizabeth says:

    Just beautiful- makes my heart well up to read this… isn’t this something we all as humans long to know deep down- that we have value? Knowing this really does change everything. Thank you for sharing this beautiful testimony Lynn!

  59. I’m in — thank you for sharing and especially for your incredibly selfless part in this amazingly uplifting, heartwarming, and encouraging story/journey of love!

  60. Melissa Turner says:

    Reading this story overwhelms me with sadness for them and gratitude for my life. My petty worries seem so insignificant this morning as I read about their daily troubles. I pray now that God reminds me of this story and these beautiful people quite often so I can pray for them and know how blessed I am.

    Thank you for sharing!

  61. When I see what God does for these women it reminds me to share the powerful message God has given us! He is in the business of freeing us from the bondage of sin and our culture.

  62. Miranda Watford says:

    Wow, beautiful. Thank you for the reminder to remember my blessings and to reach out more to others. It makes me think of all I saw and experienced on my past mission trips to Russia and Cambodia. To see people who have so little serve yet praise Jesus in such a vibrant and passionate way reminds to be grateful and makes me yearn to know my Abba deeper.. May I learn to be half that Lord! Blessings Lynn and would love to buy some of the items as well. I will look into those places you commented earlier. Thank you! <3

  63. Beautiful story. Beautiful mission. Beautiful savior!

  64. Melanie Schweyer says:

    Praise God for the work he is doing in India! I’m in!

  65. What a beautiful story of hope and happiness. I pray and can be a good role model like her and lead others to Christ.

  66. I have traveled twice to India to work with the Dalits through a different organization, Dalit Freedom Network. On the ground in India they are represented by Operation Mobilization India. Our church sponsors a school in a small town in India where Dalit children get a Christian based English education. Why English? The entrance exam for universities is in English. And English is not taught is public school. This almost guarantees that only the upper classes who go to private school get into college. And these kids are blowing apart the system that has kept them oppressed for thousands of years. And they learn of the Jesus who loves them and values each of them. They are not welcome in Hindu temples because they are told they are subhuman, vermin to be despised and rejected. Then they learn of the God who loves them and values them. The children teach their parents to read and to do simple arithmetic. There is a worker in the village that teaches the women how to save and pool their small sums so some can borrow to start small businesses There is a health worker who looks after the health of the village and sees that they get vaccinated and assists with childbirth. If you have a heart for these people, google “Dalit Freedom Network” and learn how to sponsor a child.

  67. Sherrie L.. Mayes says:

    I’m in. GOD has moved in such amazing ways in the life of Sunita since she received JESUS into her life. You can see the dramatic change she’s been a part of in every person and thing around her. This is such an inspirational story for every woman, that JESUS can give them a better life, if they accept HIM.

  68. Luane Thomson says:

    From agony to happiness. From death to life. The beautiful, powerful work of Christ the Redeemer convicts my heart, reminding me to see others, to look past my circumstances and to share His good news. thank you for sharing this. I pray for this good work to impact the multitudes of India who have never had the opportunity to hear the good news of Christ.

  69. Needed an attitude adjustment this morning. This video is exactly what I needed to help get that! Thank you for sharing the work that is being done in India.

  70. Thank you so much for this post, and the devotion – brings great comfort to my heart, and love for brothers and sisters I wish I could meet. Can’t wait to share this!

  71. I’m in!! I sponsor orphans (WIPHAN) in Africa where their parents have aids and they live like this. There one meal a day and the good grace of learning about Jesus come at school. It is amazing to me that those who have so little feel so loved by Christ. It really keeps your perspective. I was very touched by this story and your journey and would love to win the necklace and book.

  72. Cindi Gilbert says:

    My daughter spent almost 6 months in India traveling in the rural areas and the stories of the overwhelming poverty were, as you say, not able to be captured in pictures. My heart has been encouraged to pray for them! Such a story of hope and how the Gospel makes all who come to Him rich in spirit!

  73. When you feel loved and accepted you feel empowered. Mission India has completely changed this village by sharing Jesus with them and showing them their worth. In my own family I feel like an outcast and unwanted a majority of the time. But God brought me an amazing husband and daughter who removes those lies. I’m so thankful Jesus loves us through it all!

  74. We support another ministry to an Indian orphanage that also ministers to widows and does Gospel tours. The same smiles are also on those beautiful children. Your blog again reminded me that our hope is found only in Christ, His plan and our future in Him. The circumstances around us and material possessions at times are a real stumbling block to that hope. Thank you for the reminder of our Redeemer’s power to do the impossible.

  75. I’m in!!! What an amazing and touching story of God’s love and mercy given to us all. We are not worthless in his eyes no matter how we feel about ourselves or anyone else feels about us! We are God’s precious children and He loves us!!!

  76. What a testimony! I sometimes forget just how blessed I am in my life, with a home, clothes, healthy family, a loving church home, and an education. Thank you God for reminding me through people like Sunita that we don’t have to ‘have it all’ to truly have it ALL with your prescence in our lives!

  77. I’m in! What a powerful story!!

  78. Jessi Skinner says:

    I’m in! When my children get older, I want to go to India and spend time with these amazing women.

  79. Powerful story! I am meeting with a new friend tonight, who has a difficult background, including both emotional, mental and physical abuse. We are starting the study of “Uninvited” as God brought her to my mind when reading the book. this devo and the Scripture are encouraging to me, both for myself and for her, as we are walking into new territory.
    thank you.

  80. I’m in! Thank you for sharing.

  81. I take so much for granted and then to see the positive attitude in the beautiful women brings so much hope. How awesome if our God!

  82. Thank you for sharing Sunita’s story. We have so much to be thankful for and we can learn so much from people like Sunita who have so little and are so thankful. I am in for sure!!

  83. Jana Hack says:

    This story simply shows how God’s people can be used for His amazing glory. My heart just melted while reading of this lovely lady that has come to know the Lord! It inspires me to work harder to become one who will show Christ to the lonely, unloved people in my own world. May God continue to bless you in your ministry.

  84. Yes, what great hope this brings to me. I’m in for sure. How do we sponsor a woman for these classes? Thank you for lifting my heart this morning.

  85. Wow! Lynn…There is HOPE when we HelpOthersPerspectiveExpand!
    This takes COURAGE, but ChristOffersUsRealAmazingGraceEveryday!
    Keep Shining HIS Light!
    Michelle

  86. I’m in! What a great reminder of how blessed we are and how important it is to share that with others!

  87. Thank you for sharing Sunita’s story and thank you for mission India. I will be praying for you as you continue to empower these woman with the knowledge of Jesus and His love. Thank you for the reminding me that even in a hopeless situation Jesus shines through!

  88. I’m in! I’m also learning my worth and value to Jesus. <3

  89. Vini searle says:

    I’d like to be in.I was blessed by the story.My heart melts for people around the world like the villagers.How can I help donate specifically for that village

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Hi Vini,

      I appreciate your heart to want to donate! This was just one of the many villages and projects we visited. Many were much worse. You can donate by following the link at the bottom of my post. It will definately great to a needy person.

  90. I’m in.
    It’s just heartbreaking that we still have these kinds of issues in the 21st century!

  91. This really brought to my attention the need to tell others about Jesus and the basic needs of people in this world! Where can you purchase the jewelry?

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Hi Kathy,

      Some organizations that I purchase my jewelry from to support women in poverty are Fashion and Compassion and Karama.

  92. I’m in.
    Thank you for what you do for these children of God. West a blessing

  93. It’s never too late to turn your life around and Jesus is always the way to happiness and joy! Thanks for sharing this reminder…

  94. I actually work as a volunteer for Mission India thrift store in Grand Rapids Michigan. None of the personnel receive payment. It is a joy & privilege to be a part of financially supporting Mission India!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Yeah Ginny! How amazing! Thank you so much. They are truly an amazing ministry. I had heard stories, but seeing the results of God’s work was incredible!

  95. I’m in. What a beautiful story of what God is doing. We become so filled with our own situations that we become blind to what is going on around the world. It breaks my heart that people have to live like that.

  96. Denise Scheibmeir says:

    I’m in! How inspiring.

  97. Dori Sheese says:

    What a wonderful story of Sunita! I pray that God will continue to bless her. I’m in!

  98. As tears run down my cheeks, I completely understand Sunita’s story of life, redemption and happiness found in Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! What a Savior! This is such a true story of how the activity of God’s Holy Spirit can impact a life and show us how important we are to Christ.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      I love how her story touched your heart, Eliabeth!

  99. What a beautiful story. I’m in.

  100. Kathleen K says:

    I’m in! Here in our country, we tend to take things for granted. We have so much to be thankful for. Hearing Sunita’s story was inspirational.

  101. Ann Power says:

    I’m in…thank you for sharing Sunita’s powerful testimony. Although I live here in the US, I’m an unskilled 60 year old who needs to find a job with benefits to support myself. Her story brings such hope!!! And, my heart breaks for these dear ones in India. May God bless them richly and thank you for the work you do there. ?

  102. Kathy Bryan says:

    I am in! Thank you for reminding me of what is really important in life. God’s mercy is endless!

  103. Kimberly Laughrey says:

    I’m in… and inspired!!

  104. Jerilyn Atkinson says:

    My word would be Loved God loved her so much he saved her from killing her self and made her educated and knowledge about him so she is so proud to have her own business and bank account but she is so blessed to teach others about God.

  105. Patrice B says:

    I’m in!
    Thanks for sharing Sunita’s story

  106. I am in. Thank you for sharing this inspirational story!!

  107. I’m in! Loved this!

  108. I’m in! This is such an inspiring story! How I long for the happiness & self-worth, that is NOW the untouchable!

    1. *for THIS happiness & self-worth…

  109. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story! Sunita is such a blessing! All of us in this country do not appreciate how blessed we are, with all of the opportunity we have. Thank you for bringing a new perspective to consider. May God continue to bless your work with these precious people!

  110. Wow it really puts my life into perspective. We take so much for granted living in a country that doesn’t see women as throw aways or unlovable. Plus all the other luxuries we are offered.

  111. Lydia Huter says:

    Wow, what a powerful story! I am SO IN!! I really needed this because I feel so worthless sometimes and so much more lately! I am the daughter of the King! I am HIS and HE doesn’t see me as worthless, so thank you, Lynn Cowell! God used your blog post to reach me! I’M IN!!!!

    Lydia H.

  112. Thank you so much for sharing this story about your trip to India. It was very touching. The jewelry is beautiful. Is there anywhere that we can see more of their work? How do we make purchases? Thanks

  113. Sunita’s story is such a beautiful testament to faith in Christ our Father. Thank you for taking me out of “my world” and showing me hers. A place where prayers are needed so that she may continue her mission of God’s love and empowerment.

  114. What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing. It’s all about perspective, isn’t it?

  115. This was so amazing! So awesome that just being able to read and write (and know Jesus!) can change a person’s whole future!
    Thanks for giving us the opportunity to give to such an awesome ministry!
    Blessings!

  116. TallulahJane says:

    Wow! Amazing story. This was a great wake up call to the little inconveniences that I often find annoying. There are others who have gone through much more than I have and have kept the hope.

    God is Good!

  117. This gives me hope that the little girl we support in India will one day give her life to Christ and impact those around her. Thanks so much for sharing a story of encouragement! I’m in!

  118. I’m in! Reminds me just how blessed I truly am!!!!

  119. I’m in! I’m leaving in a few weeks to go to India for my second mission trip. I am so excited to see such attention brought to this beautiful country who is so in need of the gospel message!

  120. Psalm 119:68 “God is good and everything He does is good”. We all need Jesus. He gives us strength and peace. Psalm 29:11 May the Lord give strength to His people; May the Lord bless His people with peace.”

  121. Monica Archer says:

    I’m in! My husband recently went to India to visit a pastor who runs an orphanage there.

  122. Brenda C. says:

    I’m in. What a powerful testimony to the life-changing love of Christ.

  123. I’m in and signed up with Mission India! They will be in my prayers everyday!

  124. Sunita’s story makes me want to help make it possible for others to learn to read so they can know the truth in God’s word and find true freedom!

  125. I’m in!! And I’m thankful that women like Sunita have opportunities like this!

  126. Awesome!!! love seeing what Our Faithful Lord is doing in the lives of others. Be encourage saints!! I’m In!!!

  127. I’m in….I’m praying… God is powerful and merciful

  128. Karen Pope says:

    Thank you for sharing Sunita”s story. Having been to India several times with missions teams, I know God is working there in a powerful way through believers like Sunita. I loved reading her story and looking at the beautiful pictures!! Pray for India.

  129. Shannon S says:

    Great blog post!! I’m in!!

  130. Anita Frey says:

    What a beautiful and inspirational story! When I was a little girl, I used to dream of being a missionary. This story has sparked a little glimmer of hope that the dream might still come true! Praise God for your faithfulness and mercy, Sister. Thank you so much for sharing.

  131. It always takes someone who has less to show you all you have is not necessary. Thank God I’m in. Praying continually for the boldness.

  132. I love that Sunita was able to learn to read and to learn math skills, but most of all that she found Jesus and is bringing others to Him. How wonderful that she is teaching others. I pray that God will continue to bless her and all those who are struggling with poverty.

  133. Thank you for sharing Sunita’s story. The transforming power of Jesus is awesome. Sometimes we forget and need to be reminded. Lord help me not to miss what You are doing right around me. May Your love overflow and bring transformation right where I live.

  134. nancys1128 says:

    “Truth changed the way she thought about herself and when her thinking changed she changed.” Such a powerful statement! Thank you, Lynn, for sharing this experience.

  135. Oh how Sunita’s story touches my heart! I have a very good friend who is from India. She came to the United States in the 80’s, and is now living a very happy life, but it wasn’t always that way for her. She was born and raised in the “better parts” of India, but her life was not her own. She was in an arranged marriage to a man she didn’t even know. Some of the stories she has told me of her upbringing, and even after she married, are horrifying to say the least. Women in India are “worthless” is the word she often uses to describe her life back then. When I first met her, she didn’t believe in God. I lost contact with her for about 20 years, and I have recently been reunited with her and she is so amazing. Her husband now treats her with love and respect, she owns a very successful business, and best of all, she loves and believes in God, and has a beautiful relationship with Him!

    When Proverbs 31 first announced this amazing ministry, and allowed us to share in praying for these beautiful women, my heart was so happy! It is such a pleasure to pray for them and to know how God can and will touch their lives. I shared this news with my friend, Jayshri, and she is thrilled! I am just in constant awe when I see her and see all that God has done in her life, I see her gratitude, I see her love for God just radiating from her in all she does. Thank You Lynn, and Proverbs 31 for loving on these women, and thank you for allowing us to share in this beautiful ministry! <3

  136. Carolyn Rogers says:

    Thanks, Lynn. It is so amazing the beauty that Jesus brings to people’s lives. God bless Mission India and our brothers and sisters in Christ in India…and those yet to join God’s family.

  137. This story so encourages me today. Satan wants me to think that I’m worthless, that I don’t have anything to offer. Lies, lies! Thank you for sharing!

  138. Thanks Lynn, Powerful. Praying for Mission India and all of God’s people there.

  139. Snit’s story impacts me because I have sometimes believed the lie that things would be better if…
    She isn a perfect illustration of a life yielded to God. I loved how one goat became 17. Only God…

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