In February 2024, two of Tayside Christian Fellowship’s (TCF) members, Sandra and Mary, travelled to Kerala in India to visit the musical group the Living Stones Quartet. Read on to see more about their adventure:
1. What made you decide to go to India, and where in India?
In February Sandra and I visited Kerala, a state in the southwestern part of India. We were there as guests of the Living Stones Quartet (LSQ), a Gospel singing music group based in Kottayam. In extra-ordinary ways, over the past four years, God has opened doors for Sandra, leading to a deepening friendship and partnership in the gospel with LSQ.
2. What did you discover whilst you were there?
Far from my expectations, I discovered that in the state of Kerala, there was freedom of worship among the Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians, and all appear to live amicably side by side. At the moment, the evangelical believers have the freedom to share the hope of the Gospel openly, but they are aware this may not last long.
3. What was the highlight of the trip?
One of the highlights of the trip was spending the day at the head quarters of Missions India, based in Thiruvalla. This was of particular interest to Sandra in the spreading of the Gospel through Mission work, mainly in the Northern states of India, and in Kerala itself through sustained outreach to the youth. My interest lay in the Hospital feeding programme for both patients and visitors, the six-month residential skill training among disadvantaged youth, and the health education programme in the remote tribal villages.
4. Do you think it has helped you in your faith since you returned home?
Because of the many people we met during our visit, we witnessed the practical demonstration of God’s love and grace to humanity. We were embraced so warmly and shown such generous hospitality. Spiritually we were cared for, protected and looked after physically and showered with gifts. A highly emotional and humbling experience for us both, was having the Aaronic blessing sung over us, not once, but twice. Through it all, I’ve had an insight into the meaning of:-
“Be imitators of God therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us, and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1–2
This is both a challenge and an encouragement to us both to “Go and do likewise.”
5. Are there any recommendations you would give to anyone thinking of going to India?
Any one planning a trip to India needs to consider the area to be visited- we could recommend Kerala – a beautiful, semi-tropical, state of lush greenery, majestic mountains and idyllic beaches. We were so blessed by having LSQ who planned the entire trip on our behalf and we give our thanks to God for His goodness.
Article published August 2024