A Group Experience

by Jessica Lehigh

Just as summer break started for the boys at CFI, a group of seven Americans set out for India. Our group guide was in the capable hands of Philip Dongre, as we spent what seemed like days traveling. We had suitcases full of supplies to teach a week of VBS, minds full of excitement, and some nervous anxiety. Teaching for three hours each day through interpreters for classes of around 70 students wasn’t something most of us had experienced, but our faith was real. We were waiting to see what God had in store for us!

Our time at CFI was more than any of us had hoped. God's work was on display for us to observe firsthand. We saw boys who had next to nothing given an education and a safe beautiful place to live and grow. Most importantly, we saw them learning about the love of Jesus.

Spending time with the staff and experiencing Christian fellowship with other believers halfway around the world was an amazing privilege. We will never forget our time with them. We all had tears in our eyes as we parted ways. We hope to meet again – maybe on this earth, but certainly when we’re all together at the feet of Jesus.

Here are some observations from our team:

“I would say my favorite and most meaningful experience was being able to talk to the boys and hear all their stories. I loved getting to know them, and I will never forget my experiences with them. I pray that God will continue to work in their lives and that the VBS team's teaching will have made an impact in their lives.”

- Makayla Peachy

“God showed me that when I step out in faith, even when that faith feels weak, He will meet me in those times and give me what I need.”

- Michael Miller

“Just interacting with the boys was a highlight for me. Playing simple games with them like “thumb wars” and even just smiling at them and saying hi made their faces light up, and brought me so much joy!”

- Kadence Lehigh

“God's hand was definitely at work opening up the eyes of the boys to understand the gospel message. In talking personally with the older boys, I was greatly blessed to see the Holy Spirit transforming their lives!”

- Dennis Heatwole

“I like how the staff genuinely loves the boys there and builds relationships with them! I also liked how they included everybody in their staff devotions even if there was a difference in "social class".”

- Charles Anderson

One fun highlight for all of us was a trip to a waterpark nearly three hours away from CFI. I wish everyone could’ve seen the boys’ faces – it was sheer delight! They told me that most of them had never been on a “trip” before. God put it into the hearts of the park directors to reduce the admission cost by 77%, provide swimsuit rentals, and two full meals for all the boys while they were there. Seeing God at work in things like that is something I’ll never forget!” 

- Jessica Lehigh

“One thing that God showed me over the trip and preparing for it was how much of my life I live focusing on myself. Seeing how passionately and joyfully the staff served us and the boys at CFI challenged me. God taught me that when I serve others and Him to put my whole self into it, even when it makes me uncomfortable. When I do that, he will help me. The whole trip, the things I was scared of most, and the things that were hard for me, God helped me be brave and just do it and to focus on him and others and not myself.”

- Skylynn Heatwole