Dr. Thom Wolf led us on a visit to the local Hindi Temple where a statue of the mother god was displayed. He provided some commentary for us with biblical references along the way. 1 Corinthians 10 came alive to us as we walked by the long lines of people bringing flowers, candy, food, and other offerings to present to the mother goddess.
We had to remove our shoes to enter the holy place, yet the area was strikingly un-kept. Worshippers, by the 100’s circled into the temple, rang the bell to invoke the spirit of the goddess to meet them in worship as they presented their gifts and burned incense.
The Apostle Paul says that food and offerings offered to pagan idols are actually offered to demons. I was reminded of Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 6, that we “wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and evil powers in high places.” I was moved at the widespread sense of alienation from the one true living God in that place.
This kind of worship offers no hope of a personal relationship with God, no hope of redemption, and no freedom to live out the purpose God has designed for us. People are restricted to their own caste, their assigned lot in life with no hope of the life that Jesus offers.
We came to discover how we can serve children and families in India. We are in a place where children need the hope that Jesus offers. Needs are immeasurable. More on what our next step will be next week.
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