We all got on a train and headed to a city called Haridwar. Hindus consider Haridwar a “holy” city. The Ganges River runs through it. Thousands upon thousands of Hindus come to this river to worship, bathe and make offerings to their ancestors. I watched people dip in this “holy” water in hopes of being cleansed.
As Journeyman Angelina Canning watches, a man floats an offering down the river in hopes that his sins will be sent far from him. People come from all over India to drink from this river and often take bottles of the water home with them to bless family and friends. Next spring, Haridwar will host the Ardh Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage that draws millions.Interestingly, at another part of this river, dead cows and human ashes are spread. People come from all over the country to drink from this river and often take bottles of the water home with them to bless family and friends.
During our time in Haridwar, my group of three walked through the streets, took in the unfamiliar sights and sounds, talked to people, and had the opportunity to share stories from God’s word. We were invited into homes and given chai (milk tea) on two occasions. As a sign of gratitude, we told stories to the people who were gathered. People here love to listen to stories.
We also had the opportunity to go to a Hindu temple. It was interesting to see what goes on in the temple. It was very heartbreaking to see their devotion to such meaningless rituals. I walked through the temple with heaviness on my heart.
A few of us were able to have a conversation with a woman there about some of the rituals they perform. She was explaining the different offerings they give to the idols. The woman offered sweets to the idol she was worshipping and explained that she did so because she wanted the god to treat her with kindness and give her good things in life. I almost feel that is like baking cookies for Jesus so he will love me.
I walked away thankful for grace and really broken over the lostness and darkness. Pray for the millions and millions who devote their lives to following false gods.
Another highlight was the day my partner and I traveled to a gurdwara, a place where Sikhs worship. We went dressed in full Indian attire. We had to cover our heads and remove our shoes as we entered the gurdwara.
There were many people gathered at this temple. My partner and I prayed that God would bring ladies into our path for us to share with – and as we were praying, I looked up and saw three college-age girls. These girls walked us around the temple and explained everything that was going on. I was brokenhearted as I listened to them attempt to explain their religion. They went from saying they worship one god to later saying they worship many gods. These girls seemed trapped in a web of lies that they don’t even understand. I was able to share parts of my testimony with one of the girls. She seemed intrigued by who Jesus is but was convinced her religion is no different from mine.
We later walked around with a different set of girls and were able to share stories and our testimony with these girls as well. God showed himself to be faithful many times throughout our trip.
Pray for these girls. Pray that God will continue to place people in their lives to share with them.
*Name changed for security reasons.
Canning is from South Carolina. Earlier this year, she began serving a two-year term in South Asia as a Journeyman with the International Mission Board.