Wow.

As you guys may know, my younger sister Irene is in India right now on a short term missions trip with her college. We received an e-mail from the co-directors of the India team with an update for parents on what's been happening and how things are going. I want you guys to read this:

"On Sunday afternoon we were invited to tea with the regional commander of the Salvation Army. After tea we piled into our two vans and were driven to a Salvation Army church about 20 miles from Nagercoil. What a greeting! As we stepped from our vans a Salvation Army band struck up "Onward Christian Soldiers," the church people placed a beautiful lei about the head of every team member, and paraded us down the village street to the church. It was overwhelming -- a glimpse of what our greeting in heaven will be. It was truly humbling. Our only claim to recognition is that we, like them, are called by Christ's name. Once seated in the front of the church (standing room only, about 200 people) the people of the church greeted each team member individually giving each an apple. After several joyous hymns sung in Tamil, the team was introduced and performed their music and a skit, all warmly received. Afterwards Dr. Aguilar preached (Gal 3:26-28 -- neither Jew nor Greek, putting on the clothes of Christ). It was a worship service all will remember all their lives. The people of the church are working poor (household income about $100/month). Their lives are hard. Yet the joy of their salvation is very evident. They tithe. And they gave out of their poverty (the leis and the apples were no small gifts) to greet us as if we were Christ Himself."

I'm imagining my sister being there and experiencing that, and I don't have any words.