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Youth on a Mission
Jessie  Thomas, California

In January 1998,  Shiny Itticheria of Bloomingdale, Illinois answered a call to go India.   Less than two years previous to this time, she knew God is calling her to leave the comforts of home and  serve people that have so much material things than she does.   After graduation from the University of Illinois, she searched for an opportunity to go to over seas.    She signed on with Operation Mobilization to spend six months in India with a team called Love  India.   She joined people from 25 different countries who also shared her desire to share their faith with those who have never heard.

Shiny lived in Darward , a small city in the northern part of Karnataka with other women from her team.  Much of the time was building friendships with the local people.    Many were eager to talk about their lives, the troubles, their fears and hopes.   The Love India team visited many families and comforted them with their prayers and the sharing of their faith in Jesus Christ.    This was welcome by so many people who yearned of caring.    Shiny also served as a program   coordinator of the team's program when we are visited somewhere to share.    A lot of time was spent with children who were a real joy for her.   It was a lot of work but worth all the time and energy.

One way that this influenced  Shiny is that it deepened her own personal spiritual life.   Growing up in a church in America, It is hard to see God's blessings.  There, she clearly saw God working all around her and the need to depend on Him.  "  My strength is knowing that safest place to be is in the will of God " and that's the only place to be remarks Shiny.   She also relied on many people on back home.   More than hundred committed to support her and pray for her throughout her time there.   

Shiny also learned more about living with people from different cultures from her team that also helped her to grow.    She spent time with many nationals who go to the local churches there.   Her  desire in the future is to vain up nationals so they  take  care of their own people.   Also, she has learned that she needs to love people more with the love of Christ.    Too often, people get caught up in the legalistic aspects of religion and don't love others, as they ought to.

Finally  Shiny has been learning the reality of ministry.   She said.   "I am convinced that ministry is the hardest calling on one's life but  I am also convinced that it is well worth it".   She plans to pursue further study next year in areas of education and training for Christian ministry.  After that  she is not sure where God is leading her, but she continues to trust that God will take care of her.