Spring Break - India
Location: New Delhi, India
Dates: March 10-18, 2012
Leaders: Rick Sindt, Saada Hilts& Erik Borggren
Partner: TruthSeekers
Cost: Approximately $2,700.00
Group Size: 15 students
Application: Available October 1st, Due November 15th
Donate: Make a contribution here
Dates: March 10-18, 2012
Leaders: Rick Sindt, Saada Hilts& Erik Borggren
Partner: TruthSeekers
Cost: Approximately $2,700.00
Group Size: 15 students
Application: Available October 1st, Due November 15th
Donate: Make a contribution here
Trip Description
This is a great educational trip, and it will focus mainly on learning about Indian culture, history and how the gospel can be understood within an Indian context. You will spend one week alongside Truthseekers staff and volunteers learning about the plight of the lower castes, the messages of Indian reformers, and contextualization of the Gospel. You will visit nearby towns and villages, and take part in the transformative footwashing rallies. This is a great opportunity for those interested in theology, evangelism, and cross-cultural ministry.
About Footwashing Rallies
Within the past few centuries, it was illegal for a lower-caste person to touch a higher-caste person in India. While no longer illegal, this rigid physical segregation is still very much in force. For the past four years, Truthseekers has modeled the example of Jesus, who showed us how to overcome barriers like this. He knelt down and washed the feet of His disciples. At footwashing rallies, held in lower-caste neighborhoods, Truthseekers tangibly expresses God's love as they wash the feet of the oppressed and abused.
Our Partners
Truthseekers International - As a follower of Jesus Christ and social reformist, Mahatma Jotirao Phule denounced the oppression of caste in the 1800's, and fought for the rights and equality of all Indians. These many years later, Truthseekers International is pointing to Phule, Kabir (a well-known ancient Indian poet), and other historical Indian figures as India's heroes for the current freedom movement occurring in India. On the basis that all people are created in God's image, and are therefore equal, Truthseekers is fighting for freedom of the oppressed lower castes of India.
Country Overview
The Republic of India is the second most populous country in the world. This democracy is one of the most diverse, as it is home to people from many different cultures, religions, and languages. Over Four of the world’s major religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism - originated here. India has experienced major economic developments over the last thirty years, but one quarter of its population still live under the poverty line. Other social justice issues facing the country include caste systems, illiteracy, the growing prevalence of HIV/AIDS, prostitution and child labor.
Helpful Websites
Truth Seekers International:http://truthseekersinternational.org/
Health Information for Travelers to India:http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/india.aspx
India Visa Center:https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/homepage
US State Department Country Profile: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3454.htm
United Nations Development Program-India: http://www.undp.org.in/
Times of India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
Health Information for Travelers to India:http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/india.aspx
India Visa Center:https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/homepage
US State Department Country Profile: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3454.htm
United Nations Development Program-India: http://www.undp.org.in/
Times of India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
To view more videos about Truthseekers and footwashing click here.