Send Me

One day this will be me.

Life in the City

It had just gotten dark, but it was a beautiful evening so my two friends and I decided to take a drive downtown to check out the weekend festival. Being away for so long made me miss those relaxing strolls across the Grand River, the diversity of people, and the buzz of city life. As we walked, I thought about my life in India and how vastly different that life was from this one. I thought about the landscape, the people, the day to day activity. In India, you can see pain and suffering around every corner. You can smell it in the air. You can see the desperation in the eyes of the orphans and widows, and of the single mom with AIDS struggling to survive.

Here, we often tend to mask our struggles and shortcomings behind our fake smiles and new iPhone. As I walked past the happy college-age couples, the weekend bar attendees, and the eccentric high schoolers, I forgot for a moment harshness of this life. As we walked by tent after tent of workers cleaning up for the night I wondered if this is all some people will ever know of this world.

As I thought about these things, we stumbled upon a group of 20-somethings in an obvious heated discussion. I quickly saw the large picket sign that the man in the center held. It read: "REPENT! Prostitutes, strippers, homosexuals, rock n' rollers, thieves and all other sinners. God will judge you! Romans 4:14." Curious, I moved closer in earshot of the main conversation. The man with the sign was quite passionately arguing with a guy around college-age who was expressing his obvious disagreements. The man was openly gay and arguing that even so he had done more to further the kingdom of God through serving the poor and the hungry than this man will ever do by holding a picket sign and persecuting homosexuals. Although I don't agree with his lifestyle of sin, the guy had a point.

As the cops sent everyone away I stood there in silence watching the man roll his sign up and disappear into the distance. I had no words that night -- not for that man, the crowd, my friends, or even in prayer. As I walked back to the car, I couldn't help but feel a sense of shame for allowing such a distortion of truth to take place. Thinking back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that his ministry meant to those he reached, I see a message of grace, forgiveness, and love. I don't see condemnation, hated, or judgment. I was appalled at the labeling of sinners and the apparent exclusion that the man with the sign had from being in the group of "sinners." Aren't we all sinners?

It is people like that who put up walls in the lives of nonbelievers that turn them off to all things Christian. No wonder the world hates Christianity...

Wedding Festivities

One of my closest friends got married on Sunday and the wedding was breathtaking. Since I returned from India a week and a half ago I had been working alongside the bride on last minute wedding preparations. Amid the stress, long drives, and late-night bouquet making, I had a wonderful time with Liz in her last week of singleness.The wedding was perfect -- a warm sunny day (except for bridal party standing in the freezing shade), clear skies, family and friends, laughter and tears, and a very happy couple. I am so honored that she allowed me to be a part of such an incredible day.
I met Elizabeth Millay -- formerly known as Elizabeth Pastoor -- my first week at Cornerstone University before classes had even begun. Her and Brenda -- known as Brenda Ben at the time ;) - lived directly across the hall from me in our freshman dorm. That year laid the foundation for what would become one of the greatest friendships I have ever had. Despite our busy schedules and hectic lives, I can still think back to the many many memories we had together. From the fun and crazy, to the serious and sad, the time I spent with Liz was always of value to me. I think all who know her can attest to the quality person that she is. Although I don't know Dave near as well, I have come to see the incredible man of God that he is and rest well knowing that she will be well cared for and loved.
I love you Liz and Dave... it has been an honor to walk with you from the beginning of your relationship through the good times and not so good times and finally be a part of your beautiful wedding day. I am proud of your commitment to one another and to the gracious God we serve.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. David Millay!

Hold My Heart

Hold My Heart
Mike Donehey, Jason Ingram, Phillip LaRue

How long must I pray
Must I pray to You?
How long must I wait
Must I wait for You?
How long till I see Your face
See You shining through

I'm on my knees
Begging You to notice me
I'm on my knees
Father, will You turn to me

One tear in the driving rain
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breaking heart
One life, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Would You come close and hold my heart

I've been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away before I say goodbye
But if there's no other way
I'm done asking why

So many questions without answers
Your promises remain
I can't see but I'll take my chances
To hear you call my name
To hear you call my name

A Heavy Heart

I have many feeling welling up in my heart, but few words as I prepare to leave the place I've called home for the past four months. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, these kids unknowingly will rip my heart out as I leave. And yes, I will be back here one day, Lord-willing. It is amazing what can happen when you just invest a little time and a whole lot of love in the someone's life. For those of you, if any, who have followed me through my time here know that I see this not as the end. Quite the contrary, I see this as a great beginning to the trials, joys, and adventures that God is going to lead me through. Please be praying for the following things as I transition back into the life I once knew in America:

-Continued daily time spent with God and an enhanced prayer life.
-A place to live during the summer for the few weeks I'm in Grand Rapids.
-Commitment to my OAFA kids through work done on the U.S. side on their behalf.
-Growth in relationships and that He would give me love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
-For God's peace that surpasses all understanding to guard my heart against the schemes of the enemy.


"To God be the glory, now and forever, Amen."

He is Mighty to Save

"All I want is Jesus," he told us that night we came to visit him. Although a complete stranger, my heart went out to him as if he were my own flesh and blood. His limp body lay on the cot as Dana and I drained his wounds and bandaged his lifeless leg. Still we knew that without medical attention at a hospital, he did not have long to live. The diabetes and infection had taken over his entire body and he was unable to fight back. We did what we could, praying that God would have mercy on him. His family stood back in the shadows, unwilling to touch him or offer comfort. I pleaded with God to spare his life.

The next morning I awoke to news that he had slipped into a diabetic coma. The family had then moved him to a small shed out back to die. In Indian culture it is considered back luck for someone to die in a home and would require them to vacate the home for six months if that were to happen. My heart sunk deep inside my chest as I heard the news. I don't recall a time in my life that I've prayed so fervently for God to move.

When we arrived that morning, I could feel death hovering at the doorstep. Flies swarmed his body as he struggled for each breath. No one would touch him. It seemed as if he would breathe his last breath that very hour. Upon discussing moving him to a hospital despite the family's objections we soon learned that he was an AIDS patient. We had been treating his wounds for days as they kept it a secret from us. With the disease attacking his immune system there was little hope of recovery. They told us that he had been rejected by three hospitals because he is an AIDS patient and feared that we wouldn't touch him if we knew.

I held his hand firmly as I prayed, offering what little comfort I knew how. Of all the times I've prayed for God to do the impossible, I've never believed that he could more than now. This man is dying of a disease with no cure, doesn't have proper medical care, has been shunned by his family, is a diabetic, has infection throughout his body, is in a coma, and has been left to die. Could it get any more impossible than that?

I cried out to my God because I know he is a God of the impossible. He is a God who has given us the power and authority to heal the sick, raise the dead to life, and to cast out demons. As we have been studying in the Gospels, Jesus shows us time after time how it is through our faith that we are healed. Even a touch of his cloak would bring healing..

I left him that day filled with confidence in the one I call Lord. We soon found out that he had made it through the night and was responding. I was elated. We quickly returned to bathe him, bandage his wounds, and change his bedding. A couple days later we returned again to find him eating and talking and his wounds healing well. Only God knows the joy that overflowed in my heart.

As we cared for him and talked to him he asked, "Who are these gods that have been sent to take care of me and touch me? No one will come near me, but you have." I smiled as he praised Jesus with his own lips.

After praying once again, I left with these words written on my heart...

"All I want is Jesus."


Please lift up our brother in Christ as he fights for his life. Pray that through life or death God would be glorified in him.

Birthday Bash!

My 21st birthday came and went and would be described by many as quite uneventful. There were no loud parties, no clubs, no alcohol, no huge dinner parties -- none of the expected aspects of customary American 21st birthday celebrations. Instead, I woke up to my bright eyed kids wishing me a happy birthday, hundreds of hugs, a huge birthday cake, a beautiful family that I've been adopted into, cake fights, singing, and so many beautiful smiles. It was wonderful.

Although I have had many wonderful birthday memories, I will admit that I've never been too fond of April 29th. I'm not really sure why -- I think the attention just makes me uneasy. Regardless, this birthday has planted many thoughts in my mind as I have reflected the past year and looked toward what God has in store for me for the future. As I held the hand of a dying man today, I was reminded once again of the brevity of our lives.


Lord, I surrender the 21st year of my life to you. May you take each day and direct my path toward what honors you. For to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Getting Hitched -- Indian Style

I had the privilege of attending my first Indian wedding, complete with all of the traditional dress, decorations, and rituals. Our elementary school tutor, Kondama, who spent morning and evening daily teaching our kids, personally invited us to celebrate with her. The two day wedding began with preparing the bride and giving her our blessing. The wedding day consisted of many rituals and blessings, loud music, food, and many bright lights and decorations. Let me just say that Indians sure know how to celebrate!
Raghu and I with Kondama's twin neices before the ceremony.

So precious.
The beautiful bride.Rituals before the bride and groom see one another.

The bride.The final blessings.


"Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." [Mark 10:9]

He is Risen!

Easter Sunday was by far one of the best days I have had since I arrived in India almost three months ago. As should be the case all over the world, we had a huge celebration in remembrance of the most monumental day in the history of mankind. God miraculously provided the finances we needed to make preparations at our church in Ganapavarum to celebrate -- Praise Him! After hauling all 47 kids and all of our staff to the village, we had a wonderful time of worship, prayer, and soaking in the Word of God before an afternoon of feeding not only our own children, but over 250 local kids and their families. We had such a beautiful time of fellowship.

Enjoy the pictures!

"As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' " [Mark 16:5-7]

Stronger

Stronger -- Hillsong

There is Love
That came for us
Humbled to a sinners cross
You broke my shame and sinfulness
You rose again victorious

Faithfulness none can deny
Through the storm
And through the fire
There is truth that sets me free
Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger
You are stronger
Sin is broken
You have saved me
It is written
Christ is risen
Jesus You are Lord of all

No beginning and no end
Youre my hope and my defence
You came to seek and save the lost
You paid it all upon the cross

So let Your Name be lifted higher
Be lifted higher
Be lifted higher

The Triumphal Entry

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." (Matthew 21:1-11)

Our Sunday church service at Ganapavarum was a beautiful time of fellowship and praise as we celebrated the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. As three autos full of children approached the village we stopped and got out at its entrance. From there, we walked through the streets, waving brightly decorated palm branches and singing songs of praise to our Savior. We walked around the entire village, collecting our village children friends as we went along. With Shantu Rhagu tightly clenching one hand and Mahdu the other, I praised God that He has given these boys the hope of Jesus Christ. They might not have shoes, or many clothes, or go to school, but they have the joy of the Lord. Their eyes light up when they see us -- they know that in the body of Christ they can find refuge.

As we settled down in the church, a woman brought me her newborn baby girl and laid her in my arms. She has a two year old son as well. I've been laying hands on them and praying for them for the past few weeks as she prepared to deliver her baby. They are a beautiful family. As I held her week old baby girl in my arms, the smile would not leave my face, but inside, my heart was broken. I thought about her life, about what her childhood would be like, about what type of woman she would grow into. I wondered if she would go to school and play with other kids or if she would make it past her fifth birthday. I wondered if she would become a servant girl or a prostitute or be married off by age thirteen. I prayed that God's spirit would enter her at a young age, that the love of Christ would be her rock among shifting sand. I prayed for hope in the midst of such great darkness. I prayed for healing.

She is HIV positive.

It is a precious gift God has given me to be a part of the lives of the children and families in Ganapavarum. I am blessed each time I see them to be called their big sister, their granddaughter, their friend. These are the type of people Jesus came to earth to serve -- the orphans, the widows, the weak, and the desperate.

Lord, I want to be desperate for you.

"At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:25-30)

Apologies and Birthdays

My faithful blog readers,

My deepest apologies to you all for my failure to update. Of course I could come up with a hundred excuses as to why I haven't been updating in the past week -- all of them being true -- but the reality of the situation is that I haven't had much to say as of late. Don't get me wrong, there has been a lot going on and many great experiences, challenges, and growth. Yet, somehow I don't seem to have the right words. I've started my blogs and tried to write many stories, but to my discouragement I haven't seemed to be able to. Perhaps soon I will be able to reproduce my many thoughts in writing. For now, enjoy the pictures below of me and my Indian family at my baby sister's 2nd birthday party. As they say, a picture says a thousand words.

Love you all.

The whole family -- (from left) Babu, Ravi, Breana, Vijaya, and Grace in front.

The cake fight!

Post cake fight.

My baby sister and I after a great day of celebrating.


"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."
-1 Corinthians 1:27

Slumdog Millionaire Fundraiser Event

On Tuesday, March 24th at 7pm Open Arms For Asia will be hosting a fundraiser event at Celebration Cinema. They will be showing the new film "Slumdog Millionaire" which is the powerful story of three orphan children fighting to survive in the slums of India. It focuses on a Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" He is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers. The movie paints a realistic picture of the despair and struggles that orphans face in India yet delivers a message of hope and perseverance.
For those of you in Grand Rapids or surrounding areas you should really try to make it out to this event. It's going to be an amazing night -- I wish I could be there myself. I'm excited for what God has in store that night. There will also be an Open Arms For Asia presentation and all proceeds will go to the children here in India. You won't want to miss it.
For ticket information please contact Gary Schuler at 616.340.1165 or Dale Plowman at 616.540.8860. Or you can email me at breana_d_brendsel@cornerstone.edu and I will reserve tickets for you. Tickets are $15 each and include a fountain drink and popcorn. Only 500 tickets are being sold, so you must reserve yours ahead of time.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like to volunteer at the event!

In Him,
Breana

Blessed to Be a Blessing

I was sitting at the front of the church in Ganapavaram on Sunday morning, particularly excited for what God had in store. The previous day, Thomas, Peter, and I had been to the village found out all the homes who had babies in them under the age of one -- there were twelve with two on the way. We encouraged them to come to church the next morning (some were already regular attenders) to if they needed clothing for their babies. I went home that night excited to go through everything that I had brought with me from America (three suitecases full of children's clothing) to see what I could find. Seeing as we only have one baby under two and a half at the children's home, I found many outfits to give away (as well as medicine).Our village church is mostly comprised of children -- our kids coming in and reaching out to the kids in the village. Some parents come as well, but the goal is to reach the kids who will in turn bring Christ to their families. That morning, the church filled quickly as mothers and fathers brought their babies and placed them in my hands. One by one, I pulled outfits out of the bag we brought and clothed all the babies. I think I was more blessed than they were. I guess it is true that we are more blessed to give than to receive.
As I collected clothes prior to my trip, this was what I had envisioned. I never dreamed it would happen. Of course I brought many things for the children here at OAFA, but I wanted to also be able to reach out to the community. As my first month and a half here passed, I doubted as to how I would be able to use all that I had brought to bless the community. Despite my unbelief, our God is faithful and answered my prayers.
Many people heard the Word of God preached that day as Thomas taught Romans 12. I was so encouraged. Being both white and American I get a lot of attention when I go out and people assuming things about me. It is often frustrating because I see it as a hiderance to the minstry that God has called me to and a distraction for a lot of people because it seems that is all that they care about.For the first time since I arrived in India, God showed me how he is going to use me despite the obstacles my white skin creates sometimes. As we drove home that afternoon, Thomas said something that really hit home for me.

He said, "You know, you were able to reach an audience today in a way that I never would have been able to. By caring for people's children as you do, you open the door to the hearts of the parents. You are able to draw people in like I can't and once they are here, no matter the reason, we get to preach the Gosepl to them."
I was so encouraged. Praise God that can use a white, American girl who doesn't even speak the language to bless a community.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." --Matthew 25:35-36

P.S. Thank you to all of you who helped in buying the clothes I gave out. You know who you are. :) You can check out my Shutterfly site for more pictures at http://breanabrendsel.shutterfly.com/

Rest Upon His Promise

I was so encouraged this morning by this song my mom sent me. Praise God that we are able to trust in Him and rest upon His promise.

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Making A Difference

For my Cornerstone women's soccer girls:
Check out the pictures. These are the chickens that we purchased with the money we collected at Bible study. With only some pocket change to us, we were able to buy a bunch of chickens for OAFA! They are being raised for us and as they grow we will be able to use the eggs they produce as well as sell them for profit that will allow us to buy even more. It's all counted as profit for the children from here on out. It's the gift that keeps on giving. :)Thank you for your willingness to give. Know that the kids are being blessed and benefiting from what you gave.

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'"
-Matthew 25:34-36

Living Water

Ganapavaram has become my home away from home here. It is the village that Tata and Mama (Grandpa and Grandma Manda) live in and where we go each Sunday to church. Their whole family has adopted me as their own. Vijaya calls me her baby, their parents (Tata and Mama) call me their granddaughter, and Vijaya's kids call me big sister. I am blessed beyond measure to be cared for and treated as one of their own. It's such a beautiful thing.

My little brother, Ravi, is such an amazing kid. He is only twelve years old, but chose to move away from his mother and family at the children's home to live with his grandparents in the village and run daily prayer at the church. Every morning and evening he can be found on his knees in that church. I'm so proud of him and so humbled by his devotion to God and to his people.
Whenever we go to the village and I see the clay huts and the naked village kids running to give us hugs, I can't help but smile and think, "This is the kind of place I want to live in for the rest of my life." I can't even begin to describe it. The village people there of the lowest caste in India. They are treated so poorly in the outside world, but as we walk up and down the street, their faces glow with hope. It's amazing what God can do through one family to bring life to a community.

Thomas' parents and family have poured their lives into Guanparum. Tata owns much of the land in that village and has given it away so that family can have a place to call their own. They also provided the land for Thomas to build the village church on. Every Sunday, a group of us from the children's home go to the church to run a service for the villagers. We worship, pray, and study the Bible and afterwards the kids go around to each hut and pray over it. We spend a lot of time in fellowship and in prayer for those who want it. It's honor to be able to intercede for single mothers, prostitutes, AIDS babies, and so many more hurting people. I rejoice that they have the hope of Jesus Christ within them.Along with helping fund the building of the church, the Mollhagens (Thomas and Peter's U.S. family) helped to install three water pumps in the village where everyone can get clean water. One of those is at Tata and Mama's house and is truly a miracle. Let me explain. In India, clean water is often hard to come by -- especially for village people. Even when water pumps are built, they often only run part of the time. Yet, somehow, God has provided water at Tata's house 24/7. The hose never stops running. The water never stops coming...ever. Sometimes more water comes then others, but I have yet to see or hear of a time when God did not provide water there. Women line up in front of his house to fill their water jars because they know that it will come. It's truly amazing.It's a beautiful reminder to me every time I go there of the God we serve. It reminds me of the words of Jesus in John 7:38, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this, he meant the Spirit of God coming to live inside each of us. That Spirit is always there. It is always working and flowing their own very beings. At times, we feel a rush of the Spirit pour over ourselves and at other times it seems like just a trickle. But in all seasons and at all times, we have Living Water and because of that I rejoice.