When we were asked to join the Sowers board almost two years ago, we took a step forward in faith.
It had been nearly 15 years since my husband (Nicholas Patey) and I (Jennifer Patey) had spent a summer in India, a summer filled with a new culture, new relationships, and a perspective that has stayed with us ever since. India is a warm, deeply hospitable culture, especially compared to Western culture. It is not that we aren't relational here, but our tasks, schedules, and projects often take priority over people and relationships.
That is not so in India.
Everything centers around relationships.
I remember bringing that lesson home with me in 2009. India helped us see the world through a different lens. It reminded us of how important people and relationships truly are. And ultimately, it reminded us of why we were created in the first place: for relationship with the One who made us.
Fast forward to 2024, when we had the opportunity to take another step of faith and support Sowers by serving on the board of directors. We didn't know what the future would look like, but it was clear we were supposed to say yes.
One of the board's major focuses in the months that followed, beyond normal ministry support, was the upcoming celebration: 25 years of God's faithfulness through Sowers.
This past February, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to India and celebrate alongside our brothers and sisters there. The trip was significant for two reasons. First, we were able to celebrate what God has done over 25 years, how He continues to build His Kingdom and draw people to Himself throughout India. But just as importantly, we had the opportunity to put our boots on the ground and see firsthand what God is doing through the ministry we have the privilege of supporting from the United States.
My Honest observation: I'm sitting here, writing this six months later, and I still feel like I am processing everything we saw. Despite growing persecution, God is working and moving in the hearts of people across India. It was incredible to witness the faithfulness of those who have been called to ministry, the way they care for one another, the time they give, and the sacrifices they make to serve their communities.
As we traveled from village to village, we saw firsthand what ministry in these remote areas requires. Hours of driving. Gas. Time. Resources. Yet despite the challenges, God continues to preserve a faithful remnant across these villages. And more and more students are rising up to receive theological training, to deepen their faith and move from a first faith to a firm faith.
One of my most vivid memories from our trip happened during one of our long drives to a village. Jay, Nick (my husband), and I were talking about the resources and support needed for the ministry, the goals for Sowers, and what the future could look like. We talked about budgeting and what it means to run an organization effectively. But ultimately, the conversation came back to something much simpler: when Sowers sees a need they can meet, they want to provide, and they trust God to provide what is needed.
I walked away from that conversation thinking, How can we send more support?
People need to know what God is doing in India.
It was a joy to drive for hours to reach remote villages and meet brothers and sisters who are faithfully living and serving their communities for the sake of the Gospel. Their faithfulness challenged me, encouraged me, and reminded me that God's Kingdom is so much bigger than what we see in our own communities.
Taking our children to India was another incredible part of the journey. We knew the trip would stretch them beyond their own culture and outside of what was familiar and comfortable. But I believe that is something all of us need from time to time: to be stretched, to see the world through a different lens, and to recognize the many ways God is at work around the world.
I am reminded that God has called us to steward all that He has given us. My prayer is that my heart and my hands will always be ready to share more whenever He calls.
In the midst of persecution, the light of Jesus can shine all the brighter.
Our brothers and sisters in India are faithfully carrying that light into their communities. They need our continued prayers, support, and resources. And after seeing what God is doing firsthand, we are more committed than ever to stand alongside them.
What a privilege it is to witness God's faithfulness in India, and to be invited to be a small part of what He is doing.
Making Progress
The Church, we as a family, did the groundbreaking in February, which is finished and dedicated to the glory of God on 07th of August.
