I can’t say that India has been a lifelong calling, nor that I know much about Indian culture, history, or politics. But I can say that I am certain this trip is one I’m supposed to be on, and that I am very excited about what the trip means for our church.

I’m Gregg Koskela, and I’m senior pastor at Newberg Friends. I have been passionate for a very long time that spirituality must be integrated with the world in which we live. I want to be a part of a church community that does what Jesus is doing in the world, that cares for the poor, that lets the love of Jesus be tangibly expressed through us.

When Josh and Kayla Reid and Andy and Marta Sears began inviting our church to join them in their pursuit to do something about child slavery, I smiled. Lots. Because of their passion and leadership, many people in our community are sensitized to this issue. I’m excited for the way that God has led through this whole journey, and somewhat amazed at the doors that have opened now in India.

I can’t wait to see it for myself! My wife Elaine and I have been interested in missions and the wider world since college, and had the chance to visit Bolivia and Peru in 2000. Since then, we’ve looked for ways to expose our girls as well. This week, our oldest daughter travels to Japan in an exchange program with her school. So our middle daughter, Hayley, is the one who gets to come on this trip to India. She wants to see how children live in another part of the world. I can’t wait for the chance to spend two weeks with her, making lifetime memories.

Most of all, I look forward to the way God will speak to and through us, and to the way God will show how we at Newberg Friends might be involved in an ongoing way in India.