When Rachel pushed the door

A short-term placement in India became more than a trip for Rachel Paulson. It became a fresh reminder that God opens doors, connects people across cultures and uses willing hearts in ways they rarely see coming.

Rachel Paulson hadn't planned a mission trip. But a conversation with an elder, a friend's recommendation and a supply teaching job that ended at just the right moment all seemed to point the same way. So she filled in the form, pushed the door. And found it open.

During her time in India, Rachel was involved in youth and children’s ministry, young adults, a Bible school, a church plant, worship, prayer and small group life. She was welcomed not just as a visitor but as part of the team. She came home with fresh confidence that God is still using her, still placing people in her path and still giving her opportunities to speak and pray into people's lives. Sometimes a quiet yes opens the way for far more than we imagined.

What motivated you to arrange this overseas placement?

A conversation with one of our Elders over a year ago, where I found myself saying that the next time I went away, I would like to give something back and maybe go on a mission trip. He is from India. Then a friend highly recommended a week's tour she'd done in India, my supply job finished in February and then I 'pushed the door' by filling the form in and was accepted. It felt like further confirmation when I suddenly remembered that he had been placed at Chelmsford Elim as part of his training years ago! How lovely then, when he picked me up from the airport, that he was able to ask after all the people he remembered from that time!

What activities were you involved in, during the placement?

The youth, young adults, children's ministry, a Bible school, their church plant, leading a devotion at the worship group, a life group and the prayer meeting. A particular mention to Susan, who organised such a great itinerary and made sure I saw the markets and shops too! Hosi also went with us on a fantastic cultural day. I expressed a wish to go by train, and they went to the trouble of booking tickets. Jemi took me to the park, and Sam took us to a local coffee shop and organised several meals out. I have now tried a lot of Indian food! Being included in the 2-day Bible School and their cultural trip to a palace was wonderful too.

How would you describe the effect this placement has had on your personal and spiritual life, and your future in missions?

It's confirmed that God is continuing to use me in several ministries. He puts people in my path and enables me to speak/pray into their lives. I moved to supply teaching 3 years ago, which has given me more time to do these ministries. I will continue to pray for, and support all the missionary charities/people I have been involved with over the years.