On Oct. 12, 22 Maple Crest residents from Bluffton made a “trek to India” through a colorful slide and video presentation by Julie Stratton of Bluffton.
 
As the Advancement Director in the Great Lakes Region for Global Disciples, Stratton recently spent three weeks in India participating in the three-point mission strategy of the organization:  training locals in evangelism, leadership, and small business skills in order to share the Christian message among least-reached people groups.
 
On the “armchair journey,” residents were exposed to unique methods for communicating the Christian Gospel, such as a businessman’s sign with a broken telephone (symbolizing an inability to connect with God on our own), and a dance troupe using traditional Indian movements to re-enact Bible stories. 

Maple Crest residents enjoyed Stratton’s personal highlights, as well, like eating creamy water buffalo ice cream.  Memories were stirred for Burton and Elnore Yost, Larry Burkhalter, and Claralice Wolf, who each have spent time in India.