
This is the most valuable cake in existence... a 10K cake. It is valued, not because of the cost, but for what it represents.
It is decorated with little beads. Black ones... red ones... white, gold, blue and green ones. Sound familiar? They are the colors of the Wordless Book, which is used to simply present the Gospel story. Since no baking is done in homes in INDIA, the cake was ordered from one of their numerous bakeries. They customized it to order, a cake unlike any this bakery had ever created.
The Team who celebrated with this cake had good reason to rejoice, for they were recognizing the completion of their "10K Project," an ambitious and exhausting undertaking which, at times, seemed unattainable. But the weary Team pressed on. Their leaders had led the charge, with the challenge to reach 10,000 of INDIA's children with the Gospel during a five to six month outreach period. The huge volume of beads had been donated, and were formed into Wordless Book bracelets.
Weekly, the Team would travel to slums, outlying villages, schools and hostels... teaching with songs, puppets, Bible lessons, and of course...using the Wordless Book. They would be flooded with enthusiastic crowds wherever they went. They were able to count the children reached by how many bracelets they passed out.
Having worked in schools and slums in INDIA, I know somewhat of the problems they endured. The oppressive heat. Constant need for water. The throngs of people vying for your attention. The challenge of transportation... the Team could not all ride on the only moped available. Public transportation such as buses, taxis and auto rickshaws cost money and by using, chew up large chunks of time in one's day. To borrow a vehicle still requires expensive petrol. Feeding the Team would be a challenge, as you do not find a MacDonald's on every corner, and the street vendor food is not always available or affordable. People have to rise at dawn to cook curries, rice and chapati, and pack a meal for a special outing.
You might think this "10K Project" would take a huge Team. No... rather I would liken the Team to Gideon's army. As I understand, the Team consisted mainly of five brave soldiers, with two others who came to serve for a time. And one valiant warrior manning the home station, staying by the stuff, and providing organization and inspiration... and prayer cover.
The day the Team reached their goal was one none of them will forget. Enduring to the finish line... what joy! Praises to God were expressed again and again.
The statistics are amazing:
Project Duration: April - Sept 2010
Project Scope: 55 Villages, 11 Slums, 19 Schools, 7 Hostels, 10,017 Kids 1,086 Adults
Among so many of the nationals in INDIA is a level of Christianity which shines so brightly in the spiritual darkness. Such it is with the 10K Team. Their leader joked that the street leading to their mansions in Heaven would surely be paved with Wordless Book beads!
The Team is witnessing even more fruit, as they are being begged to return, to start village Sunday Schools, and to tell more about Jesus. People are looking them up... approaching them... hungry for Truth.
So now you understand the value of the 10K cake, as it represents over 10,000 children who were clearly given the Gospel... 10,000 souls loved by Jesus Christ, Who gave His life for them. And it is a tribute to that faithful Team, who would be careful to point "up," giving all glory and praise to God above.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16