MATHAI OUTREACH MINISTRIES
What we are doing to restore the lives
of persecuted Christians in Orissa
You may have heard or read about the violence and persecution of Christians in India in recent years. Last year, the media brought a lot of attention to a particular state in India that underwent severe persecution and destruction because of anti-Christian sentiments. In early 2009, I had an opportunity to witness some of the aftermath of the violence in Orissa.
Today, the violence has stopped but lives are still shattered as people are scattered from their homes and villages. Homes, possessions and churches were burned and destroyed. Sadly, many lost their lives and as a result, many have been orphaned and are destitute.
During my five day visit with these tribal Christians, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of these people that suffered much for their faith in Jesus Christ. Though they must wait for someone else’s kindness to restore their lives by offering the food, water and other necessities, they hold on to their faith in Jesus Christ.
What I experienced in those five days made my heart move with compassion and I committed to help them restore pieces of their lives. Although the ministry had limited resources we established the following:
1. Children’s Home: Shelters about 35 children under the age of 12 years, who witnessed either one or both of their parents beaten or killed. These children have suffered beyond measure. We could have gathered another 200 children in same place, if we had the resources.
2. Elementary Education Program: Classes for children in the refugee camps who have no other way of attending school. Education is a powerful resource and gift we can give these children.
3. Rebuilding Churches Program: Rebuilding 15 churches that have been completely or partially destroyed. Along with spiritual support to the pastors of these churches to remain strong and stay connected with their congregations.
If we can restore some level of normalcy by rebuilding churches, repairing homes, and assisting families with needs, in spite of all the dangers, they can feel like they can go back to what belonged to them and have some of their basic needs taken care of. Of course these things do not put them back to 100% normal life, but when I look at it, I see the tremendous opportunity to help a child, widow, family or a congregation.
A Special Village
In a particular camp, I met a group of wonderful Christian refugees. Some had been pastors of their village churches, but in this camp they were just one of the many trying to survive. After talking to a few of them, I learned that their village was not too far from where they were staying. During the violent attacks, their houses and possessions were burned and they lost everything. When they had to flee for their life, they came to one section of the forest and cleared some area to set up a camp. The constructed small huts with tree branches and tarps and each family lives in their hut, side by side. They also built a tent with tree branches in the middle of the compound as a church and they gather as often as possible to worship.
I also learned community leaders offered them the opportunity to return back to their villages and their burned homes, but with one condition, they have to live like a Hindu and raise a Hindu flag in front of their houses. They refused to do so and said that if they returned they would live as Christians not as Hindus. They could not deny the Lord Jesus Christ who gave them a new life and hope. I saw their courage, faith, and willingness to deny their own comfort and even their life for the sake of their newly found faith.
I felt compelled to stand with them in their struggle and to offer hope by agreeing to help rebuild their lives.
Here are the needs they have:
• Food, water, and clothes
• Durable homes with floors
• Churches to worship
• Education for children
• Medical and dental care
1. A well for: $1000.00
2. A solar light: $2000.00
3. Building a 2 room house: $1200.00-$1500.00
4. Building a church: $5000.00
5. Bible: $3.00/each
6. Kerosene Lantern: $24.00/each
7. Support a Village Pre-School per child: $15.00
8. Support a Bible school student a month $30.00
9. Support an Orphan child a month $30.00
10. Support a Missionary per month $40.00
11. Support a Missionary Family per month $65.00
12. Bicycle: $ 80.00/each
13. Sewing Machine: $100.00/each
14. Motorbike:$ 1200.00/each
The following list consists of the plans we have to help rebuild their villages and the estimated cost for each.
1. A well for: $1000.00
2. A solar light: $2000.00
3. Building a 2 room house: $1200.00-$1500.00
4. Building a church: $5000.00
5. Bible: $3.00/each
6. Kerosene Lantern: $24.00/each
7. Support a Village Pre-School per child: $15.00
8. Support a Bible school student a month $30.00
9. Support an Orphan child a month $30.00
10. Support a Missionary per month $40.00
11. Support a Missionary Family per month $65.00
12. Bicycle: $ 80.00/each
13. Sewing Machine: $100.00/each
14. Motorbike:$ 1200.00/each
I request you to pray and understand what is happening in the body of Christ in other parts of the world. The needs are countless but I believe we can give voice to these needy brothers and sister in Christ if we open our hearts to help. If you want to help a family or support any one of the other needs, please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with the information you need.
There is no better time than the holidays to remember and reach out to those who are in need. Every dollar we receive for this purpose will go straight to the mission field. On behalf of Mathai Outreach Ministries, thank you for your support and we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and blessed New Year.
