Orissa, India —
The author lives in India with his family and serves as a pastor and leader of a multifaceted ministry based there. While visiting Orissa, India, in the fall of 2008 he witnessed the ongoing persecution of Christians. In response, he and his church have raised more than $14,000 to assist those affected by the attacks.
My recent trip to Orissa was one of the saddest mission trips I have ever taken. Though I had heard much about the persecution of believers, and had even met with friends from the area where the problems occurred, I must confess that nothing prepared me for the kind of devastation I would witness.
After traveling for fifteen hours, my team and I finally arrived at our destination. During our trip, I was often struck by the saffron flags we saw flying. These flags serve as a bold mark of Hindu militants. My team and I were also very aware of the presence of security personnel as we traveled. We often prayed that they would not stop us to inquire about the purpose of our mission.
Devastation and Destruction
After we arrived in one of the villages, we spent the day visiting some of the places where violence had occurred. At each stop we were greeted by a trail of destruction. Churches were smashed to the ground and saffron flags hoisted where crosses once stood. Many believers’ homes had been burnt beyond recognition.
Our first stop was a village where 88 believers’ homes had been totally destroyed. As we drove to this village, all of us said a silent prayer that we would return to our own homes unharmed.
The access routes to these villages are narrow and can easily be cut off from the rest of the world. When the attacks occurred several huge logs were placed across all the narrow roads leading to the village. Government officials and police could not access the area to stop a group of more than 5,000 people from attacking the village with hammers, petrol bombs, and crowbars. In hours, the whole area was razed to the ground.
What was once a bustling town of men, women, and children had instantly been reduced to a deserted and destroyed settlement. Villagers ran into the forests with the hope that they could save themselves from their attackers. Many of them stayed in the forests for days with no food and little water. More had to bear the pain of having lost loved ones in the most heinous manner—killed by their own neighbors. These images will never be erased from their minds.
During our short stop at this village, we saw a few young men on motorbikes surveying the area. A pastor in our group identified one man as the leader who had destroyed their village. This sent a chill down my spine. Can you imagine that a man who committed such a terrible crime is still roaming freely on the streets?
Urgent Needs of Believers
During a short visit, we sat down with a group of pastors and local church leaders and discussed how we could help support them in these terrible times. They reported that they have many needs.
Warm clothes: Thousands are still living in relief camps; clothes will be one of the most urgent needs. During our stay, the temperature was 9° Celsius (48° Fahrenheit). I could not imagine how hard it must be for those living in relief camps under basic tents. A blanket costs around $5.50 (USD).
Bibles: Most people in the relief camps do not have Bibles with them. I was greatly encouraged that these believers meet for regular worship in the relief camps. A Bible costs around $2 (USD).
School books and uniforms: Most children have lost their school books and uniforms and are unable to go to school without these basic needs. Many parents are also pleading for the possibility of placing their children in safe boarding schools.
Support for the pastors and their families: It is hard for the families of pastors and evangelists to sustain themselves right now. They need supported for as long as it takes for the situation to return to normal.
Rebuilding homes and churches: It is to be seen what actions the government will take over the next few months. We may need to add some support to what the government would offer these individuals as they seek to rebuild their lives. This is a matter that we will address in the future.
The needs that I saw in these towns in India are overwhelming. I know that the support for the things listed above will only help a few and bring healing to a small community, but I also know that the Lord will take the little that we offer and use it for His glory. During this trip, we especially noticed the hope these believers had in their lives. It is amazing to know that they are still able to see the Lord’s presence, protection, and power. They have been praying that many will turn to Jesus through this crisis. Amazing, isn’t it? These men, women, boys, and girls are truly victorious victims.
Gifts can be sent to—
ABWE Missionary Finance
P. O. Box 8585
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585
(717) 774-7000
Write “GAP Asia Matching Gift Fund 0840371” on memo line of check. Donate online or request more information at http://www.abwe.org/give.
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