| Such visits allowed us to witness
the compassion and dedication of those we met in serving the least
of these. Please pray for the Brothers and Sisters in their thankless
ministry. We also spent time learning about the CSI ministry for
women at Bethel Ashram, led by Sister Thankam who visited Grace
Presbytery last year.
Reflections within the group allowed us to witness the beauty
and challenge facing this part of the world. The beauty is all
around, from the tea plantations of Munnar to the beauty of the
people we encounter. Wherever the beauty lies, however, the challenges
are never far away. The beauty of the tea plantations falls in
sharp contrast to the tea pickers struggle to work a full and
grueling day for the equivalent of $1.50 per day. The beauty of
the children and staff at Karunalayam falls in sharp contrast
to the financial struggle to maintain the Home. The dedication
of the youth and members of Immanuel Church who participate in
the feeding program falls in sharp contrast to the issues of poverty
and loss of dignity faced by those who struggle to survive from
day to day. This is a wonderful land, and yet a land full of paradox.
Shashi Tharoor suggests that, “Any truism about India can
be immediately contradicted by another truism about India.”
Yet in the midst of such complexity and diversity God is indeed
present, and glimpses of that reality, amidst the beauty and the
challenges, continue to move us in overwhelming ways.
If you would like to know more about the delegation visit, and
for information regarding reflections from the group, please contact
First Presbyterian Church-Fort Worth. We thank both groups for
encouraging us deeply as we continue to learn through our call
to ministry with the Indian people.
There is much for us to celebrate. The youth at Immanuel Church
continue to ask questions of faith as they seek to do more for
those in need within the community. We have made valuable connections
with CSI pastor, the Reverend Thomas John, who has challenged
the youth in their faith journey. Achan Thomas John is currently
working with the PC(USA) on the Joining Hands Against Hunger Program
and the Young Adult Volunteer Program, and he is the chairman
of the committee at CSI Karunalayam. His experience and insight
have proved invaluable as we learn in ministry together. We are
challenged not simply to feed the poor, but to ask questions about
the roots of poverty. We are challenged to not simply clean walls
of Karunalayam kitchen, but to be changed by the encounter of
the people who live and work there.
Please pray
- for the youth of the church, that they would continue to have
the heart to work on behalf of others.
- for the CSI as it continues to seek ways of supporting the
Homes and Ashrams established to care for the Indian women,
men and children in need.
Once again, we are thankful for God’s guidance and surprise
in our life and ministry. And we feel so rightfully connected
to you, those who are praying for us, as we begin and end each
day. The past visits with Texas friends have tenderly reminded
us of God’s greater vision of justice and hope for all God’s
people. Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of God’s
Shalom.
Grace and Peace,
Julie and Adrian
P.S. Unfortunately, our digital camera stopped working properly
last week. We have a temporary substitute but have not yet learned
the best way to email the pictures from the new camera to you.
We will send them later this week once we decipher the new process.
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