stephen goswami
May 22nd 2009, 09:10 AM
I reached Fulbani the district headquarters of Kandhamal, of Orissa, a province of India. It was a long tiresome journey by trains and buses through Orissa and the hilly undeveloped district. On my mind were four agendas- giving a little relief, fasting prayer, to organize demonstration to press government to help them and motivate them to alternative employments. I requested prayers from friends from every side to succeed. Previous fasting prayer has succeeded in breaking the evil alliance of B.J.P with ruling party. The recent all India parliamentary election has clipped B.J.P party’s claws further.
I lived with them in one of their dilapidated rented room’s floor, cramped with other inmates. Giving relief was no problem and three days fasting prayer was done. But the latter two objectives failed. Christians were divided into many denominations, resisting a unified front to pressurize government. They also did not like business as it was new and risky venture. In my last three meetings with them I tried to persuade them but failed. Now they are living on inadequate relief from Christian agencies. I fear that they will loose their self-respect by constantly advertising their woes, true off course, to get relief. This beggar mentality will make them cripple eventually, I fear.
May be I have to be more patient and persistent with them with more visits and time. But my health at 70 years age pose problem and I have other responsibilities in other fields. Now I can’t quit, as already a strong bond has grown with them. I need more prayer support for it. I also thank all of them in this forum who prayed in response to my request.
I lived with them in one of their dilapidated rented room’s floor, cramped with other inmates. Giving relief was no problem and three days fasting prayer was done. But the latter two objectives failed. Christians were divided into many denominations, resisting a unified front to pressurize government. They also did not like business as it was new and risky venture. In my last three meetings with them I tried to persuade them but failed. Now they are living on inadequate relief from Christian agencies. I fear that they will loose their self-respect by constantly advertising their woes, true off course, to get relief. This beggar mentality will make them cripple eventually, I fear.
May be I have to be more patient and persistent with them with more visits and time. But my health at 70 years age pose problem and I have other responsibilities in other fields. Now I can’t quit, as already a strong bond has grown with them. I need more prayer support for it. I also thank all of them in this forum who prayed in response to my request.