This last week we have spent some time outside of Asha Missions visiting various leprosy colonies, children’s homes, and a basketball ministry program for teenagers. Sorry, did I lose you back at leprosy colonies? Yeah, I didn’t know they still existed either. Each visit has given us unique opportunities to give encouragement, whether that be through a challenging translated conversation, a simple smile and hand squeeze, or just being silly with the kids.
Leprosy Colonies
The picture in my head of Bible-time looking lepers sitting in a circle in the corner of the city (probably in black and white) was blown out of the water. Instead, entire families of the sick come to live at these colonies to take care of their older relatives. And these people love color. As a part of their Hindu religion, bright colors, make-up, and tons of jewelry were worn by all age groups of the women and children. To say the living conditions were simple would be a vast understatement, but they welcomed us regardless, arms open and smiles bright.
Children’s Homes
We also visited two children’s homes, and they couldn’t be more different. The first one was a small group of kids in the middle of the city, with a Christian school attached to their dorms. They were super shy and took us a bit to have some fun with us. But totally worth it once we were able to crack ‘em! The second home housed 85 children, with a ton of land and kids with energy to burn! We walked in to find a ton of different activities going on: cricket with the older boys, hair-braiding with the middle-school girls, chipati-making (like tortillas) by a large group on the kitchen porch, hopscotch, volleyball, and tag. Phew! They were a great time.
Basketball Ministry
There is nothing I love more than the older kids, I’m coming to realize, and our time spent with them at the court went by way too fast. The kids meet there every night and are led by a former Indian basketball player named Sajgy. Yes he is huuge. Sajgy explained that just two years ago these kids didn’t even know what basketball was, and now they are schoolin’ all of us and learning about the Lord! It’s really cool to see the bond that the kids have made with each other; they seemed liked a really tightknit group.
Parallel Universe
So as my mind plays over our time at each place, I just think absolute community. These youngsters are the next generation and future of India. While the circumstances that brought them together are tragic, it’s pretty cool to think of the strong family-like bonds that are being formed as they grow up together. I can think of no better way for them to face the world than with a body of peers that know them inside-out and hopefully stay strong in their faith as they do life together.
Overall it’s been an honor to get a glimpse into how God is working in each group, and humbling to see the thankfulness and genuine spirit of each person that we meet.
clicker HERE for pictures!
