Delhi is an eclectic place, but its a very dark and sad place at the same time. With Westernization, technology, and economic wealth drastically on the rise, much of India is getting left behind. And as this nation grows, so does (carelessness-they are being ignored) for the poor, the handicapped, and the
orphaned children. I think about how and why such a disconnect between people exists here, but as much thinking as I do I can never come to a proper conclusion. It seems as though the intricacies of culture, religion, and custom all play a role in this fragmented society. How can someone’s heart not break for them? They are the forgotten voices and the forgotten faces of this beautiful country.
What’s great about this ministry is that they care about reaching the lost and the hurting. No one even gives untouchables a second thought or a second look. I’ve never given them a second thought for that matter. In the past I’ve seen them at train-stations, markets, basically anywhere and have continued walking. Even though it’s almost deemed inappropriate for people to interact with them, our contacts have been very intentional about making sure we see these people and these places. Our contacts took us to see one of the most overlooked untouchable groups in India, the lepers.
The colony was made of red clay house connected to each other. We were greeted by a handshake by an elderly gentleman who had a knub for a hand. It was a pretty fast introduction to the colony. Everyone, both the kids and adults, in the colony were automatically drawn to the Americans on the team…no surprise, but definitely not offended :). We walked around the enclosed community shaking the hands of those who were really grateful to see outsiders come in and love on them. Again going back to the point that people just don’t care, it meant a great deal for them that someone was taking the time to give them time and affection. After we met the families in the colony we quickly gathered the kids together to throw a little program for them. We shared some songs, a message, and some candy (which definitely closed the deal in how we were received). All-in-all it was a great first step in getting acquainted with the people here.
But how does one truly reach the forgotten, the suffering? How does one overcome the cultural and customs strands of society to reach them? The reality is the questions nor the answers are easy. Most would say “Jesus and love” is the answer, but where is our social responsibility? What is our role in these situations? Maybe the proper question is how do we let God work through us in these situations?
