India Update 19-07-2009

I need a Thesaurus in my head. I simply cannot find the right words to describe to you the experiences and time in India. They just do not exist as my heart is full what all that I have seen and done.

I found myself overwhelmed and mesmerized as I looked back at the faces sitting down in front of me. A sea of bright colours and faces filled with hope as they looked and listened. I am an ordinary person that had the opportunity to be with the most extra ordinary women. In the eyes of the upper castes, we are guilty of only reaching to the poor and helpless instead of talking to those of the same stature or higher. Not guilty I say; as we reach out to those that are unloved, unworthy and helpless in the world’s eyes but matter everything to the Lord. I refrain from using God, as there are so many other gods that are worshipped. Only the Lord God speaks to us of a deep love and sacrifice given to you and me.

I sat with a teenager, married at the age of eleven and finding herself homeless after the loss of her little baby when she was a mere fourteen. Women have no right to complain or stand up, but that is slowly changing with the help of those with a vision to take hands and stand with them and you and me that can love and support. A woman receiving no help from the local police bravely went to seek help from a higher authority. Only to be visited by the police, her two daughters molested, herself beaten and kicked until her leg was broken. Still bravely, she fights for justice. Sadly, her daughters will not see justice as the molestation charge is not even considered but her case will go further.

I was encouraged by the OM-ers in the North and their love and compassion for women. There are empowerment programmes, conferences, and outreaches, not only preaching but also reaching out in a practical way to help women make a life for themselves, amongst those the Dalits, the untouchables. To be with them was an awesome experience, faces that radiate hope and a knowledge of freedom after three thousand years of oppression. It still comes at a cost. Villages are attacked at night, women raped, man, women and child beaten and left for dead.

We can fight this together. As the Lord calls and provide, I will go on a regular basis, speak out for those that can’t, help those that face this, encourage and do whatever it takes to make a difference. I would love you to join me in this venture as I continue to work together with OM in North India and even look into some business venture if possible together with Verena.

Verena and I went for such a time as this. I could not have asked for a better partner to go on this journey. Her wisdom, love and gifting was such a blessing to all and after a long day of teaching you could still hear us laughing late into the night. The teachers loved and respected her and nothing was too hard or difficult for her. A true saint and wonderful friend.