(Gathering manure for fuel for fires for cooking, this lady has worked so hard all her life, she is unable to stand up straight).In India, your lot in life is determined by the family in which you are born. Society is divided into castes, determined purely by your birth. Education, achievements, hard work - nothing can elevate you above the caste into which you are born. Certain jobs and positions are available for certain castes, and no degree of intelligence or success can change your caste level. Only the good things you do in this life, followed by "reincarnation into a higher caste in the next life" (Hindu belief) can change your position in society.
The Dalits, or Untouchables, are the people considered even lower than the lowest caste. They have no hope in THIS life whatsoever. They work hard all day just to barely make enough to eat, possibly just one meal a day with their children receiving just the water in which the rice is boiled. These are the people to whom we minister in India. Body wrecking work, difficulties, hopelessness, no end to suffering - this is their "lot" in life. (The people of higher castes and greater wealth do not minister to them since, according to their Hindu beliefs, this would be counterproductive to their being "reincarnated" into a better life).
As we share what the Bible teaches about life, we give them HOPE for a future (even if it is just after death). We tell them of the biblical view of eternity, Heaven, the incarnation of Christ, Jesus' coming to SAVE them, not to destroy. (There have been 10 incarnations of Hindu gods, all coming in destruction). The people are given (much appreciated) temporary relief from pain, disease, "blindness". But, even greater, they are given HOPE in Jesus Christ. I met a lady, in one of our Homes for the Elderly, who was widowed at the age of 7 years (yes, that is 7); she was never allowed to remarry (but not thrown into the fire as they burned her dead husband's (legally betrothed husband's) body as many widows were. She shared with me - with the greatest smile of joy on her face - how the Lord had ALWAYS taken care of her! And we think we have it hard!
The Dalits, or Untouchables, are the people considered even lower than the lowest caste. They have no hope in THIS life whatsoever. They work hard all day just to barely make enough to eat, possibly just one meal a day with their children receiving just the water in which the rice is boiled. These are the people to whom we minister in India. Body wrecking work, difficulties, hopelessness, no end to suffering - this is their "lot" in life. (The people of higher castes and greater wealth do not minister to them since, according to their Hindu beliefs, this would be counterproductive to their being "reincarnated" into a better life).
As we share what the Bible teaches about life, we give them HOPE for a future (even if it is just after death). We tell them of the biblical view of eternity, Heaven, the incarnation of Christ, Jesus' coming to SAVE them, not to destroy. (There have been 10 incarnations of Hindu gods, all coming in destruction). The people are given (much appreciated) temporary relief from pain, disease, "blindness". But, even greater, they are given HOPE in Jesus Christ. I met a lady, in one of our Homes for the Elderly, who was widowed at the age of 7 years (yes, that is 7); she was never allowed to remarry (but not thrown into the fire as they burned her dead husband's (legally betrothed husband's) body as many widows were. She shared with me - with the greatest smile of joy on her face - how the Lord had ALWAYS taken care of her! And we think we have it hard!
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