Fellowship with Kandhamal victims resolves to help the needy

Orissa, February 05, 2012: A Fellowship of persecuted Christians was held at Jalna, Bhubaneshwar. About 70 children/widows and suffering persons from Kandhamal and other affected areas attended a gathering on 2 and 3 Feb 2012 under the auspicies of the Global Council of Indian Christians(GCIC) . Dr Sajan K George, president exhorted participants to forgive those who have wronged us, as our Lord commands us to do. Five widows shared their struggle to carry on their lives in the face of persecution and discrimination.

All the participants in the two days meeting resolved to cling on to the commandment of forgiveness. One of the participant said that she lives with the assurance “I will never ever you forsake you….” Logistics -accommodation, food etc were arranged by Sr Suma mc and other sisters.

There were worship services, hymns, prayers songs, exhortations, etc. Affected/persecuted persons shared their conditions, expectations and testimonies.  All the victims shared and prayed. Before leaving each one resolved,in whatever little way possible, to help those in need. Some highlights –

1. 150 Children from Kandhamal, especially orphans were identified to provide educational support for uniform, school fee, etc. Some families were given support for completing repair/rebuilding of their homes. Some families were encouraged to take up micro-businesses like petty shops.

2. Saramuli Outreach : Education of 800 children, who are being supported by 20 village teachers, sisters of missionaries of charity and local parishioners was also finalised in the two days meeting.

3. 50 children from village Salima Gochha (Soroda, Ganjam), also were supported for tuitions.

Fr Anil (Balasore), Fr Joy (Berhampur), Frs Manoj Bagsingh and Dibakar Parichha (Bhubaneshwar), Pastor sunil Parichha and Bro Markose also were present.

– persecution.in