On the surface, India seems like a culture of close-knit families, but in reality there is an enormous need among the multitudes of elderly who are sometimes treated as a burden by their children and grandchildren. With few nursing homes and little government assistance, many widows are forced to live on the porch of a relative's house. Sometimes they are fed sparingly in hope that they will die sooner. There are, of course, some family members who struggle to feed themselves and simply are not able to provide for their aging parents.
The "Widows/Elderly Ministry" has more than 160 members from more than 20 different villages, at least 15 different pastors helping us to carry out the ministry. Praise the Lord! We constantly pray for wisdom as we hear the stories of those asking for help and try to discern the actuality of their need as well as their commitment to following Christ. In addition to helping with their physical needs, He is now leading us to put a higher priority upon their spiritual lives, making greater effort to lead them into a fruitful and happy life with Him.
The elderly who are at a greater level of need, the Lord is providing them with some monthly support. For them and all the other elderly, there is assistance available for their medical expenses, prescriptions and operations. And all are eligible for house repairs or new huts when needed.
So happy to be a part of our Father's great love for the widows & elderly! "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our GOD and Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unspotted by the world." James 1:27
"Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them."