Guest writer: With links to the Indian mission field

Whilst we while away the time in lockdown spare a thought for the rural poor of India.

The lockdown there, introduced with only four hours’ notice, has particularly affected the vast number of daily wage earners who now have no jobs. Their hand to mouth existence has been destroyed and there is little help at hand.  

Many are streaming out of the big cities to ride, or more likely walk, the many miles back to the villages they came from. No doubt some will take the coronavirus with them to communities where there is no medical provision.

In India, death is often a way of life and life is a daily struggle. In my visits to this fascinating country I’ve learned of people dying from illnesses so easily treated in the UK.  

I’ve heard of people killed by preventable accidents and vicious acts of violence.  I’ve witnessed precious lives so easily lost. 

But I’ve also experienced the generosity of those willing to share the little they have and seen the self-sacrifice of Christians wanting to bring the hope Gospel.  

I think of the young men and women I’ve met in a Bible College who willingly went to serve their Lord in isolated villages only accessible by trekking miles from the nearest road.  

There they set up basic schools for the children, offered aid to those in need and above all shared the good news of eternal life through faith in Jesus.  

In bringing the message of salvation some gave their lives as they succumbed to malaria and other diseases. 

They had so little of this world’s wealth but never complained about what they lacked. Instead they gave everything in order to share with others the spiritual life which triumphs over death and inherits the riches of heaven.

Will you join Salann in praying for India?

• Pray for wisdom for India’s leaders as they oversee efforts to deal with COVID-19 in the country’s vast population.
• Pray that the poor would be protected and not overlooked.
• Pray for the work of Christian groups as they seek to lend a hand.
• Pray for the Gospel to take root and for many men, women and children to find saving faith in Christ.