Words from Thomas

Thomas Kleinert

VIOLENCE AND HEALING IN INDIA

Perhaps you remember Dr. Anil Henry who came to Vine Street in the summer of 2007 to tell us about his work at the Christian Hospital, Mungeli, India.

Following is a recent email exchange and a report. Dr. Henry is one of our ministry partners through Global Ministries.

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Christian Hospital, Mungeli!

Believe or not, here is my report of what I have been up to in the last year.

This leaves at a very difficult time in the country as we are still concerned and praying about the state of Orissa where my parents built up a mission hospital for over 35 years.

On August 23^rd, violence broke out as a Hindu leader, Saraswati was gunned down along with four of his associates.  The Maoists claimed responsibility for the killings the next day, but the Hindu radicals alleged that the gunmen were hired by Christians. 

This led to widespread destruction all over the state as Christians lost their lives, institutions, houses, and mainly churches were burnt and thousands ran into the forest in fright of loosing their lives.

We in Mungeli are in the neighboring state and one of the headlines in the newspaper read "Missionaries target Hindu Priest."

The press and the government are not getting involved as they should and the internet is the only way in which people are recording the horrific scenes and stories of what is happening.

Our home and Mission station where my parents worked, was hit with some riots as they broke open the church doors, but the hospitals as other hospitals and schools have not been destroyed.

Please do keep the people of Orissa in your prayers and this country where the masses are either affected or used to create violence and unrest in the community.

We have had great advances in the hospital and school this year and I hope that we can continue to grow and serve Christ as He shows us the way.

God bless,

Anil

Dear Anil,

Thank you for your report! How very good to hear from you. We had heard about the violence in Orissa, and have prayed for peace. I thought about you and your work at Mungeli, but I had no idea that your parents had worked in that state for so many years. We will continue to pray for peace in Orissa, knowing that your work in education and healthcare are essential steps toward a just society. Even in this country, equal access to quality education and healthcare continue to be challenges that demand our attention. Give my best to Terri!

Peace in Christ,

thomas