On top of the world!
Our partners working in the Himalayan region visited a very remote area and had an amazing encounter with a local believer they had never met before. The man and his family were the only Christians in the village and no one in the community knew. Initially, this man was telling our partner about two paths to life – one path that everyone is on, and another smaller one, that he and his family are on. The pair spent a few hours talking and praying together and our partner was able to download the Bible onto the man’s phone in his own dialect, as well as share other Christian resources via apps. (It is incredible to think there is internet access in such a place!) The man was so thrilled and encouraged to receive these gifts and to meet another believer.
Our partner has had further communication with the man since their initial meeting and reports that he and his family are doing so well because of the blessing of these digital resources. They are enjoying reading them every day.
Our partners have worked in this community for many years, with a proven track record of engaging the tribal people in a meaningful way. This project has a unique opportunity to reach people in remote parts of the Himalayas through high quality Bible translations and scripture engagement materials in print, audio and digital form. It follows on from two very successful three-year Entrust-supported projects which translated the New Testament into the local language together with many supporting Christian resources. A further aim is to assist other translation projects in related dialects and languages.
With a target audience of approximately 3 million, the project has a highly innovative approach to spreading the gospel around a very remote and politically sensitive area with previous projects exceeded all expectations. Smart phones and the internet have greatly impacted this people group and the project leverages technology to spread the Gospel.
Digital resources enable a far greater reach through app downloads and website visits, as well as being more economical than sourcing and purchasing printed versions. For those who are illiterate, audio recordings of the Bible allow them to hear the message and empowers them to learn to read. Creative digital media has reached very high saturation levels in the community so it’s an effective way of impacting many lives with the word and love of God.
We invite you to join us in praying for this secret believer and his family, our partners as they continue their work and the people of Tibet.
(note: the project above is funded by Mission Enterprises (VIC) Ltd and is not tax deductible)
Breaking chains!
“My name is Shivna. I belong to the Banchada Community who are known for indulging in prostitution as their main profession for income. This community is also involved in making alcohol and other unlawful activities. My family was heavily involved in these things.
My village is very poor, most people stop school by grade 3 and cannot read or write. Children are engaged to be married at a young age so that families can get money from their dowry to survive. I was engaged to a boy in my village, but I refused to get an early marriage. My mother wanted me to work in the sex trade to earn money for our family, but I didn’t want to do that either. I wanted to run away.”
Our partners were in Shivna’s village drilling bore holes to provide clean, safe, accessible drinking water. They work hard to build trust and relationships with the local community so they can open up conversations about the possibility of children receiving an education to give them more opportunities and to introduce Jesus. In particular, children going to school away from the community pressure to “work” in the traditional Banchada ways.
Our partners provide a safe haven where girls can receive housing, an education, counselling, health care and hear about God’s love for them, perhaps for the first time. The girls have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves, beyond forced prostitution.
Shivna heard from other girls about the hostel our partners run, and she wanted to be part of it. She said, “I have made many long friendships and loved the Godly atmosphere and bright future. I heard the word of God for the first time, and it made me realise how I have been living and that I needed to change. One day God spoke to me during a church service, I confessed my sins and accepted Jesus as my savior. I am so happy and learning so much. I have just finished my first year of Nursing and looking forward to second year.”
It takes courage for these girls to leave their homes, families and communities. Some are sent by parents desperate to save their children from sex slavery. Others must run away from parents who see nothing wrong with this centuries-old tradition of prostitution as a livelihood.
The Banchara people belong to one of India’s lowest castes. They believe their god wants their first-born daughters to work as prostitutes. Young girls are raised with the expectation that they will support their family through sex-work from as young as 12. They cannot marry or receive an education once they start working.
Slowly but surely our partners are working with the girls and the wider community to bring about cultural change. Freedom for these girls from forced prostitution, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, giving them healthier and longer lives. Enabling them to dream of a brighter future and provide for themselves and their families through alternate careers. Impacting the life of just one girl can completely shatter this tradition of slavery and begin a transformation that will last generations.
Shivna said, “I am so happy that God brought me here. My life has completely changed.”