God's proposed Ministry
While distributing Neighbour’s gift which is given through the sisters of the Kristalaya Fellowship of churches to their non-believer neighbours during the time of Christmas as a gesture of sharing the love of Christ, Brother Jagannath had a chance meeting with his childhood blind uncle Swapan.
Despite the challenges of his visual impairment, Swapan earned his livelihood by beggining in the local trains. The meeting not only brought forth a reunion but also shed light on the struggles faced by Swapan and others in similar circumstances. Listening to their plight, he asked uncle to gather a few of his old acquaintance
However, Swapan, displaying resilience and a spirit of camaraderie, proposed a heart-warming idea: "Why don't you invite us during Christmas? Provide us with a meal, and, most importantly, spend some quality time with us." This simple yet profound suggestion resonated with the essence of the Christmas season- not just giving material gifts but sharing the invaluable gift of time and companionship. Inspired by this proposition, Brother Jagannath enthusiastically embraced the idea of creating a meaningful and inclusive Christmas celebration for his uncle and his friends, reinforcing the true spirit of the season.
Envisioning an opportunity to introduce the love of Christ a program for them was scheduled, on 29th December 2022 which was not at all an easy task to do, from inviting them, feeding them, and circulating gift coupons, etc.
It’s a day with some difference for them. Early in the morning all the visually impaired people waited in the railway station. All of them came down the train holding each other’s hand and our volunteers helped them to come out of the station and board the vehicles which were hired by us for them to be brought to the venue.
One common thing which Lord showed, and it touched our hearts was the children of all visually impaired could not go to school rather they were not sent as they had to guide their parents to the train for begging. They don’t have any opportunity as nobody extends a hand to help them by sending them to school or giving them some opportunity.
They loved the lunch and the hospitality provided by us. They expressed their love and thanked us and pleaded us to do something for their betterment and give some opportunity to their children.
They even shared that everyone works among the normal people, but nobody thinks for visually impaired or differently abled people which brother Jagannath had thought and proved that it is possible to do if we have Lord’s love in our heart and we possibly play the role of Good Samaritan. All the brothers and sisters from different districts did their part as volunteers and they themselves are overwhelmed to see their response and touched by their act of humility and vulnerability and at the same time their eagerness to know they Lord.
Opportunity to serve the marginalized
Again , on 26th of March (2023) God gave an opportunity to spend some time with 130 blind people along with a few believers and have a wonderful time of prayers, praise, and worship. Mostly they live by singing songs and begging in local trains and streets. They were eagerly listening to the sermon. At the end of the program snacks were provided and steel water bottles, umbrellas were given which they requested for.
