Do We Care At All?

Do We Care At All?

India is urbanizing on a fast track mode. People living in remote rural areas aspire for a better life in an urban setting. Millions are migrating from villages to towns and cities. The exploitation of the vulnerable begins here. As much as urbanization has made India progress economically, it also means that urban poverty is much more fierce than rural poverty. If casteism (social apartheid) was the curse in rural areas, it has taken new forms in the urban areas affecting the young aspirants.

When Jesus reached his final destination – Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept because of the imminent judgment that was going to come upon the city. (Luke 19: 41-42) He expressed his longing to gather the children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. (Matthew 23: 37-39). Jesus was moved over the city’s situation – and when he was crucified, it was also for this city as much as for the rest of the world, to redeem them to himself.

Urban churches in India are one of the fastest growing movements very often because of rural migration. Most leaders of Christian organizations live and operate from cities. Any fund raising activity for rural mission happens in city churches. Urban congregations are challenged to respond to the needs in rural and tribal India. It is an exception for urban churches to respond to needs closer home whether they are people living in slums, street children, migrant labourers or trafficked women and children. We often choose to ignore or act in denial or at the most see them as an eye sore in a growing economy. If we call ourselves followers of Christ and do not care, who else will?

Interserve India is one of the pioneers who engage in missions with the urban poor. Our workers have either started or lead projects in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Nagpur, Malkangiri (Orissa) and other places in India and beyond to address these issues. We need volunteers, congregations and prayer groups to come along with Interserve and support our strategic work by sharing resources.
Come partner in our mission to rescue the vulnerable in the society. John Amalraj,

© 2010, INFOCUS, July-September Issue, Interserve India

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