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It was a joyous day for people in Assam, India. They recently inaugurated seven houses built for families left homeless after last year's heavy flooding. This outreach is part of Gospel for Asia's Compassion Services ministry, which shares the love of Jesus in tangible ways with those who need to see that God loves them.
The group traveled from house to house for the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. But before anyone entered the new homes, GFA field leader Dayal Thomas prayed for the family who would be living there.
Once inside, Dayal led a time of worship, expressing gratitude for the Lord's provision in this community. Nearly the entire village came out to share in the excitement of that day, and Dayal shared the Gospel with everyone who came.
The houses were a valuable gift to those who had suffered so much. Every year, this area of Assam is hit by floodwaters caused by the Brahmaputra River overflowing its banks during monsoon season. Last year's floods were record-breaking, inflicting considerable damage to roads, property, crops and cattle.
Many of the homes in this area are little more than shacks made of bamboo and tarp. They are unable to withstand the floodwaters, leaving thousands stranded and homeless. And most of the villagers are far too poor to rebuild their own houses. This is where GFA Compassion Services comes in.
Most families in this area have a minimum of five to six children! The new houses have several rooms to accommodate growing families.
The houses GFA Compassion Services builds for flood survivors sport the bamboo walls characteristic of this area of Assam. Yet they are sturdy and strong, supported by steel reinforced concrete pillars. They are also built about five to six feet above the ground to keep the yearly floodwaters from entering.
According to Tejas Chacko, the housing project manager, the new houses cost no more than 40,000 rupees (US$950) to build, yet are much more durable and able to withstand floodwaters than the original homes.
A construction worker started attending church after seeing the Christians' care and concern for his community.
It was truly a community effort as those receiving the homes joined right in with the construction workers to rebuild their own houses. Flood survivors receiving the tangible gift of a new house also received fresh hope as they saw that someone cared for them.
One of the new houses was given to a GFA missionary who had lost his home in the flooding. To date, at least 20 homes have been provided for non-Christians and Christians alike. And backed by the prayers and support of caring ministry friends from around the world, GFA is in the process of building dozens more homes in this area. And all completed homes withstood this year's heavy flooding with no damage.
The Lord is working in Assam! This congregation led by a GFA missionary has already outgrown its small bamboo church building. By God's grace, these Christians will soon worship the Savior in a full-size, flood-proof church building made to facilitate further growth.
date posted 08/08/08