GFA Rebuilding Homes and Hopes for Beleaguered Orissa Believers

Despite continuing threats of violence and even death, Gospel for Asia–supported national missionaries and Compassion Services teams are bringing hope and renewal to Orissa's suffering Christians.

With at least 4,000 believers now forced out of recently closed refugee camps and other Christians still hiding in the jungles, GFA teams are building 1,000 homes to help replace those destroyed by anti-Christian radicals in the series of attacks in 2007 and 2008.

"The situation is even more urgent now that the government has shut down the relief camps," said GFA President K.P. Yohannan. "The people are living in temporary sheds near their broken houses and are suffering in frequent rains.

"In addition, the government has stopped giving any food rations to the victims. So these people are left with no food, no work and no place to live.

"That's why our Compassion Services teams are doing everything possible to provide food and other needed supplies to help sustain these suffering families. They have already suffered so much—and in many instances, more than we realized.

"Only now, as we mark the second anniversary of the beginning of these attacks, are we able to grasp the full extent of what has happened to our fellow Christians in that state. Knowing of their suffering, we are more committed than ever to lift them up in our prayers and help rebuild their homes and communities."

Rebuilding Homes
So far, GFA teams have rebuilt close to 200 houses that were damaged in the attacks.

"This is just the beginning," said Dr. Yohannan. "There are challenges ahead, including scarcity of materials in some areas, but we know that God is in control and that He will provide what is needed."

One of the most gratifying aspects of the reconstruction, he says, is the participation of the homeowners.

"Gospel for Asia is helping rebuild these homes with the support of our friends around the world," he explained. "And for all who are praying and giving to make this project possible, I want to share the joy that the homeowners express, not only by their words of thanks, but by their own participation as they provide materials and the necessary skilled labor to ensure that the house is rebuilt."

"We still need to build more than 800 homes," Dr. Yohannan added, "so we encourage Christians around the world to join with us to bring this project of joy and hope to completion."

It costs about US$2,500 to build a sturdy house for a typical family in Orissa. Click here to make a gift to help rebuild Orissa.