Bringing Freedom To India’s ‘Untouchables’ Jesus is the Answer for their Future
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
DALLAS, TX (ANS) -- Simon John has a huge undertaking in his life; to bring freedom and dignity to the 250 million Dalits (doll-leets), or “Untouchables,” of India.
Indian-born Simon John, who is the Regional Overseer for Gospel for Asia in North India, agreed to talk about his mission in life, that has already seen extraordinary results, during the recent Gospel for Asia “Renewing Your Passion” missions conference in Dallas, Texas.
Simon John began by explaining that he is originally from South India but now spends most of his time in North India and is headquartered in the capital city of Delhi
When asked why North India was so important for his ministry, he replied: “It’s the most unreached place in the country, and it has been a great burden in my heart to go to this part of India and serve the Lord.
“There are many tribes there that have different names, but in general we call them Dalits. They are the daily laborers that work as scavengers, making shoes as cobblers, and doing different kinds of menial jobs that no one else will do.
“Because the North today is mainly dominated by the Dalits, God has put a great burden in my heart, along with all our GFA missionaries, to focus on these people.”
Lower than the Animals
Simon explained that the Dalits are at the bottom of the rung of the Indian Hindu caste system. They are despised by other castes and live lives that are often lower than the animals.
He went on to say that in recent years there has been a revolt from the Dalit leadership, who have decided that their people should leave the Hindu faith, and many have decided to follow Jesus Christ.
“There has always been an effort by the Dalit leadership to come out of this situation because the Dalits are always looked down upon and they have no position in Indian society,” Simon explained. “For instance, they are not allowed to draw water from the wells or even live with all the comforts of necessary for them in this part of this country.”
Jesus is the Answer for their Future
“The upper caste has treated them very badly over the years,” Simon added. “These people are physically abused and many times their ladies are raped and there is nobody to help them. Even the police and the government never come to their aid. Despite all these facts there has been a great hunger for the Word of God among these people. They are realizing that Jesus is their answer for the future.”
I then asked him about them leaving the Hindu religion en masse.
“Mostly, we don’t focus much on any particular religion,” Simon explained, “but we share about the love of Jesus with them and tell them why Jesus came into this world. That is bringing many of them to the knowledge of Christ and many of them have been experiencing the miracles of Jesus in their personal life. That’s what we hear quite often from the field and from our pastors; how they receive Jesus.”
I wondered if the Dalits were shocked that someone had finally begun to care for the plight.
“Yes, they are, especially because of their need,” said Simon John. “There have been so many incidents in their life that have not worked out for them. Like, if they are sick, they may have tried all the doctors but they remain sick. But when one of our pastors goes there and prays with them, many are miraculously healed. They have experienced a personal encounter with Jesus, and these miracles have really made them accept Christ.”
More here :
www.assistnews.net
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
DALLAS, TX (ANS) -- Simon John has a huge undertaking in his life; to bring freedom and dignity to the 250 million Dalits (doll-leets), or “Untouchables,” of India.
Indian-born Simon John, who is the Regional Overseer for Gospel for Asia in North India, agreed to talk about his mission in life, that has already seen extraordinary results, during the recent Gospel for Asia “Renewing Your Passion” missions conference in Dallas, Texas.
Simon John began by explaining that he is originally from South India but now spends most of his time in North India and is headquartered in the capital city of Delhi
When asked why North India was so important for his ministry, he replied: “It’s the most unreached place in the country, and it has been a great burden in my heart to go to this part of India and serve the Lord.
“There are many tribes there that have different names, but in general we call them Dalits. They are the daily laborers that work as scavengers, making shoes as cobblers, and doing different kinds of menial jobs that no one else will do.
“Because the North today is mainly dominated by the Dalits, God has put a great burden in my heart, along with all our GFA missionaries, to focus on these people.”
Lower than the Animals
Simon explained that the Dalits are at the bottom of the rung of the Indian Hindu caste system. They are despised by other castes and live lives that are often lower than the animals.
He went on to say that in recent years there has been a revolt from the Dalit leadership, who have decided that their people should leave the Hindu faith, and many have decided to follow Jesus Christ.
“There has always been an effort by the Dalit leadership to come out of this situation because the Dalits are always looked down upon and they have no position in Indian society,” Simon explained. “For instance, they are not allowed to draw water from the wells or even live with all the comforts of necessary for them in this part of this country.”
Jesus is the Answer for their Future
“The upper caste has treated them very badly over the years,” Simon added. “These people are physically abused and many times their ladies are raped and there is nobody to help them. Even the police and the government never come to their aid. Despite all these facts there has been a great hunger for the Word of God among these people. They are realizing that Jesus is their answer for the future.”
I then asked him about them leaving the Hindu religion en masse.
“Mostly, we don’t focus much on any particular religion,” Simon explained, “but we share about the love of Jesus with them and tell them why Jesus came into this world. That is bringing many of them to the knowledge of Christ and many of them have been experiencing the miracles of Jesus in their personal life. That’s what we hear quite often from the field and from our pastors; how they receive Jesus.”
I wondered if the Dalits were shocked that someone had finally begun to care for the plight.
“Yes, they are, especially because of their need,” said Simon John. “There have been so many incidents in their life that have not worked out for them. Like, if they are sick, they may have tried all the doctors but they remain sick. But when one of our pastors goes there and prays with them, many are miraculously healed. They have experienced a personal encounter with Jesus, and these miracles have really made them accept Christ.”
More here :
www.assistnews.net
posted by VIVA at 10:20 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home