We received this prayer and ministry update from our friends in India:
Christian Hospital Mungeli is a mission hospital that was started in 1896 and was one of the earliest Disciples mission stations in India. The hospital did well until all missionaries were asked to leave the country. India is a country which has major hurdles due to a rising population. It is already the most populous country in the world (1.25 billion), and poverty, the highest density of people in the world, sanitation, female infanticide, illiteracy and most of all discrimination due to the caste system are major hurdles. The poor are left with no way to move forward in this scenario.
Mungeli is in one of the most rural states of Chhattisgarh in this country. It is here that the hospital, once the largest hospital of the region, lost its western funding and became almost nonfunctioning for forty years.
Now, through the prayers and support of the UCC and Disciples churches, the hospital has not only been able to revive itself, but has also moved forward to grow and expand into a modern hospital. In addition, there is now a growing school which educates 650 children, 400 of those from the surrounding villages, and recently 40 nursing students from the area who attend the newly started Nursing School.
The three institutions are thus a leading legacy to the Church of North and South India showing how it is possible not only to be charitable but also to be self sufficient.
We thank God for these blessings and those who support Global Ministries and the wider church to make this happen.
Anil and Teresa Henry
Dear God, we thank you and praise you for being with us here in Mungeli these past few years as we slowly develop and grow as a community. We know that you heal the sick, give strength to those who are weak, give hope for those who come to us where their lives have lost the slightest glimmer of hope.
We thank you for this opportunity to serve those who are in need both through the hospital, Rambo Memorial School and also the School of Nursing. We have been blessed as we touch the lives of many thousands each day.
We praise you as we see a patient get well, children go to school and get to know of your love and who are training to become nurses comforting those with pain.
Give us the strength to reach out not only in Mungeli but around the world to be witnesses to the love and care that you provide.
Amen