Cornerstone Asia - pray for India
Writing as I am, from England, we are not unfamiliar here with many aspects of Indian culture.Our historical links with India go back a considerable length of time, from the East India Company and the British Raj. One of our family's grandparents, wrote of his experiences and views from serving in the British Army in the region and as the independence of India was debated in parliament.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_India
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Raj
Many people from the Indian sub-continent have connections with the United Kingdom. Close neighbours that we know came here many years ago, and now four generations have come and settled - or travel between India and England.
Yet, surprisingly, I read on the front pages of British newspapers (Wednesday January 17th), the controversy over comments made on the reality TV show 'Big Brother'. Shilpa Shetty, a Bollywood actress, is driven to tears over cruel bullying, the papers say. She is mocked about her cooking, her standard of home accommodation and another contestant says her name is unpronouncable.
Bollywood and other films still reflect the difficult and painful history between India and it's British rulers under the British Empire. Films such as 'Lagaan' (2001) by Ashutosh Gowarikar , the award-winning 'Ghandi' (1982) by Richard Attenborough and the drama series 'Jewel in the Crown' (1984) by Christopher Morahan, show some of the oppression that existed. Shilpa hoped to demonstrate Indians as 'modern, intelligent and glamourous' on British TV. Instead, she came up against stereotypes, (and perhaps Bollywood could be criticised for stereotypes from history in portraying the British at times?)
But what of the future? India remains a vast challenge for missions, both to the Indian Church itself and missions around the world. Now fast catching up with China, and likely to overtake her as the most populated nation on earth.
The huge social move of Dalits changing religious adherence from Hinduism to Buddhism or Christianity, is unsettling higher castes and ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Hindu political interests. Since November 2001, this has had a huge impact - challenging a social order in place for over 3000 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalit_(outcaste)
http://www.cswusa.com/Reports%20Pages/Reports-India.htm
British relationships ith Gujurat actually began in 1608, with ships from the British East India Company arrived at Surat. Gujarat is probably the most staunchly Hindu of the India's states- so it appears to westerners who have visited. I asked some of those familiar with Gujarat about their impressions of the state. They mentioned the hospitality, the fact that few people speak English, the concern that westerners do not understand the social system. To help a poor member of the community can easily be misunderstood there. Many Gujaratis are now in the UK, frequently recognized as a Patel family running a newsagent or corner shop.
http://www.countercurrents.org/comm-puniyani030206.htm
And this year, millions will visit Allahabad, in North India for the Ardh Kumbh Mela (see www.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6224659.stm ). Many seek to wash their sins away, but the waters of the Ganges cannot do it. The bible talks of a better cleasing, an inward one, (see 1 Peter 3:21). The river of life the bible talks about in Revelation 21 and Ezekiel 47 is the only source of life- the fountain of living water that Jesus himself promised would spring up to eternal life in John 4.
Many in India can only dream of the fame, wealth and public interest of Bollywood stars such as Shilpa Shetty. They will never make headlines in the newspaper, never own a floor of a luxury apartment block, never hit the silver screen.
We have been particularily impressed with the heart of C V Vadavana - a dear brother who is working in India in some of the toughest areas, ministering with others through the work of Sathyam (Truth) Ministries. Please have a look at the website : www.sathyam.org
'Father, we ask for your heart for those in Asia particularly India, that you see, but people have despised, neglected, forgotten and discarded. The Dalits, the tribal groups, the children in India. Those who are child prostitutes, those who are with HIV/AIDS, those without hope'.
