Touching the Untouchables
Imagine a world where being born is considered a crime against society. For more than three millennia, the Dalit people of India have lived in that world and have suffered abuse at the hands of the higher castes.
According to National Geographic, the Hindu religion designates four main societal classes, or castes. Within each are thousands of sub-castes. The 160 million Dalits are a group considered so unworthy that they do not have a designated caste – in effect, they are considered subhuman.
Not only are Dalits denied education, ownership of property, access to public wells and basic medical services, authorities looks the other way when a Dalit is robbed, beaten or raped by a higher caste member. It’s not that laws do not exist to protect the rights of the Dalits. India granted basic human rights to the Dalits in 1950. It’s just that today, the laws go largely unenforced, despite pressure from human rights groups and a grassroots effort to denounce the caste system.
The good news is the Christian community is taking to heart Christ’s admonition that ministering to the outcasts of society is akin to ministering to Him. God is at work through His people and doors in India are opening wide for many ministry organizations, including Awana.
Recently, I had the joy of meeting with several representatives of Operation Mobilization at Awana headquarters in suburban Chicago. Awana will soon team up with Operation Mobilization to begin work with the Dalit people of India.
After all, we followers of the Lord Jesus Christ were ourselves outcasts from the family of God at one point. It’s only by His grace that we have had the opportunity to hear about and accept his marvelous gift. Can you imagine what God might do as we share God’s message of salvation and acceptance to millions of Dalit boys and girls over the next several years?
Perhaps after hearing of the plight of the Dalit people, you may feel God calling you to help in some way. Pray for us as we prepare our outreach efforts. Send for free information on our overseas ministry opportunities. Think about yourself or a group from your church coming with us as we minister in India.
You may find yourself a part of something so big that you will most likely never be the same.