India is a fascinating and colorful country. It is the seventh largest country by geographical area, and the second most populous country with over 1.2 billion people. Its history spans more than 4,500 years. According to a report published by the Government of India, despite significant economic progress in the country, a quarter of the nation’s population earns less than $0.40 a day and 27.5 percent of the population are living below the poverty line.
Below are some pictures taken by Alex Soh, photographer and art director in RBC Ministries, during his visit to Chennai, India in January 2011.
The River Cooum meanders through a village by the same name. Once a fishing river and boat racing ground, it has borne the blunt of the city's unplanned population explosion. Today, it is a drainage system in the city.
Many families live in makeshift houses along the riverbanks and by the road, even though the murky still water is perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Families stay in makeshift tents.
Alex wrote in his blog: “I chatted with a middle-aged man who has been living there in the last 17 years. He and his wife with their two children make a living by selling coconuts and watermelons along the road. Nothing looks permanent in their home. Everything looks makeshift. I don’t think their children would ever go to school. However the kids still put on great smiles.”
I started thinking about India after attending a fundraising event organized by the Indian Christians staying in Michigan, America. I feel that there is a world out there that God is calling us—His children—to reach out to in love. I’m still thinking through the part that I can play. Meanwhile, I figured I could write about India and invite you to pray for the country as well as to find out her needs.
R R Kelkar on November 15, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Your post made interesting reading for me because I live in India. It is common for rich people to see or to be shown pictures of India’s poverty and then think of the need of reaching out with God’s love. As if God himself has withheld his love so far or he has been unaware of the situation!
The rich countries also have their share of problems – gay marriages, school children with guns, violence, recession, social disparities, and so on. The fact of the matter is that everyone needs to be reached out with God’s love, whether rich or poor.
pohfangchia on November 16, 2011 at 7:52 am
Hi Kelkar,
You are absolutely right. God is not oblivious to what is going on in the world, and everyone needs to be reached out with God’s love. However, many times, I find myself listening to reports about what God is doing–locally and globally–and yet I remain apathetic. I’m too comfortable in my little world.
Could you share with us more about your country that we may pray wisely? Thank you.
R R Kelkar on November 16, 2011 at 11:13 am
Dear Poh,
Thanks for your comment. There are three important things about India that I would like to tell here.
One, the country’s constitution guarantees religious freedom to all people. We should be thankful to God for it and pray for its continuance in future.
Two, India is a country with strong spiritual values. We should pray that while the people progress along the road to material prosperity, this spirituality is not lost.
Three, almost all people of India believe in God. We should pray that in their spiritual quest they find the true God and follow him.