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TechnoratiIn my almost 30 years at Compassion International, I’ve seen a lot of pain and suffering in the world, from genocide to war to natural disasters to the current global food crisis. And in each of those situations we have seen the poor and the weak impacted the most - especially children. Equally troubling, is the situation in India where children are being impacted by the violence against Christian men, women and children.
Compassion International’s projects, working in partnership with local Christian churches in the area, have had to temporarily close due to religious conflict. Furthermore, the project staff has requested police protection for the surrounding churches currently under threat of retaliation over the murder of an area Hindu leader.
Compassion children in the impacted area have been provided with protective shelter until the violence and rioting ends. Due to these and other proactive measures taken by Compassion India staff, none of our children in the area have been physically harmed – praise God!
While we are thankful for the safety of our children, staff and families in Compassion projects, the emotional toll is immeasurable, especially to children. At least 51 people are now dead, and tens of thousands have fled their homes ahead of the angry mobs that have been burning both homes and churches to the ground. The dead and wounded are neighbors known by our Compassion children, staff and families in the area. Tragically, some of this horrific violence was witnessed by our Compassion children.
The violence began in late August when some Hindus, upset over the slaying of beloved Hindu leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, set fire to a Christian orphanage. Hindu militants continue to blame and persecute Christians in retaliation, although police are holding atheist Maoist extremists responsible. Compassion has experience with the impact of violence witnessed by children. During the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, where many of Compassion’s children were exposed to widespread bloodshed in the country, the emotional fallout following the massacres was staggering and many young children required counseling. The effects of this situation in India are no different on the many children who suffer due to the actions of adults. These helpless children will require intense counseling in order to cope with the horrors that are now etched in their young minds. Once Compassion projects resume activities, and we are fully confident that they will, our dedicated staff will provide counseling for the children who witnessed these terrible acts.
I would ask that you pray for the situation in India and talk to family, friends and neighbors about it so that they fully understand the impact of the situation – especially as it pertains to children. Encourage your church to pray to end the violence that plagues the region. Pray for the Compassion India staff and our church partners, that God keeps them safe and gives them wisdom to respond effectively to the situation in their area.
Of course, also pray for the innocent and helpless children who are witnessing the violence and living in fear. Far too often in violent conflicts, children pay the ultimate price and the damage inflicted upon them is significant.
Compassion’s greatest tool in the fight against poverty and its effects is an active, educated and engaged church that seeks to partner with us to change the lives of children and families. When the church is moved to action, the enormity of its power is felt throughout the world and that power is desperately needed right now for the children of India.
Mark Hanlon is Sr. Vice President for Compassion International’s USA Group. Compassion is a global holistic child development ministry that is Christ centered, child focused, church based and committed to integrity. Since 1952, Compassion has touched the lives of more than one million children. For information on Compassion International, visit http://www.compassion.com
