To Understand Culture

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How can I as a photographer and writer tell the story of a people unless I try to understand their culture? But it can be a difficult process. One minute I think I am beginning to understand –– little light bulbs are going on in my head –– and then confusion sets in and I realize I have only peeled back one tiny layer of a very large onion. Usually, my newly discovered culture error is greeted by uproarious laughter by a national that thinks of me as a great comedic interlude to his or her day. Trying to understand a culture does not mean

I have to agree with all that I am learning. But it does mean I need to walk in humility. People in turn recognize my willingness to listen and often open up their lives. Because of a relationship with a Hindu friend, I was allowed total access into the inner courts of a Hindu temple in Central India. 

Photo #1 –– The only thing that moves is the smoke curling up and around the Sadhu (Hindu holy man) as he looks, transfixed on something beyond the present, definitely beyond the lens focused on him. When I ask his name, my guide says, “He no longer has a name. He has given up everything. He is an unknown wandering sadhu.”

Photo #2 –– The noise from the brass gongs and wooden drums is deafening bouncing along the walls of the 17th century temple. The priest performs evening Puja (worship) of Shiva-ling (the phallus of Shiva) and outer gods located in the temple. After the Puja, the priest closes the gate so the gods can rest during the night. A similar Puja takes place in the morning when the gods wake up and the gates open again.

Photo #3 –– The light from the Dia (an earthen lamp) illuminates the darkness of the temple as ladies join the priest in the evening worship. The lamp was passed from woman to woman after each in turn made small circles with the lamp in their hands.

Photo #4 –– A devotee is late and has reached the temple after the Puja (worship). The gates close for the gods to rest. He still offers his prayers.

Photo #5 –– People dip their hands in turmeric and cow dung paste (considered to be holy) making a hand impression on a wall of the temple. Then they make a wish. When the wish is granted, they return and make another hand impression, but this time upside down as a mark of thanksgiving.

Photo #6 –– A spring below the temple produces water that Hindu adherents consider holy. The young girl is on her way to offer her water sacrifice to Lord Shiva.

All photographs ©Copyright Gary S. Chapman

Photographs and blog entry courtesy of Gary S. Chapman

Rajesh: A Story of Hope

Rajesh's story is one of hope and redemption. While he was born into a strong Hindu family,Rajesh found it difficult to find peace within himself and felt disconnected from God. However, his heartache didn't stop there. Through a series of unforeseen deaths, Rajesh was left without his wife and his son. "I was going through a life of storm inside out. My wife died, and my son who was in high school went to a friends wedding and died in an accident.."Rajesh prayed to gods, but was left without answers. It was during this time that Rajesh was slowly becoming legally blind, leaving him with an even greater sense of loss. With his deteriorating health and the loss of his family, Rajesh was broken emotionally, physically, and financially.  

"Nothing helped, then a Christian preacher came to our village and distributed Christian literature published by Mid India Christian mission, which told me that the “way, truth, and life” is Jesus." Rajesh prayed to Jesus, and immediately felt the peace he had so desperately been searching for. He was baptized and became a preacher, bringing the love of Jesus to nearby villages. Rajesh faced persecution because he was the only Christian in his village, but he continued to preach.  

He began to visit widows and new believers, praying for them as they experienced dark times in their lives. As he continued to dedicate his life to God, Rajesh found himself blessed beyond measure. He remarried, and had children. "Like Job in the Bible, I praised and thanked God for He has given me twice and more than what I had lost. Thank you God for changing my life for your glory. You have used this broken vessel and my physical weakness to witness Your grace mightily to others."  

Your partnership makes stories like Rajesh's possible. Thank you for partnering with us to proclaim the gospel throughout India and beyond!

Meeting a Need

     In 2001, with only 10 students, the dream of Dr. Vijai Lall Memorial College became a reality and opened its doors. Mrs. Sheela Lall, principal of the university, now runs a university with 596 students! Students at the Dr. Vijai Lall Memorial College have the opportunity to study math, physics, Hindi, commerce, English, computers, and journalism.

       The possibilities for the students who attend the university are endless – they are able to travel all throughout India and serve their country through their higher education. The increase in enrollment has no doubt been a blessing to the community, as students are finishing their studies and entering the work world as prepared professionals.  

However, with an increased enrollment comes an increased need for supplies. Following an inspection by the government, the college is in need of 20 more computers as well as additional Wi-Fi throughout the college in the next 90 days in order to better serve both present and future students. Without these additional computers, the college will not be able to serve students properly. This is where you, our generous supporters can help. At only $300 per computer, students will be able to continue attending college and furthering their education. Would you consider a tax deductible donation to make this college even more of a thriving success? 

     To donate and impact lives of students through technology, click the ‘Donate’ button at the top of the page. All other donations can be sent to our Fresno address: Mid India Christian Mission P.O. Box 26447 Fresno, CA 93729. Thank you, for your support and generosity!

Mercy Home: Mansi

  

Mansi prepares for school with the other Mercy Home girls. 

     At only 9 years old, Mansi is one of the younger girls at the Mercy Home. Like most girls her age, she enjoys drawing, dancing and singing. While she is seen smiling and enjoying life, she was not always this way. Prior to arriving at the Mercy Home, Mansi’s life was completely different.

Mansi helps her friend, Shristi, with homework. 

     Mansi grew up in a small village  with her parents; her mother, a housewife and her father worked as a sweet maker. Unfortunately, gangs from a higher caste overran the village they lived in. After the gangs began to demand money, beat Mansi’s father, and threaten to kill the children, both of her parents knew it was not safe for her to stay in the village. A friend suggested that they take Mansi to the Mercy Home, and although they were hesitant to leave her, Mansi’s parents knew that they needed to keep her safe.                                                    

Mansi and friend, Shristi, read their Bibles before 

school each morning. At the Mercy Home, each girl 

learns about Jesus and His unfailing love. 

Mansi’s story is one of hope, redemption, and love. Since arriving at the Mercy Home, Mansi has opportunities that she would never have had in the village. A little girl, who once lived in fear, now has a nurturing environment to call home and a bright future. She is thriving in a safe, loving atmosphere where she is learning about Jesus and receiving a life changing education. Thanks to the Mercy Home, Mansi is now able to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor to serve the people of her village.

Best friends Mansi, Shristi, Shivani, and Ayushi on their way to school. 
All four of the girls enjoy going to school and furthering their studies.

     Since the Mercy Home has opened its doors, girls like Mansi have been given a future filled wih hope. Thirty-three girls currently reside at the Mercy Home, and 19 girls have graduated and pursued various careers. For more stories like Mansi’s and information on how to sponsor girls at the Mercy Home, visit www.Midindiachild.org.

Hope, Dignity, & a Future

The girls of the Mercy Home ready for school and dressed in their uniforms, 

which are made possible through monthly sponsorships. All 33 girls at the 

Mercy Home attend school on a regular basis. 

     When most people think of the months leading up to going back to school, pencils, notebooks, and new clothes come to mind. Sadly, this isn’t the case for many in India. The thought of school brings heartache because most of them are too poor to afford the uniform and books that are required to attend. Fortunately, Mid India Child is helping to provide the children and teens of central India a future through education.

Students at Nav Jagriti, Mid India’s first school, work hard

 to complete their studies. As of today, 2,466 students are enrolled and 

working toward dreams of making a difference in the community.

When Mid India established the ministry, we had 17 students. As of today, with educational facilities through the Mercy Home, Oasis of Love, Nav Jagriti, and the Dr. Vijal Lall Memorial College, Mid India has provided almost 9,000 students of all ages with an education. 

Jeet, a student at the Oasis of Love, receives help from a teacher. 

As a special needs student, Jeet has limited opportunities to go to school. 

Thanks to Oasis of Love, 24 physically and mentally disabled children have graduated

 from Oasis of Love with a specialized skill.

      The heartache of being unable to attend school is replaced with hope for the future. For the first time children are able to think about what they’d like to be when they grow up, knowing that this goal could be a reality.  As dreams become reality, students are able to help support their family and give back to the community. Many want to be doctors, nurses, pilots, or teachers.

         For more information and ways to help make an education a possibility for more students, visit www.midindiachild.org.

Welcome to Mid India Child's blog site.  Here you can see stories of the work being done in India to give each child Hope, Dignity, and a Future.