Towards Orissa

Brother P.G. and Sister Lilly Vargis are on their way to Orissa. They will be there for almost a 4 weeks. The initial plan was to build a mud-thatched hut among remote tribes and carry the gospel from one village to another. But, due to security reasons they were asked to stay in a town. Making the town as their base, they plan to wtravel from one tribe to another sharing the gospel along with our native brothers. More cannot be put up for security reasons, but we ask your prayers. Pray for three specific things: a) for the Gospel to bear fruit and communities of faith to be born among these unreached peoples, b) for resources needed to go and then continue to send people in the future so that the fruits may be established, c) for protection for the Vargis'. Thank you for partnership in prayer.

To read how this started, click here.

Half of World's Hungry Live in India

Nearly 50 percent of world’s hungry live in India. And, with the rising food prices the level of malnutrition is bound to further increase in a nation with extremely low health indicators. It is estimated that nearly 350 million do not know if they will have the next meal; ninety percent of pregnant women suffer from severe anemia and malnutrition; 45% of the children under five have stunted growth because of malnourishment; 70% of children consume less than 50 percent of suggested micronutrients.

Flood and Insurgency

Floods: More than 200 people have died and more than 1 million displaced due to massive floods in southern India. This kind of flooding is said to be one of the worst floods. The government did not anticipate or plan for such a magnitute. The entire system is in chaos, some populations even totally cut off.

Attack in Assam: The state of Assam in north east India has witnessed hostilities between the indigenous Bodo tribe and outsiders. In a recent attack by Bodo insurgents, eleven people (mix of Nepalese, Santhalese, and other Assamese) were killed yesterday.

Ask for prayers!

Temple Tradition: Whipping of Women

As part of a temple tradition in South India, two thousand women, some as young as 10, were whipped by temple priests for five hours. The priests said that the whipping was a cure for all ills. Some were whipped for being slow to attain puberty, other menstruating teens were lashed to get rid of their impurity. The shocking scenes was also filmed by many news channels. Click here to see the news footage (Note: the pictures are shocking).

Drought and Dumping of children

Droughts claims many casualties. Among the first claimed by the one in Andhra Pradesh are baby girls.

The rains did not fall enough this monsoon season in India. India’s rain dependant agriculture was the first and worst victims. In several districts, the drought has made it difficult for the large number of poor farmers to feed their family. In Nalgonda district of A.P., this reality is clearly visible. Many are being dumped at the hospitals. The mothers say that this cruelty is the kindest act in these deathly times.

Updates

India: A sixteen- year- old girl decided to take her own life after she was told by her father, a milk man, that he did not have enough money to continue to send her to school.

Pakistan: In Peshawar Pakistan, a car laden with explosives blew up outside a seven-story building housing the offices of several banks. At least 6 are believed to have died and another 40 injured.

Earthquake Hits India and Bhutan

Deadly Quake, Measuring 6.3 on Richer scale, Hits India and Remote Bhutan. Click Here to msnbc read news report.