As protective troops withdraw from Orissa, need grows for Emergency Relief Kits

Believers turned out of government relief camps with nowhere to go

January 29, 2009

Most Christians being turned out of relief camps in Orissa have no homes to return to.

The need to rush Emergency Relief Kits to Orissa's Christians is even more urgent in light of government steps to begin withdrawing troops and close down relief camps in the violence-torn region.

The initial withdrawal of military protection comes just weeks after India's Supreme Court ordered Orissa's leaders to ensure the safety of minority Christians.

After months of extended violence against Christians, many are afraid to return home to villages that have been abandoned for months. One report described the atmosphere in the worst-hit region of Kandhamal as a "deceptive calm."

Now, there is no place to turn for the tens of thousands being turned out of the squalid government relief camps they have called home for months.

Many smaller camps run by local Christian churches - including Mission India ministry partners - will remain open, but there is still an urgent need to provide for these believers' physical needs.

Most have no homes to return to, and will have no access to basic supplies after they leave the camps.

There are reports that the goverment is sending Christians out of relief camps with rice and 10,000 rupees - just over $200 - as the only "compensation" for losing their homes.

Give Emergency Relief Kits to Orissa's believers

You can help reach our goal to provide Emergency Relief Kits to 2,000 Christian families in Orissa. Our staff in India is working with ministry partners to distribute these emergency supplies in relief camps where the needs are most urgent.

Your gift of $35 will provide basic supplies for a family of four:

  • cooking utensils
  • water jug
  • blankets
  • rice
  • clothing for two adults & two children
  • Bible and picture New Testament in local Oriya language
  • food & medicine where most urgently needed

For more information or to make a donation over the phone, please call us at (877) 644-6342.