When the pandemic of corona virus, termed as Covid 19 swept China and gradually other regions of the world, we were stunned. Suddenly when the lockdown was announced for whole of India, we were shocked. The visuals of migrants walking with women and children made us speechless.
Irreversible?
As an Urban missiologist, I thought and taught that urbanization and migration are irreversible process. Migration always, I argued happens from rural to urban areas only. My doctoral thesis and my book ‘Christ and Migrants’ developed ideas and strategies for ministering to the migrants. Suddenly, my ideas were debunked and trashed. Who can question Sovereign God, when he reverses the process?
Helpless
When friends spoke over phone or shared through social media, it was ‘depressing news’ of migrants. Many times, the feeling came: ‘How helpless and useless, we have become?’ Sleep disappeared, did not feel like eating, because of the misery that bombarded the screens of television and mobile phone.
Picking up pieces
Gradually, things started looking different. We were able to move from ‘helpless’ situation to ‘hopeful’ situation. One Christian advocate approached Madras High Court to pass orders for taking good care of migrants in Tamil Nadu. It was successful. One friend, who lives in a small home, struggling always for finances, was on road searching and helping migrants. Another friend updated his Facebook page by providing food to the walking class on NH6 and later, for 22 truckloads of migrants. This small church struggles to feed their own congregation of two hundred members twice a year, yet they liberally gave. Another pastor, from Maharashtra called, and said he knows the nearby grocery shop owner, already got material worth Rs. 10000 and shared with poor. One from Madhya Pradesh called and said, what all he had, he had shared with poor, looking to God for next meal. Another news came from another city that he was providing food for about eight thousand arriving migrants in a railway station. One pastor was shocked to see police officers in his door step. Afraid and wondering what new issue had cropped up, he opened his door. Police officer said: ‘Will you help us. We need masks. Is it possible to stitch in your tailoring unit and provide us.?’
Network
One of the friends suggested that we have to bring all these efforts together by networking. Within three hours, we found local Christian heroes, in more than 30 cities actively involved. One was at midnight in a railway station serving arriving migrants. This network would certainly expand in next few days.
Old order passes away
When I carefully observed, the old charismatic leaders have already faded away. It was young pastors and leaders, who were not known beyond their town or areas who had girded their loins and hit the streets. These youngsters do not believe in consultations, discussions, (which they believe as lot of talks and not work) but plunge into action in their own way and style. Only through network, they get connected to share and get encouraged.
Significant step forward
The Indian church had faced difficult times in the recent past. Many pastors, missionaries and social workers, including women, students were beaten and harmed. Funds for several NGOs were stopped. Many complaints and cases were filed deliberately against Christians. In this context, a bruised church, a feeble church sprang a surprise. The enabling power of resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, His compelling love and compassion, moved people of God though speechless, not to be silent, but seek to serve in whatever capacity they could. If and when these acts are documented and presented, this would be a significant chapter of history in the Indian church.
Lot to be done
Yes, these tireless, self-less and timely action could not cover all migrants who became ‘walking class’. However, feeble Indian Church could address as much as it could. This is not to deny the fact, there is a lot to be done.
Reason and Conviction
There were few organizations (of which I know and associated personally), not necessarily Christians who did some rescue work for first few days and disappeared. However, Christians continued to do, following our master Lord Jesus Christ. ‘Fear of death’ was not there as young people stepped out to help, as they trusted the Lord and knew death is just a door of entry to eternity with Lord Jesus Christ. Like their master, they were moved with compassion. As in the past when monasteries and churches became the hope of masses in middle-ages during any epidemic, Christians lived up to their reputation of being ‘children of light’ in a hopeless dark period.
Miracle of five loaves and two fish
All this simple, humble and effective works were done by self-sacrificial gifts of people of God. Like the Macedonian church of first century, many Christians gave out of poverty. The ‘grace of generosity’ of people was marvellous, and God’s ‘miracle of multiplication’ was also evident.
More to be done
The context has changed. Many people are dislocated or back in their homes, by reverse migration. Most of them have lost their ‘dreams and hope’. Masses are facing stark realities of life. All these helps people to introspect their spiritual life in the light of eternity. Like the Prodigal Son, these people will think about meaning and purpose of life and after life too. The Indian Church has the message of hope, that they demonstrated when people really needed it. New open doors have been created for the gospel.
Not resting on laurels
Indian Church could become complacent self-patting and self-congratulating. Not all Christians and churches were involved, which is sad. Hence, what has been done is not out of full potential, only a partial feeble attempt. Fullness and abundance are possible, if all Christians extend their hands and do small things for great impact for our Glorious Lord.
Challenge
I personally rejoice at the maturing and growth of Indian church in a situation like this. Let us all rejoice together. Praise God for His marvelous and mighty deeds. May God help us to move forward to lead, guide, comfort and teach people without hope – especially the ‘walking class.’
Dr. JN Manokaran
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