Vision
Our passion is to see a NEW INDIA -
leading as many as possible to Christ, especially the most needy in society, by growing the ministries we offer.

NIEA

Transformation Has Many Facets

Journal

Transformation Has Many Facets

Dr. Alex and Laly Philip

June 1, 2010

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Asha, one of the little children at NIEA’s new Home for the Differently Abled.  Asha had come to one of our orphan homes about three years ago.  Soon after she was admitted we noticed behavioral changes that had not been picked up at the routine one-time interview.  Asha was since diagnosed to have autism and had her own very special developmental needs.

Soon after admitting Asha, we picked up David in a pile of rubbish near the Railway station.  David was about fourteen and was mentally retarded.  Our home became David’s home.  Since then both Asha and David have led us to consider a work among differently abled children in Northern India.  At this visit, I was among six of them as they enjoyed lunch together.  Oblivious of each other, they excitedly chattered away, clumsily dropped their rice and dal and seemed to have a different focus altogether.  I tried talking to them and they responded as they heard their local dialect.  Though we were not on the same page, there seemed to be a common language of love.  Time was spent sitting, touching and smiling – something happened - all of them started smiling and chattering away even more excitedly. I couldn’t understand a word – yet we had connected.   I sat at the table with tears in my eyes – a precious moment in ministry.

Asha is translated Hope in Hindi and this new project is ASHA BHAWAN – or Home of Hope.  In rural and poor economies such as is Bihar, parents and guardians often “drop off” their children at public places.  Such children are sadly considered “a curse” or “an extra perennial burden” and are often disposed off without hesitation.  I suppose transformation occurs in a society when life is valued as from above, and not part of a karma cycle based on one’s deeds or misdeeds in some previous existence.  We hope just as Asha and David opened our eyes, those around us would see something special in the care of the uncared for, the unloved, the helpless and the powerless.  Surely they have more to teach us than we them?

Bible translation is also occupying a significant portion of our time at NIEA.  Harnessing the power of sharing the Gospel in the heart language among the unreached and underserved people of India continues to be akin to the consuming fire of Jeremiah (ch 23:29).  Dozens of pastors in Bihar have been mobilized, encouraged, blessed and empowered as they have shifted their ministries from using the language of “wider communication” (or regional languages) to the language of the heart of their target communities.  It makes all the difference.  We are trying to also share Bible stories via the internet and mobile 3G connections with both literate and illiterate hearers; please visit www.niea.mobi for more information.  Luke and portions of the NT are also planned in the future in these Scriptureless languages.

Having successfully completed Bible storying in 8 Bihari and North Indian languages, NIEA has recently been asked by The Seed Company – an affiliate of Wycliffe Bible Translators to provide leadership to a 37 language project covering 4 other north Indian states – Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa.  Recognizing and following in obedience the move of the Spirit at this time in India has been exciting.  The question is no longer – “how many languages remain?” – the question is “how can translation efforts accelerate church planting for immediate impact?”  This is the finest hour to serve the Lord – with great opportunities and attainable targets in our generation to complete the Great Commission.

Together with you, on this journey of transformation,
Blessings!
Dr. Alexander Philip, Director

Submitted By Alex Philip on June 05 , 2010

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