written by Ingrid ten Hoopen, Mukti volunteer –
“Ma….ma…! Pa…pa…!” Rutuja would call as she grabbed onto my arm with the plea of her heart and tears rolling down her face. In her first few months at Mukti, Rutuja cried a lot and could continually be heard asking for her parents. She was confused and didn’t understand why she was now at Mukti.
Rutuja has an intellectual disability and her speech is also delayed. The words that she does say are very difficult to understand. Last year, one sad and tragic day arose when her hand signals and cries for help to her neighbours went unheeded.
Rutuja and her brother were outside playing when the young boy slipped and fell into a barrel of water. Rutuja scrambled to help her brother but was unable to get him out so she raced to get help from her neighbours. Sadly, they didn’t understand her pleas and cries so they did not follow her to aid her brother. As a result, Rutuja’s younger brother drowned.
In June 2015, Rutuja’s parents, who are poor farm labourers, brought her to Mukti for shelter and education.
They feared that she might find herself in a dangerous situation if she accompanied them to work or stayed at home alone. They worked hard to feed and support the family, only earning a meagre income. They brought her to Mukti with the confidence that their special needs daughter would be kept safe from harm and be able to attend the Special Needs School.
Rutuja is now one of the ‘Violet Flower Family’ girls. It took a long time to adjust to the new environment that has become her home.
Her parents regularly come to Mukti to visit. At first, Rutuja found the visits and the periods after visitations quite traumatic, but now she has a better understanding and accepts that although the visits are temporary, her parents will return for another one soon.
She is now happy and settled in the Violet family, where she enjoys playing with her many friends. At the Mukti Special Needs School, Rutuja is grouped with the younger students. She has a love for learning Marathi (Indian language spoken at Mukti) and can read and write Marathi numbers to twenty. She has made a good start on learning to write letters.
Rutuja loves to help others and often initiates help without being asked. At lunchtimes and the end of the school day, Rutuja has made it her job to walk one of the blind girls home. She isn’t at all happy if one of the girls takes this on.
Now when she calls out, “Mama, Papa,” she is letting me know that they are going to visit. Her tears now overflow with joy as she takes hold of my hand and leads me to them.
Having only a 7th standard education, poor and struggling to make ends meet, Sakshi’s parents felt caught in a web from which they couldn’t free themselves. Their little daughter had special needs: she was an albino and virtually blind. In rural India, many people have misinformed, cruel beliefs.
Parents of children with special needs suffer from these beliefs that are often inflicted on them…indeed the parents themselves may believe that thy have been cursed by the gods for some unknown evil they committed and can’t undo. Their lives can be miserable, isolated from others, and they inwardly suffer.
External sufferings can pursue them as well. Sakshi’s parents worked long days in the hot sun in the fields for pitiful daily wages. Not able to leave their small daughter at home along, they took her into the fields with them. They had to worry about her wandering into hazards, unaware of dangers she could not see.
Since her skin had no pigment for protection from the sun’s rays, she often burned from sun exposure. Her eyes ached from the brightness of the sun and rendered her blind. In the dark, she could see a little and the eye pain eased.
Sakshi’s uncle knew of an amazing home. Someone near to him had a daughter, Ranjanan, who lived and prospered at Mukti Mission. She, too, was an albino who had been born into very similar circumstances. Entering Mukti as a toddler, Ranjana now was studying in college to become a teacher. These folks urged the uncle to encourage Sakshi’s parents to bring her.
How grateful they were!
Only a few days after being admitted into the Bougainvillea Family, Sakshi is being doted on by loving Mukti caregivers. Donned with a ruffled white bonnet to protect her face from the sun, she climbs into the arms of staff that cheerfully carry her about, introducing her to the vast wonders of her new home!
God’s love has been poured out toward those who would surely suffer from lifeliong inequalities and discrimination. Uniquely and wonderfully made, these little ones will have opportunities at Mukti that likely would have been impossible for them otherwise.
Written by Erika Pettigrew, LIFE Team participant
Money, school, friends, or family? Work, or vacations? Doubt, or fear? Maybe you think you can have the most impact close to home – that serving others short term hurts more than it helps. Maybe you’re scared or you don’t feel ready. You might feel like it’s not the right time. You might not want to go at all. Or maybe you want to go but don’t know where or how.
I’m going to tell you three reasons why you should consider joining a LIFE team this summer and how going on a project has changed my life.
Why you should join a LIFE team?
1. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
I don’t need to tell you that there are people around the world living in extreme poverty. Most of us are aware that hundreds of millions of people are currently suffering from abuse or lack of resources, yet we often don’t know what we can do to help. LIFE teams are a great way for you to get involved in the solution and actively work for change. I decided to participate in the India Summer Project last year because I longed to help women and children who were experiencing injustice. While I was serving at Mukti Mission, I had the opportunity to share hope with fatherless children and destitute women who had experienced terrible suffering. I am thankful that I was able to take part in making a difference, even if it was small.
Whether it’s going to Benin to work with the water wells, running summer camps and health training in Haiti, or caring for orphans and widows in India, you have an opportunity right in front of you to help others in need.
2. IT’S WORTH IT, EVEN IF IT’S SHORT
You might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to travel across the world to do ordinary work that many other people could do.
In theory, it does sound inefficient to expend a large amount of resources to accomplish little projects. It seems as though it would be better to just send money to support the local churches that are already established in these countries. But from my personal experience, I’ve realized that local churches long for us to come and visit them.
Last year, I met an African pastor who had travelled to Canada to plead for us to go to encourage the church there. When I went to India, I could see how the local workers were so thankful that our team came. During our time at the mission, we were able to serve the workers and give them a much needed break – time when they could be refreshed and poured into so that they could keep working when we left.
Our presence and support encourages churches in a way that no amount of resources ever could. Churches are excited for you to come. In going, we also will be encouraged by learning from church’s amazing faith, which can help us to pour into our church when we return home and serve newcomers coming to Canada.
GAiN has long term projects established where they send LIFE teams, so in joining a project you can help work towards lasting change even if you can only go personally for just a season. These short-term trips can bring joy, hope and transformation in ways we can’t think or imagine.
3. YOU CAN USE YOUR SKILLS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
There is work out there that only you, with your personality, skills, passions, and experience can do. During my time in India, I was able to teach chemistry, work on a farm, and lead singing and music for a worship service. I was amazed to see how the skills I have could be used to serve others! You, too, have unique gifts and abilities that you can use to make a difference in the lives of those who need it.
I am the person I am today because of the summer projects I have participated in. In the past three years, I have helped with humanitarian projects in rural South Africa, shared God’s message of hope with those living in need in inner-city Toronto, and cared for orphans and widows in India.
My faith has grown through these projects as I have met people with profound faith and hope. I’ve tried to use the gifts God has given me to love and serve others. It is through these experiences that I was able to step out of my comfort zone and grow stronger in my faith.
My heart has been broken by the extreme poverty that I’ve seen, but I’ve also been encouraged as I’ve seen faces light up at hearing messages of hope for the first time. I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling – and so I can’t help but go. I am incredibly excited to travel to India again this summer and continue to develop the relationships I made last summer. I know great things will be done.
I’ve listed some reasons why I think everyone should participate in a GAiN LIFE team, but I understand it’s not always possible for everyone to go. Sometimes it just isn’t the right time, but that doesn’t mean you should give up completely. I wish for you to serve and care for others, wherever you are this summer, but consider joining a LIFE team (especially consider joining me in India)!
THIS SUMMER YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A STEP OF FAITH, HAVE AN EXPERIENCE YOU WOULDN’T THINK WAS POSSIBLE, IMPACT LIVES, AND DISCOVER MORE OF WHO YOU CAN BE.
WILL YOU GO?
Moushie, as we lovingly call her, completed 60 years of stay and service with Mukti Mission.
Having heard the call to go to India, Moushie left for India in 1955. Her first assignment was to learn Marathi. She was sent to language school in Mahableshwar and never stopped practicing and doing her home work. She would was tempted many times to give up as it was a difficult language for a Westerner, but she continued persevering to reach her goal and was determined to allow her dreams to reach fruition.
Being greatly blessed with secretarial skills, she was the P.A. to the Superintendent (Chief Functionary) of Mukti. Having a deep passion to spread God’s love, Moushie along with her team travelled long distances in order that many people living in darkness would experience freendom, peace and forgiveness in their homes.
Moushie has a real heart for India and truly became one with the people. She looked after a group of girls in the flower house called ‘Frangipani’ and they were like her own daughters. She mothered them, nurtured them and helped them pursue their goals in life.
Moushie never wanted to go back to Australia and without any hesitation, she renounced her Australian citizenship to be a true Indian.
Often people would ask her “What is the secret of your success?”. She would quote one of her favourite verses in Isaiah “… He wakens me morning by morning, He wakens my ear to hear as disciples – as those who are taught.”.
You will always find Moushie in a neatly tucked saree with her hair pinned up and carrying a radiant smile which speaks volumes about her inner life. Always an early riser, her breakfast would often contain papaya and yogurt, which she says keeps her alert the whole day to recognise the needs of the weary and oppressed.
ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, WE WISH MOUSHIE GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS, JOY AND STRENGTH AS SHE CONTINUES THIS RACE!
MANY OTHER WOMEN ARE MAKING AN IMPACT LIKE MOUSHIE. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT THEM?
Writen by Mukti’s caregiver – Shruti first came to Mukti Mission five years ago as a small 12 year-old girl with Down Syndrome. She comes from a kind family and has a mother, father, sister and brother. Her parents are farm laborers and when they would go to work, Shruti would be left alone at home. Her parents were worried that as she approached her teenage years, it would be difficult and dangerous for a teenage girl to remain alone at home. There were no special needs schools in any of the local towns surrounding their home. Her family was told about Mukti where there would be the opportunity of an education at the Special Needs School and a safe and loving home with the Violet family.
Mangala, Shruti’s house mother, says that it took Shruti about one month to settle in when she first arrived. She immediately loved school and loves to swing. She enjoys her friends and loves singing, painting and dancing. Mangala recalls that when Shruti first arrived she could only speak a few basic sentences but now she is quite a chatterbox. She and her best friend, Rehka, enjoy playing practical jokes on each other.
It was upon returning from a brief holiday at home that the Violet family noticed that Shruti had lost weight and was weak. Her energy levels were depleted. After further investigation at the Mukti Hospital and then in Pune, Shruti was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Her treatment took place under the care of the doctors and nurses at the Mukti Hospital. Shruti missed her friends and Violet family sisters during this time. She just couldn’t wait to be better and get back to school!
So what a joy it is for me now, some seven months later, to return to Mukti and see Shruti strong, vibrant and healthy. She had returned to school and is continuing to blossom within the safe and stimulating environment that the Violet family and the Special Needs School provides. The love and dedication of her housemother, Mangala and caregiver Martha, ensure that her cheeky little giggle and smile remain firmly in place.
Last evening, I was privileged to join the family for their daily hour of praise and worship and prayer. Shruti was enthusiastically singing and clapping along with the girls. During the week, the girls have been writing and trying to memorize the theme of the fortnight from the Special Needs School which is “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. I reflected on how precious Shruti is to God and how delighted He must be to see her fully restored to health and able to sing praises once again.
Finally, as I was leaving the family, I asked one of her sister’s what she thinks of when she thinks of Shruti. She said, ”beautiful”!
WOULD YOU STILL LIKE TO SEE THE LIVES OF OTHER CHILDREN IMPACTED JUST LIKE SHRUTI’S LIFE WAS?
Stuti comes from a volatile background. Although her parents are Christians, their family life was not filled with love. Her father is a day labourer who seeks to provide for his family with a very small wage. Stuti’s mother was unhappy with the situation.
Her parents would fight and with each voicing their opinion but they never compromised. Stuti’s parents had serious problems with their relationship and her home life became filled with turmoil. Instead of trying to find common ground, Stuti’s mother began to spend time outside of the home.
After a while, she decided that she wanted her freedom and did not want the responsibility of raising Stuti and her two big brothers. As a result, Stuti’s mom deserted her family and her parents were then divorced.
Stuti and her brothers still needed to attend school but their father could not work and take care of them at the same time. Stuti’s brothers were put into a boys’ hostel and her father brought her to Mukti.
Stuti was only five years old when she came to Mukti Mission and lived in the nursery. Because of the trauma in her home, Stuti was a very quiet little girl. When she first arrived, she sat by herself and did not mix with others.
Her housemother lavished attention and encouragement on Stuti. Now when asked why she likes to live at Mukti she said, “because my friends are here”.
She is still a shy and quiet girl but smiles most of the time. Her favourite game to play with friends is ligori – an Indian game with tiles and a ball.
One day her father came to visit. Stuti came to meet him. He noted, “my daughter is different”. He said, “She used to sit quietly most of the time. She must be happy here.” He was delighted that she was doing well. He saw that she was smiling and peaceful. Although Stuti enjoyed her father’s visit, she felt comfortable with being at Mukti and answered her father with, “Bye, come back again!”
Stuti continues to thrive at Mukti. She has a lovely, quiet countenance. She had the privilege to act as a flower girl in a Mukti wedding. She loved dressing up and carrying flowers.
Stuti enjoys her new home at Mukti. She has come through the turmoil and found a secure place to grow up. Her rough beginning was used to mold her into a peaceful young girl.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP MORE CHILDREN LIKE STUTI?
“I want her safe”, said Pari’s mother when she came to Mukti to leave her daughter. “I can not escape my lifestyle and work but I want Pari to have a choice,” her mother said determinedly as she made the decision to leave Pari at Mukti.
Pari was living in Northern India with her mother and father. The marriage of her parents was arranged by Pari’s maternal grandmother. Pari’s father took one look as his wife and fell in love. She was a very beautiful lady. Pari’s parents quickly married and moved far away from the mother’s relatives. The family was financially well off and had two girls and one boy.
Their lives seemed to be going dreamily.
Then a trip was planned to visit the mother-in-law. Upon arrival, the father knew he had been tricked. Pari’s grandmother lived in a very poor area in a very small house. He was angry, disgusted and felt tricked.
He told Pari’s mother to get out of the house and don’t come back. Two of their children stayed with their father.
She quickly called her cousin and left with Pari to live in the city. Without knowing, Pari’s mother had moved to the red light area of the city. Within a few weeks, she needed to make money for rent and began to work in the red light area. She became very concerned about Pari but found a room where she could stay while her mother worked. This worked for awhile but the boss wanted Pari out of the way and wanted Pari’s mother to focus on her work only.
Pari’s mother sought some counseling from a Christian lady. She suggested bringing Pari to Mukti Mussion. Her mother came with her boss to bring Pari. Mukti actually wanted both Pari and her mother stay for care at Mukti. Pari’s mother thought it was good for Pari but found it impossible to escape her work.
When Pari first entered the Frangipani home, she cried. Meera, her house mom, comforted her. Pari tearfully told Meera, “I will not stay”.
After a few days, Pari could see that Mukti was a safe and loving place. She is adjusting to her new home.
Pari is eight years old. She is a tall, graceful, and a quiet girl who likes to read story books.
She has made a good friend in Riya, her Frangipani sister.
Pari had never heard about God’s love for her. Today, in the Frangipani family, the love of God is demonstrated to Pari and to the others, in word and deed.