Leah and Deepa, sisters who are now studying in a nearby nursing college. We have known these girls for about 12 years, as they were previously part of a ministry we were connected with in another state called Morning Star. Their Daddy was one of 7 men who were basically chosen to be the "fall guys" for the murder of a Hindu priest in 2008. A group of terrorists called "Naxalites" (who follow the philosophies of Mao Zedong) immediately claimed responsibility, but there was a deep anti-Christian sentiment in that area because Christians were increasing in numbers and influence, so Christians were blamed. As they took the priest's body on a pilgrimage throughout the district, mobs were formed to attack any Christians they could find. Many churches were burned down, thousands of homes destroyed, and an estimated 50,000 Christians fled their villages into the forests.
Leah and Deepa's Daddy spent 11 years in prison until the national Supreme Court made a way for his and the other 6 men's release. They are still a relatively poor family, the mother having some serious health problems. RHM and another ministry in India is sponsoring Leah's education. We're still not clear, but it seems that the father is trying to sponsor Deepa. Their village is hundreds of miles away, but their parents are trying to provide these girls (2 of 5 children; a 6th child died a couple of years ago) with a better education.
Pray for these girls. At this time they are on summer holidays, but should be returning to their college (staying there on the campus, an all girls college). If the Lord enables us to help them more, especially Deepa, we would like to do that. Leah is already sponsored.
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