Odisha: Joy Amidst Poverty

Photo by Aman Bhargava on Unsplash

After my stay in Mumbai, where I learned about urban poverty and related issues, I traveled to the state of Odisha where some friends of mine are working to make a difference among the rural and tribal populations.  When I was in India before, I spent the bulk of my time there, and it was amazing to see how the work has expanded over the past four years. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to see many of the people who I had met previously.

My arrival had been kept quiet, so most of the people, including the children, were not expecting to see me. Some, who had been here four years ago during my last time in India, immediately recognized me, others being more tentative. Many asked my name, and when I said “Jessica,” their faces immediately lit up, and they said “Jessica, sister!”

This time, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a team of students who were putting on a special children’s program. It was a week full of fun, games, Bible story skits, crafts, and music!

I was especially honored to be asked by the children to sing some songs (many of them were here during my first trip, and were aware that I sing).

I also had the pleasure of tutoring the older girls in English grammar. One of the students who I had taught during my previous visit assisted me in explaining everything. She really has a gift for teaching, and I was so proud of her! It was wonderful to see how several of my former students have progressed in their studies.

A little bit about Odisha. It is located on the east side of India, right along the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the poorest and most backward states in India, with the majority of its poorer communities being located in rural areas. It contains thousands of small villages, many of which are in tribal areas. The majority of the population is Hindu (94%), with Christianity, Islam, tribal religions and others making up the rest of the represented religions. A number of ancient religious sites are located in the state. Like many of the states in India, there is a great love of music and dance, with specific styles native to the region. Every state in India has its own culture, and Odisha is no different.

Being that it is a very poor and essentially backwards state, with a lack of good infrastructure, it is not typically a popular tourist destination, though there are a few sites of interest in places like Bhubaneswar, which is its largest city.

It is largely an agricultural state, with the majority of production coming from small, local farms run by families. Rice is the dominant crop, with some vegetables and sugar cane being grown as well.

Being that it is located right against the Bay, monsoon season with its heavy rains and cyclones can be very difficult. Just two weeks ago, there was very heavy rainfall, resulting in major flooding. Whole villages have been destroyed, and transportation (especially via the trains) delayed because of damage done to the rail beds and bridges.

In spite of the sometimes extremely difficult circumstances facing the people of Odisha, the ministry there presses onward, working to improve the lives of the people here and proclaiming the Gospel which brings such joy and peace even in the midst of hardship and lack of funding. It is a reminder to me of what it means to be faithful regardless of the circumstance. It amazes me, though, how the Lord provides for each need, in His perfect time. In preparing for a lifetime of service in overseas ministry, these are important lessons for me to learn. Times will be hard, but following Jesus is never easy. I know that God has been faithful in the past, and that He will continue to be so in the future. Trusting in Him, leaning on His promises and provision, and faithfully serving Him no matter what, that is what I am called to do.


India2017 Story: Part 4