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Notre Dame India Mission |
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Sharing God’s Goodness With The People of India |
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Flood Relief in Raxaul |
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To reach us: Phone: 440-279-1160 Toll free: 1-888-ND-INDIA Fax: 440-279-1167
Mail: Notre Dame India Mission 1300o Auburn Road Chardon, OH 44024
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by Sr. Prema Devaraj, SND, MD September 6, 2007 |
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We were supposed to distribute supplies in the villages, but it rained so heavily that we had to postpone that for two days. The poor people came to the health center, since our vehicle could not go on the bad roads. We began our work at 6 AM. The people were already waiting for hours before that. In one day we distributed supplies for 800 people. We gave each person 22 pounds of rice, 2 pounds of lentils, and a plastic tarp to those whose houses have totally collapsed. We had asked for 500 tarps, but got only 100. The District Manager inaugurated the program. He was very happy at our initiative. The government officers had cheated and gave less than the quota allotted. In many places, the people revolted and turned violent. |
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Because of our relationship with the people, there was commendable discipline, whereas at the government distribution, even for 100 people, there was violence and broken bones. Everything went peacefully. It was a great day. I could only think of Jesus telling the disciples to feed the hungry multitude. It was a widows mite we gave them, but their face showed joy and gratitude for “their daily bread.” |
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At the end of the day, it was good to hear from our Animators, Birender, Bhim, Shivji, Dharm Prakash and Vedprakash “We are not tired, we are ready for more. It was a real joy for us. We must do more.” These are young men filled with our missionary zeal. We had a short evaluation in which the overall feeling was one of gratitude to God that everything went smoothly without any violence or the need for police protection. The people are happy. While they waited in the hot sun for their turn, I took the opportunity to tell them about first aid measures in case of epidemic, that they should notify us. |