Tragedy on the cutting edge

Sangita became a disciple in the early 1990s in the Kochi church in South India. She was a highly educated young woman with a promising career.

She gave it all up to go into the full time ministry, living on a much lower salary than what she would have made in the thriving economy of South Asia.She soon got married; she and her husband Raji moved from city to city to serve the churches, learning a new language every time they moved to a different state of India.They even left India to serve in Nepal for a few years.Wherever they went they were known for their radical commitment.

They had a little girl, Sarah.When Sangita got pregnant for the second time she was very apprehensive.She was hoping for a boy.She had grown up in a country where women are still considered less “worthy” than boys.She didn’t want her daughters to face the disrespect she had felt.

As the pregnancy progressed the doctors informed Raji and Sangita that there were serious problems with the baby.They suspected the child had spina bifida.The medical staff were very forceful in telling them to have an abortion.When Sangita stood her ground and explained that she would not do that she was showered with abuse.The doctors told her she had lost her mind.In India there is very little compassion, including in the medical profession, for children with handicaps.Parents are told to “get rid of the child”.

It was a heartbreaking time for Sangita but she prayed and little Joanna was born.She did have spina bifida and the family spent most of the next year in and out of hospitals. Due to the high cost of the treatments they could only afford government care.Joanna was often hospitalized in wards populated by pigeons, cats, and yes, rats!

Soon after her first birthday little Joanna passed away.Raji and Sangita were devastated but they showed tremendous courage and faith.They never blamed God or their lack of resources.They continued serving the Lord in the full time ministry.This was made even more challenging by the fact that the third world ministry staff had to face frequent salary cuts.

Last year Sangita gave birth to another little girl, Anna.Soon after,Raji and Sangita’s commitment was further tested as they were asked to move to Kolkata to lead the East region of the Indian churches. Kolkata is by far the most challenging city in india. The living conditions are dire, the pollution is everpresent, and the poverty is overwhelming. You would think that after all they went through Raji and Sangita would think twice about this new move. Oh, and the move involved a salary cut too!

Not surprisingly though, they took on the challenge and two months ago they moved to lead the Kolkata church. Raji and Sangita are heroes to the disciples in India. Their courage and their faith in God are so inspiring in a country where life is extremely challenging.Some get tested more sorely than others.In Sangita’s case she has stood the test!

Sangita and Raji with their girls Sarah and Anna

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

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