Choosing To Be A Light To The World

By Jan Fryer

It takes courage, commitment and resourcefulness, which 24 year old Tom Delaney must have, as he lives and works in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, which is the capital of India’s most populous state. Tom grew up in Delhi with his Christian family and takes his faith seriously. He believes Matthew 25:40-46 “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me".

He has chosen this narrow path because he believes that making Jesus his first priority is crucial and he felt the pull to this path. His says this choice may require sacrifice, but there is also great rewards. He has a holistic approach to his Godly work. He is working with ‘Servants to Asia's Urban Poor’. He says he is trying to bring “the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven” by dealing with the material, mental, social and spiritual transformation of the Indian people.

Ballina Parish were fortunate to hear Tom's story whilst he was in Australia. For an example of material transformation, Tom told the story of Kusuma. She is a mother of four and contracted TB meningitis. She had severe headaches, vomiting & lost an incredible amount of weight. With help from Tom she was admitted to hospital and has made a miraculous recovery over 18 months.

The Servant’s to Asia’s Urban Poor have also begun subsidising the costs of getting gas connected to transit away from burning wood and it’s consequent lung effects on people like Kusuma. Tom said God has given us an intellect wants us to reach our mental potential. India has a very high percentage of illiterate people.

The Indian NGO Thomas works for is providing literacy classes for children and adults in the slums. Sofia, an adult who has learned to read and write, says this has greatly improved her self confidence. Social problems are also rife in India, including domestic violence, underage marriage and alcohol abuse. These ways of living can be a challenge.

When Tehsin, 15, was offered for an arranged marriage it was only the threat of calling the police that prevented the illegal union. Spiritual transformation is also difficult for those becoming Christian as they are often persecuted for their faith. Tom gave the example of Jhunu, a mother of three whose husband was killed for his faith.

WHAT DOES HIS WORK HAVE TO DO WITH YOU AND ME?

We too can look for the ‘least’ among our communities such as flood victims, the homeless, the addicted, refugees, the disabled and those with poor mental health. We can support them by reading and learning, praying and giving with our time and money. If we are following Jesus, he will lead the way for us, the often narrow way. Tom’s final comment was to remember the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few (Luke 10:2) God often calls the unlikeliest of people. People like Moses who was tongue tied, David who was an adulterer, Jonah who was reluctant, Peter who denied Jesus and Thomas who doubted.

Are You Willing To Go Where God Leads

YOU? If you would like to know more Google ‘Servant’s to Asia’s Urban Poor’ or email Tom at thomas.delaney1729@gmail.com and join his email list. Prayers are appreciated.