23 Jul Communities of Unshaken Foundation

23 July 2023

COMMUNITIES OF UNSHAKEN FOUNDATION

Luke 6:46-49

I’m elated today to share about my community’s faith story during the time of pandemic, a story that comes from a state in Northeast India called Mizoram. India happened to be one of the worst Covid-19 affected countries and along with the outbreak came an uninvited wave of racial discrimination for our community. Indigenous people from the Northeast who resided in various other regions in India were harassed, abused, and disparagingly called “coronavirus” mainly due to our similar physical features with the people of China. Churches where worship services were held at least five to eight times in a week were suddenly brought to a halt. Thousands of youths who are the backbone of our society lost their jobs and their long-term career prospects. Needless to say, the new normal was a challenge for the community from all corners.

While the first Covid-19 case was registered in Mizoram in March 2020, we managed to remain the only State in India without any Covid-19 fatality for a good seven months

despite lacking adequate facilities and proper health infrastructure. The commitment and dedication of the healthcare workers as well as the role of the people in observing Covid-19 protocols were fairly commendable. This can be largely attributed to the role played by the State and the collective efforts of the community which have been largely inspired by Christian faith and hope in the midst of our battles. Churches and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) willingly offered their premises to be converted into Covid Care Centres. Since life in Aizawl, the capital city, came to a standstill owing to the extensive lockdowns and rising cases, a number of villages from different parts of Mizoram sent trucks fully loaded with fresh vegetables from their agricultural farms to the residents of Aizawl without expecting anything in return. Mizoram also takes pride in the existence of dedicated taskforces all over the State comprising largely of youth volunteers. Churches, organisations, individuals and even children raised and donated huge amounts to the relief fund. By honouring our Christian beliefs and exemplifying humanitarian values, we provide answers to the question, “What does God require of us?” in the midst of the pandemic.

In Luke 6:46-49, we find references to a house that could not be shaken because it has been well built on a rock and one that quickly collapsed because it has no foundation. People of God today need to remind ourselves to build our house on a solid rock. We need to discern the signs of times and be ready when crisis hits. A community or church whose hope and foundation are built on a sturdy rock will continue to stand firm and flourish in the midst of life’s storms and will not be easily ruined. By doing what the word of God tells us, we can confidently stand up to any storm and show others the way forward.

prayer

Lord, may our hopes be built on strong foundation so that in good and bad times we will continue to flourish and enjoy life in all its fullness. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

for further thought

How often do we discern the signs of times and keep our faith and hope going to face life’s uncertainties every day?

Lalmuanpuii Hmar

Bishop’s College, Kolkata