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WITNESS IN WORD AND ACTION

A number of Nepali people live in and around Leh and so the church arranged a Bible Conference for them, an opportunity for them to get in-depth Christian teaching. The church also published the first ever Ladakhi Tibetan Hymnal in Roman script for the use of those who have difficulty in reading Tibetan script. “It is our dream that we shall have an expanded edition of this hymnal which would include contemporary choruses and hymns from other parts of the geographically vast Tibetan cultural world.” Work continues on a Tibetan colloquial translation of the Bible, done by a small team of local Christians.  Br. Gergan says: “…such work has never been easy…However, we know God…desires that we effectively communicate.”

“Sharing of the gospel, especially in pioneering situations, Bible exposition in church, children’s Bible camps and such activities have continued with several persons and agencies participating, either independently or in partnership with us. Innovative in this outreach work was the use of a mountain wheat/barley thresher that could be carried on ponies.  A long-standing friend, with his friends, was able to share the love of the Lord through testimony, use of the thresher and a dental clinic.” 

THE SCHOOL

Br. Gergan goes on to tell us that the school had a successful year.  Class 10, the graduating class, swept the top positions in the District School Board examinations with over 70% of the students passing with distinction or in the first division.  This places the school among the best-rated schools in Jammu and Kashmir State.  Helping children from poorer families has been a constant concern and over 150 students receive full or partial scholarships.  Students and staff themselves “having saved from pocket money or earnings, have helped 25 students get their education this year.”

MINISTRY TO THE DISABLED

One of the ministries in which the church is involved is a ministry to the disabled. “The definition of disability, as we envision, includes all those who need enablement. While physically challenged persons form a significant focus, we plan to have facilities for the training of drop-outs and unemployed in vocational trades such as carpentry, iron-crafting, electronics, etc. A couple of organizations interested in helping us made it possible for our school to conduct the first ever Physiotherapy Camp in Ladakh in December.  Over twenty trainees received training in physiotherapy methods.  Three overseas’ instructors did a remarkable job in the ten days of the training.  With the completion of the Enablement Centre building, we intend to work towards a fully functional facility in the next six to ten months.  This programme will be carried out in co-operation with the Government’s medical, social welfare and industrial training departments.”

LOOKING FORWARD

Building work at the school continues with the erection of two hostels, one for boys and one for girls, to house over 200 students from the remotest regions of the Ladakh and Kashmir Himalaya mountains.  Br. Gergan supervises much of the building work himself.  “We do not engage contractors to save money and to ensure the quality of the work and material”!

The letter concluded by noting the difficulties, spiritual and physical, which the Ladakhi Christians have to face.  But the work goes on and to all who support it, Br. Gergan says: “Much of what we ‘accomplish’   in the Lord’s presence and power is through your fervent intercessions and support…Do accept our belated but genuine thanks.”