Shining Christ’s light in dark places

A team of pastors and young people from BMS partner Big Life Ministries minister in one of the poorest areas of Kolkata

Men, women and children in need can be found in every country on earth. Sometimes there are government programmes in place to help them.

Sadly there are more people living without food, a home or healthcare than there are workers able to help them. This is a problem that BMS World Mission Associate Team Leader for India Ben Francis and his colleagues are trying to solve. In Kolkata, Ben and his team at Big Life Ministries travel to struggling communities to share the gospel and Christ’s light and love.

Their latest ministry trip took place on 30 July. Ben led a team of pastors and youth from Big Life Ministries to Hastings Bridge in Khidirpur, an area of Kolkata near the Hooghly River. On Hastings’ streets, they provided free medicine, cared for the sick and prayed for those willing to receive prayer.

“Many of the people who attended the camp were homeless and living under the bridge with no one to care for or love them,” says Ben. “It was a great opportunity to minister and encourage them with the gospel message.” The local police were also present. “We don’t see people coming and doing this kind of work,” they said, and encouraged Ben and his team to continue this important ministry.

Thankfully, Ben and Big Life Ministries have no plans of stopping. “We are now going to start a street ministry in Hastings,” says Gillian Francis, Ben’s wife. “In a way, by doing the medical camps, it has already begun, but we wanted to find a way to reach out to the poorest of the poor.” 

More than 80 men, women and children were blessed in some way that day. They had the opportunity to receive prayer, medical care and to learn about Jesus. Though the services provided by the team will not immediately change this community’s circumstances, Ben’s visit has let them know that despite their circumstance they are loved, that they are not alone in this world and whether or not they choose to believe in Christ, he will be there to watch over them.

Please pray for Ben Francis and the Big Life Ministries team. Pray for the lives they touch every day as they share the love of Jesus Christ with people living on the margins of society. You can help Ben and his team share the light of Christ in India by donating today.

 

This article first appeared on the website of BMS World Mission and is used with permission