Volunteers to India Accomplish Goals Despite Earthquake

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Beyond helping in the India earthquake tragedy, four United Methodist Volunteers In Mission (VIM) team members from Memphis, Tenn., met their original goals.

Before the earthquake, the team visited Methodist Hospital Mathura which had an antiquated dental chair. Dr. Solomon Christian, president of the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Southeastern Jurisdiction Medical Fellowship, donated a brand new dental chair on behalf of the fellowship. Christian coordinates "Dental Clinics for the World," an effort to open at least one dental clinic or help renovate an existing clinic on each of the five continents. The clinics will accommodate volunteer dental personnel from overseas and the sponsoring local body will hire dental personnel to work in them.

The team also visited United Mission to Nepal in Katmandu to explore the possibility of sending American volunteers.

But the main purpose of the trip, according to Christian, was to receive the "Hind Rattna" award. The Non-Resident Welfare Society of India gives the award to non-resident Indians. Tennessee Lt. Gov. John Wilder and others nominated Christian for the award, citing his meritorious service to humanity.

Christian received the award in New Delhi Jan. 25. The next day, the killer earthquake shook the ground as the team attended the Republic Day Parade. The final leg of the journey was in Ahmedabad and Antroli, but the earthquake disrupted the planned schedule. Yet the team visited churches in Gujarat and participated in the welcoming ceremony at the Antroli Church. The repair work of Antroli Church was in progress and the team helped with the needed funding of $3200. Antroli is a village of farm laborers in an area where there has been a long-standing drought. Repair of the church will depend on outside contributions. At least $1200 more is needed to complete the project.

Christian said the people of Antroli village were very kind. "They opened their homes for us to visit and we had a wonderful time with them." Team member, the Rev. Everett Porter, said, "I will never trade my time with the Indian people, especially with the people of Antroli, for anything in the world."

More Information:

• Volunteers In Mission (VIM)
• Memphis Volunteers Experience India Quake First-hand

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