One of the newest global undertakings for Christian Horizons is India. India is a nation comprising of over 1.5 billion individuals in a space less than one third that of Canada. Adding to the complexity and certainly to the diversity of this Asian nation are the 18 official languages and the myriad of faith systems; (approximately 40 percent of the population adheres to Hinduism).

From November 30th through to December 9, 2006, Christian Horizons sent project coordinator, Dr. Oommen Philip, on a mission to India to lay the foundation for future work. The focus of the trip was to explore opportunities and identify the current system of disability services existing in the nation.

An invitation for this visit was received from CORP (Community Outreach Program), a social service arm of the Methodist Church of India, at Mumbai, Maharashtra State of India. Contacts were also established with Christian Medical Association of India and other Christian NGOs in different parts of India.

Another organization visited and explored was UMEED - a private centre for treatment and rehabilitation of children with developmental disabilities. Occupational Therapists train and treat children with the support of a visiting pediatrician.

We are still very much in the preliminary phase of the work in India. Ministry opportunities are being sought out and partnerships are being developed. Major activities for the months ahead will be the organization and implementation of a Pastor's conference to increase disability ministry in the church. Training programs are also to be developed that will develop competency of front-line staff.

Portions of this article were taken from a report submitted by Dr. Oommen Philip.

Christian Horizons is working in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Russia, Ecuador and with people from the First Nations community in Canada. Please pray for Christian Horizons Global Projects