surprisingly low points—below 40 degrees Fahrenheit—and these freezing
temperatures cause many problems. At least three people in New Delhi
have died due to cold-related problems since December 26.
The chilling weather proves especially dangerous to Delhi’s large
homeless population, which a local newspaper numbered to be between
67,000 and 150,000 people.
Around Christmastime, believers in Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported
congregations decided to offer warmth to this particularly vulnerable
group of people. The Women’s Fellowship team bought 40 blankets, and the
believers ventured out after 10 p.m. to distribute the coverings to
people sleeping along the bitter-cold streets.
When they came upon someone sleeping outside, they covered them with a
blanket and walked away. If people woke up, they wished them a merry
Christmas in Hindi and said, “Jesus loves you and cares for you; that is
why we are giving this blanket to you.”
The smiles and joy written on the recipients’ faces were enough to
express their gratitude— even if they didn’t say a word to those handing
them out.
The believers who helped with this project felt heartbroken as they
saw many people who had only thin plastic sheets or sacks to cover
themselves.
“Forty blankets weren’t sufficient; there are still families and
individuals who sleep without warm clothes,” wrote a GFA correspondent
in the area.
After the team left one site where they distributed blankets, a
physically challenged man riding a bicycle followed them for
approximately one kilometer (0.62 miles), pedaling hard. He eventually
caught up with them to get a blanket!
