South Asia
South Asia , a region of ancient traditions and religions. The birthplace of Buddha and the cradle of Hinduism just to name two of the oldest religions of the world. The slow pace and tranquility in this region captures the imagination of many a western traveler. A guru sitting under a tree teaching his followers, an Ayurvedic doctor applying his ointment to a villager. A farmer directing his oxen while ploughing his field. A veiled Muslim woman carrying firewood on her head. South Asia is a region where many people still live like their ancestors. A place where old ways and old values are highly respected and things never seem to change.
Yet, there is another South Asia . This is the Asia of a booming IT business. Large cities are bustling with activity. Building after building is being erected. Universities, clinics, hotels, housing estates and shopping malls are the backdrop of this new Asia . Modern transportation is replacing the traditional horse and carriage. Technology is no longer the privilege of the rich, but available to the wider community. This region that has been troubled by wars and religious conflicts is now the place where politicians are trying to achieve political stability through dialogue. The area is wide open to change and wants to align itself with the rest of the modern world. The vast lands of the Ganges, the Indus and the Brahmaputra are full of opportunities. The fog of dawn has to give way to the light of a bright and promising new day. There is a hope among the people today, a belief that this is a God given time to build societies where ignorance, poverty and injustice are no longer the rule. A region where there are plenty of opportunities for personal and communal growth.
In the midst of all these developments there are many opportunities for Christians with a servant attitude and a love for these people to come along side them and help them build their future.
