Yesterday we had the great joy of visiting the 29 Yanadi families living in the Blessing Community. Covenant communities in UK and Norway have raised funds to build houses for 29 families – 94 individuals after the Tsunami hit the area where they lived. We have also been able to provide them with beds and necessary utilities. And we have been running a school for the children at daytime and the adults at night.

These precious people used to live in very poor conditions and they were exploited and mistreated by the high cast people. Today they have gained dignity and self-respect. They are confident and happy in their new life. They praise God and give thanks to the covenant people that have shown mercy on them.

Middle age man: I praise Jesus Christ for the help we have received. We used to live in small shelters of plastic rags. We slept on the ground. No one gave us anything. We were treated like animals. We were only allowed to eat the left-over-food we could find in the garbage bins. We lived like birds, in small nets. Now we are blessed. We have received houses to live in. Now we have been given education. Now we have water from the tap in the yard. Now we have electricity. It is like a dream come true. Jesus Christ has given us everything. Now we have courage, we have confidence, we are secure.

Elderly man: We suffered a lot. We were very poor. We lived in the mud. We had nothing. We were exploited by the rich people. When I look back, it was like living in hell. Now, our entire life is changed. I don’t have word to express my thankfulness for the help we have received for the Christians in UK and Norway. I never thought I would be able to live in a house. I hoped that perhaps the third generation after us would be able to live in a house. This is like heaven! Now we are attending school. We have proper jobs. We have received more from you than from our own parents. You are like angels of God. When we see you it is like seeing God.

Young lady: Earlier we did have nothing. We knew nothing. We could nothing. People didn’t even allow us to se a doctor when we were ill. Now we have been given education. Now we can read and write. Now we receive medical help from the doctors when we need it. Now we can go to offices and claim our rights. Now we can sign documents.

Elderly women: Earlier we slept on the ground. Now we have beds. Now we have food and nice clothes. Earlier we could not speak in front of people. Now we can read and write. Now we are happy! Earlier we were treated like slaves, now we have joy and flowers. Earlier people called us bad things, but now we are respected.