Unthinkable. In one state in India, a quarter of a million girls from poor families have been dedicated to the goddess Yellamma for socially and religiously sanctioned prostitution. During the annual pilgrimage for Yellamma, women and girls from this part of the country are supplied to the sex trade. Many of these “devadasis” (“maids of the gods”) are from Dalit backgrounds. A local healthcare program from an OM partner ministry is helping reduce the incidence and transmission of HIV and STIs among the devadasi women. The team provides community-based care and spiritual support for victims through a mobile clinic and satellite medical camps. They provide nutritional supplements to strengthen the immune systems of those infected.

In another city, a Dalit mother runs out of resources because a recent move made her ineligible for a ration card and a voter card. When the OM India Economic Development staff learn of her struggles, they give her a loan of 10,000 Rupees, about $225 US. With this money she is able to purchase a buffalo and begin a milk business. It begins slowly, only 40 Rupees a day, until she is now making 100 Rupees a day regularly.

Dalit women all over India are receiving back the dignity and hope robbed of them by the caste system.   Praise God for this Dalit mother and her family. Please pray for her physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Pray that she will learn more about God’s love for her through the Economic Development staff.

Please pray for the professional health workers still needed and funds for supplies. Ask God to use this outreach to bring hope to Dalit women and girls.