Water supply
Despite the fact that HLWM is active in the delta area of the Godivari river near the Gulf of Bengal, regular water supply is not guaranteed during the dry season with extreme high temperatures. HLWM regularly organises and pays for water lorries to provide drinking water during this time. Donors have also contributed in drilling water pumps in several villages. However, women and children will still need then to carry the heavy water bottle to their home for cooking and drinking.
Floods
Emergency aid for disaster victims Tsunami
The east coast of India had also been severely hit during the Tsunami catastrophe in December 2004. In particular fishermen, but also many villagers were killed through floods. Two of our church leaders and several of the children in our children home lost either father or mother during this sad event. During the first weeks after the Tsunami, HLWM provided immediate emergency relief measures such as shelter and food in the churches and children’s home to some 800 Indians in need. Thanks to very generous donations after the Tsunami, HLWM had the financial means to build more than 80 thatched huts, 50 small houses and financed to build more than 60 boats plus 100+ nets to allow the locals to restart earning their living with fishing. With our bible teachers and bible women in the local community, the directors of HLWM could very well select those families who needed help the most.
Monsoon floods
The area is again and again hit by monsoon floods. Houses get destroyed and families lose their few belongings. We help them to survive with shelter and ‘survival kits’ until the official authorities become active.
Orissa victims
In Orissa, the state north of Andhra Pradesh and approximately 600km away from the HLWM area, Christian dalits were increasingly persecuted by fanatic Hindi. Ten thousands of Indians were forced to leave their homes, churches and work. People including pastors were killed during this time. HLWM has been providing emergency help to these persecuted Christians. Joseph and his helpers travelled there at least twice to provide real aid and actual relief. Main necessities like clothing, pots and pans, food, medicine and tents were given to refugees.
Senior people
In India, elderly people from low-income classes are entirely dependent on their children. If their children are unable or do not want to look after them, many of them spend their remaining years begging. Moreover, during the Tsunami catastrophe, many women lost their husbands and/or sons. HLWM supports these women offering them food and micro credits to allow them to buy merchandise for trading in local markets.
In the village Patapadhu for instance, a number of old citizens and HIV patients receive food and loving care. These people can be supported with as little as 5-10 Euro per month and person.
