Samaritan’s Purse animal projects provide an income for those who lost everything during political unrest
When fighting between the Sri Lankan government and a rebel group broke out near her home, Sanguwathy and her family fled to a refugee camp. They spent four months living among 7,000 people who had left the Karaveddy area, hoping that one day it would be safe to return home.
The thought of losing more was devastating for Sanguwathy. She had given birth to seven children and lost four to natural causes; her husband, 32 years her senior, had become too weak to work; and she suspected that her home had now been looted and destroyed. All of her possessions and animals—the family’s main source of income—were probably gone.
She was right. The house had been completely destroyed and the chickens she used to rear were missing. So Sanguwathy built a temporary dwelling made of coconut leaves and tin sheets that stood next to the pile of rubble where the family’s home had once stood.
“We had been living in miserable circumstances, but by God’s grace, Samaritan’s Purse offered to help us,” she said.
Samaritan’s Purse staff gave Sanguwathy and her family two female goats, several chickens, and a poultry shed. Our animal projects also provide animal care training, supply vaccinations and treatment, and through frequent visits, share God’s love with families experiencing hardship.
During this visit, our staff also presented Sanguwathy with an illustrated pamphlet in her own language telling the story of the Good Samaritan and introducing the person of Jesus. This literature, which has been distributed to hundreds of people through our animal projects, has exposed many Sri Lankans to the person of Jesus for the first time.
“I am grateful for this gesture in a miserable period like now,” Sanguwathy said.
How you can help:
PRAY:
• That through the kindness and compassion of Christians, individuals like Sanguwathy will come to know Jesus Christ.
• For the 500 families that will receive animals, training, and the Good News of Jesus Christ in 2008.
• For the safety of Samaritan's Purse staff as they contend with a worsening security situation.
GIVE:
To support our work in Sri Lanka, please visit our Donation Page .
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