CSI Jaffna Diocese

A stream of Gods love and healing in the midst of the dessert

A wonderful felowship visit with the JDCSI by Pastor Anto Samuel

God did answer a prayer in a wonderful and mysterious way. The prayer came out of my deep despair and cry to my Master, to let me have a chance to put my arms around my broken and shattered people in the Wanni and assure them of love and hope through Christ.

One night this opening came though truly an agent of God, Christy Thiagarajah who suggested the possibility of my going with the Rev John Bottomley-Director of the Creative Ministries to Sri Lanka to atend the annual Diocesan Festival.

God spoke very clearly that this “Macedonian “ call was from Him. John and I left on the 24^th of October, 2009. Although a tight schedule was drawn to cover many ministries and the camp visits in the Wanni, soon it was clear God had His own plans. We left for Jaffna sooner than anticipated.

Bishop Rt Rev Dr Daniel Thiagarajah escorted a team of six people: Victor Karunairajan from Canada, Sashi Karumanchi from India, John Bottomley and myself from Australia and Rev Mathanrajah, JDCSI, Colombo. We flew in to the heart of Vaddukoddai on the 27^th October 2009. The Bishops House was the center where we lived as a family. We were lovingly looked after by Bishop Daniel and Thaya Thiagarjah. Spiritually inspired and directed, we worked alongside the already dedicated services the JDCSI provides for the Nation. We began a heart-breaking but beautiful time of journey with many people from different walks of life.

The most significant event that took place the night we arrived was the exodus of some 7000 people in to the Jaffna Peninsula (Approx 49 000 were released.) Just over a 1000 people arrived in bus loads by about 8..00 p.m. Overwhelmed by this sight and determine to give them some space to recover from the long arduous journey, we planned to visit them next morning. By 9.a.m. all the relatives came and collected them to their homes. The clergy in the JDCSI took us to meet them in different villages. We met them I individually or as a community.

The lovingness that the Jaffna people showed their relatives is truly divine. They themselves are emerging from the ravages of 30 years of war. The walls of Jaffna are broken. The fences are neglected. Most houses are blackened d after bombasts and bullet shots. In the mist of this people emerging from Vanni back to their homeland and resettlement, the JDCSI stands out a beacon of God love in the midst of a dessert.

Always escorted by dedicated clergy appointed to the JDSCSI churches or community projects, we deeply appreciated their calling, their motivating skills to bring life through Christ, and loving people. They and some of their wives whom I met are very much in my daily prayer now.

We visited the Harriet Winslow Home. the Robert Home, Jennifer Home, the Day Care Centre in Delft and met beautiful happy children. Talented and skilled with drama and song in particular. These are avenues where some of the newly arrived Wanni parentless children have found a place. And will continue to find.

The visit to the Leprosy village, the day in Delft (Where the JDCSI intends looking after 260 families from Vanni ) are unforgettable. Chatting to people struggling to survive years of war and beating. Hospital visits to Manipay a& Inuvil were heart breaking. The once people pulsating hospitals now running like OPDs. Again I commend the medical services being provided and if only more people invest in to these hospitals- what yeomen service could be provided. I was strengthened to find good schooling provided by schools such as the Uduvil Girls College, Jaffna college.

The diocesan festival was a special celebration with an awesome service and Catherine Joseph being ordained as a part of this beautiful experience. The opening of the Diocesan office, the public meeting, and recognition of the significant role the JDCSI is plying in the heart of Jaffna and other parts of Sri Lanka are lovely memories I have brought back.

The connection through Ps Sam Rajasooriyar the father of the Pentecostal Churches in Jaffna was significant with possibility of Churches helping and working together for the restoration of the broken people in the North.

But the most significant ministry for me was the sitting, listening, weeping. Sharing with the families of and children of the Vanni and offering Hope and Healing through Jesus Christ. The conversations I carry in my heart are prayers I offer for them. I pray that the candles of Hope lit will have ripple efforts. Much more has to be done to restore life in wholeness- I pray that God will open a door.