This article was originally published in the August 2020 edition of ITMI Monthly.
INDIA
For a go-getter like Taru Kumar, whose feet grass wouldn’t dare grow under, being forced to close their ministry center in Modi Road Muslim slum by the government due to concerns of COVID-19 was not ideal.
She doesn’t like to sit still, particularly when she knows so many people who are suffering and in need. But stay at home she must, so she’s made the best of it.
After she and David planned and carried out five food distributions in the slum, Taru is not wasting any time worrying about what she can’t do.
Slum resident with food from one of David and Taru's Project Joseph food distributions.
Kids from the slum whose families came to receive provision of food and the Gospel through Project Joseph.
Instead, she’s discovered she can have quite an impact right from her couch, with the help of her telephone. She spends most of her days reaching out to those she knows in the slums, encouraging them, and sharing Jesus.
She conducts regular one-on-one discipleship meetings over the phone. She’s leading a Bible study with a group of women she grew up with.
All this is possible because of her previous investment in these relationships. So she’s also using this time to sow the seeds of relationships that she can grow into redemptive encounters by teaching a group of women over the internet how to make handmade crafts.
So, her ministry continues.
It doesn’t look the same as it used to, but it's still driven by Taru’s love for those she ministers to and bursting with her bold and unique faith in Christ.
ITMI's Taru Kumar, India
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ITMI PARTNER
These men and women of the highest quality of character and leadership aren’t doing it for virtue’s sake. They are doing it because they are passionate. Passionate about Jesus, passionate about his mission, and deeply dedicated to seeing people in their spheres come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Other Stories in this Series
3 Stories that Reveal Much about Our Partners
Two Things to Celebrate in Poland
Piotr’s church does baptismal services on a regular basis, but the one last month was particularly special because…
A Financial Report that Revealed Something Exciting
A dull, numb feeling wrapped around Sarah (name changed for privacy) like a dark cocoon. She was attending a hygiene and virus suppression seminar in her community, put on by ITMI’s Lazarus Yezinai and his team. But…
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Summer Kelley is a writer and follower of Jesus living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic.
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.