Durga: Portrait of the World’s Abused Women

     “Pure religion…to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” James 1:27

     “Don’t you get discouraged by the terrible things you see and hear in foreign countries? Don’t the needs overwhelm you? How can one person make a difference when the problems are so great?”
     People often ask us these questions. Here is our answer.

     Brother Daniel’s letter introduced DURGA KARKI. He thought she might qualify for help from ARM’s Hope for a Future widow’s loan fund. “Please read and pray for this destitute lady,” he wrote.
     Durga is the daughter of a wealthy farmer. When she was a teenager her father died. Her maternal uncle coerced her mother to transfer their property into his possession. He promised to care for Durga and her mother always. But as Durga finished the 10th grade her mother died mysteriously.
     Durga was a true orphan. Accustomed to living in wealth with the promise of a prosperous future, Durga was now forced to live at the mercy of her greedy and cruel uncle. She became severely ill and because of lack of treatment and malnutrition, she became crippled. She could no longer stand on her feet or walk. She had to crawl or slide on the floor to do her work or go outdoors to the rest room. She became completely helpless.
     Then things got worse! Durga was repeatedly raped by a cousin who lived in the same house. She became pregnant. Her uncle bribed a worthless old man to say that he had raped her. So she was given to that old man as a wife. The pain Durga suffered during her pregnancy is beyond imagination. So was the birth of her son, but they both lived.
     Soon, the old man abandoned Durga to fend for herself and the baby. She had to wash dishes to survive. For ten gloomy years she has washed dirty vessels everyday. Her son helps her to discharge her bowels.
     One day one of Brother Daniel’s evangelists met Durga. He told her about the God who loves her so much He sent His only Son to suffer and die for her. Durga gladly received Jesus into her heart. She can't go to church on her own. But the church manages to pay a rickshaw to bring her to services and to take her home again.
     Durga is educated. She can teach small children but because of her physical condition no one will hire her. The church is helping her 1000 rupees ($13.69 US) per month but can do no more.
     Durga’s son is 10 years old and has not yet gone to school. These are his school going years but he is cleaning and helping his mother. This is really a heart-tearing situation. This small boy could become a doctor, engineer, professor or businessman if he was privileged to study.
     Brother Daniel writes, “When I met Durga Karki and her son in 1988, my desire to open an orphanage was aroused by God. I thought if we open an orphanage Durga and her son would have a place to stay and the boy could go to school. He could shape his future and glorify God. His mother could teach the children who are taken into the orphanage.”
     “Dear Brother Arthur and Sister Nancy, there are many destitute ‘Durgas’ with sons and daughters in this country who are being exploited by their near relatives and thrown out on the street. We need to do something for them. We are God’s hands extended here on earth. But I can’t do this by myself. I need prayer and a support group to assist in this solemn work which is worthy in the sight of God.”
     “I have enclosed photos of Durga and her son. Please pray for her and respond to me. If Durga and her son are to be helped I will need $50.00US per month. I believe God will raise up someone from His Body, the Church, to care for Durga and her son. Will you make her needs known?”
     So, dear partners, that is how we keep from becoming discouraged. Photo by photo and story by story, as God brings them to our attention; we show the people and their needs to you. Some of you will hear God’s call to help through this letter. You will respond and Durga and her son will be helped by Brother Daniel…AND YOU!

Your partners and proxies to the ends of earth and the end of time.

Dr. Art and Nancy Vincent

P.S. Photo by photo, story by story, drop by drop the buckets of need are being filled up by you who are the Body of Christ. ARM’s “Hope for the Future” Widow’s Loan Fund will help Durga and the many abused women like her. Will you send your help today? Great will be your reward in heaven.