Letter-2
24.4.2020
Dear Friends,
I gathered the above flowers, from our garden and placed them in a vase a little while ago, to present it to all of you, whom I write this letter. These flowers survived the heat of 37 degree Celsius for two consecutive days. The flowers are drooping following the heat, but still fragrant and colourful. Let me begin my letter with this belief that, amidst the intensity of pressure due to COVID 19 pandemic, all of you who live, work and lead the different Christian Hospitals in India are an aroma and hope for the communities you serve.
I have been in touch with some of you recently to bring greetings from Anna and myself. Thank you for your replies. From what you wrote there is an anxiety about how the next few months would turn out for the mission hospitals. With the income having gone down and many mission hospitals not having enough reserve, the payment of salary would be difficult from now on. With people displaced from their work and sources of income badly hit, they would find it difficult to pay hospital bills, when they fall sick. You would want to offer them utmost help at a time such as this, when they are in desperate need. It is not the well to do who often come to your hospitals, but those who live in the margins of the society. The hospital staff depend on the hospital income and might not have any other source of income. Some of the hospitals might be able to manage a few months, but not indefinitely. The present indication is that even after the first wave of infection is brought under control, there might be another wave in the winter months.
At this time of such an intense dilemma and challenge about meeting the existential needs, Anna and I want to remember you in our thoughts and carry you in our hearts. We pray that you would feel the nearness of God and find in Him strength and grace to act thoughtfully and discerningly.
Let the fragrant and colourful flowers in the vase above, bring to you a message of endurance and resilience, even when it is made to suffer the scorching heat of the day! With regards and good wishes,
M.C.Mathew
No comments:
Post a Comment