History

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is now a matter of life and death, of stigma and discrimination, of violation of human rights and dying with dignity. In the year 2000, Thettivila Bethel Mar Thoma Parish reported the death of an AIDS patient, whose name was Raju. After this incident, a survey of the area was done. Through the survey, identified were some HIV affected people in this area who are segregated from the society. Most of them are financially poor. They are struggling to find their livelihood. On June 1st, 2004, with an aim to given them financial and moral support, the Mar Thoma Church began this mission project.

 

Purpose

1. To identify the HIV/AIDS affected      families
2. Eliminate social stigmas
3. Conduct social awareness programs in the      neighborhood
4. Give financial support for their medical      treatment
5. Educate the children who are or whose      parents are victims of HIV/AIDS
6. Give fellowship and counseling
7. Take care of the seriously ill or dying

The theology of the Cross tells us to identify ourselves with those who suffer. Jesus Christ touched the untouchables and liberated from segregation and the stigma attached to it.

 

Management

It is a project of Trivandrum - Quilon Diocese of the Mar Thoma Church, jointly operated with the Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch. The project has a LAC. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose Episcopa is the chairman. Rev. Varghese Jacob is the convenor. Rev. John Oommen assists the convenor. The Management Committee has the provision for representation from the Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch. The committee meets every three months and discusses the progress and regular activities of the project. The Church is called to be a caring and healing community.

 

Previous Activities

The Diocese started the work in 2004 by conducting awareness meetings at various places and for different groups. One of our evangelists, Mr. P.T. Thomas, visited the families once to make a survey. Now he gives moral support to them by regular visits and with the help of two lady social workers, namely Vijila and Asha. The victims under the church’s care are accepted now in their homes, local parish, and in the neighborhood. The children are accepted in schools without any revulsion.

 

Activities

We have identified fifty-one families now. The number is added every week as we discover more people through the church's social workers. Once in two months, a get together meeting is arranged. It helps them to share their problems. Financial help for educating their children and for buying medicines is also provided. In addition, load for self employment schemes, assistance with nutritious foods, and grants for repairing house, among other things