Indian Ministry Reaches Out to Young 'Untouchables'

by Allie Martin
October 11, 2004

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(AgapePress) - A Christian native of India is working to overcome cultural hurdles and help orphans in that country, where he says they are often treated worse than animals.

Ashish Massey

Ashish Massey was attending school at Oral Roberts University when he says God put a desire in his heart to return to his native country of India and make a difference in the lives of orphans from the lowest caste of society. He proceeded to found the North India Evangelistic Association (NIEA) and opened the Faith Community School and Children's Home.

Massey notes that the orphans in the home are looked upon as "untouchables," according to the traditional caste system observed in India. "We've heard about Apartheid in South Africa and about segregation in America," he says, "but this is Hindu Apartheid. It is part of the Hindu religious system."

This exploitive social category system was designed by the Brahmins, the religious elite in Hindu society, the NIEA founder explains. Naturally the members of this priestly caste placed themselves at the top of the social status hierarchy. "They are the ones who created this," he says, also noting, "The Brahmins created the caste system so they can exploit the lowest caste make them work for free."

Massey feels it is unfortunate that the Western media refuses to expose and highlight the caste system, which he considers to be a systemic form of slavery. The head of Faith Community School and Children's Home says Christ is the only hope for people trapped in the caste system. Those young untouchables rescued by the Christian facility are given essential resources and a chance at a different kind of existence.

"When we get them out and bring them into our children's home," Massey points out, "you are giving them a new life live where they learn everything from how to wear nice, clean clothes and how to go to school, read and write, to how to live a healthy life and worship Jesus."

Although he hopes someday to see his ministry reach the goal of self-sufficiency, Massey says currently NIEA must depend heavily on church partners, Christian donors, and monthly sponsors. A tax-deductible gift of $35 pays for one child's education, food, clothing and shelter for a month. Gifts can be sent to North India Evangelistic Association, P.O. Box 702925, Tulsa, OK 74170.