Kindness in the Neighborhood

Nestled in the mountains of central Sri Lanka, little villages dot the country landscape. Thousands of acres are covered with tea plantations that require constant work.

Women in saris and long aprons work long hours every day, rain or shine. They carefully pick tea leaves by hand. Since each worker is paid by the amount of tea leaves she has harvested, she picks as quickly as she can to help support her family.

Married grown-ups Ravi* and Madu* moved to one of these mountain villages. Shortly after moving into their new home, they went from house to house, introducing themselves to their neighbors. It wasn’t long before the friendly couple and their children became acquainted with almost everyone around them. Ravi invited anyone who was interested to come to their house for Bible studies.

For the first time, they are learning that Jesus loves and cares about them very much.

Soon they built a small bamboo enclosure at the back of their house where Madu offered to teach English and music to children during school breaks. The children loved the new songs, and their parents were proud of how quickly they learned. Sometimes their grandparents sat outside the bamboo classroom to listen and learn along with them.

As a result of Ravi’s and Madu’s kindness and friendliness, several small groups in their village are meeting together to worship and to study the Bible. For the first time, they are learning that Jesus loves and cares about them very much.

By showing their care and concern for those around them, Ravi and Madu and their children have modeled a Christlike spirit to their neighbors. They are doing what they can in their community. What can you do where you live?

*Names have been changed.