A simple rickshaw puller

Mission India literacy class gives drug addict his first hope for freedom

24 May 2010

If you saw 23 year old Chaz pedaling his rickshaw down India’s busy, bustling streets, there are a few things you probably wouldn’t guess about him:

• Chaz grew up in poverty and was never able to go to school.
• Chaz was a notorious street fighter in his local community.
• Chaz was addicted to drugs. The money he earned as a rickshaw puller was immediately used to fuel his addiction.

Chaz was utterly miserable. He desperately wanted freedom from his drug addictions and he tried many times to quit.

But he just couldn’t.

Then, one day, everything changed. A teacher met Chaz and invited him to join in the Adult Literacy Class starting in his local area.

Excited, Chaz immediately enrolled in classes. At first, he struggled with the material but pressed on, determined to learn how to read and write. And Chaz succeeded.

The volunteer literacy teacher also shared the Christian message with her students. Listening to her, Chaz felt a stirring in his heart. He knew he needed the forgiveness Jesus offered through his death on the cross.

With outstretched arms, Chaz prayed to the Lord and received Jesus as his Saviour.

And Chaz wanted, more than anything, to overcome his drug addictions. He prayed earnestly that God would transform his life and free him from his addictions.

And God did!

Chaz is grateful that God chose to adopt him ... a simple rickshaw puller ... as His son. Today, Chaz boldly shares his testimony with others in his community!

Give the gift of literacy in India

Your gift of £18 will enroll one student in our 52-week Adult Literacy Class.

Mission India provides teacher training, a stipend for the teacher and class materials in a regional Indian language. The class materials include three Bible-based lesson booklets for each student, slates and chalk for students, a large chalkboard for teachers and a kerosene lantern as many classes are held during the early evening hours of darkness.

If you can make a donation, please call us on 01435 863036. You can donate by credit/debit card, or request a giving form. (We will soon have a facility available to give online.)

Thank you for your help and support.