25,000 At-Risk Individuals Receive Free Vitamins

On 8th March 2011, Patna diocese held blindness control programs which benefited 10 communities in different locations of Bihar. The program was inaugurated by honored guest Dr. K.P. Ramaiah, Commissioner of Patna and Principal Secretary to Social Justice and Empowerment for the government of Bihar.

 Dr. K.P. Ramaiah opened the event by lighting a traditional lamp. While delivering his inaugural address, he talked about disparities in the society that have created an ugly and grim picture of injustice. He said the need of the hour is to give due importance to the welfare of the poor and downtrodden. He cited an example from the Bible, saying the greatest love a person can have for others is love for the most poor and downtrodden.

 Bishop M.A. Lalachan shared that God’s passion is to establish a healthy community on earth that reflects the nature of God. He said the church is motivated by its love for God to serve others.

 The blindness control program provided poor children and communities with the basic nutrients needed to keep their vision intact and also with supplements to fight malnutrition-linked diseases and other preventable illnesses. Through this initiative, Believers Church gave free Vitamin A tablets to 25,000 people living in extreme poverty and at risk of blindness or death due to Vitamin A deficiency.

 This program was covered by the Hindustan Times, the Telegraph and Times of India.

 Believers Church places great importance on caring for the needy and building up local communities. This blindness control program is one of many taking place throughout South Asian nations.