India (MNN) — Samson Parekh knows the hurt of a life without Christ, but also, as a former drug addict, he knows firsthand how Christ can transform lives.
That's why he has devoted his whole life to sharing this with other hurting individuals around him. As the newest team member of Orphan Outreach, one thing he does now is provide counseling and a listening ear to people still struggling through the aftermath of the Orissa tragedies.
Parekh is a native of India and served with Operation Mobilization for six years when he first became a Christian, traveling to remote villages across the country and experiencing many trials for his faith. However, he said this only strengthened his faith.
After this and earning his doctorate, Parekh still had a strong desire to minister to the unreached of India. He started teaching in a small village seminary, while his wife started Jivan Anand Charitable Trust for orphans and poor children. Later, he was appointed president of Union Biblical Seminary in Pune. However, he cared more about the evangelism aspects of his role than the administrative.
So, this last June, Parekh started working for Orphan Outreach. Currently, he and his family serve at the Elwin Parekh Children's Home, named in memory of his young son who passed away. They now home 20 girls, giving them basic necessities, education and the message of Christ.
With Orphan Outreach, Parekh also counsels children and provides training for orphanage staff.
"Americans need to know of the vast needs involved with taking care of orphans and neglected and suffering children in India," Parekh said on the Orphan Outreach Web site.
Ultimately, he said visiting and seeing firsthand is the biggest incentive for helping. Visit Orphan Outreach's Web site to donate or consider taking a trip to India.
