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A conclave presented by influential news weekly India Today invited specialists from various sectors to speak on India tomorrow: bridging the divide. My imagination envisions India tomorrow: a transformed nation as we encounter transformation-often through women.

We were astonished recently to learn that half a village (a majority of women) near a Dalit Education Centre wanted to embrace Christianity. Several visits to a Yeshu Darbar (gathering of seekers) followed by healings, participation in our women's empowerment programs and the presence of the Dalit Education Centre itself had all played a significant role. Villagers felt accepted, loved and cared for by Jesus and His people. The largest impact was when people saw that we practice what we proclaim. They now want a worship service in their village and are keen to learn more about Jesus, well aware of the hope in Him to change their lives, families and community.

Dr. Donald McGavran, church growth expert, used the phrase bridges of God to refer to segments of society that are responsive to the gospel. People at the bottom of the social ladder-despised, neglected, disinherited, marginalized-have nothing to lose and are often among the most receptive. In our Indian experience, women are often chosen to be God's bridges because they are most receptive and quick to respond. Though subject to legal and human rights violations by social traditions and customs, physical weakness, and burdens as caretakers of families, Indian women struggle for emancipation and against ill health, discrimination, illiteracy, and poverty. They seek greater meaning in their lives, and today some are experiencing God's revelation, enlightened with the truth that they are made in the image of God.

The story of the Samaritan woman (John 4:4-42) is a powerful example of community transformation and exemplifies a typical Indian Dalit woman. Under the midday sun, the woman comes alone to draw water, isolated from other women in her community. Vulnerable to assault or accusation, she cannot ignore the cultural and religious boundaries that define her life.

In approaching and asking for water, Jesus broke through many cultural barriers. Jews did not ask such things of Samaritans; men did not ask such things of women unknown to them, and were doubly reticent if they questioned her reputation. Yet Jesus engaged her in conversation, made her comfortable despite having knowledge of her personal life, and revealed Himself as the Messiah. Jesus' words were totally unexpected by her, yet it was his loving acceptance and nonjudgmental attitude which made her transformation possible. Her shame forgotten, she was now strong enough to risk ridicule and anger by going back to tell her people about Jesus. Her transformation from 'sinner to sender' happened during that short journey-a new identity by whom many were brought into the kingdom of God.

Throughout His ministry Jesus repeatedly gave evidence that He values women. By his deliberate interaction with the woman of Samaria, Jesus declared that the kingdom of God transcends all cultural, traditional and religious barriers established to separate and isolate us from one another.

The Samaritan woman's life was transformed as she began ministry among her own people. The dignity and acceptance she experienced empowered her. Having encountered Jesus, she left immediately for the city to tell her story to the very people she avoided meeting everyday. The truth of her life-which she wanted to hide-she now announces publicly. With new boldness she faces her community. The essence of the story is a woman's plain, straightforward testimony (v. 39-42). And "Many...believed in Him because of the woman's testimony".

The condition of women is one of the most pressing issues crying out for a solution in India today. Our efforts are directed towards protecting their dignity and modesty and treating them with love, care and acceptance so that they will be God's bridges, effective in drawing their communities into God's Kingdom. Ultimately it is God who renews and transforms today as He did 2000 years ago at a well: by using the same fragile, vulnerable, weaker vessels to transform communities. As God does His part, we commit ourselves to encourage and honour the dignity of women, listening to their voices and their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs, and striving to respond in timely and appropriate ways.

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Foot Notes
* Photo above: Debbie Meroff OM
* See the International Update by Peter Maiden