Imran
Imran, the first person to accept the truth in the Muslim community we engage, was the first one in our community to experience tremendous loss during the pandemic. India had been on complete lockdown. For nearly three months, there was no transportation available and food shops were open for limited hours. The lockdown was eventually lifted, and many resumed a more normal way of life. At this time there had not been any cases of COVID-19 in our community or in surrounding areas that we knew of.
A couple weeks later, we heard that a local shop owner in an area adjacent to our area was diagnosed with COVID-19. Soon after, we heard about another diagnosis: a young man in a community nearer to ours who had friends in our community; we had been in direct contact with his mom. The following week many attended a local wedding. Imran and his father were part of this wedding, and a few days later, his father became ill and had some trouble breathing. After testing positive for the virus, they decided he should go to the hospital for further treatment, even with the additional risk due to the overwhelming conditions. On Monday, his dad walked to the ambulance that was required to pick him up for transport to the hospital. On Saturday, his family was informed that his dad was moved to ICU, and early Sunday morning they received the call that he had passed away.
Of course, this shocked everyone. With no known prior health issues and having only mild symptoms, no one expected him to pass away. He was the first person diagnosed in our community and the first death from COVID-19. Culturally, when others grieve, the community grieves together, but with the restrictions, fears, and unknowns due to the virus, those in their community did not respond with the care and concern typically shown when someone dies. We knew that Imran’s family needed help and support. We knew that God wanted us to show His love to them during this time. We went to their house every day to bring them food, medicine, whatever they needed. Others from the community who are part of our weekly gatherings also stepped up and cared for the family, helping them during their darkest time of need— despite the risks involved.
With no known prior health issues and having only mild symptoms, no one expected him to pass away.
This was a very difficult time for us to navigate culturally, but we were and are convinced that God’s love reigns above cultural norms. When there is a need, God provides ways for us to take action and pray. Now months later, our gathering remains strong. We have seen many of them grow because of these steps of faith, and our faith has grown as well!
Every believer is called to go
Whether to your neighbor across the street or to the nations across the world. At Live Dead, we exist to take the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have never heard in the countries that have limited to no access to this good news. We seek to mobilize advocates, both individuals and churches, to pray, speak, give, and go for the sake of unreached people groups. How will you join us in this work?
