Tears started rolling down Sylvester’s face as volunteers from our Indian outreach center served him a hot lunch. The man’s once stylish clothes were dirty and wrinkled. He couldn’t remember the last time he sat down to eat. His thoughts went back to a very opposite past.

Sylvester’s skill as a chef had taken him to countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, England and Germany. Food consumed his existence. But the high life took its’ toll as he began excessively drinking. Soon Sylvester’s marriage ended and he was left penniless. Debtors threatened his life, forcing him to flee to Hyderabad’s streets.

Sylvester’s situation is not uncommon in India. One in four people living in India live below the poverty line. In order to continue helping the countless malnourished and sick individuals living on the streets, Operation Blessing India began its’ campaign against Hunger and Disease in April of 2004. Neglected, abused and rejected children and adults were invited to be guests at a special lunch theatre.

Staff and volunteers encouraged hundreds of tattered people to sit down in traditional style. Sylvester and the others enjoyed a passion play and ate a nutritious and filling lunch. After relaxing in the safe environment, guests were treated to free medical care and medicine if needed.

Many of these hopeless hearts began to experience joy again as commitments were made to help them get jobs or learn a marketable skill. Sylvester became determined to begin again! As of this writing, he has moved in with relatives, and looks forward to the potential of a new life.

There are a lot of “Sylvesters” out on poverty’s streets. They need someone to tell them it’s not too late for a second chance. Often, it doesn’t take a lot to help someone start over again in life. Like in this case, all it took was an invitation to lunch and a kind word of encouragement and you can help.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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