LOS ANGELES (ANS) — For video production ministry leader, Alexander Mora, the story he heard about a family who lived in a slum village of India was almost too much to bear.
Mora said that in a recent conversation over the phone, friend Jaladi Mahesh Babu, who leads a ministry in India, told him that there is a report of “a family committing suicide so as to not have to slowly starve to death” because the parents were not able to earn income for food as the result of a Coronavirus lockdown.
Although no other details were available, it is surmised that the parents and their two children, living in a slum village near Tenali, perished as the result of a decision from within the family that life had become too difficult.
Below is the text from an email interview Media on Mission conducted with Mora, founder of Love Story Foundation, based in Los Angeles, about his ministry partnership with Jaladi Mahesh Babu, leader of Precious Gospel Ministry in India. The video, Call4Help – Families In Desperate Need, can be viewed above.
MEDIA ON MISSION: What was your reaction to hearing about a family’s tragedy from Mahesh?
ALEXANDER MORA: I was heartbroken. I experienced a rush of emotions from anguish to extreme sadness, to being angry. Also, helplessness, gratitude about the things I have and take for granted, and even guilt. After feeling these emotions and allowing myself to express them through my tears, I got a prompt from God in my heart that this was exactly part of the reason why Love Story Foundation exists. LSF is here to help in situations like these. Immediately I felt empowered by God to remember my calling, to use my gifts to help, serve and love others.
This tragedy reminded me that a healthy perspective is important. Not that our localized experience is not real or doesn’t hurt, but it reminded me that we will always have trouble in our lives. Trouble does not go away.
The scripture says:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
I will have trouble but in it I have that peace in my circumstance and knowledge of who God is in my life. Through this perspective I remembered that my call is to love others, be the hands and feet, be the light of the world, be the fragrance of Christ… Be the hope for somebody whose current reality is desperation. This is not only my calling but the calling of all of us who proclaim to be Christians… Not selfishness but selflessness.
MoM: How did your friendship with Mahesh start?
MORA: It started through my father. He had already known Mahesh from Facebook as they had encouraged each other about missions and God’s work. In one of the conversations, Mahesh called my dad to encourage him and asked if there was anything he could pray for? My father mentioned that I was going through the loss of my business (end of 2017) and going through a time of transition, beginning with a trip to Baja where I believe I was led by God. Mahesh reached out to me that next morning and I felt a prompt from the Holy Spirit to pick up the phone without really knowning Mahesh. The rest is providence. Love Story Foundation did not even come into existence until 4 months later in April of 2018.
MoM: Tell us a little about the other projects you have already done with Mahesh.
MORA: LSF (through the grace of God) has been able to help PGM build four water bore wells in some of the slum villages in the area that have given 1400 people access to fresh drinking water. That work continues and donation page can be accessed here: gf.me/u/v8cchn. Video here: https://youtu.be/sNZ3WrxZoMo
LSF has been able to help the orphan children with their school supplies and clothing/shoes for school for the past 2 years.
Our foundation has also started a Bible ministry for the slum villages in the area. As people are coming to know Jesus through the bore well ministry, they are asking for the Bible in their language. LSF has been able to get over 100 Bibles, so far, including large letter Bibles for the elderly.
MoM: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Mora: I want to encourage those that are reading this story. This is not just about how you can get involved with what LSF is doing. This is about introspection and from my part edification. Covid-19 gives us all a fresh reminder about the importance of reprioritization in our walk as Christians. What truly is and should be our priority. What has God long been calling you to?
What has God long been putting in your heart, that weighs heavy, where you say “God I know this is what I should be doing with my time, but have not for XYZ reasons.”
We have all been called for a very specific purpose. Only you know what that is, and if you do not, maybe it is time to start asking God to reveal that to you. (Be careful what you ask for and count the cost. It will be the most beautiful, peace-filled, struggle, yet full of a meaningful life you may have never encountered!) If you do know what that is then I want to spur you on into stepping out in faith. Watch God do the miracle in your life.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.…” – Hebrews 10:23-25
Be encouraged to step out in faith. Step out in faith now. Yes, during this difficult time. We can stand on the promise that God has given us.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Maybe life will turn back to normal at some point. Have you ever thought that maybe God never wanted your life to be what the world calls normal? Maybe He has been calling you to an extraordinary life, and this is that moment in time. God bless you, my family. Be encouraged.
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