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Sewa Mehat
 Sewa (pictured right with his wife, Narindar) was brought up as a Sikh, the son of Indian parents. His parents arranged his marriage to Narindar, and this proved to be a partnership in every way. They became Christians within weeks of each other, but it wasn't easy for them. Although they were initially rejected by their parents, they found support from the members of St Jude's church, Wolverhampton. They soon took to visiting Asian homes, sharing their faith at meetings or with individuals, and after three years they were investigating how they could work full-time for Him.
They maintained their base at St Jude's and studied for two years at
Bible College. For one summer break they lived in a needy area of Wolverhampton - next door was a house used for prostitution. Here they saw first hand the plight of Asian women and the need for a refuge. In 1985 as Crosslinks mission partners they opened their house to a woman with two children and her
mother-in-law, and the hostel work had begun. They looked for other ways of reaching out to Asians and others and over the years worked closely with volunteers from the Finnish Lutheran Mission.
A bilingual Punjabi/English service started in their house, and within four years they had moved from a room to a hall and then into St Jude's church itself. Enquirers become Christians, and brought in their friends. All
the time, their home was open to those in need to come at any time. Many stayed for long periods. All were prayed for. All saw the love of the Lord Jesus and heard the Good News of the Gospel through them. They became pioneers in the scene of caring for very young Asian women in acute distress. Narindar provided the love and caring support, Sewa protected
the work and made the practical arrangements for college applications, and liaison with police and other appropriate authorities, essential if their work was to continue. In time, the work that Sewa and Narindar had started at St Jude's led to the establishment of a wider work mainly among Asians through Beracah Christian Ministries.
In 1991 Narindar needed treatment for a tumour of the brain which, while leaving her mind clear, gave her a degree of paralysis. Over the past few years Sewa has wonderfully cared for her and has enabled their joint ministry to continue.
Sewa died in September, a true servant of Christ. He is warmly remembered for his common sense and tact, his sense of humour and his humility. His tenacity and his strong sense of purpose and calling kept him going when others might have turned their backs on the difficulties. It was a privilege to know him. As we thank God for his life and ministry,. please continue to pray for Narindar and for the Lord to show the right arrangements for her future.
A thanksgiving service will be held in Wolverhampton in early January. For more details please contact Phil Moon on 01502 572444
Tom Hargrave,
21 -year old son of Alan and Annie Hargrave (mission partners in Northern Argentina 1981-87) died peacefully in October. Do join us in praying for Alan, Annie, Liz, Jo and Ben.
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January 2003 index