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Introduction / History
It was like any other day at the medical clinic in the Bondo village. A loud scream from a little child made the nurses set aside their work and rush out to investigate. The cry had come from Lakshmi's hut, where four children were standing outside the door, wide-eyed.

"Amma said not to let anyone inside," the eldest one said, trembling. "I think she's going to die." The clinic workers forced open the door. Inside, Lakshmi was standing on a wooden plank and tying a heavy rope to a rafter. With a cry, she stepped away from them. "Please don't stop me," she begged. "It hurts so badly. I can't stand it anymore."

For the past several months, Lakshmi was taking medicines for her pain from the Christian clinic, but there was no relief. The severe pain had driven her to put an end to her life. With much persuasion, she agreed to seek medical help from the mission hospital, a long way from her village. Willing to try anything, she went.

Days later, Lakshmi returned to the clinic, crying out in pain. "When I went to the hospital, the doctor told me that the next time I had pain, I must come to you, and you would tell your God about my pain. Please, tell your God about me. I am
in terrible pain!" The medical team prayed over Lakshmi and she returned home. Miraculously, Lakshmi is now relieved
from her pain.

Where are they located?
Bondos are found in the hilly areas of Orissa.

What are their lives like?
They are primarily agriculturalists, but also hunt, collect forest produce and work as labourers.

What are their beliefs?
Bondos are mainly animistic in faith, but a few are Hindus. Most of them are very hostile to any outsiders. Missionaries who serve them demonstrate the love of God through their actions. God uses them to reveal Himself and His power to heal.

What are their needs?
Though the area is rich in resources, the Bondo are poverty stricken. Children with swollen bellies, an unhygienic environment and contaminated water sources are all common sights.

The team is also translating God's Word into Bondo. We can look forward to a day when Bondos hear the message of God's love in their own language and respond to His invitation.

Prayer Points
Sustainable development to meet the economic, social and educational needs of the Bondo.
God to enable the team to develop culturally acceptable forms for communicating the Gospel, leading to their transformation.
The Bondo community to see the true, sinless Lamb of God, through the Word of God translated in their mother tongue.

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