DECEMBER 15tH 2020

Sometimes in this world, extraordinary things can be done by ordinary people. The story in the advent calendar today is about one such person. Read the story, and think what you can do that perhaps you didn't think you were capable of!

​This is the true story (supplied by one of our parishioners) of a  living Person whose actions  resembles  Mother Teresa of India.
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The Founder of NAVA JEEVAN TRUST IN INDIA.
 
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood holy nation, God's spiritual possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light[ 1 peter 2;9]”
 
Mr P .U Thomas born in 1950's into a middle class family at Kottayam District in INDIA. From childhood he prayed to Jesus, “Mother Mary help me”. From the very young age he felt sympathy towards the poor and needy. When he was started school and saw children who has had no food, he gave his meal to them. At that time poverty was everywhere except in the rich families, Thomas also knew what hunger felt like. He left the school and did some hard works such as metaling (making big stones to small pieces) and with that money he bought food for his friends

One time he ran away from home with one of his friend in search of a job made some money to help others in a worse off situation. However, because of hardships and punishments he used to cry. And often he thought of going back home. Eventually he went back home and restarted school. Unfortunately for a while he had suffered with abdominal pain which meant that he couldn’t continue going to school. By now things had got so bad that he had an operation and was admitted in the hospital. During this time he made so many friends with doctors and other workers. He was healed ad became returned to good health. During this time also he was desperate to help others by collecting food from the hostels and giving to the needed ones in the hospital.

As a result, he got a temporary job as a porter in the same hospital where he was admitted. There he continued with charity work by giving food to the needy even from his salary. Later he got the permanent job in the same hospital and he continued to support the local individuals in need.

He got married and had 5 children. Four girls and one son who was born with Autism. He happily accepted and loved the child as he knew already it was his gift from God. Even though he and his family has to go through so many sufferings, he never stopped trying to helping others. At one time though he received help from other people., when his daughter needed £800 for urgent school fees, and they had no money at home. Mr Thomas was unable to pay and simply did not know what to do.

In the morning there came an old man in his 80's asked whether this is Mr Thomas's house, he said yes, the visitor give him £1000 and said this is for your daughter and he went away. Mr Thomas was telling people that even now he doesn’t know who that person was, but he was sure that it was a blessing from God!

Today, he has got a large home for his family and acquaintances, with about 200 people in it. He says it is his extended family, with some of them bedridden. Recently 178 of them were tested Covid positive, despite this, most of the m treated at home, with very few needing to be transferred to hospital . By the grace of Lord all became Covid negative and returned togood health. As a result of helping others throughout his life, he has got many awards and prizes. He visited Mother Teresa in Calcutta and stayed few days there. He got prize and appreciation from Pope Frances. He has done this service for 54 years. Supplying food for 5000 people in different hospitals. He has made this service as a trust known as NAVA JEEVAN TRUST.

The word “Nava Jeevan” means NEW LIFE, which is is very appropriate as we aim to overcome adversity and move into hope at this advent time. How can we help others in need?
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If you would like to find out more about this amazing person and the work that is carried out, please visit https://www.navajeevantrustktm.org/

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