From Michael Esh

I am writing this email from Northeast India. However, my family and I are not in Manipur, where we typically go and where For One Life’s ministry is located, but in a neighbouring state. The trip that used to be just over an hour from the closest airport to our house is not possible at the moment, so the next closest airport requires a 15 hour drive through the rugged mountains. We decided not to do that with our two young children.

But travel is not the only thing affected by this conflict that is now in its eighth month.

As the situation drags on, the economic impact is starting to take a toll. This week, Al Jazeera did a piece on the topic. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read it.

This article focuses primarily on some of the larger businesses in the state. If the impact on those companies is to this level, imagine the countless smaller companies that provide a livelihood for many villagers.

A core part of For One Life’s work has always been Community Development. We strongly believe in assisting people with their physical needs right alongside their spiritual needs. I believe we are going to have an even bigger opportunity in that area in the coming years as this community heals and rebuilds.

Thousands of people have lost their homes and their means of earning an income and are living in camps right in our hometown of Churachandpur, and we have been working with several organizations to provide medical care and other relief.

This week we are launching a new program focused on helping some of them get back on their feet.

Handwoven goods are in high demand in Manipur. Traditional skirts, shawls, and scarves are commonly worn by the local people, and there is a good market for those items. Many of the tribal women are highly skilled in weaving. We will be providing the materials to displaced women to weave their first piece. After selling that item, they will be able to use the “seed” money to buy the materials for their next piece, and so on. We will also be purchasing and providing them access to weaving equipment.

If you would like to be a part of this project, please consider making a tax-deductible donation toward the purchase of equipment and supplies.

We appreciate you and your support during this difficult time for the people of Manipur.

Michael Esh
International Director
FOR ONE LIFE