Leaving everything she knew, Teresa fled to find refuge
Discover how Teresa found refuge and renewed faith after fleeing violence in Manipur, India through Tearfund’s emergency relief.
As violence suddenly erupted in Manipur, India, Teresa Mane Chand fled with her children to find refuge.
In Manipur, India, escalating religious and ethnic tensions have triggered widespread violence, leaving many communities in ruins and forcing many to flee their homes. Clashes between rival groups have caused significant destruction and loss. As conflict spread, Teresa and countless others were forced to abandon everything and seek safety. This ongoing crisis has led to severe displacement, damage, and an urgent need for aid.
Before the attacks began, Teresa’s life was already challenging. Her husband had left her with their son and daughter, leaving her alone to parent them alone. Her earnings as a housemaid have made it difficult to pay for necessities such as food and clothing, and she can only afford to send her son to school.
On top of this burdensome situation, Teresa’s health has rapidly declined recently, making work far more difficult. Her sister used to be able to support her financially, but can no longer help. The physical and emotional strain on Teresa is overwhelming. “When I think of my past, I become very emotional,” she explains.
Then one night, gunshots were fired near Teresa’s home. With just enough time to grab her children, they fled, taking only the clothes they wore. With the compassion of kind strangers, their family landed in Lamka just outside of Manipur. From there, it was an arduous journey to the Mizoram relief camp, taking the long road to avoid fees and the ongoing effects of the Meitei people. Arriving empty-handed, hungry, and exhausted, Teresa could only hope that this camp had enough resources to feed her desperate, young children.
This relief camp offered much-needed shelter and rest for Teresa and her family. Through Tearfund’s partner EFICOR, they were given food rations for at least 3 months. Some of the refugees shared that the food given to them lasted even longer! Teresa shared, “We are very grateful to EFICOR, because otherwise we will leave, or we will starve.” She was given hope after God answered her prayers for food, and gratefully expressed gratitude toward Tearfund: “It’s a plan of God to send you here to visit us.”
After a few months of resting in this relief camp, Teresa can now say “We are in peace now, here.” Despite the ongoing challenges, her faith and prayers were made tangible through the food relief, and she praises God for his presence in her life. “Thank you,” she says.
Through Tearfund’s partnership with EFICOR, Teresa and many others have found hope in the darkest shadows of poverty. Tearfund’s emergency relief provided more than just a lifeline, but a spark of hope in the ashes that often surround them. Tearfund works in the darkest corners, bringing the love of Jesus Christ through meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Thanks to donors like you, people like Teresa are given a second chance at hope and life.
