RELIGIOUS bodies are not only confined to their religious activities but also hold the responsibility to help the community during a trying time.
This was what Beautiful Gate Resources (BGR) director Rev Josephine Kumarathevan said when she was asked about the charitable work that her church is currently engaged in.
According to Josephine, the BGR is a social wing of Oneplace Sanctuary (church), which was formed in June this year with the mission to reach out to those who have been affected economically during this pandemic.
“We wanted to help our community during this challenging time and at the same time we also have received requests from people for food aid.
“So, that was when my husband and I decided to form a social wing to help out the needy.
“Praise God, our well-wishers came in to support our initiative and I would like to thank them for their generosity and thoughtfulness,’’ said Josephine when she was contacted by the Buletin Mutiara team today.
Her husband, Rev Kumarathevan Balakrishnan, is the senior pastor of the church and BGR adviser.
Josephine said so far, their team has distributed essential food items as well as household items to some 600 families on both the island and mainland.
“We have a total of 12 volunteers who are dedicated in serving the community and they help to distribute the aid three times a month, depending on our sponsors.
“Some of our recipients are those we have followed up and some are new ones. Just recently, we decided to provide bedridden individuals with adult diapers and milk powder.
“Another new initiative under our programme is the #feedwithlove programme where we provide lunch meals and snacks for teatime for the poor and those who are jobless,’’ added Josephine.
“Most importantly, help is given regardless of race and religion. It is done on humanitarian basis, even for some Myanmarese, Indonesians and Chinese nationals,’’ said Josephine.
Josephine also shared that the BGR desires to help the community in various ways so as to reach out to more people.
“Apart from what we are doing now, we are also planning to diversify our assistance to cater to more groups in the community,’’ Josephine said.
Those who need assistance can contact Rev Josephine at 017-982 9173
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of Beautiful Gate Resources