Vuyiroli – Light of Life

Vuyiroli is a Christian charity based in southern India just outside of Chennai.   Despite what one may think the extended family where the younger members care for their elderly relatives is breaking down and today many elderly folk are taken to the railway station, hospital entrance and other busy places and left on the street.  Pastor Rajkumar saw the need and sought to help these people in 1999 by placing them in short stay homes.  In 2006 a permanent home was opened for 30 residents.   Today the home consists of four dormitories for 55 residents with a kitchen, a lounge and a garden with a bid cage together with a clinic and a meeting room for Christian worship.

As one will be aware from the news a second wave of coronavirus has hit India hard and in Chennai 3,000 new cases are being reported every day but they are able to give thanks and praise to God for His wonderful care and love in safeguarding every resident in the home.  However, there are many challenges in not only keeping the home infection free but also in abiding by the restrictions imposed by the Government,  Meeting the day-to-day needs of the home is difficult.

Update: May 15, 2021

The first resident in the home tested positive on May 5 and subsequently 16 residents one member of staff have tested positive for the virus.  Initially they were taken to the local government hospital but they advised that they should be kept in our home under quarantine and treatment.  This also means that precautions need to be taken with some treatment for our other residents and staff.

The Government has imposed a lockdown, currently until May 24, which is making obtaining supplies difficult

Another issue which is currently affecting the work is that from April 1, 2021 in order to receive overseas donations a special bank account is required to be held with the main branch of the State Bank of India in Delhi.  The requirements to open and operate the account are quite stringent.