It was not with the excess cash that he put aside after the demands of a comfortable lifestyle were satisfied, that Raju put up his hospice. The cornerstone was the vision that was born of the gospel teaching to share even the little he had.

Raju, son of Simon and Mariam, had settled in Padamugham, Kottayam, eight years ago. He had entered the charismatic renewal in 1987. To help the poor was a long- cherished dream of his. With the scanty savings from his grocery shop and a government loan, he put up Sneha Mandir on the ten-cent plot purchased with the money his sister in Italy sent him. This house comprising two rooms and a kitchen, began functioning as a refuge for the abandoned on March 23rd 1997 with three inmates. Today about fifty six destitutes are recipients of the blessings that Raju's compassion and love have drawn down from heaven. Six volunteers including a nun take care of these inmates. Mental patients, the physically handicapped and the mentally backward are the ones who are nursed and comforted in the shade of this mandir of love.

Bhavani, picked up from a car shed, Mandatha, who was keeping herself alive on waste food, Ponnamma, the scare of jeep drivers who were the target of her stone-throwing (fifteen drivers had to use muscle power to bring her), Jessy, a blind girl, Mala a T.B. patient, Joy, whose unceasing refrain was that he has sent to the government the 6 crore marks he secured in the S.S.L.C, are all members of this household. It was to Georgin who had no home to go back to from Kottayam Medical College that Sneha Mandir first opened its doors. It is the love and security usually found in the bosom of a happy family that these people get here.

Generous benefactors provide meals on special occasions like baptism, death anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations. Some give donations. A day's expense comes up to Rs 1200/- "After this house was established I have had to spend money on just 7 kilos of rice," says Raju. Those who visit Sneha Mandir and are apprised of the requirements there, contribute their mite, providing cereals, vegetables and other necessities.

The day begins at 4 A.M. in Sneha Mandir. The first act of service is cleaning and washing the sick and other inmates. Breakfast is at 9 A.M. Next comes the recitation of a chain of rosaries- sixty a day. Prayer again from 12 noon for one hour. At one o'clock all are ready for the noon meal.

Every Thursday at 2 P.M. there is the ministry of the word of God. It is through prayer that Sneha Mandir builds up strength, says Raju. This strength has touched and healed many. Around twelve have been healed of mental illness. Six have been taken back by their families . Valsamma, whom love has brought back to normalcy is the story-teller of the group, regaling visitors with the story of Lazurus being raised to life and the miracle of Cana. Mental patients are taken to Mulamattom, Mental Hospital, Painkulam once a month for a check up.

During the early years of Raju's life, when he was suffering from contempt and negligence that pierced his heart like so many arrows, Raju's eldest daughter had a dream-her daddy with a bag in his hands busy looking after the poor. This was an incentive to Raju to bring to fruition the long-cherished desire to be of service to destitutes and to experience the marvels of God's providence.

While this loving presence stands as a monument reflecting the Christian vision of service, the selfless participation of Raju's wife, Shiny, adds splendour to this home of the poor. Raju's grocery shop is now run by Shiny . God is using her not only to support her family but also to comfort and bring solace and sustenance to fifty six unfortunate human beings. Nibin, Nivya and Neetu are the children of this couple.

Raju's heart-ache is that he cannot accommodate all who need his care. And another, his helplessness to provide separate rooms for the three mental patients who have also contracted T.B.

Along with Raju, are Deepti, Rani, Lizzi, Tessy, Xavier, Chackachan and Manju adding light and colour to the life of the inmates by their selfless services.

Let us admire and appreciate the generosity and enterprising spirit of Raju who has grasped the great truth that those who roam the streets are his own brothers sisters. May many draw inspiration from Raju's life, to participate in such works of mercy!

Address:

Sneha Mandir, Padamugham P.O,
Idukki - 685 604, Kerala, INDIA

Phone: +91-486-863460