Remembering Graham Staines

Graham Stuart Staines, an Australian missionary, impacted the poor in India through his dedicated work. Born September 24, 1941, Staines devoted his life to serving others, particularly those afflicted by leprosy in India.

He arrived in India in 1965 to serve as a missionary with his wife, Gladys. They initially worked in the southern state of Tamil Nadu before moving to Orissa (now Odisha). Initially, he focused on providing medical assistance and support to individuals affected by leprosy, a disease that often carried social stigma and isolation.

Their work was to show Christ's love to local people. The Staines’ commitment to their mission earned them the respect and admiration of many locals. They established the Mayurbhanj Leprosy Home in Baripada, offering medical treatment, rehabilitation, and education to leprosy patients. However, Staines' work was not limited to addressing physical ailments but extended to fostering a sense of community and dignity among those marginalised by society.

Everything was fine until January 22, 1999, when Graham Staines and his two sons, Philip (aged 10) and Timothy (aged 6), were brutally murdered by a mob while sleeping in their vehicle in Manoharpur village, Orissa. The attackers torched the jeep in which the three were sleeping after a medical camp, burning them to death. The attackers justified their actions, accusing of forced conversions, fueling religious tensions in the region.

Gladys Staines displayed a remarkable spirit of forgiveness and resilience; she chose not to harbour hatred, emphasising the values of love and compassion that her husband had embodied. The Staines family's legacy endures through the continued work of the Mission Hospitals and the Graham Staines Memorial Hospital in Baripada, which provides medical care to the underserved.

Persecution of Christians continues in India as Jesus had warned that his disciples would be persecuted (John 16:33). Jesus was persecuted, his disciples were persecuted, and early church fathers were persecuted. But, the most significant promise from our god is that he will never leave us, for he has conquered the earth, so we can also overcome the powers of persecution.

However, Graham Staines' enduring legacy is not just one of tragedy but also compassion, selflessness, and the resilience of the human spirit. His life's work inspires individuals and organisations committed to positively impacting the lives of the less fortunate, transcending barriers and promoting a world of greater understanding and harmony.