Mission to Sabarkantha

Published by Joy Burke foundation.
Mission to Sabarkantha is the story of a Christian woman missionary, Rinaben, who lives among the Dungri Garasiya Bhils in Sabarkantha, north Gujarat. She loves the adivasi women with whom she works, and knows that she has their love in return.

But there are problems. Because Rinaben is reflective, and challenges the ways things are usually done, she is disliked by many of her peers. There are few people to talk to and discuss her ideas. One of them is the priest, Xavier Raj, a fellow missionary, who offers support and clarity. Another is Sabina Fernandes, a young woman from Bombay, come to Sabarkantha for a break. Sabina admires Rinaben and wishes she were like her.

But there are worse problems: the right-wing Hindu political party is determined to expel   all missionaries from the area, and crush the local tribal Christians. Hostilities begin, skirmishes take place, and the local missionaries find themselves unable to handle the violent aggression.

These changed circumstances mean that Rinaben must re-consider how she sees her future. With every passing day, Rina’s mission to Sabarkantha becomes more dangerous.