“ l^OTHARA!” The name struck fear into the hearts of l v the natives who lived in the District of Amravati. The word Kothara means, “ the place where cobras live.” Cobras were not the main reason that Kothara was a dreaded name. Kothara was called a leprosarium, but actually it was a place to go to die. There was very little treatment given to those afflicted with either leprosy or tuberculosis, and Kothara housed both diseases. Women, swaying in perfect grace, as they carried large burdens on their heads, pulled a loose end of their sari across their noses to stop the sickish, sweet odor of leprosy. Men nodded their heads from shoulder to shoulder, India-style, as they reviewed the latest gossip. A patient had committed a murder recently within Kothara, and so many lepers had killed themselves month after month rather than live in abject hopelessness. It was said that a new sahib had come to work at the house of the forsaken ones. He had best go back to his own country. There was no help for those who had not appeased the gods with marigold blossoms, or rice. It was better for them to die, for if they had performed their religious duties well, they might come back in a higher caste, in one of the hundreds of re-births. As for the new Sahib, his life was in danger among the low caste and dying ones. Kali, the god of disease, might become angry with him. Tom Major, the new Sahib missionary to Central India, was completely oblivious to the contemplation among the natives concerning his fate. As he stood looking out upon the wild, grass matted plains of Kothara, he began to understand why the India govern ment had granted him the supervision of over one hun dred people considered lower than beasts of labor. The 20-acre parcel of land looked even less promising. Tom had poked at the walls that were crumbling from lack of care. In doing so, he uncovered snakes that were curled up in holes that had been arranged conveniently for their comfort by time. When he inspected the well, cobras had raised hooded heads, daring him to disturb them, for they were an object of worship among most of the people, especially the higher castes. Two build ings were being lured by nature to return to their orig inal state—mud mixed with cow dung. Great holes in the roof were at least letting in the air, but upon close scrutiny also housed more snakes, innumerable rats, and tarantulas. The wriggling night crawlers that scur ried under loose straw that had fallen from the ceiling, were really deadly kraits. Naturally, the mosquitoes were thick. Even though he had received shots for ma laria, Tom did not enjoy the thought of having these carriers bite him. “ Could it be that the officials hoped to discourage foreign missionaries when they stamped the papers giving me the care of the Kothara Leprosarium?” ques tioned Tom. “What Christ has called you to do, Christ is able to accomplish through you,” flashed a thought straight from the Holy Spirit. Comforted, Tom scanned the redundant growth that covered the 20 acres of land, skipping the possibilities that he might be attacked by wild beasts or reptiles when he began his work in the field. A giant plan began to form in his mind. He visualized a fertile plain, pro ducing valuable crops, enough to help feed the wretched people at Kothara. The rude shelters would be replaced by two wards, one for the men and one for the women. The giant banyan tree would be kept and a white church
Shortage of Miracles Cobra Land
V e r n i c e L . S e l l a r s
T o m Ma j o r k F a m i l y j
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T H E K IN G 'S BU SIN ESS
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