Tragic accident kills India women's leader

Fresno, Calif.

The two were riding on the back of a motor scooter, driven by her husband, Menno Joel, when their vehicle was bumped by an auto-rickshaw. Mrs. Joel and her daughter were thrown into a roadside river, where they drowned, despite all rescue attempts. Menno and two other children riding between the couple were not seriously injured.

The mishap occurred near Hyderabad as the family was returning to its home in Shamshabad, after attending church. The funeral service was held on July 8.

Karuna Joel's leadership, teaching gifts and personal warmth enabled her to make a lasting, significant contribution to the India Conference. Under her guidance the women's movement has ministered in jails, provided relief for the poor and fostered efforts of reconciliation.

Earlier this year, through her initiative, a widow's fund began assisting 40 widows of deceased MB pastors and evangelists. Some had been reduced to begging for food and clothing.

The fund relies primarily on gifts from Indian women. As she promoted the fund among women's groups, Karuna inspired many women to donate two rupees per month--the widow's mite--for the impoverished widows. For many, the amount represents a sacrifice.

Mrs. Joel served as editor of Suvvarthamani--the official magazine of the India MB Conference--and also served on the India MB Governing Council. She, along with her husband, had taught preaching and Bible courses for some years at MB Centenary Bible College in Shamshabad.

General Conference liaison with the India MB Conference, Werner Kroeker, who worked closely with Karuna during the past year, indicated "Her death is a serious loss to the leadership of the Mennonite Brethren Church of India."

Karuna's last published message, "Do This One Thing", as well as excerpts from her personal testimony, will appear in an upcoming book, All Are Witnesses, to be published by Kindred Productions in late September. Delores Friesen, the editor of the work--and who serves on the MBM/S Board--has announced that it will be dedicated to Karuna's memory.

Gary Hardaway, MBM/S

Return to the M.B. Herald Vol. 35, No. 16 Home Page