Reaching Hands

Dr R.A.C. Paul felt a deep call of God to reach the largely unreached people of Malkangiri, a call which he faithfully obeyed and gave his life to from January 1967. He was joined by his wife Iris in 1972 whocontinued on the ministry after he went to be with the Lord in September 1986. Their children have also commited to assist this ministry, especially their son, Ragland Remo Paul, who helps to head up the team of dedicated missionaries now serving in Malkangiri under the banner of Reaching Hand Society (RHS). The aim of RHS is to reach people spiritually and physically. Today there are regular Bible Study and worship services in 30 villages with trained evangelists and Bible teachers. Literacy work continues in 170 villages where the literacy rate has now risen from 0.4% to 40%.
Rehabilitation of prison inmates including teaching of skills and provision of materials for gainful employment slong with worship services and home visits are all part of the outreach programme for prisoners.
Water Resource Management, constructing dams and enhancing water supply to improve crops and provide clean drinking water is another ministry provided through RHS.
A trained doctor, Iris has always held clinics to treat those with medical needs. Treatments and medicines are subsidised and sometimes given free to the many patients who can't otherwise afford health care. Nutrition and child care programmes are also part of the complete health care offered from Reaching Hand Society. The vision of constructing a well-equipped hospital is partially fulfilled.
This very demanding, challenging and comprehensive ministry is conducted in tribal areas where often there is no electricity, and no well-constructed roads for easy travel. Currently there are 18 full-time missionaries implementing this evangelistic and development work.