Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor, and through the ages since his life, people have pondered and practiced many different methods of fulfilling this command. For Saji and Priya Mathi digging toilets for HIV patients is a practical way to show love.

In of the city of Hyderabad, India in which they work, the perception is that as soon as one is identified as HIV positive, there is no hope. They believe death will follow shortly, and many either ignore or are unaware of the government’s offer of antiretroviral therapy. The Mathi’s and their team do not believe those with HIV are hopeless. They show them how valuable they really are by reaching out in friendship and providing services to help the patients live healthy lifestyles.

“We consider these actions of love as one of the best opportunities to show God’s love to them,” the husband said. “Sooner or later, we see them coming after us wanting to know about the God we worship. Some say it is a dirty job, but isn’t it a wonderful dirty job?”
Part of the “wonderful dirty job” involves digging toilets. The couple works primarily in the slums, where many members of the community use an open space near their housing as a toilet. Because HIV sabotages the immune system, better sanitation will give the patients a greater chance of remaining healthy. Each toilet costs about $217 US to build.

Saji and Priya also seek to provide monetary backup to their patients when they fall sick and are unable to work. While they teach sanitary practices, such as boiling contaminated water, it is often difficult for the patients to follow through. Boiling water, for example, is expensive because gas and firewood are costly. The couple purchase water filters for US$ 45 US when their budget permits.

Not everyone this team reaches out to are from poor backgrounds. Some of the hurting they sit beside are affluent, but still live without hope. Counseling is offered to anyone who wants it, as is friendship. Many of the people they work with are transgendered, either by choice or force. While medication and sanitation are important, friendship and counseling also go a long way to helping these members of the community reclaim life.

This past winter, when Saji and Priya were incapacitated with various sicknesses and could not visit the people they work with, patients would stop by for prayer and conversation, travelling up to 30 kilometers to meet with their friends. Many in the community marvel at the willingness of the couple to put such time and effort into caring for people who do not have much respect or hope.

“Almost all of our team members are degree holders and initially most of our patients do not understand why we do these kind acts [for] them,” the husband said.

For them, the answer to the question of why is obvious; God’s love motivates them to care for those with HIV.