The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The United States served as neutral ground last month for directors of Good Samaritan Ministries -- like-minded altruists, who are sometimes separated by national conflicts.

Reverend Yesuratnam of India and David Bhatti of Pakistan enjoyed spending time together during their September "Building International Community" conference -- something that would be illegal in their native countries.

"David is my brother in the Lord," said Yesuratnam, "but we can't even speak to each other over the phone in our countries.

"It is wonderful to be with all these people," he said. Because of all your prayers and support we are able to be here with you."

Besides acting as the director of GSM in India, Yesuratnam pastors a church and runs an orphanage out of his own home.

He and his wife care for 25 orphans, plus their own three children.

Several of the international directors cared for a number of orphaned children in their homes.

Bhatti, who is the National Field Director for GSM in Pakistan, described the organization's work in his country.

"Our main goal in Pakistan is education," said Bhatti.

"The ratio of educated people is very low. And we are reaching everybody -- Muslim and Christian.

And now there are around 1,000 children being taught in GSM schools. GSM is trying to break the prejudice barrier.

"We are trying to help people become good Samaritans."