North & South

India

  

Children's Homes


CHILDREN’S  HOMES
 

 “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”  Rev. 5:13

 

The India Children’s Homes are thankful to God for completing 23 years of ministering to the poor and needy, children and youth.  The  Children’s Home in India was set up by Rev. Fred Potter in 1975.  It was Preacher Potter’s vision and burden for the children around the world. 

 

The first children's home was opened in 1975 and in 1979,  another home was opened.  Preacher Potter was introduced on the phone to a couple by the way of an acquaintance of Brookside Baptist Church.  He asked if we would like to start a Children’s Home in India.  We were not sure about this and prayed and waited upon the Lord for over one year. In the meanwhile, the Lord laid a burden upon me to serve the children in India.  We informed Preacher Potter by sending him a telegram, telling him that we wanted to serve the Lord in India. 

 

 We set up the Home in India with seven kids to start with and today by the grace of God he is still blessing.  Most of these children came from broken homes and they were very poor.  God is our help and strength.  He gave us special strength because we worked for more than 18 hours a day for the first ten years. Today hundreds are being fed and taken care of daily.

 

The children are usually malnourished and in poor health.  They have to be physically cleaned, clothed and fed.  Then they are served fresh hot meals, good clothes, clean beds and sent to school.  Most importantly the Gospel is preached and they are taught from the Bible.  After five years, we could see the power of the Gospel transforming their lives.  We thank God for the hundreds of children who were exposed to the Gospel, and most of them got saved. 

                                                                    Because of Him.      The Children's Homes

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“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

CHARITY CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES - NORTH INDIA est. 1979

Dear Pastor, Church family and Friends,                                  August 2020

Greetings to you all in Jesus Precious name. So much has changed since we last wrote to you before COVID-19. The whole world came to a stop, and was shut down, and is still shut down in many countries. Can you imagine 1.3 billion people all shut in their homes in India? With so many people, how can social distancing be maintained? BUT in all this Jesus never changed, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever”. Hebrews 13:8 He knows exactly why, what and when to the questions we have.

God proves Himself to us again and again showing that He is in control. I say this because all the children in the Centers are doing well, none of them have contacted the virus. God is so good, and kind and caring to all these poor and needy children. It was in the month of March when the senior class children were having their final examinations that the schools closed indefinitely. The kids who were to appear for the board exam were given online classes. This posed some challenges, because the kids did not have phones or IPads to attend the online classes. One child who is in the 9th grade is so poor his parents were and unable to provide even a phone for him. So, we arranged to get him a small tablet (7”x 5”). He was so happy. Now he could attend his classes online. The Kids who had their 12th& 10th board examination did very well and all passed in first division.

In spite of the difficulties and challenges the kids faced due to COVID-19, they still did very well. We talk to many of them over the phone or Skype on a daily basis. We usually connect our conversation to the word of God and teach them the related scripture verses. There are so many stories about these children, both good and sad, which we could share with you if time and space were available. We know you pray for them and continuously support them with your finances. On behalf of all the children we thank you and appreciate each one of you including the kids from the VBS. In everything we give God the Glory for it is He who is in control of this North India Ministry.

May God abundantly bless each one of you.

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From South India

 

 

Important update from South India.

 

Dear Friends,                                                 August 17, 2018

 

We write to you with an urgent need for prayer. As some of you may already know, Charity Baptist Mission has a Children’s Home in South India. It is now monsoon season in where the home in is located, and this region of India is completely flooded. There is no electricity; schools are closed, airports are closed, stores are closed and some hospitals are closed. The dams were overflowing and the gates had to be opened to relieve some of the pressure; but it’s still raining, which is causing more flooding. On Wednesday August 15th around midnight Eastern Standard Time, the Children’s home was flooded with waist-deep water. The children and staff were able to get to a higher floor salvaging some items, clothing and school supplies for the children.

 

As of this writing on Friday August 17th at 8:00 P. M. EST, the Children’s Home is still flooded with water. It is very slowly beginning to recede. Right now the greatest need is to get food and clean water into the home. Thankfully, some friends in neighboring communities (located on higher ground) were later able to get in through the back of the home in order to get much needed essentials for the children and staff.

 

The home was opened in 1975 and has never experienced anything like this. This is the worst flooding South India has experienced since 1924.

 

Please pray for their safety. We know there will be a lot of repairs to be done after the water recedes. The home’s financial support has been really low lately, and there are no funds available to do this much-needed work. Please pray about this.

 

Sincerely, Mike Nixon, Director

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Dear brethren, greetings to everyone. Summer - 2017

 

It is indeed my privilege and pleasure to greet you all in the precious name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ at this time.

 

I hope this letter will find you in good health and in the joy of the Lord. Thank you for your love and support for our ministry in India. The Children’s home ministry started in 1975 and the Lord has helped us to win hundreds of souls for his kingdom through this work.

 

Many of our children have graduated from the home and are doing the Lord’s work in different parts of India. God has enabled us to support them financially, some as local pastors and others to help build churches in the villages. Our vision is to reach the unreachable people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by sending and supporting national missionaries and local pastors for $50 per month. During Christmas our pastors were very happy to receive a pair of pants and shirt as a special gift.

 

We are also doing some charity work for needy women by giving them sewing machines. This will help them to support their families. Each sewing machine cost about $120. Let us pray and support, let’s go or send someone to spread the word.

 

We are so thankful to each and every one in the church for your prayers and support for this ministry.

 

Our country is going through many political and economic changes. Your valuable prayers are greatly appreciated. Please continue to pray for the children and the staff.

 

Yours truly,

 

"For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” Mark 3:35

 

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,                                                                                   January 2013

Since the beginning of Charity Children’s Home in 1975, God by His grace has helped us to win hundreds of souls for His kingdom.  Let us give honor and glory to God for His protection and provisions to do so.  By His grace we have given hope, safety and a future to many children.  This is because of the prayers and sacrificial donation of godly people from all over the world.  The Lord has helped us to give shelter, safety and hope to so many widows and those who have nothing to look forward to.  He has enabled us to mold some young people to work for the Lord and to win many souls to His Kingdom.  I am giving all glory and honor to our Master alone.

Several children who have graduated from our home are doing very well and many of them are doing the Lord’s work in different parts of India.  Today’s greatest need is for faithful laborers to help with the harvest.  Brethren, time is running out; let us work for our master.  Let us pray, let’s go or send someone to spread the word.

In 1975 Brother Mathew started this Ministry in his hometown to help some poor and needy children.  Mathew went to be with the Lord in 1999, but with the same vision the work is still going on.

Dear brothers and Sisters our life is short.  If we invest in this world for some temporary pleasures nothing will accompany us when we leave this world to our eternal home.  Therefore win souls for God by investing for the heavenly Kingdom.

Thank you for your love and support.  Please continue to pray for the ministry in India.

Yours in Him,  Finny

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Dear Brother and Sister's,                                                                                                  August, 2011

Greetings to everyone in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We thank God for his blessings, grace and mercy bestowed upon us. We also thank the Lord for keeping our children and staff safe and sound every day.

Thank you for your prayers and support. By the grace of God our children and staff are doing well. The schools were reopened after summer vacation and we got some new children in the home this year. Also, two new ladies and their children came to the Children’s Home to live with us. Here they found safety and hope.

Monsoon season has started again and it’s raining all the time. It will be like this for a few more weeks. Once again, thank you for your prayers and support. Also, pictured below are some of the children and workers from the home. Please continue to pray for us.

Yours in him, Finny

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Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings to Everyone.                                                               November, 2010

It's a great joy to write to you at this special time of Thanks giving. We hope this will find you in good health and in the joy of the Lord. I humbly thank my God for your love and partnership in the ministry in India, and also for all the marvelous things He has done.

Please accept our thanks and gratitude for everything you have done. You make this ministry possible. Your prayers and support are the fuel that enables us to do the work in India. By the grace of God our children and staff are doing well. Two widows with their children came to our home this year and they are very happy to see that there is someone to love them. They found safety and hope in our home.

Exciting things are happening in the ministry. Many of our children (those who graduated from our home years ago) are coming with their families to visit us. It's very exciting to see many of our children are in the ministry.

Please convey our regards to everyone in the church. We love you and we are praying for you. Please continue to pray for us and the ministry. Thank you.

Yours in Him, Finny

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,                                                                                                                                                             April 2009

 Greetings in His name,

 Thank you for your love and support for the ministry in India.  The children and staff are doing well. God enabled us to continue in this ministry for the last 33 years.  We are so thankful to our Lord for keeping us in His arms even though we have gone through difficult situations.

 I am thankful to each and everyone who have prayed and supported the ministry.  God has helped us to give; shelter, safety and hope to so many widows and children.  I give all the Honor and Glory to our master alone.

We are steadily making improvements in the home.  Last year we gave uniforms to all of our children.  I trusted in the Lord to help get that project done.  I am so thankful to my Lord again for meeting that need.  Here are the pictures of our girls and boys in their uniforms.  These were made by the women in the home who are learning to be seamstresses.

My eyes are getting wet with tears of joy and gratitude for each one of you who are supporting us. Recently the cost of living in India has doubled, but this has not hindered the Lord to supply the needs of the home.

Thank you for prayers and support for the ministry.  Please continue to pray for the children and the staff. 

"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."  Psalm 126:6

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 CHARITY CHILDREN’S HOME

North India Established 1979 

From The Children's Home in North India

 

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest”  Matthew 11:28

                                                                                                                                                                                August 2013

Pastor, Church & Friends,

 

Greetings to you in Jesus’s Precious Name.  We trust this short note will find you all well. 

 

We are writing this specially to let you know of the goodness of God towards us.  I have been sick for nearly a year with dizziness and a constant headache.  This year Susan called 911 three times as I was passing out.  The doctors did a lot of investigations and they referred me to several specialists like: the Neurosurgeon, Cardiologist, Ear Nose and Throat specialist but nobody could find out the cause for such spells.  It had become very difficult for me to have one good day without a headache.  Well, on July 15th 2013 Susan & I went to Ann Arbor MI to visit our daughter and her family.  On the 20th we both went for a morning walk.  I suddenly felt dizzy and was unable to walk.  By then my pulse and blood pressure was not recordable and our son-in-law drove me to the hospital.  There my EKG was not recordable either.  Immediately I was admitted into the Cardiac ICU.  I was revived by evening that day.  The Cardiologist in charge took great interest in my case and put me under observation.  They connected me to several monitors and also did many, many tests.  After the third day they found out that my heart slowed down so much that it was not pumping enough blood to my brain which caused the dizzy and headache spells.  On the fourth day the doctor placed a pace maker in me and I cannot explain what a difference it has made to me.  I feel more energetic without a constant headache bugging me.  I cannot write all the details, but all the way I could see the hand of the Lord planning and getting things done for me.  I am so thankful to Him for His goodness and mercy upon me and Susan too.  We want you to rejoice with us and praise His Holy Name.

 

As far as the Children’s ministry, it is all going well.  The children have started their new academic year as we informed you in our last news letter.  During the next three months Susan and I will be traveling extensively throughout India while visiting the four Centers.  Therefore, it is our earnest request to you to pray that we will be physically well to do this.  There is great joy to visit many of the children who were raised by us and also see the existing children in the Centers.

 

We thank you as always for your continued prayer and financial support.  Little is much when God is in it.  This is the experience of our life.  The little what you give, the Lord multiplies and makes it sufficient for all our needs.  “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:8

 

May God richly bless you.  Suraj & Susan Dalabhanjan

 

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Dear Pastor, Church & friends,                                             November 2012

 

All of the 145 Children from the Charity Children’s Home in North India thank each one of you for your love, financial support and prayers for them through all these years.  The children are taught from the word of God and sent to school for academic education.  Since 1979 many children have been saved and we praise and thank God for this.  At this time we wish you all a happy thanksgiving. 

 

  We also wish you a very Happy Christmas & a Bright 2013 New Year

 

 (Suraj  & Susan Dalabhanjan)

 

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Dear Pastor, Church & Friends,                                                                                             July 2012 

Greetings to you in Jesus Precious name.

In the United States summer vacation has just started while in India children are back in school after the summer holidays.

We are pleased to inform you that all the children except two have done very well this academic year. Five girls and one boy graduated from 12th grade. These kids have been with us for 7 to 8 years which means, during their stay with us they have heard the gospel daily and there is no doubt about their salvation. We are so very proud of them and grateful to God for these good spiritual and academic results. Ishmael and Sheefali, Rosi, Shalini, Preeti & Taruna who all completed 12th grade this year!

The kids also receive treats after they get their books and uniforms. The children really enjoy this kind of savory pastry. In the next picture you can see the school’s name above the porch where all this activity happened. If anybody can read the language, there it is!! We trust you enjoyed seeing all the pictures and knowing what you folks are lovingly doing for these children in North India. We deeply appreciate you for your prayers and consistent financial support as well. May the Lord richly bless you.

(Suraj & Susan Dalabhanjan)

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Dear Pastor, Church & Friends,                                                                                                        April 12, 2012

Greetings to you in Jesus Precious Name.

Our last news letter was sent to you in November 2011.  We have travelled extensively from Dec 4th to Feb 11th visiting the four Children’s Centers we minister to in three States of India.  It was a joyous time to see and be with many of the children and the staff.  Some former children that were raised at the Children’s Home came to see us as well.  All the kids have grown taller and they are doing well academically.  They are also growing in the Lord.  The children prayed with us and sang a lot of songs and also did Christmas skits as it was Christmas time.  We gave them some sweets, candy and new clothes as Christmas gifts.  They were delighted; we wish you could see the glee on their faces!

We also had a project on hand of purchasing laptops for three former boys who are young men now.  Some of you have so graciously sent the money to buy them.  We thank you for your kindness.  Johnny is one of them who received the laptop.  He was so thankful that he cried every time he held it in his hands saying, I always wanted one, but never ever imagined to afford and have one.  This is a great help as it enables us to communicate with these young men who are volunteering their time to help us in the ministry.

 

At this time of the year some children are writing their annual exams and some are preparing for them before they have summer vacation.  Please continue to pray for these children that they may not just grow in stature, but also grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Also pray that many may attend the Vacation Bible School during holidays and come to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

 

Oh! We almost forgot to mention that we got very sick on this trip.  Suraj with acute Bronchitis and Susan contacted a Urinary tract infection which hampered some of our traveling while in India.  We were both pretty ill, but the Lord who is always watching over us saw us through the bad times and brought us back home safely.

 

Last but not least, if you met these kids they would give you a big bear hug to show how thankful they are for your kindness by providing them with the things they need.  Susan and I join them and appreciate your love shown by faithfully praying and generously giving through the years since 1979.  

 

Thank you and God bless you.

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Dear Pastor, Church & Friends,                                              November 2011

 

Once again it is that time of year when we are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas.  And for those of us who have put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour by believing in His; crucifixion, burial, resurrection and the shedding of His blood to wash away our sins.  Thanksgiving and Christmas is a daily celebration.  However, at this time on behalf of all the children and staff we take this opportunity to thank each one of you for your faithful, generous, continued prayer and financial support for the ministry in North India.  We do not fail to thank God for you every day and for your genuine love and concern for the lost souls.

 

Since 1979 all the children here have heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and are preserved by the blood of the Lamb.  We rejoice and praise His holy name.

 

May the Lord continue to bless you in every way and may your lives be a blessing to many.  We love you all and Wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

In His Service

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Dear Pastor, Church & Friends,                                                                                  July, 2011

 

We trust you all are doing well and are having a wonderful summer, even though it is very hot in some places! As always the Lord has been good to us.  The children enjoyed being away from school and doing things they like, going places, meeting with friends, sleeping in and all the other good things that vacations bring.  Many of them attended Vacation Bible School as well.

Ekta and Geetanjali have passed the 12th grade in first division this year.  We are very proud of their achievements.

 

In our earlier news letter we mentioned the importance of our children passing the 12th grade exam.  Only those who pass this test will get a certificate which is recognized by the Government of India.  Also, this will make them eligible for further college education or technical training.

 

The holidays are over and schools have reopened.  The children are now set to start another school year.  This is a busy time when we have to pay the school fees and buy their school books, uniforms, school bags, shoes etc.  All of this is quite expensive.  Every year we notice the prices keep increasing.  This year the cost of everything has gone very high.  However, we are thankful to God for multiplying your sacrificial giving so that we are able to give the children almost everything that they need.  It is the Lord’s doing and is marvelous in our eyes.  We have experienced that little is much when God is in it.

After purchasing the books and school uniforms the children are packed and bundled according to the class in which the child is studying.  Then it is given to each child with a small bag of candy.  Once again we thank each one of you for your continued prayer and financial support.  May the Lord richly bless you and supply all your needs. 

 

In Christ, Suraj

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Dear Pastor, Church & Friends,                                                                                                                April, 2011

It is such a great pleasure to come back to you with good news of great things that the Lord has done for us in this ministry. Last month we completed 32 years.  Glory be to His name.  All the way, it is Him and Him alone who has kept this ministry alive. God has tremendously used all of you and you have been faithful to your calling of giving and praying for us.  Many children have been saved and this is the most important thing that has happened in their lives.  It is now so exciting to see these young men and women raising their own children in the fear and grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  We are now grandparents for so many children! Therefore, we now dedicate this news letter to our many grandchildren of the Charity Children’s Home, North India. 

Below are some brief updates on some of the children who were raised at the home.

- Wilfred was raised at the children’s home. His two daughters Neha and Sweta have now graduated from 3rd and 4th grades.

- Minharest and Mary Stella were at the Children’s Home for twelve years. Their sons Aviral is in 5th grade and Vishesh has just started school. Minharest helps us in the work now.

- Johnny was raised at the Children’s Home. He now works in a garment factory and also assists us in the ministry. He is a great blessing to us. We have been his parents from 1980.  Johnny is now married to his wife Anita and has a daughter named Jyotsana.

 

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Dear Pastor, Church & Friends,                                                       January 2011

Greetings to you in Jesus precious name. We trust you have all started the new-year on a good note.

Here we are once again to let you know how the children have celebrated Christmas and also coped with the winter in North India.

It gets pretty cold in one of our centers in North India.  Here in winter with temperatures going as low as 39-42 degrees. There are no room heaters so people wear heavy clothes in layers and cope with the cold.

At this center we give the children sweaters for winter which is also a school uniform. The sweater is wrapped as a gift along with a packet of sweets.

We send our special thanks to all of you who have stayed behind us in faithful support and prayer through all these many years. We appreciate each Church and member for their sacrificial giving during these difficult economic times. God bless you.

In His Service,  Suraj

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Dear Church, Pastor & Friends,                              July, 2010

Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are pleased to announce to you that by Gods’ marvelous grace we are all doing well. Children had a very good school year. Most of them did well and some of them did very well. As always, the children have been taken care of and have been provided with all that they need. Most importantly, they have been exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ which is our primary goal because we believe in God’s word where it says, what does a man gain if he gain the whole world and loose his own soul? As you all know, we have 140 plus children in four Centers in four States. This time we want to tell you about the girls at the Girls Hostel, which is in North India.

These are forty girls at the Hostel are from very poor families. This Center is located in the mountains of North India. It was started exclusively for very poor girls from Christian communities in the villages. The parents are unable to send them to school. The children range from ages 7 to 18. They are very well taken care of by the Warden and Manager of the hostel. The Pastor of the local church helps them with their daily devotions and regular church activities. They are very well rooted in the word of God. We need your prayers for them.

The girls from senior grades like Class X & XII were appearing for their final examination. In India it is called Board Examination. If they pass this test they will get a certificate recognized by the Government of India and will be eligible for further college education or technical training. So, this is a very important exam in the lives of these children. We spent some time answering and asking questions of them on various subjects of their interest. Suraj is praying with them especially asking the Lord to help them do well in their examination. T

Two of our girls, Anjana & Veronica have passed their 12th grade in April 2010 with flying colors. They worked very hard and we are very proud of them. If a child from one of our Center passes his or her 12th grade, it is a big achievement for all of us. We are thankful to God for helping these children to focus and pursue and work hard and do well and be successful. All this was possible because of your consistent prayer and financial support. We thank each one of you who have contributed towards this. May the Lord bless you all.

In His Service, Suraj

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Dear Church, Pastor & Friends, November 2009

We praise and thank God for HIS goodness and mercies on us and the ministry amongst the children. It’s been a good year for us and now its time to express our thanks to God and each one of you. Can’t believe it is Thanksgiving and soon Christmas will follow. How time flies by.

All the Children at the 4 Centers and we both are doing well. The Gospel is preached and the children are exposed to the Word of God. By God’s grace, food, clothing and schooling of 145 children is well taken care of.

God has enabled us to complete 30 years in serving HIM and hundreds of kids as well. In all this YOU played a major role by upholding this North India ministry through your prayers and financial support.

We met Indu on 23rd October 2009 in Delhi and was supported by the Charity Children's Home, North India to do Nursing. She has successfully completed and is now working as a Staff Nurse at Stephen’s Hospital, New Delhi. This was possible because of your sacrificial giving for this ministry.

The year 2009 has been traumatic for us as we miss our beloved Preacher Potter who has gone home to be with the Lord. He loved us like his own. We do miss him a lot. He was such an inspiration to all the missionaries at the Charity Baptist Mission.

In India it has been a year of drought followed by floods. This has affected millions of people here and the prices of food, clothing and daily needs sky rocketed. Through all this God’s mighty hand is upon us. He has taken care of all our needs and kept us above want. We are grateful to HIM. We trust the Lord in like manner is taking care of each one of you and your needs as well.

Once again on behalf of all the children and staff we thank each one of you for all that you have done and are doing for us and the ministry. May God bless you.

We wish you a happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and a blessed New Year.

In His Service, Suraj

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 Dear Pastor, Church & Friends,                                                                                                                                                            July 2007 

 

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We trust you are all doing well.  Six months of the year 2007 have gone by and we are once again delighted to tell you how wonderful our Lord has been to us.  In the last six months we were able to do so much for the children as well as for other people we came across in our daily life.  We shared the gospel with many and were able to give out some Bibles as well.

 

It was such a great time to see the children we raised now raising their own children in the ways of the Lord.  We are the grandparents of so many kids.  We had nineteen of them on that day.  Here is a picture with the little ones.  It was a time to get them all together!

 

You will be very happy to see this picture of us with this boy named Abhishek.  He was with us for seven years and this year he completed 12th grade.  He is saved and very active in Church. He is a very good boy.

 

There are 140 children with us this year.  These kids are blessed to hear the word of God, have good food and also have formal education to help them in their future.  Thank you very much for your continued prayer and financial support for these children.

 

May God richly bless you all.

 

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