WOW - God revealed Himself over and over in India 2009. We met hero after hero who work directly as His hands and feet - what a joy and blessing to serve in INDIA!
In Pune - we were introduced to the awesome ministry at Santvana (which means PEACE) where Dr. Edwards pours her heart and soul into the lives of God's precious children with AIDS/HIV. We saw firsthand the love, care and teaching of a woman following Christ through darkness and bringing the children to HOPE. These children were rescued from the red light district, where Dr. Edwards serves the commercial sex industry workers... those who so many others refuse to treat medically or acknowledge socially. Her ministry there is invaluable as it shows children and mothers a better life possibility. She, along with her staff, are breaking the cycle and allowing an alternative to a life of sin and death. The children share in community, are given a home, with beds, a courtyard, structure and love of a family... along with complete medical care and education (both academic and spiritual).
We were so blessed to share in the lives of these children... to see their hearts for Jesus, hear their prayers, touch them with love and warmth, speak hope into their world, and witness for them a taste of the eternity that awaits them. Some of these children are very sick, unable to leave their beds at times, but JOY is present nonetheless. They have stories that break hearts over and over, their abusive pasts, their abandonment, their rescue from death - both literal and spiritual. Praise be to GOD for Dr. Edwards and her staff for the GREAT SERVICES they provide - may they be extremely blessed for their efforts.
Delhi - We met another hero, in Mrs. Masih - who - alongside her husband - have multiple ministries to the children of the slums. The Muneer Welfare Society has blessed 28 girls with a home, in an orphanage in Delhi, where we were blessed to spend time. The LOVELY girls are given, not only homes and "family", but also education, spiritual discipline, structure and care... and DO THEY EVER WARM HEARTS with their beauty, creativity and passion!?! They greeted us warmly with songs of JOY! Mrs. Masih has further ministry in the slums in Loni - where Grace Academy is growing. This school serves as many children as possible (currently around 280) and is set to grow as the walls of potential buildings will expand. The school will then serve upwards of 600. She has advocated on behalf of this community for the placement of 7 deep tube wells which bring fresh water to so many in need. We were blessed to visit the site where one is in process of being dug, and where one is in use and brings fresh water to homes of many. What JOY to see the fruit of our giving across the world. AGAIN God showed his grace and mercy as we visited the "streets" of this community...
Umashankar Shankardas - who could be a greater hero to our team... the man is amazing! Personal thanks for his great care in showing us his beloved India... and teaching us of the ways God has shaped his ministry through Orphan Outreach. Uma selflessly shows God's love to every person he connects with, from members of our team, to the servants mentioned above, to the children and families in every community we visit. He is "uncle" to so many and he is a sign of the hope brought to them as he brings more teams to meet them, love on them and care for their basic needs. He coordinates so many details in order for us to serve, to get us safely from place to place, and to open doors to future ministry opportunities. PRAISE GOD for His hand upon Uma and his family... allowing him to bridge gaps SO WIDE and seemingly impassable.
My faithful Team Members - What heroes you are to me! Thanks for an incredible opportunity to serve alongside YOU - your hearts were revealed over and over as we spent time in these beloved settings. PRAISE for the overcoming of fears, the victory of Christ in YOU, and for the blessed memories we will share. CONTINUED prayer for all of you as you seek future opportunities in ministry to orphans and lost souls... YOU ARE BEING LOVED!
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