Orphanage Update - September 2008

The new school year has begun with some difficulties and changes. The monsoon rains in India have been very heavy recently and Hebron Children’s Home flooded again.  The children were safely moved to high ground and are living in temporary housing until the water recedes.  The water did not reach the levels that it has in the past and for this we are thankful.  Mrs. Deevenamma reports that she, her family and the children returned to the home one week ago and are in the process of restoring order to the gardens.

St. Paul’s Children’s home moved this year.  Pastor Sudhakar Raju, the supervisor of the home, was transferred to a city where there is more potential for growth. The new location is about a 2-hour drive from his previous home.  He has found a suitable home for the children and a cook who lives with the children.  His own home is close by, as are schools for all the children.  We were pleased to note that more than half of the children in the home moved to the new location.  This does not always happen, as relatives would rather have the children close so that they can visit them.  It is a tribute to the love and care Pastor Sudhakar and his wife give the children that their relatives were willing to have the children live some distance from their home villages. 

Pastor Vijay continues to care for 15 children of parents who have AIDS or are HIV-positive.  All 15 children returned to his home his year.   The government asked him to take additional children but it is not possible at this time.  His home cannot accommodate any more children and the rent in his area has increased tremendously over the past years.  He was unable to find another suitable building for reasonable rent.  Attempts to move another home in the area failed as well because of the very high rent.  We want the homes to be close to Gentle Shepherd School and this also limits our choices.  Pastor Vijay’s children are readily accepted by the faculty and children of Gentle Shepherd School.  They are no longer shunned by their community because of the illness of their parents.  Living in this home is a tremendous blessing! 
                                                                                    
Lastly, I was privileged to attend the LWMS convention in Tucson in June.  It was an uplifting experience, as always.  I renewed old friendships, made new friends, and introduced my daughter to the LWMS. It is so encouraging to be reminded of all the women praying on behalf of the missions and missionaries.  It is good to learn what is happening in other fields and to know that you are not alone in your joys or your frustrations.  It was good to visit with Apaches from the reservation where we had served previously.

Interested in supporting the orphanage work?  Learn more in the orphanage brochure or contact Mr. Bill Schultz, C/O Grant Thornton LLP, PO box 8100, Madison WI 53708-8100