Since February, 24 students joined our 21st church planting training. They were selected for our 4-month in-house program from over 60 applicants. Many of them come from remote villages and hope to start a church in their own communities.
Our training emphasizes the need for both proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel. Besides addressing spiritual needs, they are encouraged to actively engage the community in their social concern and needs. Ps Buddhi, a graduate from our 16th batch, took this message to heart when he returned home. The main road access to his village was bad and inadequate for proper transportation. One day after church, Ps Buddhi gathered his group of 20 believers to work on the main road. Other villagers began to join in. With the help of a missionary, Ps Buddhi also rallied the people to build a water storage tank at a nearby spring and channel the water into the village. Not only does everyone now have water to drink, they are able to irrigate their land too. These projects brought positive change to the community and many are now receptive to the church and have joined in the weekly service.
9-year old Ivan (name given when he joined the children home) came to us in March. Ivan’s father passed away six years ago and his mother left home and is not contactable till this day. For two to three years he was looked after by a kind lady in the village. Though he was put in school, he did not attend class regularly. As he got older, he helped to look after cattle for various neighbors. In return for his work, he was given food and shelter. Ivan wandered from house to house for his living. One day the village school principal decided to write to the district police to help find a more permanent home for him. One of the NGO members of our home came to know of Ivan’s plight and recommended his admission. Ivan is a shy boy and joined the home with just the clothes he wore. He knows the alphabet but can only count up to 40. He will be home schooled for a year before joining a regular school next year.
