India: Hope, Peace and Sunshine

The Salvation Army children's homes

Since 2009, EBM INTERNATIONAL is supporting five children's homes and currently two soup kitchens, each run by the Salvation Army. In the children's homes, the girls and boys are also encouraged to learn and have access to a church community. In this article, we explain who the Salvation Army is and what life is like in the children's homes.

The Salvation Army was founded in England in 1865 by William Booth, who considered the fight against poverty and social injustice to be an essential part of his ministry. This still applies to the Salvation Army today. As a Protestant free church, it works in 133 countries around the world and has over 1.8 million members. Volunteers and full-time employees carry out extensive spiritual and social work in parishes and social centers. The mission is the same in all places: To pass on the love of God to the poor and disadvantaged and to be there for their needs without prejudice.

Beginnings in India

The Salvation Army's first country to serve in was India. Since 1882, the officers have been reaching out to people in need. Today it is registered as a religious and charitable organization in India. In Pune and Vansada on the west coast and Rajahmundry, Tanuku and Gudivada on the southeast coast, boys and girls find a new home in children's homes. Orphans, half-orphans and children with both parents find a place of shelter in these homes.

“Hope House” for boys in Pune

The daily routine for the boys in the children's home in Pune is - as in most children's homes in India - highly structured and starts early in the morning. After getting up at 6 a.m., there are first learning and working times before breakfast is served at a quarter to 9 after a communal prayer. Then it is time for school. The children usually return in the late afternoon, have free time and eat dinner together at 7:30 pm after a prayer. Afterwards, there is again time for learning and homework before bedtime at 10 pm.

The clever teenager Nadi (name changed) has been at Hope House since 2022. His father died when he was still a small child and his mother works as a cleaner in a hospital. She is grateful to know that her son is in good care, as his condition was often poor and he was unable to learn well. Now he is a very good student, has a great interest in music and wants to become a businessperson.

“Home of peace” for girls in Tanuku

Esha (name changed) lost both her parents to Covid-19. Fortunately, one of her village pastors took her and her younger brother in until Esha was admitted to the children's home for girls. Her brother was placed in the boys' home. Through the home's affiliation with a Baptist church, Esha also came to know Jesus.

Esha attends 6th grade and is eager to learn: “My parents died because of the poor medical care. I want to become a doctor so that I can help many poor and needy people to receive free medical support.”

She likes the home because there is clean drinking water, space to live, play and learn and the support of the staff in all situations. The security on the premises is particularly important for Esha and the other girls - it allows them to develop without any worries.

“House of Sunshine” for boys in Rajahmundry

Dinesh (name changed) lived most of the time with his mother and older sister. His father died at an early age, but his mother was able to provide for her children and send them to school. She worked hard to do this. When she fell ill, she made the decision with a heavy heart to place Dinesh in the care of the children's home.

For the teenager, settling in was challenging. He missed his sister and his mother. He often wondered whether they were well and had enough to eat. Fortunately, however, the feeling of loneliness did not last long. He began to make contact with the other children and soon made new friends. The strict routine and classes also gradually became a habit. In addition, he enjoyed having enough to eat. Dinesh and the other children know that they are supported by EBM INTERNATIONAL and are grateful from the bottom of their hearts: “Thank you dear donors for your generosity towards children like us!”

This article was first published in the EBMI-MAGAZINE 3/2024

 

The children's homes in India are among more than 50 children's projects worldwide. With your donation, you can give girls and boys hope in faith and the security of a home:

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