Stories from the Mission Field

In the light of the sun of righteousness: Rudras new beginning

Children's homes and schools in India

Rudra used to enjoy running around with the other children among the tourists, offering them shells he had found on the beach. What sounds like an idyllic childhood was actually a difficult daily routine for Rudra – he had to sell shells so that his family would have something to eat. The fact that he is well cared for today and attends school is thanks to the efforts of our partner, Jesus Loves Ministries.

The sunrise at Chandrabagha Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful in all India. Indeed, the sun bathes the wide strip of sand and the sea in a warm, golden light. It is easy to understand why King Narasimha Deva I. had a temple dedicated to the sun god Surya built on this stretch of coastline in the 13th century. The temple is now located three kilometers inland in the town of Konark because the coastline has shifted. But the beach and temple still attract thousands of tourists who come to admire the natural surroundings and the magnificent architecture of the building.

Poverty amid crowds of tourists

For the ordinary people living on the Bay of Bengal in the state of Odisha visitors represent an additional source of income. But the families in Chandrabagha cannot survive on the sale of shells and jewelry from simple wooden stalls. As they have done for centuries, the men take their boats out to sea and catch fish or crabs. The women sell the catch or preserve it with salt. When the fishing is poor, both women and men work on construction sites. This is also the case for Rudra's parents. His family is poor, lives in a simple hut, and struggles daily to survive. When a cyclone sweeps across the coast, the situation is particularly dire: simple dwellings are destroyed and many fishing boats disappear in the waves.

Jesus Loves Ministries opens up opportunities for the future

The region around the town of Konark, with its Sun Temple and Chandrabagha Beach, is one of the areas where Jesus Loves Ministries is increasingly seeking contact with people and offering them help. The Christian relief organization and long-standing partner of EBM INTERNATIONAL wants to offer children and women in particular a perspective for their lives. The ministries offered include schools, medical camps, vocational training, and agricultural programs. They now reach people in need in three states. The center of the ministry is Jesus' love for people. The Bethel Ashram children's home, one for boys and one for girls, is also part of this. Not only children without parents, but also social orphans find a home there. For children like Rudra, whose father and mother are unable to provide adequately for their family, this was a turning point in their lives.

A new home in a spiritual environment

He moved from the coast to the children's home. The emaciated boy who could barely read or write became a cheerful student full of curiosity and the desire to learn. There are special programs designed specifically for girls and boys who have little school experience, enabling them to catch up with a normal school career. Rudra enjoys attending classes and particularly likes sports. Today, Rudra no longer chases tourists on the beach, but runs around the sports field laughing with friends – playing the Indian game of Kho Kho, cricket or volleyball. During vacations or on public holidays, he has the opportunity to visit his family.

The Gospel in words and deeds

For Jesus Loves Ministries practical help always includes the gospel. A network of churches cares for people's spiritual needs. Last year alone, around 6,000 girls and boys attended summer camps for children at various locations. They listened to Bible stories and enjoyed spiritual fellowship.

Rudra's life shows how God's love brings new light in the midst of poverty and despair. What began for him personally applies to many children in Odisha through the ministry of Jesus Loves Ministries they experience protection, receive education, and find faith. Thus, what the Bible promises is fulfilled:

“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”  Malachi 4:2 (ESV)

This article first appeared in the magazine 3-25.

Together, we can give children in India a future

It is not only at the Bethel Ashram children's home of “Jesus Loves Ministries” that children are given the opportunity to receive an education, a loving home, and new prospects for the future. Children find help and support for their lives in more than ten EBMI children's homes in India. Please support this valuable work with a donation.