We had correspondence from Kevin and Deborah Kamalraj (the leaders of SKM in Chennai) last week and they are well and the team is encouraged with how the children are doing. Please do pray for them. At the moment over 200 children attend the church based homework club – and we are still looking for just over 50 new child sponsors. Providing food, safety and help with homework 6 days a week is not always easy.The sponsorship money makes all the difference financially, but only the local Christian team can give of their energy, love and consistent commitment. Meeting them is always an inspiration … and a challenge!
One of the biggest struggles in the community is alcohol. It has many of the men in its grip and turns otherwise nice people into violent abusers. Many of the children who come to the club have seen and experienced things that have traumatised them. Living in such cramped conditions also gives very little privacy and it is hard to protect the children from the tough life that surrounds them. The heart of Kevin and Deborah is to provide a place of shelter, peace, love and safety, where children can be children and laugh and play.
On Friday Hugo flies out to Chennai to spend some time with the church, the families and the team. We have a number of admin issues that need to be done. It is not always easy working our way around the legal stuff in India so your prayers for wisdom and clarity would be most welcome. It may be short notice but if you have a letter or alternative gift (see here) you would like to send to your sponsored child/ren this would be a great time to send it to us. Letters can be scanned attachments to emails or put in the post today – or through our door if you are local.
The next team trip takes place in the last week in January 2013. Please do have a think about whether you should join us. The cost is around £800. The experience priceless.
For more information on joining a mission trip or sponsoring a child please go HERE.