Orphanage in India.
The Story.
In 1993 on a trip to rural India, Ivan Squillino from the UK became friends with a local Pastor, Matthew. At the time Matthew with his limited resources was taking care of a number of orphaned street children, in a makeshift shelter. With Ivan’s support they managed to buy land and start the construction of the first orphanage in 1994. During the construction process Matthew without warning took ill and died, leaving the children and a half-finished building. Solomon, an orphan who Matthew had raised, now 17 years old, courageously took on the responsibility of caring for the children. The first orphanage was successfully completed in 2004. Over the years 160 children have experienced care and support from the orphanage. Many are now in local families, or have moved onto work or further education. We are grateful that so many children have been helped, but the need in this poor region is vast.
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
Mother Teresa
Orphanage.
We subsequently purchased a neighbouring plot of land with a vision to build an enlarged orphanage. We are now able accommodate 75 children.
We want to say "thank you" to all those who gave to make this happen!
What a blessing to give these precious children a home and education as well as food, support and guidance in life.
Lives Changed.
Seema
A few years ago, the tribal district of Kandhmal was hit by religious violence and riots. More than 18,000 people were reported injured and 50,000 displaced. Many died, some of whom were burnt alive. Families were shattered and people desperately searched for food and shelter. Unfortunately, when government help arrived it was too late for thousands who had already been affected. Even relief camps where victims took shelter were short of food and resources. In the aftermath of the riots, relief camps organised by Destiny Ministries in Kambarikia found a young girl weeping helplessly beside a stack of hay. This girl was 5-year-old Seema, whose parents tragically died in the violence. Seema had nowhere to go and had no relative to turn to. A local pastor brought her to the orphanage. Her memories of that terrible time are now blurred, but not yet faded. Now, at the orphanage, she feels safe. Today, because of the support of Solomon, his team and Destiny Ministries, she gets the food, shelter, education and the support she needs to work through the emotional impact of the violence and build a positive future.
Blessy
A local pastor in the village of Parampanga requested 5-year-old Blessy be taken in by the orphanage. Blessy had been rejected by society as an illegitimate child with an alcoholic father. When she arrived at the orphanage she was seriously malnourished and suffered from severe skin diseases, which meant that she needed immediate medical attention. At the orphanage, she was given the support she needed to get through the emotional stress from her past. Blessy is now unrecognisable from the young girl who first arrived at the orphanage. She is thriving in her studies and she has great hope for God’s future for her.
"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow"
Isaiah 1:17
How to help.
There are three ways you can contribute:
1. Please share. Get the word out about this amazing work.
2. We need you to pray. Pray for God's continual provision and protection over the work.
3. You can give. We need on-going support to cover the running costs of the orphanage.
It takes about £20 (€25) a month to support each child.