Who: Sarah’s Covenant Homes. The organization I am serving
with here in India. Run by a wonderful lady named Sarah who has been given a
vision from God for Indian children with special needs who have been abandoned
or relinquished by their parents. We currently have 103 children in our care
with physical and intellectual disabilities ranging from no disability (either
they were misdiagnosed or the “disability” was treatable) to severe and
profound (Autism/cerebral palsy). There could be more children but staff,
space , and funds are needed.
What: At SCH we provide services for these children that the
government cannot. The children live in a home setting with a ayahs
(“nannies”), house parents, and at least one nurse. In addition to providing
the basic necessities of life we provide opportunities for children to receive
medical care, along with lifesaving (g-tubes, spina bifida repair…) and life
giving (club foot repair, vision correction) surgeries. For those who are able to go, we send them to
mainstream schools and for those who are not we have special education teachers the come to
the home. SCH strives to provide a place for these children to be loved,
cherished and receive life. But most of all it is a place where these children
learn that they are valued, made in the image of a Creator who does not make
mistakes. Each one is unique and beautiful.
How: Honestly? Only by the strength and miracles works of
God Almighty. And he chooses people like you to make His plans come into
fruition. Each of our children (I must clarify that some are adults. Our children and young adults don't age out and we don't turn them away.) is
individually sponsored. The sponsorship provides them with shelter, food,
clothing, clean bottled drinking water, caretakers (The Indian ayahs, nurses,
drivers, cooks etc. are paid a (very tiny) salary) and a new start at life. In
addition to individual sponsorship we have funds for other necessities for our
children. We need funds so that our children can have the surgeries they need.
Our van, used to take the children to school/hospital/activities, bit the dust
recently and funds are needed to extend its life. Speaking of school, our children who attend
mainstream school need funds to pay the school fees. There is also a fund that gives our kids
opportunities to be normal kids. Remember the waterpark from last week? Someone
like helped us make children laugh like this…
There is always something and nothing is ever free. Sarah is
a woman of amazing faith. She sends the kids to school even though we don’t
have the funds to do so because she is claiming in faith that God will provide.
Sarah’s Covenant Home is a not for profit organization. Every dime we get goes
back into helping the kids in some way, shape or form. I along with the other
volunteers are not paid to be here. But here we are because God has given us a
glimpse of His vision and made us fall in love with His special children.
This is not a post to enact guilt. Pity gets our children
nowhere. Nor is this a post begging for
money. God always provides for His children. This post is to empower you with
knowledge to let you know SCH works and where you can come alongside us. You
can do something. You don’t have to be crazy and move to India. You can change
the world for one child even with $40 donated from your couch. God takes that
and multiplies it to 2,000 rupees and that partially sponsors one child for a month. I have only
been here three weeks and I have seen it happen. I have seen the peace of a
sleeping girl who received spinal surgery, paid by sponsors, that helps her
live without pain. I have seen the joy of the children in their new school
uniforms. We have so much and the blessings that can come from that are endless.
Can’t donate money? Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray for the daily
spiritual battle we wage against the Evil One who doesn’t like seeing these
children thriving. Pray for strength, stamina and wisdom for our staff. Pray for our children individually by name. Pray that we love these children entrusted to
us well. Pray that God will provide the funds needed for our children and young adults care. Pray that the donations given will be used for God’s glory.
Finally here are the links to SCH funds. (Here is the link
to the main webpage www.schinda.org It is also on my sidebar here)
Sarah is very good about being transparent about SCH
funding….. http://www.schindia.com/details/frequently-asked-questions/
Our children who are still in need of sponsorship. If you
sponsor a child fully or partially please let me know I would love to send you
pictures and personal updates of him/her!! …. http://www.schindia.com/gallery/not-yet-sponsored-children/
The wheels on the bus go round and round? Help us make that
a reality… http://www.schindia.com/Special-Projects/help-resurrect-our-school-van/
Surgeries that we haven't paid for yet and upcoming surgeries for a few of our little ones…. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Amfwk_HArCifdE5NQnJmcGpDNHlTM2gtb2tiYWtadGc&usp=sharing
For the surgeries and medical care we can’t foresee... http://www.schindia.com/Special-Projects/urgent-surgery-fund/
We have 70 children in diapers. Need I say more?... http://www.schindia.com/Special-Projects/diaper-fund/
On behalf of each and every one of the children, thank you.
May your family be blessed for blessing ours.
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