Inspiration

Just days after Christmas this year, Harvest India welcomed a team from Rock Harbor church to serve and experience what God is doing in India. One of the focuses of their trip was a three day Vacation Bible School extravaganza! The team tirelessly prepared bible lessons, crafts and memory verses to ensure a wonderful time of learning, hilarity and fun was had by all.

Sally Blotzer, one of the Rock Harbor leaders shares, “this year, I was blessed with the opportunity to return to India, to reunite my feet with the dust that forever changed my life, and my heart with hundreds of familiar smiles, exclaiming “Akka! Akka!” (“Big sister! Big sister!”): a Kingdom moment, a taste of heaven, and an invitation into organized chaos for the next three days. 

My responsibility for VBS was to coordinate the different stations. While doing my rounds during day two of VBS, a little guy, age ten, runs to me, proudly extending a picture of Joseph that he colored for his craft. My journey with Subini began by me extending my hand to him, guiding him to his proper station. Subini grabbed my hand, and asked “Akka, you Rock Harbor VBS leader?” To which I replied with an affirmative smile.

His eyes widened and he exclaimed “Wow!”

From there on he became my partner in making sure everyone else was in line.

We first walked from Bible memory to games, hand in hand we continued to the crafts area, to check on the mayhem occurring. As we were walking, I hear a sweet little voice singing “Jesus is my super hero, he’s my friend…”

When we arrived, I noticed a little boy laying down, separated from the rest of the group. I sat with the boy and asked if he was ill, the temperature of his forehead definitely spoke for itself. Subini quickly came to my rescue to translate. I asked the little boy if he wanted us to pray. After he said yes, I asked Subini if he would like to pray for him. Reluctantly, Subini told me his English was not very good—so I encouraged him to pray in Telugu. He immediately reached his hand out to me, wrapped my Chuni scarf around my head, and laid his hand on his friend, and prayed.

As we go on to check on Bible memory, Subini and I notice another little boy, lying in the back. We walk over and, once again, I invite him to pray for this boy. However, this time, we were joined by about ten other Dalit children—lifting up their brother in prayer.

I cannot tell you the beauty that my ears have been captivated by in listening to those prayers. We read in Proverbs 15:29 that God hears the prayers of the righteous. To imagine the smile on our Heavenly Father’s face as he watched his precious boy lifting up other children simply strips me of all words. What a sacred, sovereign, delightful moment this was—with a lasting impact on my heart.

As I was talking to one of the Harvest India workers, she informed me that Subini, before he was orphaned, was raised by a Muslim father. His mother passed away when he was young, and then he lost his father. Subini’s faith is a living testimony to God’s work at the Harvest India Children’s Home. His love for the Lord shines in his radiant smile, his songs of praise, and his reverence in prayer. I am thankful that through the partnership of Harvest India and Rock Harbor, Subini gets to experience a life based on a foundation of Christ’s love.”

Harvest India first encountered Srinu 2 years ago when he brought Raj Kumar, a small child from his village, to the Harvest India children home in Tenali. Raj Kumar, then 10 years old, was left orphaned after the death of his mother and no one in his family could take care of him. Srinu had heard about Harvest India and the care we freely give to children in need. Harvest India gladly accepted Raj Kumar and sporadically over the next year Srinu would drop in to visit him. During one visit Bishop Suresh inquired about Srinu’s relation to the boy. He shared that there was no direct tie. He formerly had a small fishing business, small boat and a staff of about 10. When the tsunami hit in 2004 he lost everything and was left bankrupt. He watched men and women in coastal villages struggle for survival and noticed many children were left orphaned by the storm. When Raj Kumar was left orphaned in his village he felt that he was obligated to do something. Due to his financial crisis he vowed to see that the boy find a good home. After visiting us he became certain that Harvest India could provide for the future Raj Kumar needed and Harvest India has been taking wonderful care of him ever since. As he departed that day Suresh prayed over Srinu. He was a Hindu man but was willing to receive prayer that day. Suresh prayed abundant blessings over Srinu and sealed the blessing prayer in the powerful name of Jesus. After the prayer he left the campus. A few weeks later Srinu returned to Harvest India’s campus. With a bag in tow and a huge smile on his face he approached the home of Suresh and Christina. He proceeded to share about his recent fishing trip.

He recalls, “Just weeks after Bishop Suresh prayed for abundant blessings in my life I inquired about hiring a small boat and taking a crew out for a deep sea trip. When we cast the nets they immediately filled with fish. Again we cast them and the boat became heavy with fish. The single fishing trip provided enough fish, which we sold for enough money to completely re-establish my fishing business. I knew that day that Jesus was Lord and I surrendered my life to Christ.” 

He had returned to the Harvest India campus to bring the best of his catch as an offering to God’s work through Harvest India. He has visited several times over the last year, often coming for prayer before his fishing trips and bringing fish from his trips after they have concluded. He’s been sharing about how God is good in his life. His business is growing again and the Lord is blessing him one hundred fold more than ever before. Last month he caught word that Christina’s birthday was approaching. He vowed to freely give 500 fish as a gift to Harvest India. His desire was that every child in Raj Kumar’s children home would have a fresh, hot fish lunch to celebrate this joyous day. Today, on Christina’s birthday, he kept his promise and arrived early this morning with over 135 pounds of fish (over 500 fish) to give to the children at Harvest India. Every child in our children home in Tenali was served their own fish today for lunch, marking the first time ever we have been able to give such a lavish treat! It was a beautiful day, a beautiful picture of God’s blessing through prayer and a beautiful way for a former Hindu man to boldly and faithfully declare his love for Christ through his heart for God’s children.

Many of you responded to the stories you heard this summer through child sponsorship. We thought it fitting to share this update about one boy beginning the next step of his journey because of the support provided by so many supporters like you. Yesubabu joined our very first children home just after the monsoon floods of 2005. Just prior to the tragic floods In that year we had just complete construction on out 40,000 square foot building dedicated to caring for and educating the growing next generation of neglected children in India. Originally built to care for 100 children, the tragic floods left hundreds more orphaned and in need of shelter. Harvest India responded by taking in over 400 children. Some children had been left orphaned and others had parents who were not able to provide suitable care and would allow their children to be cared for in our home and educated in our school. Yesubabu’s mother had died and his father was unable to afford to care for his son. He was a fisherman and made only a small daily wage. He humbly requested Harvest India take in his son and provide for his needs of food, shelter and education. Yesubabu adjusted to his surrounding quickly and began to study hard through his desire to make a difference for his father and family. This year, Yesubabu completed his final year of basic education at Harvest India. His final testing ranked him at not only the top of his class, but amongst the top children in the entire state of Andhra Pradesh. He is now being scouted by local universities all over the region with opportunities to continue his education through various scholarship programs. His hopes of making a difference for his family are coming into view and the possibilities of his future are seemingly endless. With his confidence in the Lord and his great appreciation for the love he first discovered at Harvest India, this young man’s future shines so much brighter that he could have otherwise imagined. He embarks upon his future with confident hope that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us!

This year as the season of our dear Savior’s birth drew near we asked our partners to give one additional gift for Christmas. Through prayer and the multiplied resources that were given, Harvest India blessed thousands of men, women and children by giving clothes, breaking bread, and preaching the Good News.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

          Our 24 children homes worshiped Jesus and prayed for all of our patners on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas morning, all of the children recieved new uniforms for school.

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We also gathered with our Staff to bless their families and gave clothing to the widows and elderly in each village we ministered to throughout the Christmas Season.
     

THANK YOU! Through your prayers and support we watched many receive Christ’s love and find the true meaning in Christmas.

Name: T. Pradeep
Age: 11 years old
Harvest India Ministry: Children Home

Pradeep is a young boy in Harvest India’s children home at Telaprolu. He and his older brother are both studying in the home. Pradeep was born tongue tied. Tongue tie occurs when the tissue on the underside of the front of the tongue is positioned too far forward, making it difficult to move the tongue. Without the ability to speak Pradeep was having difficulty communicating and his opportunities looked dim. Through Harvest India’s partners, who financially stand behind procedures that will benefit the quality of life for those deemed candidates, Pradeep underwent a reconstructive surgery last month. He now has greatly increased movement of the tongue and is beginning to learn proper pronunciation and spoken sounds. His studies have greatly increased as well as his spirits.

“I am staying and studying in Telaprolu at Harvest India’s children home with my older brother. My parents were not able to care for us or get me surgery due to financial problems. One day my Harvest India Dad took me to see Bishop Suresh. After some medical exams I received the money for my operation. Now I am able to talk freely with anybody! I thank God for His help and also thank all the donors who made this possible.”

Name: Shake Saahina Bee
Age: 65 years old
Harvest India Ministry: Elderly Home

Shake Shahina was born and brought up in Visaka Patnam. She is from a strong Muslim background, and has two children. Her husband worked as trucker. This is her story:

“After his(her husbands) sudden demise my family scattered. I was able to sustain myself for a few years, but when I grew old my children pushed me out of my house. I was left with nothing, no food, no clothes, no shelter. I was starving for food but nobody would help me. I decided to visit some of my relatives in another region in hopes they would offer me shelter. I got to the local train depot and headed for Tenali. When I went to my relative’s house they also rejected me. I didn’t know what to do. I was so alone; I decided to die. I came to the railway station with fear in my heart, trembling in my body and hunger in my stomach. I spent ten days at the station and grew weaker each day. I started to beg. The police began to hassle me for begging. They could see I was getting near death and they asked me my story. Then a miracle happened. They told me about Harvest India’s elderly home in Tenali. I went there and they didn’t reject me. They provided for my needs, gave me food, shelter, fresh clothes, medical examinations, and nursed me back to health. Now I am very happy to stay in this house. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord and I’m enjoying life growing in the knowledge of God and praying for this ministry and those who stand behind this work; to give hope to those in need. I know that my life is nearly finished on this earth, and soon I’ll meet my God. I have requested my Harvest India family grant my wish to be buried, following Christian custom. I thank God for restoring my health, my hope, and my future. I pray continually for Harvest India, for the donors, and for the lives that must still be reached through this work.”

Name: Chelaka Naveen
Age: 18 years old
Harvest India Ministry: Children Home & College Financial Aid

Chelaka Naveen is now studying his second year at Intermediate College (M.P.C.) He and his two sisters have all been a part of Harvest India ministries as they have grown up. His eldest sister recently got married and his younger sister is in 9th grade at the Harvest India Orphanage at Vadlamudi.

Five years back Naveen joined Harvest India’s children home. At a young age, his father deserted his mother leaving the family in a desperate situation. His mother was concerned with how she could possibly provide for herself, let alone her three children. When she heard about Harvest India’s children homes she inquired a way to enroll Naveen and his two sisters. Harvest India provided hope in what seemed to be a hopeless situation and allowed for her to work and provide for herself, resting easy in knowing that her children were under superior care. She visited often and was continually blessed to see the ways that her children were growing into amazingly gifted young adults and establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ. Naveen has completed his time under Harvest India’s care and after graduating 10th grade he continued his education at M.C.P, a local intermediate college in Tenali. He spends his days studying hard and planning for his bright future. With endless possibilities on the horizon he still volunteers his free time to help at the orphanage, continually building relationships with those that invested so much in his life and helping set the younger kids on the right path.

“I was very happy in this children’s home, I still love to visit and help out. I am receiving everything that I ever needed and more. I’ve accepted Christ as my personal Savior and Lord and I thank God for His goodness in my life, for Harvest India, and for God’s grace on my family.”

The last few days at Harvest India’s main campus in Tenali have been busy and blessed. A few weeks ago we received an unexpected e-mail from a college student involved with one of our partner churches. She is currently studying children’s education while participating in a Semester at Sea program. While in port in Chennai, she wanted to see if it was possible to spend her three day in India experiencing Harvest India, an organization she has heard so much about and partnered with through prayer and child sponsorship. We were thrilled to hear the news and invited her to come and see what the Lord is doing through our ministry.

With a team of four college age students we have had an exciting few days. Bringing in these young men and women who are passionately serving God’s Kingdom is so encouraging to see. Though they could have spent the three days enjoying the more developed Chennai shopping malls, restaurants, and beaches, they chose to come and serve, the children, the ministry and the Kingdom of God.

On the first day of their arrival they taught English at Harvest India’s Public School and on day two they really got their hands dirty and cleaned the construction site of our Tenali church building. By faith we prayed that God will continue to bring the right hands, finances and resources to further the construction so that this project can be completed and many more people can come to know Jesus, gather, worship and praise the Lord. In reward for their hard work and in true Harvest India fashion they were each gifted an authentic Indian outfit. The following day we toured some of our ministry sites to allow each of them to experience the breadth of Harvest India. And that afternoon, they returned to Chennai to re-board their ship and head to their next port. Truly grateful and blessed by their visit, Harvest India is thrilled to be reminded, by these passionate young people who are serving God instead of serving themselves, that God is continuing this great work through the generations, forming young partnerships that will stand in the days to come, and creating catalysts for the faith today!

Thank you, Alex, Mike, Michelle and Leah, for all your hard work and passion these last few days. May God continue to enrich your lives as you seek first His Kingdom. Safe journeys to you and your shipmates during the remainder of your Semester at Sea.

As we prepare for the opening of our second sewing center in partnership with the International Princess Project of Costa Mesa, CA, it has been exciting to see the ways God is already at work in the lives of those He has called to this work of hope and dignity. The new center is located in Peddaparem, which is one of the largest red light cities in the state. There is a darkness in the streets of Peddaparem by day and by night fall the only thing you feel comfortable doing is staying inside. There are few women who roam the streets at night, most are already working, but many pimps pushing prostitution and men looking for deals flood the streets.

We’ve acquired a house in the middle of it all so that we can begin our ministry presence. We visited for the first time last week and as we gathered to pray over the land and buildings God’s goodness and light filled each room. The residential building is a good size, with two bedrooms in the front portion and two more in the rear. Previously a house where prostitution ran rampant, we have commissioned this building for our ongoing staff presence in Paddaparem and the teams who will come from near and far to conduct ministry in this desperate land. The house was previously modified for sex work with secret doors masked to look like closet space and a hidden room in case of police invasion. It weighs heavy on the heart to know that from the outside the street looks similar to most other residential areas in Andhra Pradesh but inside more than half the homes in Peddaparem the lives of women young and old are being destroyed, enslaved to a sin that appears to give no hope of a better life, no sign of change.

Just minutes away from our residential building is the sewing center. The former owner of the house is renting us the building. She too use to be involed in the sex trade industry, but falling on hard times was forced out of the area. We’re praying that Christ will allow us to minister to her as well. She’s made some beautiful upgrades to the doors in the home that are hard-carved pictures of Jesus. When we enter the center their is peace. It’s daytime so the streets have resumed normal business. We meet twelve of the twenty women who are have left or desire to leave the sex trade and we open in prayer, thanking God for the way that he has brought each woman here today. That he has restored hope to these beautiful, cherished women and that he has had a plan, since the begining of time, to prosper these women, to bring each one a hope and a future.

We spend the day explaining what the women will be doing and giving instruction on cutting patterns, sewing, and construction. The women are all excited to get there hands in and have a try so they spend the next hours sewing old fabric, focusing on straight lines and even margins. They seem to picking it up quite well. With much help from the teachers, one pair of punjammies is assembled by the days end. The punjammies are not perfect by any means… but they are beautiful. Their story makes them so and then again that’s what this is all about!

To learn more about the International Princess Project please visit http://www.intlprincess.org/

Children are born everyday into families whose financial position inhibit them from providing all that the desire to their children. But what happens when the parents of such circumstance live in an area that is neglected, supported by a government that refuses to help them. In India nothing happens! And nothing keeps happening until the child and the parents are dying of starvation and literally begging for help. Very quickly the situation can shift from bad to worse as a survival mentality takes over and parents turn from their children and abandon them into the world to care for themselves. This is the story of hundreds of thousands of children in India, this is the story of one child in India, this is the story of Bhagayasri Thata.

Thata Bhagayasri
Age: 13
Birthday: September 13, 1997
Village: Papavenasanam

Born into a strong Hindu family background, Bhagayasri’s family was very poor. Her father, who as in most Indian household, was the sole provider of the Thata family deceased while she was still very young. Quickly the already struggling Thata household became desperate for food and her mother began begging. She was able to raise Bhagayasri until the age of 10. But the environment, in which, Bhagayasri existed was not providing for her growing needs or body. Her mother became very ill and deemed that she could no longer render care to her daughter. Refusing to abandon Bhagayasri she sought anyone that would take her in and raise her as their own but she feared her efforts were in vain. Then she heard news of an organization that was caring for poor, downtrodden and orphaned children in Papavenasanam. She ran into the arms of Christ as she sought Harvest India to adopt her child in hopes that they could provide Bhagayasri with the food, shelter, education and opportunities that she could not. Three years ago Bhagayasri joined the orphan children home at Papavenasanam and her life has been marked by every opportunity in these last years of thriving. Sitting down with Bhagayasri she told us this about her experience.

“I am so thankful to God for the new life I have been given in my home. Because of BriteCity (who sponsors the children home at Papavenasanam. We are being fed three hot meals per day and we have shelter and education.. I love school and I have done very well and study hard. I am currently first in marks in the 8th class and was just recently awarded 2000 rupees for my academic achievements. I am very thankful to BriteCity, Bishop Suresh Kumar, Harvest India, and it’s staff and supporters who make my life so wonderful.”

Imagine that! Bhagayasri was just a poor, oppressed kid whose society told her she would never become anything more than her mother, a beggar. And now she is at the top of the ranks, first in class at her public school amongst 57 other young peers studying in the 8th standard, and being awarded rupees by the same government that refused to help her desperate mother. What’s even more powerful is that she has surrendered her life to the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and gives all the glory to God!

ANUSHA, BISHOP SURESH KUMAR, & BHAGAYASRI

We also met Bhagayasri’s best friend and sister in Christ, Anusha. Anusha holds the second spot in the 8th standard and together in the orphanage they push each other forward, studying together and giving all the glory to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ! Bhagayasri and Anusha are keeping their eyes focused on the road ahead. They refuses to be marked by anything other than their perfection in the eyes of their Father. They both aspire to be general doctors so that they can provide medical care to others that are growing up the society that tried to oppress them into a future God never chose for them.

To find out how you can make a difference and sponsor the future of India please contact Suresh@HarvestIndia.org or visit Harvest India online.

As many of you know, Harvest India has a vision that centers on “soup, soap, and salvation” – originally articulated by a man named William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army). Here are two quotes by William Booth that Suresh has recently been inspired and challenged by…

“In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.”

“While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight; while children go hungry, as they do now I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end!”