Last summer I spent four months in Southern India with a team bringing hope to the Indian people. We had opportunities to minister to people on and off campus.

On campus we have a sewing project for widows and women at risk. With no one to take care of them and their children, they are left to work in the fields or beg for their daily needs. Having come to learn sewing they see it as opportunities to not only care for themselves and children, but many also take care of their fathers and mothers. During the 6 month training program they not only learn how to sew, but they also learn about our Lord Jesus. Daily Ruth Suhrulatha leads a prayer and Bible study and many attend and often accept Christ as their Savior. Just recently our instructor, Vani, accepted the Lord. She has since won many of her family members to the Lord, including her husband who received physical healing in one of his eyes!

When the 6 months is finished, its graduation time! Each lady receives a machine that she takes back to her home to start a business. It is so exciting to see the ladies take their sewing machines and return to their homes. One of the ladies, Jyothi, caught the vision and is teaching ladies in her own village to sew so that one day they also will have a machine and business of their own. We went to her home for “Opening Day.” In a tiny room she has about 4 machines and sews children’s and lady’s clothes to sell to the village people. Her home is small; however Jyothi brightens it with her smile, and willingness to help all who cross her path.

Along with the sewing project we have an orphanage. When I was there we had about 26 children, though I would not be surprised if more have joined us. Many have no parents, or one parent who is poor and unable to care for them for a time. I enjoyed spending time playing with all the little ones. I laughed many times, since they seemed to think we Americans could just go and go and do not get tired. I remember playing a spinning game with the girls. One would get dizzy and then a different one would step right up – not considering that I, in fact, might be dizzy! Though I never did catch onto some of their games we had a lot of fun trying to understand one another and playing.

It is amazing to watch the changes take place for the children. When they come to us, they are given a home and enrolled in school. Though shy and a little afraid at first they quickly learn that we care for and love them and they start to relax. Over time they all warm up and are delighted when we would come out of the house. Then if you went anywhere on campus, once spotted you had several children, holding your hands or just running along side you talking – in Telegu.

In the beginning of October we hosted a 3 day Medical Camp. Doctors along with dental hygienists and nurses came from the US. A couple local Doctors came as well. There was an eye center, dental center and medical tent. With the wonderful team and translators, over 1,500 people were seen daily. Cataract surgeries were performed, glasses and eye drops provided. Heading to the other side of the building we find the dental team. Many people had teeth removed including one woman whose face was swollen due to a tooth abscess. Outside at the Medical tent our EMT and nurse personnel check children, pray for people, and provide medication to help combat infections, etc. So many people were blessed and walked away with renewed hope.

It was a wonderful and life changing experience. I was often amazed at how giving the people were. Though they had little, they wanted to give gifts to us. They were honored that we “Americans” would come to visit and help them. I often wonder what we can learn from this in our response to others.

If you would like more information on any of these projects or maybe even join a team going to India please contact:

Pastor Jaipaul Papabathini

5188 Bristol Rd.

Canandaigua, NY 14424

Jaipaul316@yahoo.com www.jaipaul.com