ஒவ்வொரு நாட்டின், பழங்குடி மக்கள், மற்றும் மொழி: Day Three

Hello again!

We've made it to day three (so far so good!) The real work starts tomorrow so today was our last day to get ready! In the morning we had a guided tour of the Sharon Campus. We were able to learn more about the programs that IGL does to promote the gospel in India. Here's a brief summary of what they are, what they do, and what YOU can do to help!

The number of children at the orphanage is astounding. All have sponsors which provide food, shelter, education, and other amenities at a monthly price of $30. Many orphans come to the door of IGL, but until they get sponsors they are unable to call Sharon Gardens their home. Many are sent to another orphanage to await sponsorship. There are literally thousands of children waiting for a willing sponsor; if you are considering sponsoring a child, here is the link to help you get started!

There is also a tailoring program on-site, which provide sewing machines and tailoring education to local men & women. Many come in to train and eventually start their own business, and many come to Christ through this program. They make bags, clothing, and a number of other products all made from Indian textiles and supported through sponsorship and donations. This program and many others are run off of donations made by willing hearts. Here is a link for more information on the development work taking place through IGL.

The Community College is currently host to 115 students, but have successfully graduated over 1,000 students. They are trained in Nursing, Operation Technicians (OT) or Desktop Publishing (a combination of graphic design and computer skills). Many come to the college as Hindu or Muslim, but all come to faith in Christ by the time they graduate. Woah.

Sharon Hospital started in 2000 and has been providing health services to the adult community. They use their pharmaceutical department as a research co-op to help generate funding. I was part of a Master Planning project for a much larger hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, so seeing Sharon Hospital's facilities definitely brought back some good memories of Kijabe. I was impressed with the amenities provided at the hospital. One patient we saw was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer. His wing was situated right on a large courtyard with a lovely garden space (enjoyed by both patients and the local Rhesus monkeys…).

We saw a space where cinder blocks were being mixed, formed, and cured near a dairy farm. All the materials are locally sourced for mixing the cinder block, which are then used for construction and repairs on the campus. The facilities on the campus are then used to give back to the community, and when its time for a new building, the existing block is broken down and reused. This is a fantastic example of sustainability! There were quite a number of cinder blocks being cured in the sun, I wonder what they will be used to build next?

There is also a Vocation Center (workshop) where training and practice in metalworking/woodworking takes place. Most of what they build are supplies for the campus. We saw some great playground equipment made by hand by locals, as well as gurneys and wheelchairs for the hospital. Again, most of the materials are locally sourced either by purchasing from vendors in town or from reusing old materials.

Next to the vocation center were the elementary and high schools (grades 1-10). They are set rather fantastically at the foot of a mountain range (imagine the views!). We were treated to a number of waving and smiling students and teachers (something that wouldn't really happen in a Western school!). These schools are fully equipped with chalkboards (everywhere!), study materials (including textbooks, workbooks, worksheets, etc.), and supplies for the students to use. All of these materials have been supplied by donors. The playground equipment (all made by men from the vocation center) was fashioned in various shapes, including a caterpillar, four-seated teeter-totter, and many others.

After lunch we went on a tour of the IGL office in Salem. We were greeted with flower necklaces (called Mala) and then we proceeded on to our excursion of the office. Throughout each department we prayed for needs of the workers and their ministries. We then saw a few videos and took a look at some of the clothing and items made by men and women supported through micro-loans and vocation centers. The micro-loans are extremely effective. Ninety-eight percent (98%) of the initial loans given out are paid back - with interest - as the new entrepreneurs come to collect their second loan. Following this, we were also handed an updated schedule...

...And in true mission-trip fashion, that schedule was SLIGHTLY (**cough**) different from our original one. The scope of our trip has been modified. Now we are conducting morning teachings with the college students for about 13 days (13 teachings). The Christian/non-Christian ratio at the college is about 50/50. Pray that the Lord would win the latter 50% to a personal relationship with Him. Pray that our words would be the words of Christ

. There have also been some additional trips to different ministries added to our schedule, including two life center ("church") dedications, a medical camp, and interviewing church planters. We will also be working with a team from Germany which is set to come in this week. Our main tasks are to a) interact with the college students as much as possible helping them to envision a life lived for Christ in full, and b) widespread photojournalism and editing to help update the IGL publishing efforts across the globe. Should be fun :-). I've (Jeff) also been asked to do a few drawings to help improve the entrance of the campus and hospital. I'm DEFINITELY going to make time to fit those in!

We were entertained in the evening by a children's program at Sharon Gardens. There was dancing, scripture reading, and testimonies put on by the children, and some sharing and singing done by our 'moms' (all recorded and immortalized on film **rubs hands together**).

Our morning devotionals start at 6 AM, and as it's 10:30 PM now, I think it's time to turn in. Keep checking in to get updates live from India! Good night!