It’s not every day that we are privileged to see both the past and future of God’s guiding hand at work – all at a glance. Yet, thanks to your loving support, this is the case at DEWS Sweet Home in India. Five new orphans joined the children’s village. They arrived in time for the DEWS Sweet Home 27th anniversary celebration.
The Past
For children living at an ICC Children’s Village, the past is often not pleasant to reflect upon. Each child has a unique, and typically tragic, history. Here is a brief look at the story of one of the new children who recently arrived in India:
Kanu has been living on the streets with no food or water. Truly, he had no one to care for him. Someone local told the boy about a children’s village where orphans can find a home, so he walked to DEWS Sweet Home all by himself. He is only ten years old.
Despite the tragic histories of the children, there is hope. At the anniversary party, Sweet Home celebrated the blessing of the past. For the past 27 years, your support has made it possible for many children in India to be saved – both physically and spiritually.
Ephesians 1:4-5 reminds us that God chose us as his children before the creation of the world. That’s looking way back in the past.
“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.”
Ephesians 1:4-5
The newly arrived ICC children are chosen by God, as we all are, to be adopted into the Kingdom. These children are also now adopted into a beautiful family that you help to provide here on earth.
The Future
What better way to look towards the future of these newly arrived orphans, than by celebrating the success of our now-grown children?
At the 27th anniversary celebration, two grown ICC children – older brothers – shared their testimony to encourage the young ones. Here is an edited excerpt from Udai, DEWS Sweet Home finance director, concerning the event.
“Karunakar, one of our older brothers, talked to children and explained how his life changed after coming to Sweet Home and shared that this is his home forever. Timothy shared his experience and shared a few tips on how to utilize the opportunity that each of us got, as many children outside don’t have food, clothing and shelter.”
Before coming to ICC, Timothy had been abandoned at a train station. He didn’t even remember his own name. Now, he is a pastor serving at Flaiz Adventist College, as well as at DEWS Sweet Home.
Karunakar came from a similar background, and recently completed his nursing degree. During the height of the pandemic, he went above and beyond to help care for the children – both assisting in best-practice health education as well as in daily family care. He often returns to his Sweet Home family and provides snacks and special meals.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Jeremiah 29:11
Your support serves as the hands and feet of God in helping the children to experience the bright future God has planned for them. Timothy and Karunakar are already realizing the blessing of that future. Thank you for helping to make that possible!
In his letter, Udai continues:
“I would like to take this time to thank each and everyone of you for your continued support in taking care of DEWS Sweet Home. The Good Lord has been blessing us for the past 27 years. I can’t believe that I have been here for almost 21 years.
On behalf of the children, staff, and alumni I would like to specially thank … all the sponsors and well-wishers. I know each of you have made different sacrifices in order to provide food, clothing and shelter for the unfortunate children, and you have provided us with the best life.”
For your support in the past, as well as in the future, THANK YOU!
