Bethania Kids Bethel and Shalom Children’s Homes

By Dency Michael, Trustee

Bethania Kids Bethel and Shalom Children’s Homes are located in Kodaikanal, a mesmerizing hill station set amidst the Palni Hills of South India. The surrounding forests are a popular tourist destination, providing great trekking opportunities and awesome scenic views.

Bethel-Shalom Home is a haven for many precious children who have lost either one or both of their parents. The families of these children are economically crushed, emotionally traumatized and physically exploited. Bethel-Shalom is a place of healing, growing and learning, where the children are nurtured and equipped to change their world through Jesus’ love. At present, there are 35 boys staying with us at Bethel and 36 girls at Shalom.

The month of June marks the start of the new school year for our children. In addition to standard Indian curriculum, Bethel-Shalom kids take special classes in computers and music once per week. This year, a total of seven girls and four boys will sit their 10th Grade Government Exam. A special tuition teacher is appointed to prepare them for this exam.

All medical problems at the homes are immediately attended to. Surya Prakash (age 10) recently had an appendicitis operation and is recovering gradually by the grace of God.

Here are some other recent happenings within the Bethel-Shalom home community:

• Manigandan (age 13) won first prize in the Voter’s Day essay writing competition and attended a one-day youth camp held at Aandipatti, a village near Madurai, as reward.
• Suresh (age 16) went to Palani for a volley ball match and his team won. The team was selected for State level competition.
• On Republic Day our children participated in dance and skit about Michael Jackson at Kalaiyarangam.
• In January, our children met with other Bethania Kids from around South India and participated in the Coloring and Pencil Sketching Competition. (Click here to learn more about this Bethania-wide event!)

Looking to the rest of the year, we ask our beloved Sponsors to join us in praying for the continued physical, educational, and spiritual growth of our wonderful children. We have shifted our home to a new location again this year, and pray that a permanent structure for the children may someday be built.

We thank God for the many gifts we receive that enable us to perform our work. Thank you for supporting Bethania through the Sponsor A Child Program. You may be assured that every dollar we receive is put to good use in educating and strengthening these beautiful children. Without the generosity of Sponsors like you, none of this would be possible.