What is happening
India is front and center on our news streams as unfortunately the nation has been hit
hard with a spike of coronavirus cases. Now that the world is about 18 months out from the very
first reported cases, the challenges are different. Vaccines are widely available in the United
States, yet other nations are desperate for access. Despite being a world leader in vaccine
manufacturing, only 3% of the Indian population has been fully vaccinated, compared to 32% in
the United States. We are hearing that lines to receive vaccines can be one mile long. Even
standing in such a line poses risk of transmitting the virus. Cases are surging especially in the
densely populated cities of Delhi and Mumbai, where critical care supplies are in short supply
and crematoriums are overwhelmed. It is a frightening scene, indeed.
How Bethania is helping
At Bethania Kids we are continuing to provide holistic care for children and families in
the name of Christ’s love. Our partners are weary, yet mobilized to look after themselves and
those in their care. The southern state of Tamil Nadu, where many of our residence homes and
care centers are located, was recently put under strict lockdown once again. During this time,
we have no choice but to send children back to their parents and guardians, back into
impoverished conditions. It’s difficult to face that reality but at the moment, our focus is on taking
the necessary precautions to save lives. School has shifted back to a virtual format through
courses on television. Our staff members continue to check in on the kids, but their day-to-day
work lives have changed. Like many of us, they have undertaken some “pandemic projects” like
investing in staff training and cultivating gardens. Your gifts have enabled us to retain all of our
staff members and support them financially — this is vital to the past, present, and future
success of Bethania Kids.
We long for the day that the children can return once again. Children tend to thrive in
community and in-person classrooms, where they can be nurtured by the warm smiles and
support of caring teachers. May the virus be contained so that these important services may
continue. Many of our adult staff members are receiving vaccines, and there have been no
reports of serious COVID-related illness among any children or adults in our Bethania family to
date. We are deeply grateful.
What you can do to help
Please pray for the protection of our children, families, staff, and board members in
India. Pray for the swift eradication of this challenging virus, which we are all so ready to put
behind us.
Our promise hasn’t changed: 100% of donations are channeled into direct ministry for
children. Bethania Kids will continue to steward gifts wisely to address the critical needs facing
India at this time. We will explore new ways of assisting the communities where we serve.
Fearing a probable uptick in orphans as a result of this pandemic, our joint boards in India and
North America will be discussing the best ways to respond. Bethania will continue to do what we
do best — care for children as individuals, worthy of love, belonging, and protection. Whether in
an orphanage or out in the community, let’s hold (clean) hands with Indian children in need.
Especially during this critical time, your gifts are deeply, deeply appreciated. Thank you
for your faithful support of Bethania Kids.
In His Service,
Kate Teece and Larry Zimmerman
