Prayer of dedication

For the last two years Asian Aid has planned for the construction and raised funds for the new Sunrise Orphanage in Bobbili, India. At the beginning of March the construction team, led by Mr. Doug Clark, arrived to start construction. Doug, having been the Director for Maranatha in India for over 10 years, has wide experience in building projects in this country.

The initial stage began with leveling and preparing the ground and building the wall around the construction site. On the groundbreaking day as bulldozers rolled onto the site, a group of the older Sunrise students met on the site and had a special prayer of dedication. They are extremely excited and bursting with questions! Reflecting the students' current conditions where more than half of the children have to sleep on the floor, one boy asked, "Will I get a bed, Sir?" to which Doug replied, "Yes, and you will have a mattress!" The little boy burst into a big smile.

The total land area encompasses twelve acres. The home will take up about five acres with the remaining being used for growing crops. Rice and vegetables will grow well in the fertile farming soil enabling the home to grow some of its own food and sell some crops for income. Each child will also have his or her own vegetable plot where they will be taught gardening skills as well as the benefits and values of industry. Due to constant escalations in food prices in India, growing their own food and training the students in agriculture will be a long-term benefit to Sunrise Orphanage and to the education of the children.

This project will not only supply a much-needed home to the current orphans but will also provide the same opportunity to over 130 more children who have no parents and often live on the streets. Funding is just about complete, but donations for tables, chairs, furniture, fans and other kitchen furnishings are still required. Please support this mission outreach with your prayers and financial contributions.

If any donors would like to visit the site, please contact Asian Aid to arrange a visit. (Accommodations are provided by Bobbili Blind School nearby.)