Children


He Loves Me and Cares For Me - Karthiga's Story

My name is Karthiga. I am 11 years old and studying in grade 5 in Thiruvarur District. When I was born, my mom died during the delivery. My family lived in a remote village, so they did not go to hospital for labour. Doctors or midwives were not there to help my mom during the delivery. My relatives and others considered me as a sign of bad luck. They blamed me for the death of my mother. My dad expected to have a baby boy. Since his expectation did not happen, he disliked me and did not want to take care of me. My dad just left me the first day I came to this world. Later my dad remarried and never came back to see me. I have seen my parents only in photos. I don’t know where my dad lives now, but he is somewhere in this country.

My grandparents (mom’s parents) look after me now. Still people in the village treat me as very low, because they say that I was the reason for my mom’s death and spoiling my parents married life. Relatives and neighbours don’t welcome me to their homes even during family functions. This used to make me very sad and I cried many days at home.

Last year during the summer Pastor Sundaram came to my village and conducted IBCM summer camp for the children. This pastor visited my home and personally invited me to the summer camp. My relatives considered me as unworthy, but this Christian pastor and his wife showed love, care and kindness towards me. They talked very nicely with me, and in a few days they became my good friends. At first I did not understand why they talked to me and loved me who is a stranger and unlucky girl. When I asked them they said that Jesus asked them to love me and care for me. This made me curious to know who this Jesus is and why he said so.

The summer camp in 2010 and the follow-up programs helped me to understand why Jesus said so. My camp counsellors taught me that Jesus loves children. Christians will always love each other and care for each other and help each other. Now I know that my real mom and dad are Jesus Christ. That’s why he cares for me and loves me. At the follow-up program I learned many memory verses. One of my favourite verses is from Isaiah 49:15, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child from her womb? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"

People may say that I am unlucky, but God says that I am his own child. He loves me and cares for me. This makes me very special and happy. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. Now my grandparents also attend church every Sunday. When I am grown up I want to be a missionary to share Jesus’ love with others who are in need of love, care and hope. Thanks for supporting me to attend the summer camp and follow-up programs. This program helped me to get good Christian friends and family. I was unlucky before but now I am lucky because Jesus is with me. Please pray for me and my grandparents. I will also pray for all IBCM brothers and sisters.


God in a Box - Rathna's Story

My name is Rathna and I am 10 years old. I am in grade 4. Because my parents are Hindus I had never been to a church or Christian program in my life. That is until this last May.

Last May I was told by one of my friends that there is a place where they give crayons for free. She showed me a box of crayons and a book with lots of Bible story pictures and coloring pages in it that she got at camp. My parents never bought me crayons in my life, so I really wanted to get a box of crayons. That's how first I went to a summer Bible camp in Puram (Tamil Nadu, India).

I had a such a great time that first day that I went for the whole week of day camp. There I learned stories from the Bible, actions songs, games and coloring. I also met many good friends and loving camp counselors at the camp. At first I went to the camp to get a box of crayons, but at the end of the week I got even bigger gift than crayons. I received eternal life in Jesus Christ, which I think is best of all. At the camp I committed myself to follow Jesus in my life, I accepted Him as my personal Saviour.

I learned many things at camp and met many wonderful people. My parents are also happy and they allow me to attend the weekly follow up that happens at the church on Sunday evenings.

Thanks to everyone for my crayons. They where a great gift. They led me to Jesus Christ.


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