Blessing the Unblessed

LIFESONG India, a report by Bob and Siromani Stoll, missionaries to India.

Lifesong for Orphans recently began its second year as administrators of a ministry to destitute children in India, a ministry founded in 1978 by Bob and Siromani Stoll. The focus of this ministry is evangelism, the heart of the ministry is blessing the unblessed, both physically and spiritually. Lifesong currently has in-country staff at 6 different homes for orphan and vulnerable children. These children are provided housing, daily Bible study classes, and 3 meals per day. They are being taught English and computer skills, in addition to the schooling they receive at their local public schools.

The need for such a ministry is evident; United Nations report 6 million children under the age of five died in India in 2006. In the face of such great need one might ask: Does a ministry caring for 585 children really matter? It surely does! By God’s grace it has meant that the thousands of truly needy children who have been cared for through the years in our six homes have entered their adult years as productive citizens with healthy bodies, an education and the knowledge of the one true God. 

Our Jyothi Nivas (Light) home is of a group of our girls of mixed ages from grade school to college students. They are from the “untouchable” caste (outcasts) and have known the many deprivations associated with that. Now they are among the very blessed and are very thankful for that. Their appreciation is shown in their smiles. Their hands are positioned to convey a greeting of great respect.