We have had a letter from Bedline, thanking us for our support and telling us about her Christmas celebrations. It is Bedline’s birthday on 19th March (she will be 7 years old), so please do pray for her. We have sent cards and a gift, but we pray God will richly bless our sponsor child and help her to grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
Compassion is very sadly having to withdraw from its work in India. The following email was received today:
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Compassion will formally end its programmes in India on 15 March. For nearly a year, restrictions placed by the Indian government have prevented Compassion funds entering the country. Without those funds, we can no longer pay our staff or provide resources to our church partners and the children they serve.
We’ve tried everything within our power to resolve this issue, but despite our best efforts, the Indian government has not lifted the restrictions. After much prayer and nearly a year of effort to remedy the situation, our office funds are now depleted and we’ve therefore begun the painful process of closing our programmes in India.
We’d hoped and prayed for a different outcome, but we want to thank everyone who stood with us on this journey. As our CEO, Justin, shares:
“We do not grieve without hope; we trust that God will continue to work through His people in India in remarkable ways, practically serving the ones who need it most.”
We haven’t given up on the children of India. We’re still fighting and trying every avenue as we stand in faith that one day, Compassion will be able to work in India again.”
Our hearts are saddened as we hear this news, especially given that we will be ministering to street children during our mission trip to Bangalore in April, so we are well aware of the needs in this country. This email shows the difficult spiritual situation in India at this time and we would ask you all to pray for the work of Compassion.