Send Magazine - 2nd Quarter 2009

Jayana (upper left) and the rest of her sta take time between the afternoon tutoring sessions (right) to pray for the children in their Bridge of Hope center (center) and their families.

Reaching the Whole Family

Jayana clung to the Lord during this trying ordeal, pouring out her difficulties to Him. God gave her strength to persevere, and the children’s hearts began to soften. Experiencing the care given to them in this safe environment, the boys and girls began turning to the Bridge of Hope staff with their problems.

Prayer continued to be the constant thread of the ministry. As children watched their teachers pray, they learned to pray, too. And they saw God’s power at work firsthand. For some, like Mathy, their fathers quit their habitual drinking and became providers once again. Others saw God heal family members.

When an 8-year-old girl from a Muslim background laid her hand on her sick mother and prayed for her, the woman’s fever quickly subsided. Now the girl’s parents want to know more about following Jesus.

As children from all kinds of religious backgrounds learned about Jesus’ redemptive power and love, they wanted to know more and began regularly attending Sunday school. Bridge of Hope staff members also went to the children’s homes to share of Christ’s love, offer a listening ear and pray for any needs. Parents started to respond with enthusiasm, even asking Gospel for Asia missionaries to start a church in their village.

Every boy or girl sponsored through Bridge of Hope receives:

+ An education, a uniform and school books
+ A healthy meal each school day
+ A yearly medical checkup
+ The priceless opportunity to hear about Jesus

‘Like Their Own’

Four years after Bridge of Hope came to this village, it has truly won people’s hearts. Although there is some political opposition, the children and their parents enthusiastically endorse it. Even Oshani, the community leader, gives her support.

“The parents don’t have the income to give their children clothing, uniforms, education or whatever they need,” she explains. “Whatever Bridge of Hope does here will be good for the community and the children.”

“Our children are obedient and very loving to each other,” Neela, one mother, adds. “Also, they are studying very well and getting good marks in school. Before they leave the house, they always pray. And before they eat, they thank us and thank Jesus.”

Neela especially loves the way the staff nurtures her young children and their classmates.

“The teachers treat the children like their own,” she says. “If the children have a wound, they treat them and give them medicine. If they don’t have their fingernails cut, they cut their fingernails. They always give them the encouragement they need.”