In this episode of Hope in Motion 00:00:02.35\00:00:05.23 we go to Sri Lanka to see how Asian Aid is helping 00:00:05.26\00:00:08.12 the Adventist Mission in this island nation. 00:00:08.15\00:00:11.15 It makes a huge difference when individuals 00:00:11.18\00:00:13.67 and organizations from around the world 00:00:13.70\00:00:16.05 give support to us here at Lakpahana. 00:00:16.08\00:00:19.05 We visit Lakpahana College and Seminary, 00:00:19.08\00:00:21.85 an Adventist institution 00:00:21.88\00:00:23.29 that is preparing soldiers for Christ. 00:00:23.32\00:00:25.58 This school, Lakpahana College 00:00:25.61\00:00:28.00 and Seminary means a lot to our mission 00:00:28.03\00:00:31.74 because this is where we train most of our workers. 00:00:31.77\00:00:36.29 And witness how Asian Aid's sponsorship 00:00:36.32\00:00:38.55 is helping a young sibling overcome a tragic past. 00:00:38.58\00:00:42.11 Asian Aid is an organization giving hope, 00:00:57.51\00:01:00.38 an organization fostering permanent positive change 00:01:00.41\00:01:03.47 in the lives of disadvantage children 00:01:03.50\00:01:05.64 and their communities. 00:01:05.67\00:01:07.37 An organization that is committed 00:01:07.40\00:01:09.19 to making a difference in the lives of children 00:01:09.22\00:01:11.62 and those who are in need. 00:01:11.65\00:01:13.41 Serving communities in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, 00:01:13.44\00:01:17.53 Myanmar and India. 00:01:17.56\00:01:19.84 For the last 40 years 00:01:27.13\00:01:29.03 Asian Aid has invested in the futures of people 00:01:29.06\00:01:31.80 and their investment has proven infinite returns. 00:01:31.83\00:01:36.00 Driven by their dedication to helping those 00:01:36.03\00:01:38.54 who have the least Asian Aid is an organization 00:01:38.57\00:01:42.05 focused on the welfare of children, 00:01:42.08\00:01:44.34 implementing diverse development projects 00:01:44.37\00:01:47.14 and sponsoring thousands of children. 00:01:47.17\00:01:49.85 Their outreach spans from child rescue operations 00:01:49.88\00:01:53.21 to providing an education for orphans, 00:01:53.24\00:01:55.82 deaf and the blind children. 00:01:55.85\00:01:58.35 Giving them a sense of place, a home but above all 00:01:58.38\00:02:02.48 Asian Aid is an organization giving hope, 00:02:02.51\00:02:05.68 giving hope to children, giving hope to communities, 00:02:05.71\00:02:09.29 giving hope to the ones who needed the most. 00:02:09.32\00:02:12.97 This is Hope in Motion. 00:02:13.00\00:02:16.05 Sri Lanka is an island nation located 00:02:46.34\00:02:48.56 just a few miles from the southern tip of India. 00:02:48.59\00:02:51.31 Because of its natural beauty and location 00:02:51.34\00:02:53.49 it is commonly known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. 00:02:53.52\00:02:58.96 Until 1972 00:02:58.99\00:03:00.76 it was called by its Portuguese derived name Ceylon. 00:03:00.79\00:03:04.10 Like its neighbor India, Sri Lanka is a diverse country, 00:03:04.13\00:03:07.50 home to many religious ethnicities and languages 00:03:07.53\00:03:10.30 but it's predominately a Buddhist nation 00:03:10.33\00:03:12.59 with a rich Buddhist heritage. 00:03:12.62\00:03:16.34 Although the Seventh-day Adventist church mission 00:03:16.37\00:03:18.42 was organized here in 1950 00:03:18.45\00:03:21.54 the church membership is only around 4,000. 00:03:21.57\00:03:23.62 This is why Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary 00:03:23.65\00:03:26.64 was established in Kandy to meet the challenges 00:03:26.67\00:03:29.59 of the Adventist mission in Sri Lanka. 00:03:29.62\00:03:31.98 This school, Lakpahana College 00:03:32.01\00:03:34.35 and Seminary means a lot to our mission 00:03:34.38\00:03:37.68 because this is where we train most of our workers. 00:03:37.71\00:03:42.26 Right from the inception of this school 00:03:42.29\00:03:44.75 it has trained many workers 00:03:44.78\00:03:47.08 who are serving here in Sri Lanka 00:03:47.11\00:03:50.64 as well as in other countries. 00:03:50.67\00:03:53.23 So we really respect and we value this school 00:03:53.26\00:03:57.68 because its great service to the community 00:03:57.71\00:04:02.40 and to our church. 00:04:02.43\00:04:04.54 Established just outside 00:04:06.67\00:04:08.18 Sri Lanka's second largest city Kandy, 00:04:08.21\00:04:10.36 Lakpahana over the decades has produced many workers 00:04:10.39\00:04:13.68 for the mission field. 00:04:13.71\00:04:15.28 We are providing the future really of the church. 00:04:15.31\00:04:21.75 If you are to go around Sri Lanka today 00:04:21.78\00:04:25.22 and look at most of the pastors 00:04:25.25\00:04:27.32 and the leadership of the church 00:04:27.35\00:04:28.94 they are all products of Lakpahana. 00:04:28.97\00:04:31.27 And even if you look at 00:04:31.30\00:04:32.67 some of the leading businessmen around the country 00:04:32.70\00:04:34.77 they are all products of Lakpahana. 00:04:34.80\00:04:36.64 Lakpahana has played a huge role 00:04:36.67\00:04:39.20 in the work of the church here in Sri Lanka. 00:04:39.23\00:04:43.13 Being the only Adventist institution 00:04:43.16\00:04:45.22 for higher education in Sri Lanka 00:04:45.25\00:04:47.46 the demand for admission is high 00:04:47.49\00:04:49.23 among the Adventist community. 00:04:49.26\00:04:51.24 Children also come from different 00:04:51.27\00:04:52.89 socioeconomic background 00:04:52.92\00:04:54.57 and from various parts of Sri Lanka 00:04:54.60\00:04:56.44 and are exposed to the Christian environment 00:04:56.47\00:04:58.61 and to a Christian education and lifestyle 00:04:58.64\00:05:00.87 in this predominantly Buddhist culture. 00:05:00.90\00:05:03.18 But many students in Lakpahana 00:05:03.21\00:05:04.89 like Adventist schools in other south Asian countries 00:05:04.92\00:05:07.53 come from rural and poor backgrounds 00:05:07.56\00:05:09.63 and are enabled to pay basic tuition fees required to attend 00:05:09.66\00:05:12.53 a boarding school like Lakpahana. 00:05:12.56\00:05:14.58 This is where Asian Aid plays a crucial role 00:05:14.61\00:05:17.19 in giving that opportunity for those children 00:05:17.22\00:05:19.62 who are from an under privileged background. 00:05:19.65\00:05:22.50 We are very happy that they are sponsoring 00:05:22.53\00:05:24.20 organizations such as Asian Aid 00:05:24.23\00:05:27.43 who has come forward to sponsor 00:05:27.46\00:05:31.41 about 80 or 90 even more students 00:05:31.44\00:05:36.09 and because of their assistance 00:05:36.12\00:05:38.98 we are able to educate this children 00:05:39.01\00:05:42.09 and run this school without much problem. 00:05:42.13\00:05:48.21 Our church work is very dependent 00:05:48.24\00:05:52.02 on Asian Aid children and its workforce. 00:05:52.05\00:05:57.27 And so the-- it's not only the development of their child 00:05:57.30\00:06:01.94 its where their child goes 00:06:01.97\00:06:03.54 and they go in so many directions 00:06:03.57\00:06:05.84 where they are having an impact 00:06:05.87\00:06:07.84 not only on them but on their community. 00:06:07.87\00:06:11.40 And the other thing is too 00:06:11.43\00:06:13.02 they have a big impact on the immediate family. 00:06:13.05\00:06:16.09 So they impact on their parents, 00:06:16.12\00:06:19.20 their uncles and aunts and in their local community. 00:06:19.23\00:06:23.64 We are creating a future for those 00:06:23.67\00:06:25.66 who really are left behind 00:06:25.69\00:06:27.92 and need someone to give them 00:06:27.95\00:06:29.86 a hand up never a hand out. 00:06:29.89\00:06:32.56 Because by giving an education it's a hand up. 00:06:32.59\00:06:36.05 They can help themselves. 00:06:36.08\00:06:38.32 They don't have to rely on people forever. 00:06:38.35\00:06:41.61 Its not a welfare issue, 00:06:41.64\00:06:44.19 its creating a new possibility for children and the kids 00:06:44.22\00:06:48.33 that are sponsored really, really do benefit. 00:06:48.36\00:06:54.61 But not all are lucky to get this benefit. 00:06:54.64\00:06:56.88 The school administration is under pressure 00:06:56.91\00:06:58.99 to secure sponsorship 00:06:59.02\00:07:00.37 for the regular inflow of students 00:07:00.40\00:07:02.13 that come for admission each year. 00:07:02.16\00:07:04.96 Basically all of our students are sponsored 00:07:04.99\00:07:08.17 and with the growing enrolment that means 00:07:08.20\00:07:10.06 we need a growing base of sponsors. 00:07:10.09\00:07:13.58 At the beginning of the year which is January 00:07:13.61\00:07:17.25 we made a faith decision 00:07:17.28\00:07:19.54 and that was if you came from Adventist parents 00:07:19.57\00:07:23.14 or you are an Adventist you could come here 00:07:23.17\00:07:26.18 and we would find a sponsor. 00:07:26.21\00:07:28.01 Now that was a real faith for them 00:07:28.04\00:07:30.16 and the Lord has blessed us immensely. 00:07:30.19\00:07:33.02 But with all of our students are not sponsored 00:07:33.05\00:07:36.12 and I have a huge waiting list of students on my desk 00:07:36.15\00:07:41.49 who want to come to Lakpahana, 00:07:41.52\00:07:43.29 they are from Adventist background 00:07:43.32\00:07:45.30 but we just do not have the sponsorship. 00:07:45.33\00:07:48.77 Asian Aid has been a part of Lakpahana 00:07:48.80\00:07:50.77 for a number of years, 00:07:50.80\00:07:52.03 mainly through its sponsorship program. 00:07:52.06\00:07:54.31 Presently over 90 students are sponsored by Asian Aid 00:07:54.34\00:07:57.60 this playing an important role 00:07:57.63\00:07:59.14 in the development of Lakpahana. 00:07:59.17\00:08:01.60 If you haven't been in mission field 00:08:01.63\00:08:04.34 in a third world country 00:08:04.37\00:08:06.35 economics are so different 00:08:06.38\00:08:07.63 than they are in the United States. 00:08:07.66\00:08:09.75 And the sponsorship of a student is just 00:08:09.78\00:08:14.07 I don't even know how to describe 00:08:14.10\00:08:15.39 how important it is. 00:08:15.42\00:08:16.45 It's just-- its our life blood. 00:08:16.48\00:08:20.13 How are you? Welcome back. 00:08:20.16\00:08:21.19 Very, very glad sir. Good to see you again. 00:08:21.22\00:08:22.94 How are you? 00:08:22.97\00:08:25.00 Pastor Brooke Sadler is a retired 00:08:25.03\00:08:26.89 school administrator from Tennessee 00:08:26.92\00:08:28.86 who served as principal of Lakpahana in the 1970s. 00:08:28.89\00:08:32.68 I was comfortably in retirement in northeast Tennessee 00:08:32.71\00:08:36.47 enjoying sitting on the couch looking at the mountain 00:08:36.50\00:08:39.89 and I kept getting emails 00:08:39.92\00:08:43.45 that the school here needed some help. 00:08:43.48\00:08:47.36 And so I actually came over on a visit 00:08:47.39\00:08:49.95 and looked at it and realized 00:08:49.98\00:08:52.81 it should get-- it did need help. 00:08:52.84\00:08:54.64 Went home with no intention of coming back 00:08:54.67\00:08:58.71 and then people started talking to me 00:08:58.74\00:09:01.92 and said well, why don't you go back? 00:09:01.95\00:09:04.39 And I said, I'm 71 years old, should I be a principal again? 00:09:04.42\00:09:09.64 And so anyway make a long story short 00:09:09.67\00:09:12.36 my wife and I prayed about it, 00:09:12.39\00:09:13.53 we came back and I'm principal 00:09:13.56\00:09:16.07 and we've been here 10 months 00:09:16.10\00:09:17.44 and the Lord has blessed immensely 00:09:17.47\00:09:19.68 and we'll be here as long as the Lord wants us to be. 00:09:19.71\00:09:24.31 We were able to get his service back here in Lakpahana 00:09:24.34\00:09:29.69 although he is now retired 00:09:29.72\00:09:31.70 but still he has very graciously 00:09:31.73\00:09:34.52 volunteered to come and serve Lakpahana 00:09:34.55\00:09:37.41 and try to do his best to revive Lakpahana 00:09:37.44\00:09:42.06 and bring it to what it was during that golden era. 00:09:42.09\00:09:46.55 See you again. All right. 00:09:46.58\00:09:49.27 Since Pastor Sadler's return 00:09:49.30\00:09:51.29 Lakpahana has undertaken the path to steady growth 00:09:51.32\00:09:54.35 but the going hasn't been easy. 00:09:54.38\00:09:57.30 There was all kinds of areas of need, 00:09:57.33\00:09:59.67 the physical plan to the classrooms 00:09:59.70\00:10:03.96 but Asian Aid USA has helped us with some funding, 00:10:03.99\00:10:08.53 others have helped us and we are making 00:10:08.56\00:10:10.49 huge progress in bringing the school 00:10:10.52\00:10:12.91 back to what it really should be. 00:10:12.94\00:10:15.29 We're just proud to be able to assist 00:10:15.32\00:10:19.29 with the redevelopment of Lakpahana 00:10:19.32\00:10:22.05 and but also to sponsor children there. 00:10:22.08\00:10:25.76 But our key role at the moment is assisting 00:10:25.79\00:10:29.36 in the development of the school. 00:10:29.39\00:10:31.25 This is the only Adventist College 00:10:31.28\00:10:34.67 or institution in Sri Lanka that is developing children 00:10:34.70\00:10:41.10 for college degree and college work. 00:10:41.13\00:10:43.50 So it has a very important role to fulfill in this country. 00:10:43.53\00:10:48.93 One of the great things about being 00:10:48.96\00:10:50.47 part of the Seventh-day Adventist church worldwide 00:10:50.50\00:10:52.64 is its support that it helps do. 00:10:52.67\00:10:54.93 It makes a huge difference when individuals 00:10:54.96\00:10:57.39 and organizations from around the world 00:10:57.42\00:10:59.78 give support to us here at Lakpahana. 00:10:59.81\00:11:03.56 Asian Aid USA has been a huge 00:11:03.59\00:11:05.46 part of the support system in Lakpahana. 00:11:05.49\00:11:07.97 The school under the leadership of Pastor Brooke Sadler 00:11:08.00\00:11:10.86 has taken a proactive approach in relying lesson sponsorship 00:11:10.89\00:11:14.54 and providing a recovering source of income for the school 00:11:14.57\00:11:17.33 by reviving and redeveloping some of its industries. 00:11:17.36\00:11:20.81 This is our dairy in which we have nine cows 00:11:20.84\00:11:24.12 and three calf's, two female. 00:11:24.15\00:11:27.91 We want to expand this very much. 00:11:27.94\00:11:29.99 We use the milk for the cafeteria, 00:11:30.02\00:11:31.86 we sell milk and we are making, starting to make curd. 00:11:31.89\00:11:35.08 If we make curd out of the milk 00:11:35.11\00:11:36.47 we make more money, so more income. 00:11:36.50\00:11:38.44 So we want this again as an income source for the school 00:11:38.47\00:11:41.66 but we also-- this is where the students work. 00:11:41.69\00:11:44.44 We don't have any help other than students. 00:11:44.47\00:11:46.42 All the milking everything is taken care of by the students. 00:11:46.45\00:11:49.96 They come morning and evening and milk them, 00:11:49.99\00:11:52.19 take care all of it. 00:11:52.22\00:11:53.27 They are great bunch of kids. 00:11:53.30\00:11:57.51 The poultry has been restarted since I came back. 00:11:57.54\00:12:00.28 We have about 600 chickens laying chickens 00:12:00.31\00:12:03.56 and we get about 550 eggs. 00:12:03.59\00:12:05.74 We use it to increase the nutrition at the school 00:12:05.77\00:12:08.97 so that children get eggs more often. 00:12:09.00\00:12:11.02 We also use it for bakery products 00:12:11.05\00:12:12.69 and we sell for income for the school. 00:12:12.72\00:12:15.58 And we hope to increase 00:12:15.61\00:12:17.33 the number of cows and chickens. 00:12:17.36\00:12:20.49 This is the very important part of what we are doing 00:12:20.52\00:12:22.33 and again all student labor. 00:12:22.36\00:12:24.04 It's all done by students. 00:12:24.07\00:12:26.37 Boys who are standing behind you 00:12:26.40\00:12:28.37 waiting to go to work. 00:12:28.40\00:12:34.94 The clinic has also become operational now. 00:12:34.97\00:12:37.52 Although small it is adequate 00:12:37.55\00:12:39.31 to meet the needs of his students. 00:12:39.34\00:12:43.83 We didn't have a functional clinic before. 00:12:43.86\00:12:46.79 After Pastor Sadler came back we have started his clinic. 00:12:46.82\00:12:51.30 So now we have facility to treat 00:12:51.33\00:12:53.60 minor aliments and wounds. 00:12:53.63\00:12:55.92 This clinic is a great help for children 00:12:55.95\00:12:58.27 and the staff here. 00:12:58.30\00:13:00.88 A clinic in a campus is essential 00:13:00.91\00:13:02.63 for a large boarding school like Lakpahana. 00:13:02.66\00:13:04.86 For if a child gets a small cut 00:13:04.89\00:13:06.78 they have to almost get that treated immediately 00:13:06.81\00:13:08.62 or it gets infected. 00:13:08.65\00:13:10.34 But they are blessed to have 00:13:10.37\00:13:11.49 Lakeside Adventist Hospital about 15 miles away. 00:13:11.52\00:13:14.75 So when a child needs extra attention 00:13:14.78\00:13:16.77 they are sent to Lakeside. 00:13:16.80\00:13:18.31 There is also plans to collaborate 00:13:18.34\00:13:19.90 with Lakeside Adventist Hospital, 00:13:19.93\00:13:21.78 to start vocational nursing programs at Lakpahana 00:13:21.81\00:13:25.30 so that the school can also provide Adventist nurses 00:13:25.33\00:13:27.67 in the hospital systems here in Sri Lanka. 00:13:27.70\00:13:29.79 The school has a large farm area 00:13:34.34\00:13:36.62 and with the help of student labor 00:13:36.65\00:13:38.30 fresh vegetables are cultivated 00:13:38.33\00:13:40.00 to meet the needs of the kitchen. 00:13:40.03\00:13:41.94 Work program is an intrical part of hostel life 00:13:41.97\00:13:44.37 in Adventist institutions throughout south Asia. 00:13:44.40\00:13:47.23 And in Lakpahana 00:13:47.26\00:13:48.64 students actively take part in its up keeping 00:13:48.67\00:13:51.26 and are encouraged to participate 00:13:51.29\00:13:52.98 and help in the various industries inside the campus. 00:13:53.01\00:13:56.17 This not only lead a disciple life in the campus 00:13:56.20\00:13:59.13 but it helps them acquire skills 00:13:59.16\00:14:00.77 needed for work in the future. 00:14:00.80\00:14:04.35 when we come back 00:14:04.38\00:14:05.41 we look at how key industry at Lakpahana was revived 00:14:05.44\00:14:08.42 since Pastor Sadler's return and meet Sachikala and Shaan 00:14:08.45\00:14:12.89 and witness how Asian Aid sponsorship 00:14:12.92\00:14:15.17 is helping them overcome a tragic past. 00:14:15.20\00:14:17.87 My wife Angela and I are here in Andhra Pradesh, India, 00:14:30.41\00:14:33.82 visiting some of the Asian Aid projects to see for ourselves 00:14:33.85\00:14:37.30 how the work that is being done here is transforming lives, 00:14:37.33\00:14:40.67 especially lives of orphaned children 00:14:40.70\00:14:43.44 and abandoned children, 00:14:43.47\00:14:44.91 children from the tribal communities. 00:14:44.94\00:14:47.53 And we've discovered that because of sponsors like you, 00:14:47.56\00:14:49.90 they now have a place that they can call home. 00:14:49.93\00:14:52.44 They have wonderful clothing, nutritious food 00:14:52.47\00:14:54.86 and they are being prepared to propel themselves 00:14:54.89\00:14:58.24 into the future for a promising career. 00:14:58.27\00:15:00.92 But above all that because of sponsors like you 00:15:00.95\00:15:04.05 they now have hope, hope for a better future. 00:15:04.08\00:15:07.54 My name is Sue Smith and I'm an Asian Aid sponsor. 00:15:20.21\00:15:22.98 I'm here in India visiting our sponsored children. 00:15:23.01\00:15:26.41 I've seen the difference 00:15:26.44\00:15:27.58 that Asian Aid makes in the life of a child. 00:15:27.61\00:15:30.23 It's a real change 00:15:30.26\00:15:32.00 and I appreciate the work that Asian Aid does here. 00:15:32.03\00:15:35.21 Lakpahana Adventist College and Seminary 00:16:08.43\00:16:10.95 is the only Adventist institution 00:16:10.98\00:16:12.68 in Sri Lanka for higher studies. 00:16:12.71\00:16:14.57 Since its inception in 1923 00:16:14.60\00:16:17.37 it has served a wonderful variety of students 00:16:17.40\00:16:19.84 from many cultures and religions 00:16:19.87\00:16:21.43 represented in Sri Lanka. 00:16:21.46\00:16:23.02 In a comfortable rural setting the college and seminary 00:16:27.55\00:16:30.42 provides both the quality Adventist education program 00:16:30.45\00:16:33.17 and vocational training program 00:16:33.20\00:16:35.05 to prepare the students for life after school. 00:16:35.08\00:16:38.44 Pastor Brooke Sadler is the principal of the school. 00:16:38.47\00:16:41.17 Since his return from retirement 00:16:41.20\00:16:42.97 the school has witnessed a revival. 00:16:43.00\00:16:45.29 One of the key industries that has been revived 00:16:48.87\00:16:51.08 since Pastor Sadler's return is the bakery. 00:16:51.11\00:16:54.16 We started this bakery project from last December. 00:16:54.19\00:16:57.87 Before that we have product only for the cafeteria 00:16:57.90\00:17:01.28 to deliver the bread for the students 00:17:01.31\00:17:03.66 but now we have a good demand in outside. 00:17:03.69\00:17:06.21 Per day we are making that 120 loaf 00:17:06.24\00:17:09.00 before the project start. 00:17:09.03\00:17:10.33 After the project starts 00:17:10.36\00:17:11.89 we will start to make 300 breads per day 00:17:11.92\00:17:14.35 and we don't have any vehicle facilities 00:17:14.38\00:17:16.59 before to deliver things outside 00:17:16.62\00:17:18.72 but now we have a new vehicle to delivery outside. 00:17:18.75\00:17:21.93 So we are making some profit for the school. 00:17:21.96\00:17:24.22 A large institution like Lakpahana Adventist College 00:17:30.28\00:17:33.22 and Seminary draws attention from all quarters 00:17:33.25\00:17:36.40 and it has to maintain its standards 00:17:36.43\00:17:38.25 and build on its reputation. 00:17:38.28\00:17:40.05 It has to have basic facilities 00:17:40.08\00:17:41.89 to attract a large number of paying students. 00:17:41.92\00:17:44.73 Let me start with the need about 00:17:44.76\00:17:46.35 telling my second day here. 00:17:46.38\00:17:47.67 I was sitting in my office 00:17:47.70\00:17:49.35 and I heard this horrible scraping sound. 00:17:49.38\00:17:52.73 And I discovered that students 00:17:52.76\00:17:55.38 came to the first period they captured a chair 00:17:55.41\00:17:58.13 and took it with them the rest of the day 00:17:58.16\00:18:00.08 because we didn't have chairs 00:18:00.11\00:18:01.83 and even seventy percent of those were broken. 00:18:01.86\00:18:04.58 And our-- the limitations right now for us 00:18:04.61\00:18:09.13 are sponsorships, number one, 00:18:09.16\00:18:13.94 and desk and chairs for the classrooms, 00:18:13.97\00:18:19.13 beds and mattresses for the hostels or dormitories, 00:18:19.16\00:18:23.89 those are really the critical needs. 00:18:23.92\00:18:25.44 We have the classroom space, 00:18:25.47\00:18:27.67 we really have the teaching staff. 00:18:27.70\00:18:29.89 Some of our classes are small 00:18:29.92\00:18:31.45 but we just don't have really the basic. 00:18:31.48\00:18:35.21 Every provision made and every development 00:18:35.24\00:18:37.19 envisioned at Lakpahana is student centric. 00:18:37.22\00:18:40.85 There is no question, when we invest in the child 00:18:40.88\00:18:43.56 whether it is through sponsorship 00:18:43.59\00:18:44.95 or investing facilities we endow them 00:18:44.98\00:18:47.44 with the ability to go through life 00:18:47.47\00:18:50.22 with more than just an education. 00:18:50.25\00:18:51.28 Today is a special day at Lakpahana. 00:19:03.43\00:19:05.67 We were fortunate to witness their annual preset day. 00:19:05.70\00:19:08.66 The chief guest Asanka Weerathunga 00:19:08.69\00:19:11.69 is a naval officer in the Sri Lankan Navy. 00:19:11.72\00:19:15.04 As a person called Asanka Weerathunga 00:19:15.07\00:19:19.05 was designed by this. 00:19:19.08\00:19:22.07 so now I'm proud, I came to here. 00:19:22.10\00:19:26.56 I came here 00:19:26.59\00:19:30.99 something like a mother give birth to a child. 00:19:31.02\00:19:35.57 Lakpahana gave birth to me. 00:19:35.60\00:19:39.46 Asanka is former student of Lakpahana. 00:19:39.49\00:19:41.92 Born into the Adventist family he was a sponsored student. 00:19:41.95\00:19:46.84 There is no question that we change lives 00:19:46.87\00:19:50.98 and sponsorship change lives. 00:19:51.01\00:19:53.33 Because these young people come, 00:19:53.36\00:19:54.83 they come from so many different varying backgrounds. 00:19:54.86\00:19:57.92 We just had a special day called a preset day 00:19:57.95\00:20:00.61 which doesn't mean much in the US 00:20:00.64\00:20:02.38 but its where we have student leaders 00:20:02.41\00:20:04.92 and we had a ceremony for to the day and blessing 00:20:04.95\00:20:08.47 and the chief guest is, we have chief guest here 00:20:08.50\00:20:11.82 is a former student here and he is a naval officer. 00:20:11.85\00:20:15.29 And he will tell you, you know, 00:20:15.32\00:20:17.67 I came here and I was one person, 00:20:17.70\00:20:20.62 I left I was someone else 00:20:20.65\00:20:22.11 and I've been in the navy 15 years 00:20:22.14\00:20:23.80 and this has given me a life change. 00:20:23.83\00:20:28.82 Former students like Asanka are living testament 00:20:28.85\00:20:31.47 of the role Lakpahana has played in their lives 00:20:31.50\00:20:34.22 and bares witness to the impact 00:20:34.25\00:20:35.95 sponsorship can have on a child's future. 00:20:35.98\00:20:38.85 And we really have a family atmosphere here 00:20:38.88\00:20:42.01 that is wonderful for the kids 00:20:42.04\00:20:44.06 and gives them an opportunity to really find Christ 00:20:44.09\00:20:48.48 and to put purpose in their life 00:20:48.51\00:20:51.21 and that's something that we really, really, work hard. 00:20:51.24\00:20:56.63 Sachikala Nishadi is 10th grade student at the school. 00:20:56.66\00:21:00.47 She and her brother Shaan 00:21:00.50\00:21:01.88 come from a village next to Lakpahana. 00:21:01.91\00:21:04.33 Their father is a daily laborer 00:21:04.36\00:21:06.14 working in a small restaurant as a cleaner. 00:21:06.17\00:21:10.40 I'm a daily laborer 00:21:10.43\00:21:11.85 and I work as a cleaner in a restaurant. 00:21:11.88\00:21:14.90 I go to work at eight in the morning 00:21:14.93\00:21:16.97 and comeback late night. 00:21:17.00\00:21:18.94 I get a small amount doing that job 00:21:18.97\00:21:20.90 and I have difficult time take care of my children. 00:21:20.93\00:21:24.06 That's why I agreed to send my children to Lakpahana. 00:21:24.09\00:21:27.33 Although hesitant at first Shashikala confided to us 00:21:40.80\00:21:44.27 when asked about the where abouts of her mother. 00:21:44.30\00:21:46.68 Her mother had set fire to herself 00:21:46.71\00:21:48.35 and died a few years ago 00:21:48.38\00:21:49.94 and the memory of that fateful day 00:21:49.97\00:21:51.48 is still fresh in her mind. 00:21:51.51\00:21:53.16 When my son was six years old and my daughter nine years old 00:21:57.24\00:22:01.54 my wife set herself on fire and I went intervene 00:22:01.57\00:22:05.37 and I got burnt and I fainted 00:22:05.40\00:22:08.30 and I was admitted to the hospital. 00:22:08.33\00:22:11.15 When I regain consciousness 00:22:11.18\00:22:12.82 I learned my wife had passed away. 00:22:12.85\00:22:16.84 Confronted with his unexpected personal tragedy 00:22:16.87\00:22:19.61 and the burden of caring for his young children 00:22:19.64\00:22:22.26 Sujith Suranga was hoping for a miracle. 00:22:22.29\00:22:25.04 Every Sabbath we come in here and then I met this family. 00:22:35.58\00:22:41.37 I saw this little boy. 00:22:41.40\00:22:43.39 I don't know my heart got touched in. 00:22:43.42\00:22:47.00 I thought to take to Lakpahana, 00:22:47.03\00:22:49.94 then I asked father you like to put the children there. 00:22:49.97\00:22:53.38 I'm waiting, he said, 00:22:53.41\00:22:55.58 I'm waiting to put in Lakpahana. 00:22:55.61\00:22:59.03 Moureen de France, 00:22:59.06\00:23:00.57 kiddies corner in-charge of Lakpahana 00:23:00.60\00:23:03.03 was moved by the predicament of this family 00:23:03.06\00:23:05.41 and informed the school administration 00:23:05.44\00:23:07.04 about the children. 00:23:07.07\00:23:08.33 Although not from an Adventist background 00:23:08.36\00:23:10.55 Sachikala and Shaan were immediately 00:23:10.58\00:23:12.50 brought to Lakpahana 00:23:12.53\00:23:13.56 and enrolled with Asian Aid sponsorship program. 00:23:13.59\00:23:16.53 I like to study here because the school 00:23:20.07\00:23:22.16 has a good name in the community. 00:23:22.19\00:23:24.27 All the teachers are friendly and I have good friends here. 00:23:24.30\00:23:27.54 I'm very happy to be here with my brother. 00:23:27.57\00:23:32.00 The real joy is to give people the opportunity 00:23:32.03\00:23:35.86 to see a different future. 00:23:35.89\00:23:40.11 And by seeing it they can create a future 00:23:40.14\00:23:43.36 and they don't, they don't have to be trapped by their past. 00:23:43.39\00:23:47.69 That is so, so exciting. 00:23:47.72\00:23:51.67 Sachikala and Shaan today are in a place 00:23:51.70\00:23:54.30 where they can overcome their tragic past 00:23:54.33\00:23:56.41 and look forward to a long future 00:23:56.44\00:23:58.46 that lies ahead of them. 00:23:58.49\00:23:59.89 I want to study hard and complete my education 00:24:03.36\00:24:07.08 and I wish to be a teacher 00:24:07.11\00:24:09.03 and my brother wants to be an engineer. 00:24:09.06\00:24:13.56 God will bless those who are sponsoring my children. 00:24:13.59\00:24:16.72 I don't know who they are 00:24:16.75\00:24:18.56 but they are doing a selfless thing 00:24:18.59\00:24:20.72 and I pray to God that He will them 00:24:20.75\00:24:22.70 for what they are doing. 00:24:22.73\00:24:25.37 Today, Asian Aid sponsorship program 00:24:25.40\00:24:27.89 is spreading the light of hope to children in Sri Lanka 00:24:27.92\00:24:30.62 and education is transforming their lives. 00:24:30.65\00:24:33.28 This transformation is not just to give them an education 00:24:33.31\00:24:36.33 but give them an opportunity to make a choice for eternity. 00:24:36.36\00:24:40.27 An Adventist institutions like Lakpahana is giving them 00:24:40.30\00:24:43.36 that opportunity to make that choice 00:24:43.39\00:24:45.55 and provides them a chance to make a difference 00:24:45.58\00:24:47.98 in the church and in the community. 00:24:48.01\00:24:50.44 Lakpahana of course has the light of Lanka 00:24:50.47\00:24:53.62 and it was designed to educate students children facilities 00:24:53.65\00:24:59.88 and I wish that it will continue 00:24:59.91\00:25:02.36 to function in that manner 00:25:02.39\00:25:04.29 and it will educate our students, 00:25:04.32\00:25:06.26 our children to serve in Sri Lanka. 00:25:06.29\00:25:09.99