Child Impact International is an organization giving hope 00:00:14.14\00:00:18.01 previously called Asian Aid. 00:00:18.05\00:00:20.02 Child Impact International is an organization 00:00:20.05\00:00:22.75 fostering permanent positive change 00:00:22.78\00:00:25.02 in the lives of disadvantaged children and their communities. 00:00:25.05\00:00:28.72 Child Impact is committed to making a difference 00:00:28.76\00:00:31.33 in the lives of children and those who are in need. 00:00:31.36\00:00:34.20 Serving communities in India, Nepal, 00:00:34.23\00:00:36.53 Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, 00:00:36.56\00:00:39.10 and will soon expand to other countries. 00:00:39.13\00:00:41.50 For the last 50 years, 00:00:41.54\00:00:42.97 Child Impact has invested in the futures of people 00:00:43.00\00:00:45.97 and their investment is proving infinite returns, 00:00:46.01\00:00:48.81 driven by the dedication 00:00:48.84\00:00:50.35 to helping those who have the least. 00:00:50.38\00:00:52.48 Child Impact is an organization 00:00:52.51\00:00:54.58 focused on the welfare of children, 00:00:54.62\00:00:56.69 implementing diverse development projects 00:00:56.72\00:00:59.15 and sponsoring thousands of children. 00:00:59.19\00:01:01.39 Their outreach expands from child rescue operations 00:01:01.42\00:01:04.49 to providing an education for orphans, deaf, 00:01:04.53\00:01:07.40 and the blind children giving them a sense of place, a home, 00:01:07.43\00:01:11.50 but above all, Child Impact is an organization giving hope, 00:01:11.53\00:01:15.44 giving hope to children, giving hope to communities, 00:01:15.47\00:01:18.81 giving hope to the ones who needed the most. 00:01:18.84\00:01:21.44 This is Hope in Motion. 00:01:21.48\00:01:23.24 Good morning, sir. Good morning. 00:01:40.33\00:01:41.66 Good to see you again. How are you? 00:01:41.70\00:01:43.60 Ladies. 00:01:43.63\00:01:47.44 Oh, thank you. 00:01:47.47\00:01:48.80 I'm Jim Rennie. 00:02:07.96\00:02:09.29 For over the last eight years, 00:02:09.32\00:02:10.93 I've been CEO of Asian Aid USA. 00:02:10.96\00:02:14.43 Asian Aid was established over 50 years ago 00:02:14.46\00:02:17.80 and in that time has helped tens of thousands of children 00:02:17.83\00:02:21.40 in over five countries. 00:02:21.44\00:02:23.51 As a part of a bold new strategy, 00:02:23.54\00:02:26.57 we're changing our name. 00:02:26.61\00:02:28.44 We are now Child Impact International. 00:02:28.48\00:02:32.41 We feel our new name 00:02:32.45\00:02:33.78 will better encompass the work that we do. 00:02:33.82\00:02:36.72 Let me briefly explain what I mean. 00:02:36.75\00:02:39.95 This exciting new name Child Impact International 00:02:39.99\00:02:44.26 will give us momentum as we move forward 00:02:44.29\00:02:47.36 to help thousands of additional children. 00:02:47.40\00:02:50.57 As we work with our focus groups, 00:02:50.60\00:02:52.50 we felt Child Impact International 00:02:52.53\00:02:55.24 describes who we are 00:02:55.27\00:02:56.71 and what we do for the following reasons. 00:02:56.74\00:03:00.48 This name reflects far more clearly the critical work 00:03:00.51\00:03:04.15 that we're doing with very needy students, 00:03:04.18\00:03:07.02 their families and mission schools. 00:03:07.05\00:03:09.45 Child Impact International gives momentum and direction 00:03:09.48\00:03:13.39 to a bold growth strategy 00:03:13.42\00:03:15.26 that will impact the lives 00:03:15.29\00:03:16.76 of thousands of additional children. 00:03:16.79\00:03:19.86 This name avoids any confusion in regards to where we work 00:03:19.89\00:03:24.10 and what people consider Asia. 00:03:24.13\00:03:27.24 This name gives a clear distinction 00:03:27.27\00:03:29.74 between this organization 00:03:29.77\00:03:31.87 and Asian Aid Australia, 00:03:31.91\00:03:33.64 which are completely separate. 00:03:33.68\00:03:36.08 The name Child Impact International provides us 00:03:36.11\00:03:39.65 the opportunity to help more children 00:03:39.68\00:03:42.48 and expand our activity beyond Asia. 00:03:42.52\00:03:46.76 Internally, nothing will change, 00:03:46.79\00:03:49.12 the board, staff, policies, 00:03:49.16\00:03:51.63 and work we do will stay the same, 00:03:51.66\00:03:54.36 and at the same level of excellence 00:03:54.40\00:03:56.67 that we're known for. 00:03:56.70\00:03:58.33 We're staying in Collegedale, Tennessee. 00:03:58.37\00:04:01.10 Philosophically however, 00:04:01.14\00:04:02.70 the new name Child Impact International 00:04:02.74\00:04:06.44 will allow our organization to expand 00:04:06.47\00:04:09.28 and give momentum to help 00:04:09.31\00:04:11.25 thousands of new needy children. 00:04:11.28\00:04:13.85 You have an opportunity to be involved 00:04:20.46\00:04:22.52 in the mission field every day, every morning 00:04:22.56\00:04:25.19 with child sponsorship. 00:04:25.23\00:04:26.96 You can impact on the lives of children 00:04:27.00\00:04:29.53 just like these ones here. 00:04:29.56\00:04:31.60 You can help set their lives on a new course 00:04:31.63\00:04:34.37 and also give them hope 00:04:34.40\00:04:35.87 that can change their lives forever. 00:04:35.90\00:04:39.04 Our funds go directly to support 00:04:39.07\00:04:41.34 the needs of an Adventist mission school, 00:04:41.38\00:04:43.75 which heightens the quality of education 00:04:43.78\00:04:46.41 just not for the children who are sponsored, 00:04:46.45\00:04:48.98 but all the children in the school. 00:04:49.02\00:04:51.75 The reality is that poverty is very hard to change. 00:04:51.79\00:04:55.86 Child Impact International sponsorship program 00:04:55.89\00:04:59.56 takes the child based on need 00:04:59.59\00:05:01.66 and puts them in an Adventist mission school. 00:05:01.70\00:05:04.03 It gives them a direction, it gives them hope, 00:05:04.07\00:05:07.00 and also has an impact in the communities 00:05:07.04\00:05:10.27 and with their families and friends. 00:05:10.31\00:05:13.01 Together, you and I can have a huge change 00:05:13.04\00:05:16.91 on an entire community 00:05:16.95\00:05:18.88 just like the ones around the school. 00:05:18.91\00:05:22.18 For existing donors, the only change you'll see 00:05:22.22\00:05:25.65 is an advancement in the communication 00:05:25.69\00:05:28.86 between your child and projects. 00:05:28.89\00:05:31.93 You'll see a real difference by using new technologies 00:05:31.96\00:05:35.66 to keep you up-to-date 00:05:35.70\00:05:37.27 on how you support Child Impact. 00:05:37.30\00:05:40.00 The work of Child Impact International will continue 00:05:54.55\00:05:57.55 to grow in the countries 00:05:57.59\00:05:59.25 we already operate in like India, Myanmar, 00:05:59.29\00:06:02.59 Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 00:06:02.62\00:06:05.69 And as opportunities arise, 00:06:05.73\00:06:07.76 we will expand into other countries. 00:06:07.80\00:06:10.43 The poverty which you see 00:06:10.47\00:06:12.17 in communities like this is real. 00:06:12.20\00:06:14.90 These families struggle to feed and educate their children. 00:06:14.94\00:06:19.01 You can have an impact right here, 00:06:19.04\00:06:21.51 right now by becoming a sponsor of a child 00:06:21.54\00:06:24.91 or partnering with Child Impact. 00:06:24.95\00:06:27.38 Child Impact is a fully supportive ministry 00:06:27.42\00:06:30.32 of the Adventist church 00:06:30.35\00:06:31.99 and supports children, and orphans, 00:06:32.02\00:06:34.56 and special needs children' 00:06:34.59\00:06:36.32 in Adventist homes and mission schools. 00:06:36.36\00:06:39.59 Each child's life has changed 00:06:39.63\00:06:42.26 and the mission school gains unique funds. 00:06:42.30\00:06:46.03 You have an opportunity to be involved 00:06:46.07\00:06:48.30 in the mission field every day by becoming a sponsor 00:06:48.34\00:06:52.54 or a supporter of Child Impact International. 00:06:52.57\00:06:56.14 Jim, welcome once again. 00:07:01.98\00:07:04.59 Last year, you invited me to go to Myanmar. 00:07:04.62\00:07:07.62 And it was an eye opening experience for me. 00:07:07.66\00:07:10.63 I flew into the capital city of Yangon, 00:07:10.66\00:07:13.36 got in there late at night. 00:07:13.40\00:07:15.06 And I don't know if you remember 00:07:15.10\00:07:16.56 that very early in the next morning... 00:07:16.60\00:07:18.17 Very early. Yes, it was. 00:07:18.20\00:07:20.07 We left. 00:07:20.10\00:07:21.47 And we had this long trip full of bumps on the road. 00:07:21.50\00:07:26.71 And it seemed like it went on forever, 00:07:26.74\00:07:28.51 but it was about four, four and a half hours. 00:07:28.54\00:07:30.45 And we drove to the middle of nowhere, 00:07:30.48\00:07:33.15 and we went to the Myanmar Union College. 00:07:33.18\00:07:36.38 And the things I saw really encouraged me in many ways. 00:07:36.42\00:07:42.46 And I want to tell the folks a little bit about it. 00:07:42.49\00:07:45.09 Myanmar is the most Buddhist country in the world, 00:07:45.13\00:07:48.13 more than 90% of the population practices Buddhism. 00:07:48.16\00:07:52.30 We passed all kinds of pagodas which are Buddhist temples, 00:07:52.33\00:07:56.77 elaborate ones, simple ones, we heard them singing, 00:07:56.81\00:08:00.61 we heard them chanting. 00:08:00.64\00:08:02.74 And then we finally arrived in this area 00:08:02.78\00:08:05.95 where there's a college, 00:08:05.98\00:08:07.32 there's a school, there's a preschool. 00:08:07.35\00:08:10.65 I was really moved by the interest 00:08:10.69\00:08:13.92 that the young people have in learning about Jesus Christ. 00:08:13.96\00:08:17.89 Myanmar is a place that does not allow or permit 00:08:17.93\00:08:21.40 any kind of public evangelism. 00:08:21.43\00:08:24.73 So how do you preach the gospel? 00:08:24.77\00:08:26.80 Well, Child Impact is having a huge, 00:08:26.84\00:08:30.74 a huge presence in the lives of these young people 00:08:30.77\00:08:34.81 who now not only study there, 00:08:34.84\00:08:37.88 they go home, they share the gospel with their families, 00:08:37.91\00:08:42.38 and entire families are coming to know Jesus Christ. 00:08:42.42\00:08:46.02 So if it wasn't for this outreach, 00:08:46.05\00:08:48.26 the church probably wouldn't grow like 00:08:48.29\00:08:50.29 it's growing there right now by the grace of God. 00:08:50.33\00:08:53.19 I remember the concert we did that afternoon. 00:08:53.23\00:08:56.16 I played with 15 precious beautiful young people 00:08:56.20\00:09:01.00 all who played the violin, they were dressed in red, 00:09:01.04\00:09:03.61 we have the pictures, we visited the classrooms. 00:09:03.64\00:09:07.58 I also remember the young lady 00:09:07.61\00:09:09.31 who had gone through the school the entire process, 00:09:09.34\00:09:13.95 just a tiny vivacious, bubbly young lady, 00:09:13.98\00:09:17.79 full of joy, the joy of Jesus Christ. 00:09:17.82\00:09:21.06 And then the beautiful thing 00:09:21.09\00:09:22.42 was that when she finished school, 00:09:22.46\00:09:24.93 you know the story, she went back 00:09:24.96\00:09:26.63 and now she's a teacher at the preschool. 00:09:26.66\00:09:30.37 Tell me a little bit about the work. 00:09:30.40\00:09:32.43 It's only been happening there for a couple of years. 00:09:32.47\00:09:35.97 How did they get started? 00:09:36.00\00:09:37.34 How many young peoples 00:09:37.37\00:09:38.97 do we have sponsored there currently, 00:09:39.01\00:09:41.01 and what kind of need is there? 00:09:41.04\00:09:43.81 Well, Jaime, we about 00:09:43.85\00:09:45.61 two and half years ago got approached by the union, 00:09:45.65\00:09:48.88 the Myanmar Union that they had an urgent need for sponsorship. 00:09:48.92\00:09:55.86 A large organization was withdrawing support. 00:09:55.89\00:09:59.63 And it was going to have a tragic impact 00:09:59.66\00:10:04.17 not only on the lives of these children, 00:10:04.20\00:10:06.80 but on the schools that they couldn't have support. 00:10:06.84\00:10:10.14 And Myanmar, I think has about 20 or 30 Adventist schools. 00:10:10.17\00:10:16.21 So we stepped in on faith and took 600 children, 00:10:16.24\00:10:20.85 we have never done that before. 00:10:20.88\00:10:23.12 We didn't have sponsors. 00:10:23.15\00:10:26.29 We were very gracious to some people who stepped in 00:10:26.32\00:10:29.76 and sponsored them initially. 00:10:29.79\00:10:31.89 But we took 600 children and about 12 schools 00:10:31.93\00:10:36.16 including the Myanmar College that you've visited. 00:10:36.20\00:10:40.50 That's the only church college where they can learn education, 00:10:40.54\00:10:46.24 training, biblical studies, 00:10:46.27\00:10:49.54 and even for pastor training, ministerial. 00:10:49.58\00:10:54.25 They go to that college. 00:10:54.28\00:10:56.85 So that college fulfills a key need for the church in Myanmar 00:10:56.89\00:11:03.53 and also for training teachers in Myanmar. 00:11:03.56\00:11:06.63 So right now we have 600 children 00:11:06.66\00:11:09.36 and I have to be honest with you, 00:11:09.40\00:11:11.13 we still have about 200 un-sponsored. 00:11:11.17\00:11:15.30 So if you want to look up about the country of Myanmar, 00:11:15.34\00:11:18.67 you will see the huge need in that country. 00:11:18.71\00:11:22.68 I know we visited a village, remember, 00:11:22.71\00:11:25.78 and very basic village, 00:11:25.81\00:11:30.75 huge need, huge poverty, 00:11:30.79\00:11:33.46 but you well have noticed 00:11:33.49\00:11:35.06 they really care for their children. 00:11:35.09\00:11:37.63 Yes, they do. 00:11:37.66\00:11:38.99 And the young girl that you were talking about 00:11:39.03\00:11:41.40 actually went back... 00:11:41.43\00:11:43.03 Mia was her name. 00:11:43.06\00:11:44.40 Mia, that's right. Yes. 00:11:44.43\00:11:45.77 And she went back and shared the truth with her mother 00:11:45.80\00:11:49.30 who was converted, and her brother, 00:11:49.34\00:11:52.27 and it was just a privilege to visit with them. 00:11:52.31\00:11:57.15 The people there are very industrious, 00:11:57.18\00:11:59.51 they are very hard working. 00:11:59.55\00:12:01.45 And we see the schools are kept neat and tidy, 00:12:01.48\00:12:05.75 you will have noticed that. 00:12:05.79\00:12:07.79 But there's some huge needs there. 00:12:07.82\00:12:11.33 And I guess our biggest need is sponsorship, 00:12:11.36\00:12:14.96 once again I keep saying that, but it's real. 00:12:15.00\00:12:19.33 And or just supporting the Myanmar education fund 00:12:19.37\00:12:24.51 because it's a huge need. 00:12:24.54\00:12:26.51 And we want to grow our program in Myanmar. 00:12:26.54\00:12:29.81 You know, Myanmar is ripe for the harvest. 00:12:29.84\00:12:32.95 The people want to know about Jesus Christ. 00:12:32.98\00:12:35.55 And because of the way that Child Impact is set up, 00:12:35.58\00:12:39.49 it is basically doing evangelism 00:12:39.52\00:12:42.39 when the country doesn't really allow it to be done publicly. 00:12:42.42\00:12:46.29 And so, Child Impact is having a huge impact 00:12:46.33\00:12:50.50 for lack of a better word 00:12:50.53\00:12:52.00 in the lives of hundreds of young people 00:12:52.03\00:12:55.27 and their families in Myanmar. 00:12:55.30\00:12:57.44 And we invite you to please join us and be a part of that. 00:12:57.47\00:13:04.15 A couple of years ago, 00:13:04.18\00:13:05.51 my daughters and I had a wonderful opportunity 00:13:05.55\00:13:08.02 to travel to India, 00:13:08.05\00:13:09.65 and while we were there, we met yet another part of our family 00:13:09.68\00:13:13.02 and that's our sponsored daughter Sheila. 00:13:13.05\00:13:15.69 We've had the privilege of sponsoring Sheila 00:13:15.72\00:13:18.13 through Child Impact International 00:13:18.16\00:13:20.36 for more than three years now. 00:13:20.40\00:13:22.73 And you know, while we were there, 00:13:22.76\00:13:24.53 she shared with us that her dream 00:13:24.57\00:13:27.00 was to become a nurse. 00:13:27.04\00:13:29.00 Now, what a wonderful privilege it is 00:13:29.04\00:13:31.01 for us now as a family to know 00:13:31.04\00:13:34.21 that she is fulfilling that dream. 00:13:34.24\00:13:36.98 Sheila is now studying to be a nurse. 00:13:37.01\00:13:39.51 She is in college 00:13:39.55\00:13:40.88 and we could not be happier for her. 00:13:40.92\00:13:43.28 It's been wonderful to be part of that journey with her. 00:13:43.32\00:13:46.76 And, you know, sponsoring a child through Child Impact, 00:13:46.79\00:13:50.13 it's made an incredible difference for our family. 00:13:50.16\00:13:53.26 And I know that for you sponsoring a child 00:13:53.29\00:13:55.46 can make a difference for you too. 00:13:55.50\00:13:57.47 And most importantly, 00:13:57.50\00:13:58.83 it can make the difference 00:13:58.87\00:14:00.20 in the life of a child every day. 00:14:00.24\00:14:02.27 Our television series Hope and Motion 00:14:08.14\00:14:10.75 has been a big success. 00:14:10.78\00:14:12.55 And we want to continue to share with you 00:14:12.58\00:14:15.18 some of the field stories 00:14:15.22\00:14:17.09 that we have filmed over the years. 00:14:17.12\00:14:19.29 So just from time to time, 00:14:19.32\00:14:21.46 it may be referred Asian Aid 00:14:21.49\00:14:23.69 as we reflect on these great stories 00:14:23.73\00:14:26.73 as we share them with you. 00:14:26.76\00:14:28.13 Carl Ginger's involvement with Child Impact International 00:14:42.18\00:14:45.21 as one of its board members has taken him to India many times. 00:14:45.25\00:14:49.38 The vibrancy of life in India 00:14:49.42\00:14:51.09 is something that has captivated him, 00:14:51.12\00:14:52.89 and it's a place to experience and appreciate life. 00:14:52.92\00:14:56.39 For Carl, this was one such opportunity. 00:14:56.42\00:14:59.06 He is traveling with Jim Rennie, 00:14:59.09\00:15:00.83 CEO of Child Impact 00:15:00.86\00:15:02.66 and his fellow board member and friend Dittu Abraham 00:15:02.70\00:15:05.73 to the school for speech and hearing in Kollegal. 00:15:05.77\00:15:08.30 As they drive down into the campus, 00:15:14.78\00:15:16.75 the children appear from nowhere to greet them. 00:15:16.78\00:15:19.38 Their smiling faces 00:15:19.41\00:15:20.75 and their warm welcome was rewarding for the visitors. 00:15:20.78\00:15:23.55 The children were all well groomed 00:15:23.59\00:15:25.42 and were all ready for church. 00:15:25.45\00:15:27.02 I'm here at a church service with these children 00:15:33.43\00:15:37.50 and getting their responses toward the questions 00:15:37.53\00:15:41.17 we ask about Jesus Christ, 00:15:41.20\00:15:43.07 the energy they have, the commitment they have, 00:15:43.10\00:15:45.77 the pleasure in being part of a church service. 00:15:45.81\00:15:48.74 It truly is amazing. 00:15:48.78\00:15:50.61 This is something we can give these kids 00:15:50.65\00:15:52.71 that they would never have, 00:15:52.75\00:15:54.48 never have had the opportunity of knowing Jesus Christ, 00:15:54.52\00:15:57.42 and we are going to see results for eternity. 00:15:57.45\00:16:00.82 The church service was an amazing experience 00:16:09.56\00:16:12.10 that changed some of Carl's unconscious preconceptions. 00:16:12.13\00:16:16.71 These disabled children clearly demonstrated 00:16:16.74\00:16:19.11 their ability to praise God, 00:16:19.14\00:16:20.81 albeit in their own way 00:16:20.84\00:16:22.18 but it also demonstrated the role we play 00:16:22.21\00:16:24.68 as an institution and a church 00:16:24.71\00:16:26.65 in reaching out to this community. 00:16:26.68\00:16:29.42 When I look at this place, 00:16:29.45\00:16:30.79 I'm convinced that this is exactly what God wants us 00:16:30.82\00:16:33.25 to be doing as a church that working with the children 00:16:33.29\00:16:36.62 who otherwise in society would be rejected, 00:16:36.66\00:16:39.43 and cast aside, and not provided 00:16:39.46\00:16:41.60 the means to an education. 00:16:41.63\00:16:43.53 I think this is what the church would be doing 00:16:43.57\00:16:45.80 as part of this gospel outreach. 00:16:45.83\00:16:47.90 This is a testimony to the love of Jesus Christ, 00:16:47.94\00:16:51.67 or the most rejected, 00:16:51.71\00:16:53.51 or the most ignored part of society. 00:16:53.54\00:16:57.11 And these children are just the type of people 00:16:57.15\00:16:59.68 we should be serving. 00:16:59.71\00:17:02.22 Children like this are often seen as a liability 00:17:02.25\00:17:06.05 by the family and by the community. 00:17:06.09\00:17:08.89 This school changes that, this school gives them hope, 00:17:08.92\00:17:13.09 this school gives them an education 00:17:13.13\00:17:15.40 which, in most cases, enables them to have 00:17:15.43\00:17:17.73 a job and to have a future. 00:17:17.77\00:17:19.80 And then many of these children 00:17:19.83\00:17:22.64 assist in funding or supporting their family or village. 00:17:22.67\00:17:28.88 This school makes a difference 00:17:28.91\00:17:31.18 far beyond the child that attends here. 00:17:31.21\00:17:34.48 The school for speech and hearing 00:17:38.39\00:17:39.79 is what Child Impact is all about, 00:17:39.82\00:17:41.89 helping children in need 00:17:41.92\00:17:43.39 and giving them an opportunity 00:17:43.43\00:17:44.79 to look beyond their disability, 00:17:44.83\00:17:46.86 rejected by their family and society, 00:17:46.90\00:17:48.96 they would have lost all hope, 00:17:49.00\00:17:50.73 but this school has given them hope, 00:17:50.77\00:17:52.77 it has given them a future. 00:17:52.80\00:17:54.30 And for boys and girls that live here, 00:17:54.34\00:17:56.27 it has given them a place they can call home. 00:17:56.30\00:17:59.37 This is also having an impact on their family. 00:17:59.41\00:18:01.88 Their immediate family can be proud now their child 00:18:01.91\00:18:04.85 can achieve something and have a job. 00:18:04.88\00:18:07.28 This school is making a difference far beyond 00:18:07.32\00:18:09.75 the education the child receives at the school. 00:18:09.78\00:18:13.66 When we say, reaching out to the least of these, 00:18:13.69\00:18:16.93 this is what we mean. 00:18:16.96\00:18:18.86 This school and what happens here 00:18:18.89\00:18:21.70 is reaching out to the least of these 00:18:21.73\00:18:23.90 who would have been rejected by their society, 00:18:23.93\00:18:27.44 their family had no hope, 00:18:27.47\00:18:29.50 this school has made a difference, 00:18:29.54\00:18:31.61 and so they've gone from being the least of these 00:18:31.64\00:18:34.24 to being something to having a career, 00:18:34.28\00:18:37.05 and then actually impacting 00:18:37.08\00:18:39.01 on their village or with their family. 00:18:39.05\00:18:41.15 Lakshmi is a 12-year-old girl at the school. 00:18:47.86\00:18:50.66 She was born deaf and has been at the school 00:18:50.69\00:18:52.89 since she was just two years old. 00:18:52.93\00:18:55.20 Lakshmi's parents separated when she was just a baby. 00:18:55.23\00:18:58.37 And her mother was having a hard time bringing her up 00:18:58.40\00:19:00.74 along with her older sister and brother who was also deaf. 00:19:00.77\00:19:05.01 Lakshmi is right now doing her fourth standard here, 00:19:05.04\00:19:09.34 and we are hoping that she will finish her studies 00:19:09.38\00:19:11.51 from our school, go on to do college 00:19:11.55\00:19:13.92 just like her brother, and be able to earn a living. 00:19:13.95\00:19:17.19 Now the reason why Lakshmi's mother and father 00:19:17.22\00:19:20.39 were separated is because of some family issues, 00:19:20.42\00:19:23.22 and they've been separated for more than 10 years now. 00:19:23.26\00:19:27.30 The father lives with his mother 00:19:27.33\00:19:30.27 in another state, 00:19:30.30\00:19:31.63 and the mother brought up all these three children 00:19:31.67\00:19:35.70 by working in a factory that makes noodles. 00:19:35.74\00:19:39.27 And because she's not able to give them a good education, 00:19:39.31\00:19:42.58 she has put both her, 00:19:42.61\00:19:44.38 part of hearing children over here in our school. 00:19:44.41\00:19:48.62 Lakshmi's mother married when she was just 16. 00:19:48.65\00:19:51.55 Although such practices exist in rural India 00:19:51.59\00:19:54.06 since ancient times, 00:19:54.09\00:19:55.42 it would be hard for someone to assimilate this mentality 00:19:55.46\00:19:58.23 especially for a first time visitor to rural India. 00:19:58.26\00:20:02.60 Lakshmi's mother was also got married at a very young age 00:20:02.63\00:20:08.10 and that's the same thing 00:20:08.14\00:20:09.47 that she did with her elder daughter. 00:20:09.50\00:20:12.14 And we are hoping that that same thing 00:20:12.17\00:20:13.74 doesn't happen to Lakshmi 00:20:13.78\00:20:16.08 that she will be able to finish her studies, 00:20:16.11\00:20:17.81 her college, and then get into a good job, 00:20:17.85\00:20:19.88 and then look for getting married to someone. 00:20:19.91\00:20:22.85 We're hoping that that'll happen to her. 00:20:22.88\00:20:25.15 One can only hope that Lakshmi 00:20:25.19\00:20:26.86 will have the opportunity to break the shackles 00:20:26.89\00:20:29.36 of their long observed traditions and compulsions, 00:20:29.39\00:20:32.13 and hope that education will let her have 00:20:32.16\00:20:34.10 the freedom to choose how she wants to live. 00:20:34.13\00:20:36.43 Lakshmi's family lived in a nearby village, 00:20:46.94\00:20:49.44 and Carl was anxious to meet them. 00:20:49.48\00:20:51.61 Upon arriving at her village, 00:20:51.65\00:20:53.15 it was clear that Lakshmi's family loved her very much, 00:20:53.18\00:20:56.15 and she loved her family. 00:20:56.18\00:20:58.15 The home was certainly minimalistic, 00:20:58.19\00:20:59.92 but hospitality was evident. 00:20:59.95\00:21:01.92 Seeing how content they were with what they had 00:21:01.96\00:21:04.43 was such a blessing 00:21:04.46\00:21:05.79 and a valuable lesson to all addicted to consumerism. 00:21:05.83\00:21:09.56 Carl got to talk to Kalavathi, Lakshmi's mother 00:21:09.60\00:21:12.77 through the help of Rajkumar who is translating for him. 00:21:12.80\00:21:15.87 Her wish is her two children got educated in this Asian Aid, 00:21:23.01\00:21:26.61 through Asian Aid, sponsored through Asian Aid. 00:21:26.65\00:21:29.08 And there are many children in the villages, 00:21:29.12\00:21:30.89 she also want them to get educated same thing. 00:21:30.92\00:21:34.06 She want more sponsors to come forward 00:21:34.09\00:21:35.86 so that many children can come to the light. 00:21:35.89\00:21:40.13 Although the pain of life struggle was deep within her, 00:21:40.16\00:21:42.83 one could sense how happy she was knowing 00:21:42.86\00:21:45.10 that her daughter Lakshmi was well taken care of, 00:21:45.13\00:21:47.84 and she was thankful for what we could do as an organization. 00:21:47.87\00:21:51.77 Rajkumar, we've just been talking to Lakshmi's mother. 00:21:51.81\00:21:55.58 There must be lots of other children in these villages 00:21:55.61\00:21:59.45 who have disabilities. 00:21:59.48\00:22:03.02 What would be the situation if there was no help? 00:22:03.05\00:22:07.89 If there is no outside help, for example, like Asian Aid, 00:22:07.92\00:22:12.19 the other NGOs in India, 00:22:12.23\00:22:15.00 families like this will suffer very much. 00:22:15.03\00:22:20.17 And the pathetic situation is, 00:22:20.20\00:22:21.90 if there are no NGOs coming forward 00:22:21.94\00:22:24.11 to help them like these kids, 00:22:24.14\00:22:27.04 the society will be dropping them to one corner. 00:22:27.08\00:22:31.05 They'll not come out, and they can't get exposure. 00:22:31.08\00:22:35.82 If people, the society from outside, 00:22:35.85\00:22:40.66 comes and helps people like these small villages, 00:22:40.69\00:22:43.93 remote villages, 00:22:43.96\00:22:45.63 children like Lakshmi will come up much brighter. 00:22:45.66\00:22:49.33 Their future, they can read it. 00:22:49.36\00:22:51.53 Otherwise, their future will be in debris. 00:22:51.57\00:22:54.00 You know, this is an example of what can happen 00:22:58.01\00:23:01.64 when someone like Asian Aid gets involved 00:23:01.68\00:23:04.51 and sponsors get involved in the child's life. 00:23:04.55\00:23:07.52 We can transform the person, give them a future, 00:23:07.55\00:23:11.75 create opportunities for them to be themselves, 00:23:11.79\00:23:14.96 be what God intended them to be. 00:23:14.99\00:23:18.03 What a privilege to create, 00:23:18.06\00:23:20.60 and generate, and multiply hope. 00:23:20.63\00:23:23.93 For someone like Lakshmi, 00:23:34.38\00:23:35.84 having a loving family is a blessing. 00:23:35.88\00:23:38.08 Because her mother wanted the best for her, 00:23:38.11\00:23:40.32 she was willing to leave her 00:23:40.35\00:23:41.68 in a school's boarding environment 00:23:41.72\00:23:43.39 just so she could give her the education, 00:23:43.42\00:23:45.52 she otherwise would be unable to provide. 00:23:45.55\00:23:48.66 Most of these children 00:23:48.69\00:23:50.03 understand their difficulties at home, 00:23:50.06\00:23:51.43 and understand the opportunities 00:23:51.46\00:23:53.13 they've been given by their sponsors, 00:23:53.16\00:23:54.96 and are ever thankful for the part 00:23:55.00\00:23:56.67 they are playing in their lives. 00:23:56.70\00:23:59.73 I'm sure that these children 00:23:59.77\00:24:02.27 are very thankful to their sponsors 00:24:02.30\00:24:04.51 and the sponsors should know this that everyday, 00:24:04.54\00:24:08.44 the children pray for them. 00:24:08.48\00:24:09.91 There's not a day goes 00:24:09.94\00:24:11.71 without the child praying for their sponsors. 00:24:11.75\00:24:14.55 And we are very thankful to the sponsors. 00:24:14.58\00:24:17.55 And they know the importance of sponsorship. 00:24:17.59\00:24:20.19 It's because of that sponsorship that they are here, 00:24:20.22\00:24:23.96 and they are having new friends, 00:24:23.99\00:24:27.00 a new life given to them. 00:24:27.03\00:24:28.80 Well, when I come to the school, 00:24:32.10\00:24:34.54 it's just touching. 00:24:34.57\00:24:36.24 I wish the sponsors could be here. 00:24:36.27\00:24:38.14 I wish the sponsors could really see 00:24:38.17\00:24:41.04 beyond the difference they're making. 00:24:41.08\00:24:43.08 The kids are so happy. 00:24:43.11\00:24:44.71 The kids want to touch you, 00:24:44.75\00:24:46.08 they want to communicate with you. 00:24:46.11\00:24:48.08 And without the sponsors, this simply wouldn't happen. 00:24:48.12\00:24:52.12 It's bigger than their education. 00:24:52.15\00:24:53.99 It's bigger than the child at the desk. 00:24:54.02\00:24:56.09 It's giving these kids a delight in life, 00:24:56.12\00:24:59.03 and that's what I see when I come here. 00:24:59.06\00:25:02.86 When Jesus was on this earth, He invited the poor, the blind, 00:25:02.90\00:25:06.57 the lame, the deaf into the temple 00:25:06.60\00:25:08.94 and had fellowship with them. 00:25:08.97\00:25:10.51 Jesus mentioned that when we do service to the least of these, 00:25:10.54\00:25:14.24 we are doing service to Him, 00:25:14.28\00:25:15.88 and this is what Jesus meant to take care of the ones 00:25:15.91\00:25:18.98 who are less fortunate than us. 00:25:19.01\00:25:20.88 What a blessing it is for us to be in His service. 00:25:20.92\00:25:24.39 Many times I question myself asking, 00:25:24.42\00:25:27.22 "Am I doing the preaching work here, 00:25:27.26\00:25:31.16 or am I doing some kind of service?" 00:25:31.19\00:25:32.96 But then I realize what Jesus told, 00:25:32.99\00:25:35.16 that true religion is to take care of the orphans, 00:25:35.20\00:25:39.70 the widows, and the less fortunate ones. 00:25:39.73\00:25:42.80 And then by seeing the lives of these children transforming, 00:25:42.84\00:25:46.51 it gives me hope and courage, Yes, what we are doing here is, 00:25:46.54\00:25:51.11 any day, the best thing that we must be doing. 00:25:51.15\00:25:53.95 It's important that the church has 00:25:53.98\00:25:56.28 these services going on. 00:25:56.32\00:26:01.12 Today, this school for speech and hearing 00:26:01.16\00:26:03.56 is a beacon for Christ in this area. 00:26:03.59\00:26:05.83 With this school in Kollegal, Child Impact International 00:26:05.86\00:26:08.86 is not only bringing hope to the children, 00:26:08.90\00:26:11.27 but also the community 00:26:11.30\00:26:12.63 as it sees practical Christianity in action. 00:26:12.67\00:26:15.44 The church could not have scripted a better outcome, 00:26:15.47\00:26:18.34 just being there and demonstrating love 00:26:18.37\00:26:20.54 on a consistent basis reflects the image of God. 00:26:20.58\00:26:26.65 These children are preparing for their final exams tomorrow. 00:26:26.68\00:26:31.02 And it's clear that these children 00:26:31.05\00:26:35.12 are being prepared not just to survive, 00:26:35.16\00:26:37.49 but for a future tomorrow and a future for eternity. 00:26:37.53\00:26:41.86 And for Asian Aid to be involved 00:26:41.90\00:26:44.13 in creating these opportunities really warms my heart. 00:26:44.17\00:26:47.90 It's helping me see what it is really to be human. 00:26:47.94\00:26:52.34 And I'm so glad to be part of that. 00:26:52.37\00:26:54.78