Child Impact International is an organization 00:00:14.98\00:00:18.05 giving hope previously called Asian Aid. 00:00:18.08\00:00:21.25 Child Impact International 00:00:21.28\00:00:22.75 is an organization fostering permanent positive change 00:00:22.78\00:00:26.15 in the lives of disadvantaged children 00:00:26.19\00:00:28.22 and their communities. 00:00:28.26\00:00:29.79 Child impact is committed to making a difference 00:00:29.82\00:00:32.39 in the lives of children and those who are in need. 00:00:32.43\00:00:35.26 Serving communities in India, 00:00:35.30\00:00:36.80 Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, 00:00:36.83\00:00:40.14 and will soon expand to other countries. 00:00:40.17\00:00:42.64 For the last 50 years, 00:00:42.67\00:00:44.14 Child Impact has invested in the futures of people 00:00:44.17\00:00:47.11 and their investment has proven infinite returns. 00:00:47.14\00:00:49.98 Driven by the dedication to helping those 00:00:50.01\00:00:52.31 who have the least, 00:00:52.35\00:00:53.68 Child Impact is an organization 00:00:53.72\00:00:55.58 focused on the welfare of children 00:00:55.62\00:00:57.75 implementing diverse development projects 00:00:57.79\00:01:00.26 and sponsoring thousands of children. 00:01:00.29\00:01:02.39 Their outreach spans from child rescue operations 00:01:02.42\00:01:05.53 to providing an education for orphans, deaf, 00:01:05.56\00:01:08.46 and blind children giving them a sense of place, a home. 00:01:08.50\00:01:12.60 But above all, Child Impact is an organization giving hope, 00:01:12.63\00:01:16.57 giving hope to children, giving hope to communities, 00:01:16.60\00:01:19.77 giving hope to the ones who needed the most. 00:01:19.81\00:01:22.54 This is Hope In Motion. 00:01:22.58\00:01:24.35 Child impact is very excited 00:01:29.08\00:01:31.05 that we can partner with the church in India 00:01:31.09\00:01:34.02 with a blind school, a deaf school, 00:01:34.06\00:01:36.42 and four orphanages. 00:01:36.46\00:01:38.49 These special homes and schools are just so exciting to visit. 00:01:38.53\00:01:44.37 I had one of the most emotional moments 00:01:44.40\00:01:46.63 of my whole work career 00:01:46.67\00:01:49.00 when one day I visited the blind school 00:01:49.04\00:01:51.61 and a young girl 00:01:51.64\00:01:52.97 was just arrived at the school that morning. 00:01:53.01\00:01:55.54 They had found her in the village, 00:01:55.58\00:01:57.35 and she had been locked in the basement of the house 00:01:57.38\00:02:00.38 for over six years. 00:02:00.42\00:02:02.25 She just sat in the corner. 00:02:02.28\00:02:03.95 She wouldn't talk to anyone, she wouldn't communicate, 00:02:03.99\00:02:07.22 and she was just totally lost. 00:02:07.26\00:02:09.26 And I thought is there any hope for this child, 00:02:09.29\00:02:12.89 totally blind by the way. 00:02:12.93\00:02:15.06 Well, I went back eight weeks later, 00:02:15.10\00:02:17.87 and here she was. 00:02:17.90\00:02:19.23 I couldn't believe it, 00:02:19.27\00:02:20.60 she was talking to the other children. 00:02:20.64\00:02:23.00 She was playing. 00:02:23.04\00:02:24.37 And then in the evening 00:02:24.41\00:02:25.74 it was just so touching to see her 00:02:25.77\00:02:27.94 singing Jesus loves me. 00:02:27.98\00:02:30.18 It really was just very emotional. 00:02:30.21\00:02:33.11 And so these children in a country like India 00:02:33.15\00:02:37.52 have a larger need than here 00:02:37.55\00:02:39.55 because when they're home in their village, 00:02:39.59\00:02:41.66 they're rejected. 00:02:41.69\00:02:43.02 Their parents don't know what to do. 00:02:43.06\00:02:45.23 So supporting the blind school, the deaf school 00:02:45.26\00:02:48.40 or the orphanages is a very real way 00:02:48.43\00:02:51.97 in which you can impact the life of children 00:02:52.00\00:02:55.14 who have a huge need. 00:02:55.17\00:02:56.50 Special Needs Ministries is an area 00:03:00.18\00:03:03.01 in which we are very, 00:03:03.04\00:03:05.21 very interested in, and very proactively working, 00:03:05.25\00:03:08.18 helping the world feel to understand 00:03:08.22\00:03:10.22 that there are many people in various areas 00:03:10.25\00:03:13.29 and sectors of the population that have not been touched. 00:03:13.32\00:03:16.93 Special Needs Ministries and Child Impact 00:03:16.96\00:03:20.20 is also extremely helpful to God's church 00:03:20.23\00:03:23.50 because those who are physically impaired, 00:03:23.53\00:03:27.60 those who are visually impaired 00:03:27.64\00:03:29.90 or perhaps hearing impaired, they are the individuals 00:03:29.94\00:03:34.01 that are being wonderfully serviced 00:03:34.04\00:03:36.44 through Child Impact in India, 00:03:36.48\00:03:39.28 in other places, six different countries 00:03:39.31\00:03:42.32 that Child Impact is active in. 00:03:42.35\00:03:45.62 You know, the Lord really wants us to attract, 00:03:45.65\00:03:49.16 and to be friendly to, 00:03:49.19\00:03:51.29 and help those who are the least of these. 00:03:51.33\00:03:55.13 And they in turn will then become great missionaries 00:03:55.16\00:03:58.80 for the Lord within their sector 00:03:58.83\00:04:00.84 and people group. 00:04:00.87\00:04:02.20 Child Impact is very excited that we can sponsor children 00:04:10.71\00:04:15.02 and also support financially the blind school in India, 00:04:15.05\00:04:18.79 which is run by the Adventist church. 00:04:18.82\00:04:23.59 The Bobbili blind school was located 00:04:23.63\00:04:26.76 as it says near the town of Bobbili, 00:04:26.80\00:04:29.33 which is about a two hour drive from the main city of Vizag. 00:04:29.36\00:04:34.20 The school has just over 160 pupils, 00:04:34.24\00:04:37.94 and is located in rural India. 00:04:37.97\00:04:40.74 It's just so exciting to visit this school 00:04:45.31\00:04:48.12 because most of these children come 00:04:48.15\00:04:49.92 from very poor backgrounds and were rejected by society. 00:04:49.95\00:04:56.76 It not only brings delight to the children 00:04:56.79\00:04:59.46 but also to the parents 00:04:59.49\00:05:01.33 because the parents simply don't know what to do 00:05:01.36\00:05:04.23 when the child was born blind. 00:05:04.27\00:05:06.50 And you can see such looks of satisfaction, 00:05:06.53\00:05:10.51 such looks of happiness when they see that their child 00:05:10.54\00:05:14.34 is being educated and looked after. 00:05:14.38\00:05:18.01 Ball. Ball. 00:05:18.05\00:05:19.58 Who? Who? 00:05:19.61\00:05:20.95 Ball. Ball. 00:05:20.98\00:05:22.32 It's also a delight in the evenings to listen 00:05:26.86\00:05:29.42 to the children singing, 00:05:29.46\00:05:31.23 and on Sabbath going to Sabbath school and church. 00:05:31.26\00:05:34.60 They really love this school, 00:05:34.63\00:05:36.63 and this school has a big impact 00:05:36.67\00:05:38.73 and gives them a future for the rest of their life. 00:05:38.77\00:05:42.10 Jim welcome once again. 00:05:56.32\00:05:58.89 Last year you invited me to go to Myanmar, 00:05:58.92\00:06:01.96 and it was an eye opening experience for me. 00:06:01.99\00:06:04.83 I flew into the capital city of Yangon, 00:06:04.86\00:06:07.63 got in there late at night. 00:06:07.66\00:06:09.36 And I don't know if you remember 00:06:09.40\00:06:10.83 that very early in next morning. 00:06:10.87\00:06:12.50 Very early. Yes, it was. 00:06:12.53\00:06:14.50 We left, and we had this long trip full of bumps 00:06:14.54\00:06:19.64 on the road. 00:06:19.67\00:06:21.04 And it seemed like it went on forever, 00:06:21.08\00:06:22.74 but it was about four, four and a half hours. 00:06:22.78\00:06:24.81 And we drove to the middle of nowhere. 00:06:24.85\00:06:27.45 And we went to the Myanmar Union College. 00:06:27.48\00:06:30.79 And the things I saw have really encouraged me 00:06:30.82\00:06:35.36 in many ways. 00:06:35.39\00:06:36.73 And I want to tell the folks a little bit about it. 00:06:36.76\00:06:39.29 Myanmar is the most Buddhist country in the world, 00:06:39.33\00:06:42.36 more than 90% of the population practices Buddhism. 00:06:42.40\00:06:46.63 We passed all kinds of pagodas, which are Buddhist temples. 00:06:46.67\00:06:51.11 Elaborate ones, simple ones, we heard them singing, 00:06:51.14\00:06:54.98 we heard them chanting, 00:06:55.01\00:06:57.01 and then we finally arrived in this area 00:06:57.05\00:07:00.18 where there's a college, there's a school, 00:07:00.22\00:07:02.32 there's a preschool. 00:07:02.35\00:07:05.02 I was really moved by the interest 00:07:05.05\00:07:08.32 that the young people have in learning 00:07:08.36\00:07:10.19 about Jesus Christ. 00:07:10.23\00:07:12.19 Myanmar is a place that does not allow 00:07:12.23\00:07:14.96 or permit any kind of public evangelism. 00:07:15.00\00:07:18.97 So how do you preach the gospel? 00:07:19.00\00:07:21.14 Well, Child Impact is having a huge, 00:07:21.17\00:07:25.27 huge presence in the lives of these young people 00:07:25.31\00:07:29.11 who now not only study there, they go home, 00:07:29.14\00:07:33.52 they share the gospel with their families, 00:07:33.55\00:07:36.65 and entire families are coming to know Jesus Christ. 00:07:36.69\00:07:40.36 So if it wasn't for this outreach, 00:07:40.39\00:07:42.62 the church probably wouldn't grow like 00:07:42.66\00:07:44.53 it's growing there right now by the grace of God. 00:07:44.56\00:07:47.50 I remember the concert we did that afternoon. 00:07:47.53\00:07:50.40 I played with 15 precious beautiful young people, 00:07:50.43\00:07:55.30 all who played the violin, they were dressed in red. 00:07:55.34\00:07:57.97 We have the pictures. 00:07:58.01\00:07:59.47 We visited the classrooms. 00:07:59.51\00:08:01.88 I also remember the young lady 00:08:01.91\00:08:03.65 who had gone through the school, 00:08:03.68\00:08:05.85 the entire process, just a tiny vivacious, 00:08:05.88\00:08:10.69 bubbly young lady, full of joy, the joy of Jesus Christ. 00:08:10.72\00:08:15.29 And then the beautiful thing 00:08:15.32\00:08:16.66 was that when she finished school, 00:08:16.69\00:08:19.19 you know the story, she went back and now 00:08:19.23\00:08:21.16 she's a teacher at the preschool. 00:08:21.20\00:08:24.63 Tell me a little bit about the work. 00:08:24.67\00:08:26.94 It's only been happening there for a couple of years. 00:08:26.97\00:08:30.24 How did they get started? 00:08:30.27\00:08:31.61 How many young peoples do 00:08:31.64\00:08:33.38 we have sponsored there currently, 00:08:33.41\00:08:35.41 and what kind of need is there? 00:08:35.44\00:08:38.15 Well, Jaime, we about two and half years ago 00:08:38.18\00:08:41.25 got approached by the union, the Myanmar Union 00:08:41.28\00:08:45.52 that they had an urgent need for sponsorship. 00:08:45.55\00:08:50.09 A large organization was withdrawing support. 00:08:50.13\00:08:54.00 And it was going to have a tragic impact 00:08:54.03\00:08:58.53 not only on the lives of these children, 00:08:58.57\00:09:01.00 but on the schools 00:09:01.04\00:09:02.37 that they couldn't have support. 00:09:02.40\00:09:04.44 And Myanmar, I think has about 00:09:04.47\00:09:07.71 20 or 30 Adventist schools. 00:09:07.74\00:09:10.51 So we stepped in on faith and took 600 children, 00:09:10.55\00:09:15.15 we have never done that before. 00:09:15.18\00:09:17.59 We didn't have sponsors. 00:09:17.62\00:09:20.62 We were very gracious to some people 00:09:20.66\00:09:23.22 who stepped in and sponsored them initially. 00:09:23.26\00:09:26.16 But we took 600 children and about 12 schools 00:09:26.19\00:09:30.50 including the Myanmar College that you've visited. 00:09:30.53\00:09:34.77 That's the only church college where they can learn education, 00:09:34.80\00:09:40.64 training, biblical studies, 00:09:40.68\00:09:43.85 and even for pastor training, ministerial. 00:09:43.88\00:09:48.65 They go to that college. 00:09:48.68\00:09:51.15 So that college fulfills a key need 00:09:51.19\00:09:55.59 for the church in Myanmar 00:09:55.62\00:09:57.86 and also for training teachers in Myanmar. 00:09:57.89\00:10:01.00 So right now we have 600 children 00:10:01.03\00:10:03.73 and I have to be honest with you, 00:10:03.77\00:10:05.43 we still have about 200 un-sponsored. 00:10:05.47\00:10:09.64 So if you want to look up about the country of Myanmar, 00:10:09.67\00:10:13.01 you will see the huge need in that country. 00:10:13.04\00:10:17.01 I know we visited a village, remember, 00:10:17.05\00:10:20.15 and very basic village, 00:10:20.18\00:10:25.19 huge need, huge poverty, 00:10:25.22\00:10:27.72 but you well have noticed 00:10:27.76\00:10:29.36 they really care for their children. 00:10:29.39\00:10:31.96 Yes, they do. 00:10:31.99\00:10:33.33 And the young girl that you were talking about 00:10:33.36\00:10:35.70 actually went back... 00:10:35.73\00:10:37.37 Mia was her name. Mia, that's right. 00:10:37.40\00:10:39.77 And she went back and shared the truth with her mother 00:10:39.80\00:10:43.64 who was converted, and her brother, 00:10:43.67\00:10:46.57 and it was just a privilege to visit with them. 00:10:46.61\00:10:51.38 The people there are very industrious, 00:10:51.41\00:10:53.85 they are very hard working. 00:10:53.88\00:10:55.75 And we see the schools are kept neat and tidy, 00:10:55.78\00:11:00.06 you will have noticed that. 00:11:00.09\00:11:02.16 But there's some huge needs there. 00:11:02.19\00:11:04.76 Yes. 00:11:04.79\00:11:06.13 And I guess our biggest need is sponsorship, 00:11:06.16\00:11:09.26 once again I keep saying that, but it's real. 00:11:09.30\00:11:13.74 And, or just supporting the Myanmar education fund 00:11:13.77\00:11:18.87 because it's a huge need. 00:11:18.91\00:11:20.84 And we want to grow our program in Myanmar. 00:11:20.88\00:11:24.11 You know, Myanmar is ripe for the harvest. 00:11:24.15\00:11:27.15 The people want to know about Jesus Christ. 00:11:27.18\00:11:29.82 And because of the way that Child Impact is set up, 00:11:29.85\00:11:33.79 it is basically doing evangelism 00:11:33.82\00:11:36.76 when the country doesn't really allow it 00:11:36.79\00:11:38.63 to be done publicly. 00:11:38.66\00:11:40.56 And so, Child Impact is having a huge impact 00:11:40.60\00:11:44.83 for lack of a better word in the lives 00:11:44.87\00:11:47.50 of hundreds of young people and their families in Myanmar. 00:11:47.54\00:11:51.77 And we invite you to please join us 00:11:51.81\00:11:54.68 and be a part of that. 00:11:54.71\00:11:56.14 A couple of years ago, my daughters 00:12:02.15\00:12:03.89 and I had a wonderful opportunity 00:12:03.92\00:12:06.05 to travel to India, and while we were there, 00:12:06.09\00:12:08.69 we met yet another part of our family 00:12:08.72\00:12:11.16 and that's our sponsored daughter Sheila. 00:12:11.19\00:12:13.73 We had the privilege of sponsoring Sheila 00:12:13.76\00:12:16.20 through Child Impact International 00:12:16.23\00:12:18.47 for more than three years now. 00:12:18.50\00:12:20.77 And you know, while we were there, 00:12:20.80\00:12:22.67 she shared with us 00:12:22.70\00:12:24.04 that her dream was to become a nurse. 00:12:24.07\00:12:26.98 Now, what a wonderful privilege it is for us now 00:12:27.01\00:12:30.45 as a family to know 00:12:30.48\00:12:32.28 that she is fulfilling that dream. 00:12:32.31\00:12:35.02 Sheila is now studying to be a nurse. 00:12:35.05\00:12:37.65 She is in college 00:12:37.69\00:12:39.02 and we could not be happier for her. 00:12:39.05\00:12:41.32 It's been wonderful to be part of that journey with her. 00:12:41.36\00:12:44.86 And, you know, sponsoring a child 00:12:44.89\00:12:46.70 through Child Impact, 00:12:46.73\00:12:48.26 it's made an incredible difference 00:12:48.30\00:12:49.90 for our family. 00:12:49.93\00:12:51.30 And I know that for you sponsoring a child 00:12:51.33\00:12:53.47 can make a difference for you too. 00:12:53.50\00:12:55.54 And most importantly, 00:12:55.57\00:12:57.01 it can make the difference in the life 00:12:57.04\00:12:58.41 of a child every day. 00:12:58.44\00:13:00.41 Our television series Hope and Motion 00:13:06.11\00:13:08.82 has been a big success. 00:13:08.85\00:13:10.62 And we want to continue to share with you 00:13:10.65\00:13:13.36 some of the field stories 00:13:13.39\00:13:15.12 that we have filmed over the years. 00:13:15.16\00:13:17.43 So just from time to time, it may be referred Asian Aid 00:13:17.46\00:13:21.76 as we reflect on these great stories 00:13:21.80\00:13:24.83 as we share them with you. 00:13:24.87\00:13:26.30 Carl Ginger's involvement with Child Impact International 00:13:40.25\00:13:43.39 as one of its board members has taken him 00:13:43.42\00:13:45.32 to India many times. 00:13:45.35\00:13:47.46 The vibrancy of life in India is something 00:13:47.49\00:13:49.62 that has captivated him, 00:13:49.66\00:13:51.09 and it's a place to experience and appreciate life. 00:13:51.13\00:13:54.40 For Carl, this was one such opportunity. 00:13:54.43\00:13:57.27 He is traveling with Jim Rennie, 00:13:57.30\00:13:58.97 CEO of Child Impact and his fellow board member 00:13:59.00\00:14:02.00 and friend Dittu Abraham to the school 00:14:02.04\00:14:04.47 for speech and hearing in Kollegal. 00:14:04.51\00:14:06.41 As they drive down into the campus, 00:14:12.95\00:14:14.85 the children appear from nowhere to greet them. 00:14:14.88\00:14:17.45 Their smiling faces and their warm welcome 00:14:17.49\00:14:19.95 was rewarding for the visitors. 00:14:19.99\00:14:21.62 The children were all well groomed 00:14:21.66\00:14:23.63 and were all ready for church. 00:14:23.66\00:14:25.16 I'm here at a church service with these children 00:14:31.47\00:14:35.57 and getting their responses toward the questions 00:14:35.60\00:14:39.31 we ask about Jesus Christ, 00:14:39.34\00:14:41.21 the energy they have, the commitment they have, 00:14:41.24\00:14:43.85 the pleasure in being part of a church service. 00:14:43.88\00:14:46.95 It truly is amazing. 00:14:46.98\00:14:48.62 This is something we can give these kids 00:14:48.65\00:14:50.72 that they would never have, 00:14:50.75\00:14:52.52 never have had the opportunity of knowing Jesus Christ, 00:14:52.55\00:14:55.52 and we are going to see results for eternity. 00:14:55.56\00:14:58.89 The church service was an amazing experience 00:15:07.64\00:15:09.90 that changed 00:15:09.94\00:15:11.27 some of Carl's unconscious preconceptions. 00:15:11.31\00:15:14.68 These disabled children clearly demonstrated 00:15:14.71\00:15:17.15 their ability to praise God, 00:15:17.18\00:15:18.88 albeit in their own way but it also demonstrated 00:15:18.91\00:15:21.58 the role we play as an institution 00:15:21.62\00:15:23.85 and a church in reaching out to this community. 00:15:23.89\00:15:27.36 When I look at this place, 00:15:27.39\00:15:28.72 I'm convinced that this is exactly 00:15:28.76\00:15:30.36 what God wants us to be doing as a church that working 00:15:30.39\00:15:33.76 with the children 00:15:33.80\00:15:35.13 who otherwise in society would be rejected, 00:15:35.16\00:15:37.50 and cast aside, 00:15:37.53\00:15:38.87 and not provided the means to an education. 00:15:38.90\00:15:41.60 I think this is what the church would be doing 00:15:41.64\00:15:43.94 as part of this gospel outreach. 00:15:43.97\00:15:46.04 This is a testimony to the love of Jesus Christ, 00:15:46.07\00:15:49.74 for the most rejected, 00:15:49.78\00:15:51.61 for the most ignored part of society. 00:15:51.65\00:15:55.28 And these children are just the type of people 00:15:55.32\00:15:57.69 we should be serving. 00:15:57.72\00:16:00.36 Children like this are often seen 00:16:00.39\00:16:02.92 as a liability by the family and by the community. 00:16:02.96\00:16:06.96 This school changes that, this school gives them hope, 00:16:07.00\00:16:11.17 this school gives them an education 00:16:11.20\00:16:13.47 which, in most cases, 00:16:13.50\00:16:14.84 enables them to have a job and to have a future. 00:16:14.87\00:16:17.84 And then many of these children assist in funding 00:16:17.87\00:16:22.08 or supporting their family or village. 00:16:22.11\00:16:26.95 This school makes a difference far 00:16:26.98\00:16:29.68 beyond the child that attends here. 00:16:29.72\00:16:32.45 The school for speech and hearing 00:16:36.46\00:16:37.83 is what Child Impact is all about, 00:16:37.86\00:16:40.00 helping children in need and giving them an opportunity 00:16:40.03\00:16:42.83 to look beyond their disability, 00:16:42.86\00:16:44.90 rejected by their family and society, 00:16:44.93\00:16:47.17 they would have lost all hope, 00:16:47.20\00:16:48.84 but this school has given them hope, 00:16:48.87\00:16:51.04 it has given them a future. 00:16:51.07\00:16:52.41 And for boys and girls that live here, 00:16:52.44\00:16:54.44 it has given them a place they can call home. 00:16:54.48\00:16:57.35 This is also having an impact on their family. 00:16:57.38\00:17:00.02 Their immediate family can be proud now 00:17:00.05\00:17:02.25 their child can achieve something and have a job. 00:17:02.28\00:17:05.25 This school is making a difference far 00:17:05.29\00:17:07.39 beyond the education 00:17:07.42\00:17:08.76 the child receives at the school. 00:17:08.79\00:17:11.66 When we say, reaching out to the least of these, 00:17:11.69\00:17:15.13 this is what we mean. 00:17:15.16\00:17:16.83 This school and what happens here 00:17:16.87\00:17:19.77 is reaching out to the least of these 00:17:19.80\00:17:21.97 who would have been rejected by their society, 00:17:22.00\00:17:25.51 their family had no hope, 00:17:25.54\00:17:27.51 this school has made a difference, 00:17:27.54\00:17:29.64 and so they've gone from being 00:17:29.68\00:17:31.01 the least of these to being something 00:17:31.05\00:17:33.65 to having a career, and then actually impacting 00:17:33.68\00:17:37.15 on their village or with their family. 00:17:37.19\00:17:39.22 Lakshmi is a 12-year-old girl at the school. 00:17:45.89\00:17:48.80 She was born deaf and has been at the school 00:17:48.83\00:17:51.00 since she was just two years old. 00:17:51.03\00:17:53.23 Lakshmi's parents separated when she was just a baby. 00:17:53.27\00:17:56.47 And her mother was having a hard time bringing her up 00:17:56.50\00:17:58.84 along with her older sister and brother 00:17:58.87\00:18:00.81 who was also deaf. 00:18:00.84\00:18:03.04 Lakshmi is right now doing fourth standard here, 00:18:03.08\00:18:06.85 and we are hoping 00:18:06.88\00:18:08.22 that she will finish her studies 00:18:08.25\00:18:09.58 from our school, go on to do college 00:18:09.62\00:18:11.95 just like her brother, and be able to earn a living. 00:18:11.99\00:18:15.22 Now the reason why Lakshmi's mother 00:18:15.26\00:18:17.73 and father were separated 00:18:17.76\00:18:19.09 is because of some family issues, 00:18:19.13\00:18:21.33 and they've been separated for more than 10 years now. 00:18:21.36\00:18:25.33 The father lives 00:18:25.37\00:18:26.70 with his mother in another state, 00:18:26.74\00:18:29.64 and the mother brought up all these three children 00:18:29.67\00:18:33.78 by working in a factory that makes noodles. 00:18:33.81\00:18:37.38 And because she's not able to give them a good education, 00:18:37.41\00:18:40.58 she has put both her hard of hearing children 00:18:40.62\00:18:43.62 over here in our school. 00:18:43.65\00:18:46.59 Lakshmi's mother married when she was just 16. 00:18:46.62\00:18:49.62 Although such practices exist in rural India 00:18:49.66\00:18:52.06 since ancient times, it would be hard for someone 00:18:52.09\00:18:54.60 to assimilate this mentality especially 00:18:54.63\00:18:56.90 for a first time visitor to rural India. 00:18:56.93\00:19:00.67 Lakshmi's mother 00:19:00.70\00:19:03.00 was also got married at a very young age 00:19:03.04\00:19:06.01 and that's the same thing 00:19:06.04\00:19:07.38 that she did with her elder daughter. 00:19:07.41\00:19:10.25 And we are hoping that that same thing 00:19:10.28\00:19:11.68 doesn't happen to Lakshmi 00:19:11.71\00:19:14.12 that she will be able to finish her studies, 00:19:14.15\00:19:15.92 her college, and then get into a good job, 00:19:15.95\00:19:17.92 and then look for getting married to someone. 00:19:17.95\00:19:20.82 We're hoping that that'll happen to her. 00:19:20.86\00:19:23.16 One can only hope that Lakshmi will have 00:19:23.19\00:19:25.33 the opportunity to break the shackles 00:19:25.36\00:19:27.30 of their long observed traditions and compulsions, 00:19:27.33\00:19:30.17 and hope that education will let her have 00:19:30.20\00:19:32.10 the freedom to choose how she wants to live. 00:19:32.13\00:19:34.47 Lakshmi's family lived in a nearby village, 00:19:44.95\00:19:47.45 and Carl was anxious to meet them. 00:19:47.48\00:19:49.62 Upon arriving at her village, 00:19:49.65\00:19:51.25 it was clear that Lakshmi's family loved her very much, 00:19:51.29\00:19:54.22 and she loved her family. 00:19:54.26\00:19:56.16 The home was certainly minimalistic, 00:19:56.19\00:19:58.06 but hospitality was evident. 00:19:58.09\00:20:00.00 Seeing how content they were with what they had 00:20:00.03\00:20:02.50 was such a blessing 00:20:02.53\00:20:03.87 and a valuable lesson to all addicted to consumerism. 00:20:03.90\00:20:07.57 Carl got to talk to Kalavathi, Lakshmi's mother 00:20:07.60\00:20:10.81 through the help of Rajkumar who was translating for him. 00:20:10.84\00:20:13.88 Her wish is her two children got educated in this Asian Aid, 00:20:21.18\00:20:24.69 through Asian Aid, sponsored through Asian Aid. 00:20:24.72\00:20:27.12 And there are many children in the villages, 00:20:27.16\00:20:29.06 she also want them to get educated same thing. 00:20:29.09\00:20:32.13 She want more sponsors to come forward 00:20:32.16\00:20:34.00 so that many children can come to the light. 00:20:34.03\00:20:38.20 Although the pain of life struggle 00:20:38.23\00:20:39.77 was deep within her, 00:20:39.80\00:20:41.14 one could sense how happy she was knowing 00:20:41.17\00:20:43.14 that her daughter Lakshmi was well taken care of, 00:20:43.17\00:20:45.77 and she was thankful 00:20:45.81\00:20:47.14 for what we could do as an organization. 00:20:47.18\00:20:49.94 Rajkumar, we've just been talking 00:20:49.98\00:20:51.31 to Lakshmi's mother. 00:20:51.35\00:20:53.65 There must be lots of other children 00:20:53.68\00:20:55.95 in these villages who have disabilities. 00:20:55.98\00:21:01.16 What would be the situation if there was no help? 00:21:01.19\00:21:05.89 If there is no outside help, for example, like Asian Aid, 00:21:05.93\00:21:10.20 the other NGOs in India, 00:21:10.23\00:21:13.10 families like this will suffer very much. 00:21:13.13\00:21:18.21 And the pathetic situation is, 00:21:18.24\00:21:19.97 if there are no NGOs coming forward 00:21:20.01\00:21:22.14 to help them like these kids, 00:21:22.18\00:21:25.08 the society will be dropping them 00:21:25.11\00:21:27.52 to one corner. 00:21:27.55\00:21:29.15 They'll not come out, and they can't get exposure. 00:21:29.18\00:21:33.89 If people, the society from outside, 00:21:33.92\00:21:38.76 comes and helps people like these small villages, 00:21:38.79\00:21:42.06 remote villages, 00:21:42.10\00:21:43.70 children like Lakshmi will come up much brighter. 00:21:43.73\00:21:47.34 Their future, they can read it. 00:21:47.37\00:21:49.60 Otherwise, their future will be in debris. 00:21:49.64\00:21:51.97 You know, this is an example of what can happen 00:21:56.08\00:21:59.81 when someone like Asian Aid gets involved 00:21:59.85\00:22:02.55 and sponsors get involved in the child's life. 00:22:02.58\00:22:05.52 We can transform the person, give them a future, 00:22:05.55\00:22:09.86 create opportunities for them to be themselves, 00:22:09.89\00:22:13.09 be what God intended them to be. 00:22:13.13\00:22:16.13 What a privilege to create, 00:22:16.16\00:22:18.60 and generate, and multiply hope. 00:22:18.63\00:22:21.90 For someone like Lakshmi, 00:22:32.51\00:22:33.92 having a loving family is a blessing. 00:22:33.95\00:22:36.08 Because her mother wanted the best for her, 00:22:36.12\00:22:38.35 she was willing to leave her 00:22:38.39\00:22:39.72 in a school's boarding environment 00:22:39.75\00:22:41.56 just so she could give her the education, 00:22:41.59\00:22:43.69 she otherwise would be unable to provide. 00:22:43.73\00:22:46.76 Most of these children understand 00:22:46.80\00:22:48.16 their difficulties at home, 00:22:48.20\00:22:49.56 and understand the opportunities 00:22:49.60\00:22:51.13 they have been given by their sponsors, 00:22:51.17\00:22:53.10 and are ever thankful for the part 00:22:53.13\00:22:54.67 they are playing in their lives. 00:22:54.70\00:22:57.67 I'm sure that these children are very thankful 00:22:57.71\00:23:01.14 to their sponsors and the sponsors 00:23:01.18\00:23:04.41 should know this that every day the children pray for them. 00:23:04.45\00:23:08.05 There's not a day goes without the child praying 00:23:08.08\00:23:11.15 for their sponsors. 00:23:11.19\00:23:12.62 And we are very thankful to the sponsors. 00:23:12.65\00:23:15.62 And they know the importance of sponsorship. 00:23:15.66\00:23:18.33 It's because of that sponsorship 00:23:18.36\00:23:20.40 that they are here, 00:23:20.43\00:23:22.03 and they are having new friends, 00:23:22.06\00:23:25.20 a new life given to them. 00:23:25.23\00:23:26.90 Well, when I come to the school, 00:23:30.14\00:23:32.57 it's just touching. 00:23:32.61\00:23:34.34 I wish the sponsors could be here. 00:23:34.38\00:23:36.34 I wish the sponsors could really see 00:23:36.38\00:23:39.05 beyond the difference they're making. 00:23:39.08\00:23:41.05 The kids are so happy. 00:23:41.08\00:23:42.68 The kids want to touch you, 00:23:42.72\00:23:44.12 they want to communicate with you. 00:23:44.15\00:23:46.22 And without the sponsors, this simply wouldn't happen. 00:23:46.25\00:23:50.23 It's bigger than their education. 00:23:50.26\00:23:52.06 It's bigger than the child at the desk. 00:23:52.09\00:23:54.20 It's giving these kids a delight in life, 00:23:54.23\00:23:57.10 and that's what I see when I come here. 00:23:57.13\00:24:00.84 When Jesus was on this earth, 00:24:00.87\00:24:02.74 He invited the poor, the blind, the lame, 00:24:02.77\00:24:05.27 the deaf into the temple and had fellowship with them. 00:24:05.31\00:24:08.51 Jesus mentioned 00:24:08.54\00:24:09.88 that when we do service to the least of these, 00:24:09.91\00:24:12.28 we are doing service to Him, 00:24:12.31\00:24:14.02 and this is what Jesus meant to take care of the ones 00:24:14.05\00:24:17.05 who are less fortunate than us. 00:24:17.09\00:24:18.99 What a blessing it is for us to be in His service. 00:24:19.02\00:24:22.32 Many times I question myself asking, 00:24:22.36\00:24:25.26 "Am I doing the preaching work here, 00:24:25.29\00:24:29.23 or am I doing some kind of service?" 00:24:29.26\00:24:31.03 But then I realize what Jesus told, 00:24:31.07\00:24:33.30 that true religion is to take care 00:24:33.34\00:24:35.40 of the orphans, the widows, and the less fortunate ones. 00:24:35.44\00:24:40.88 And then by seeing the lives of these children transforming, 00:24:40.91\00:24:44.61 it gives me hope and courage, Yes, what we are doing here is, 00:24:44.65\00:24:49.25 any day, the best thing that we must be doing. 00:24:49.28\00:24:51.95 It's important that the church 00:24:51.99\00:24:53.32 has these services going on. 00:24:53.36\00:24:59.19 Today, this school for speech 00:24:59.23\00:25:01.06 and hearing is a beacon for Christ in this area. 00:25:01.10\00:25:03.90 With this school in Kollegal, Child Impact International 00:25:03.93\00:25:07.00 is not only bringing hope to the children, 00:25:07.04\00:25:09.30 but also the community as it sees 00:25:09.34\00:25:11.21 practical Christianity in action. 00:25:11.24\00:25:13.51 The church could not have scripted 00:25:13.54\00:25:15.04 a better outcome, 00:25:15.08\00:25:16.41 just being there and demonstrating love 00:25:16.44\00:25:18.51 on a consistent basis reflects the image of God. 00:25:18.55\00:25:21.58 These children are preparing for their final exams tomorrow. 00:25:24.75\00:25:29.12 And it's clear that these children 00:25:29.16\00:25:33.26 are being prepared not just to survive, 00:25:33.29\00:25:35.56 but for a future tomorrow and a future for eternity. 00:25:35.60\00:25:39.73 And for Asian Aid to be involved 00:25:39.77\00:25:42.17 in creating these opportunities really warms my heart. 00:25:42.20\00:25:45.91 It's helping me see what it is really to be human. 00:25:45.94\00:25:50.38 And I'm so glad to be part of that. 00:25:50.41\00:25:53.21