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IND10 - Balm Product: Partnership Reports



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Report Date: March 27, 2018

Report from BHW India Partnership Facilitator 

 

In January 2018 Bright Hope World ran a summit in Bangalore for all our Indian and Nepalese partners. This was an amazing time which almost every one of our partners attended. In total we had about 40 people from India and Nepal and another nine from New Zealand, England and the USA. 

We prayed this would be a time where our partners met one another (many for the first time), learned from each other, were encouraged in the Lord, and went home inspired to keep serving the Lord in their communities. The Lord answered our prayer. 

It was so encouraging, and inspiring, to listen to every partner share their ministry’s story. From those who have been serving in ministry for 30+ years, to those who have just started in the past 18 months, every story impacted this gathering of believers. 

Running the conference in Bangalore meant I couldn’t visit each of the partners in their own environment and so I am only able to provide a brief update from each of the partnerships. 

 

Vidya and Ruth Sagar, Bangalore 

A highlight of our time in Bangalore is always spending time with the Sagars. Ruth has a wonderful gift for hospitality. This time we attended their church service with our friends Niranjan and Sonu from Nepal. Niranjan and Vidya had attended SAIACS Bible College together when Bright Hope World first met them both. It was great to see them spending time together and to hear how both families are reaching out to the various communities God has put them in.

 

Sandra Rickets School

The Sandra Rickets School (started by Vidya and Ruth) now has around 340 pupils. The model works that many of the children pay little or no fees, and they are supported by others who pay full fees. Vidya shared that many children and teachers have come to the Lord over the years as Ruth and Vidya share the gospel and counsel people.

It become apparent in our time with the Sagars that there is financial pressure on the school at the moment. Bright Hope World has not supported the school and does not intend too, however, as our partner we are concerned for the inevitable stress that this places on the Sagars. Apparently they would need around 500 students to be financially viable.  

Family / Church

The Sagars now also have 30 children staying with them from very poor families, orphans or from one parent families. 

The church they planted meets in the school building and is for those who speak telague. They have also planted another church about 120 kms from Bangalore and sent a couple to go and lead that church.  

Balm Project

Bright Hope World’s main connection with the Sagars has been the balm project that Vidya started. Vidya has been trying to grow this business in the last few years but it is currently proving difficult due to government requirements around launching medicinal products.

 

Prayer and Praise Points

Please pray for:
• strength and energy for Vidya and Ruth, particularly as they care for the 30 children now under their care

• wisdom around how to keep ministering through the school ministry

• wisdom for decisions around the balm business and how/if this can be grown to provide further funding for ministry and for church planters.

 

Comments

It seems that the Sagars are at a point where they need to review their current ministry structure. Bright Hope World will continue to walk this journey with them and see how we can continue to partner together.