"...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matt. 25:40)

Background:

Several states of India are, sadly, places of ongoing persecution against Christians. In August of 2008, anti-Christian violence broke out in the state of Orissa, where people were dragged into the streets, beaten, and killed; nuns were gang-raped; men and women were burned alive; churches, houses, and vehicles were destroyed; and over 18,000 Christians were injured with more than 50,000 men, women, and children left homeless.

The persecution in the north, west, and eastern states of India has left many children orphaned through the martyrdom of their parents. Indian girls in particular are in very real danger of illness, malnutrition, abuse, and sexual slavery if they are not taken into the safety of a caring home.

Vision:

The good news is we have the opportunity to make a life-saving difference for some of these daughters by opening a girls’ home in Pune, Maharashtra. With a target date of April 2012, Koinonia Fellowship Churches of India will be opening the doors to a home for 50 orphans and committing to their care and education through college, into a career, or into marriage.

Progress:

Thanks to donations from around the world, funds have been raised for the anticipated costs of opening the orphanage. Pastor Joseph Hiwale and members of Koinonia Fellowship in Pune will facilitate the physical preparation and opening of the girls' home, as well as the legal process of bringing orphans under their care.  The plan, Lord-willing, is to begin leasing and preparing a building in February 2012 and begin taking in girls in March-April 2012.

Needs:

There are many ways to get involved and support this ministry, and we are so thankful for all who have joined us in praying, sharing, and giving for the sake of this vision to open an orphanage in Pune.  For detailed information on how to get involved, please visit our How to Help page or go directly to our Sponsor/Donate page to provide financial support.

Financial Stats:

Sponsorship Goal: $4800/month

Sponsorship Raised: $320/month (as of Feb. 2012)

Start-up Cost Goal: $34,000

Start-up Cost Raised: $51,576.35 (goal met May 2011)

Long-term Vision:

Koinonia Fellowship of India has purchased two plots of land in Pune with plans to build a self-sustaining campus for the Koinonia School of Ministry and, Lord-willing, a permanent orphanage and/or school.

See Also: Updates, How to Help, Sponsor/Donate, Contact/FAQ