It is summer break in India now. It may seem early, but while our hottest month is July, theirs is May. It's in the 100s in India this week, so it is definitely summer. Our kids have all finished their end of the school year exams and are enjoying their vacation. We are so proud of the effort they put into their schoolwork, as well as their many academic successes. They have worked so hard this year, as they do every year, and really created opportunities for themselves for future success. We also rejoice at the fact that our kids get to be kids and enjoy their summer break. They get to play and hang out with each other and have fun. Seeing kids (many of whom came to us not knowing what it meant to be a kid) play, laugh, run, and shriek with joy is a delight. We are so thankful for each of these kids and the changes we've seen in their lives.
Whenever we have a chance to gather together with other believers who have the same heart, we are grateful. We are blessed with the opportunity to do this when we are in India, but also when we are in the United States. We just attended a YWAM conference, even though we are not technically a part of YWAM. We were welcomed in and invited to continue to return and join with them. It was a time of gathering together in worship, prayer, and learning. Part of the beauty of our faith is that we are united by our God and able to connect because of what we share in Him. It is so uplifting to be reminded that we are not in this alone. We are so grateful for all of you who pray for us and support us and walk with us in whatever way you do. We are so grateful for everyone who is doing the work we are doing in different ways and different places. We are grateful that, together, we have so much hope. Even if there are no answers to tough situations, together, we are able to remind each other of Him and His goodness and refocus our gaze. One phrase from this conference that kept coming up was, "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you." Together, our eyes stay on Him. May we stay together so we can keep helping each other to keep our eyes focused on Him.
Believers in India are facing some challenging times. Persecution is increasing and arrests are occurring. Most of the world is unaware that this is happening because it is not being publicized. But our friends are definitely experiencing it. We've been aware of it, but this past week we've heard a lot more about it. It seems to be increasing. Please be praying for India, for the believers there, and for our workers especially. Pray for strength and wisdom as they face this. Please also pray for them to have peace in the midst of it. We are grateful that we can partner with them, encourage them, and walk with them through all of this. And we are grateful that you join us in this journey.
Part of working with kids is that we always have to adapt what we do as they grow and need different things. So now we are entering a new phase of working with kids who are becoming adults. We are so excited for this new season. Many of our kids are preparing for university. We are so excited to see where they go and what they do. They have changed their lives. They have studied hard and are excited to work towards further studying and eventually have jobs that they have long dreamed of. We are so proud of these kids and we just can't help but tell you all about how amazing they are. Some of them are studying to be engineers, some want to study in the medical field, and many desire to take care of those in need like they have been cared for. There are many other dreams as well. And we know they will achieve their dreams. Because these kids have overcome all obstacles, beaten the odds, and refuse to give up. They work towards their goals until they achieve them and this one will be no different. We are so proud of these world-changers and we can't wait to see all that they do. If you are interested in partnering with any of them financially to help make this possible, please email us at cri_india@yahoo.com We welcome all your prayers for their future success. Thank you for being excited with us!
