IET Children’s Homes

Prerna is the oldest in a family of three children. Her father works as a manual wage laborer, digging pits. Her mother has been sick for several years. So, the tasks of taking care of the family—cooking, doing laundry, cleaning, and taking care of the younger siblings—all fall on Prerna.

“I would like to be able to at least read and write. But, how can that be?” commented Prerna, as she balanced a water pot on her head. She had just walked three kilometers to fetch water, a trip she takes multiple times each day. When I asked her if she would like to learn to read and write, her eyes widened. “Would that be possible?” she asked in unbelief. With a huge smile, Prerna added, “Oh, I would really like that!"

 ILLITERACY CRIPPLES

India has the largest illiterate population in the world at more than 280 million. Even those who are officially counted as literate may not be truly read and write. Data from a research study on female literacy shows that, only 48% of females studying up to 5th grade can actually read and write or perform simple mathematical addition.

Illiteracy degrades the dignity of women; makes them economically disadvantaged; reduces their access to legal rights; and negatively impacts the education, health, and economic condition of future generations. 

OUR CALL 

The primary call of the Indian Evangelical Team (parent organization of Compelled) is to take the Gospel of Christ’s forgiveness to unreached people groups in South Asia. Planting churches among unreached tribes and discipling healthy churches, led by trained, indigenous leaders, is our central call. IET also leads social justice initiatives to care for the oppressed and share the tangible love of Jesus.

One of our most important social justice ministries is educating young girls. Today, the Indian Evangelical Team educates over 1,000 girls in our three Girls’ Homes (orphanages). 

SALEENA

Saleena is one such girl, living in the Debra Home. Saleena was born into a very poor family of the Sanathali tribe in Assam, Eastern India. Urang, Saleena’s father, would make offerings at the Jahber, the sacred grove on the edge of the Santhali village, where the tribal spirits lived. His prayers for a job and food for his family went unanswered. Finally, downtrodden by hunger and depression, Urang started making alcohol at home and selling it. 

The family started to generate a bit of income. However, within few months, Urang started drinking heavily and abusing his children, including Saleena. “I would hide under the bed when I heard my father’s footsteps,” she said.

Additionally, both of Saleena’s parents started to feel ill. Although they were accustomed to frequent bouts of coughing, nothing detrimental transpired over the years, so they thought nothing of it. When Urang started spitting up blood, he and his wife went in for a medical examination. Urang and his wife were diagnosed with advanced Tuberculosis, a common and deadly diseases in many parts of India. Soon after, Urang passed away, followed by Saleena’s mother, less than two years after. Saleena was about seven years old when she became an orphan.

WILL YOU TAKE CARE?

Before her death, Saleena’s mother asked Anil, one of her close relatives, to take care of her children. Anil was a sick man who also lived in considerable poverty. He realized that he was unable to take care of the added burden of three children. Several thoughts whirled in his mind as to how to take care of this added hinderance, some good and some not so good. One day he saw a sign that read, “If you do not want your female child, give them to us. We will love them.” This was an Indian Evangelical Team advertisement that many missionaries post in front of their homes or churches. Anil went in to inquire and spoke with an IET missionary. 

WE WILL TAKE CARE

The IET missionary told him they would take care of the girls. So, Saleena was brought to the Debra Home, an IET’s orphanage near the border of Nepal. The Debra Home is a church-based orphanage, with facilities located in the first floor is a local congregation. Roughly 12 girls live in the space, some orphans, some from from very poor homes, and some at risk. The pastor and his family, who are the primary caregivers, live right next to this home. The believers from the local church help to cook food and take care of the girls, along with a full time caregiver. 

Pastor Wilson, who leads the Debra Home, said, “When Saleena came to us, she was very weak and afraid.” Saleena also had a bump on her neck with puss oozing out. During her initial medical check up, the doctor noted symptoms of tuberculosis, and surgery was required. With thorough and proper care, Saleena recovered steadily over the next two years. She started tutoring to learn basic concepts, and eventually enrolled in school.

Saleena is now, by the grace of God, healthy and full of life. “She is bright and, this year, she secured first rank in her grade. I believe God has a special call on her life. Well, God has a special call on all of my girls,” said Pastor Wilson with a smile.