A stranger's hello

Children's Bible Club brings hope to teenager burdened by father's death

For many children in India, adulthood comes far too soon. Children's Bible Clubs provide an opportunity to laugh, play games, and just be kids again!

22 March 2010

As Chatura gathered another pile of bricks, sweat dripped down his forehead and stung as it entered his eye. His muscles screamed for relief.

All he could think about was when dusk would come, his work day end and he could go home.

Day after day, 13-year-old Chatura carried heavy loads of bricks, cement, stones and sand under the scorching heat of the sun.

His father had died a few months before.

Chatura’s mother couldn’t support her three children and herself on her low income. So Chatura dropped out of school and got a job.

Walking across the construction site, Chatura noticed a stranger walking towards him, a hand raised in greeting. The man introduced himself as a Children’s Bible Club leader.

He asked Chatura why he was working at such a young age. Chatura swallowed back the tight feeling in his throat. With tear in his eyes he finally said, “My father died, and I have to help support my family.”

The Club leader invited Chatura to the Bible Club. “It meets during the evenings,” he said, “so you can still put in a full day of work.”

Chatura went to the Club the next day. As he played with the other children, he found himself smiling again - the first time since his father died.

With full attention, Chatura listened to the stories about Jesus. Each night when he got home, he shared them with his mother and siblings. Three months later, Chatura accepted Jesus as his Saviour.

Chatura’s mother also committed her life to Jesus. Today, she and her children regularly attend church and meet to pray with other new believers in their community. She trusts that God will care for her family’s needs.

You can help reach another child like Chatura

Every 60 pence you give allows another boy or girl to take part in a Children's Bible Club. £24 will support a whole class of 40 children.

Mission India provides teacher training, lesson booklets published in India’s major languages, devotional materials and cassette recordings of songs in regional languages.

To make a donation over the phone please call us at 01435 863036.