Let The Children Come!

20 Feb Let The Children Come!

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for such belongs to the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:14 (ESV).  ***** For security purposes, please do not forward, print, or distribute this letter in any form.*****

When we think about people coming to Christ and churches being planted, we may make the mistake of thinking only in terms of adults. Nothing could be further from the truth. From the very beginning of HBI, Devi Gupta, wife of the founder, had an open heart for the children of India and found ways to reach those who were roaming the streets of the slums. Out of her love for the kids, several homes were established for boys and for girls that provided love, safety, education, and Bible training for many.

RAVI’S STORY  “Ravi” was a young boy running in the streets of his slum when HBI took him in and provided a home for him. Along with others like him, he was affectionately known as a “home boy.” As Ravi grew, he became strong in the Lord and surrendered his life to serve God in ministry. After graduating from HBI, Ravi was sent to a region where some of the most unreached peoples of the world live.     Ravi led people to Christ and established a worshiping community. Knowing well the need for the children, he started a girls’ home so that they could receive the same level of care and opportunity that he did when he was young. Their physical, social, and spiritual needs are met daily. They even develop Bible dramas that can be used to lead other kids to Christ. Ravi is just one example of the many young children who grow up under the care of HBI ministries.

MINISTRIES THAT REACH CHILDREN  Though Ravi has a home for the “home girls” where he is ministering, the strategy has changed in many places due to cultural shifts. The children’s ministries of HBI are mostly reaching kids through Hope Centers in the slums, child development centers in villages and four schools in various locations. Altogether, HBI is reaching over 2000 children through these ministries. But that only scratches the surface. There are many thousands of children in the 17,000 churches of HBI in 23 states.  THE LOCAL CHURCH REACH The local church will pray to find ways to meet the needs of the children of the community and reach them with the gospel. They teach them hygiene and provide a meal. They help them with early education and tutor them as they continue their education. They teach them basic Bible truths and songs in a structured atmosphere. The parents of the community see the change in their children and want to know more about the gospel of Christ.  REACHING CHILDREN PLANTS CHURCHES When a church planter enters a village to share the love of Christ, often the story is that he meets a family whose child is seriously ill, and the church planter offers prayer. Then he prays, and I mean really prays.  He fasts and prays. He comes back to the home repeatedly to pray, until the family sees the power of God bring health and healing to that child. As a result, the whole family and all their friends will come to learn more and give their hearts to Christ.

THE GREATEST IMPACT The most powerful impact that children have is that they grow up in the body of Christ. Ravi is just one example of the many young children who grow up under the care of HBI ministries and in local churches. They are already the impetus of a great movement and will take it exponentially to the next generation. THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT HBI is launching a new strategy to reach the over 400 million children of India and their families.  Coming soon, as many as two thousand churches will hold Summer Day Camps for the children of their region.  This is NOT your American VBS.  These are children who do not know Christ coming from families who do not know Christ.  Many thousands of children will be introduced to the living Christ along with their families who will attend the final gathering of the experience and hear about the love of Jesus. The goal is to reach 100,000 children.  Keep your eyes open for the next email where I will share more details and how you can get involved. It is going to be exciting to see what the Lord does! You will not want to miss being part of it! Fulfilling His mission together,   Craig McLeod HBI Global Partners