Feels Just Like Home
by Deborah Moore
Traveling to CFI for the fourth time was just as exciting as the first. There was still the expectation of seeing God work in the lives of staff and the children. It is a pleasure to see the children growing in Christ because of the love and care they receive from the staff. I always look forward to talking with staff and getting to know any new faces. I even had the pleasure of speaking at Grace Bible College! Afterward, I had a wonderful conversation with four current students who grew up at Children’s Fellowship of India. Finally, we spent some time at the Boys and Girls Christian home, a partner in the ministry of caring for the children of India. Meeting friends of CFI’s ministry nearby was refreshing.
God has been very faithful to CFI’s ministry over the years. He has bought faithful and capable staff to minister and care for the children. Staff teach school on campus, assist in food preparations, mentor children, and guide them in their Christian Walk. Knowing this is their home, children eagerly work together to maintain a beautiful campus. Chores and responsibilities are divided according to their ages and abilities. The interaction between the children, teens, and staff encouraged me.
Community is an important aspect of CFI’s ministry. Many neighbors and organizations in Amravati have grown to appreciate the quality of care that the children receive.
One such organization is the Amravati Police. Members of the department visited and presented gifts to all the children and teens. They were so happy! I even received a gift. (Yes, I was surprised and happy also!) Another community partner is a visiting Dentist who regularly visits the campus to care for the staff and children. Even families of children are important community partners. There are times when a child’s family member has a chance to visit CFI and spend time with their child. They leave further endeared with CFI after seeing the love and care they’ve received. Lastly, it’s important to reach out to potential new partners. Brother Philip and I visited the director of a local hospital, inviting him to visit CFI. Our visit was encouraging and I know when he visits, he too will be encouraged to partner with CFI.
Joy and I traveled together to CFI to encourage and minister to the children and staff, but just like previous visits, we were more encouraged to see our Lord working in the lives of His people in Amravati.
