Great Beginnings

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We have seen some great beginnings for EC in 2019!  Our 2018 Annual Appeal more than doubled from last year’s appeal, making us wonder what could be in store for the months ahead.  It didn’t take long to find out.  Early in January we received a request from Pastor Kishor Senepati, one of our contacts in northern India.  He and his wife Mary were asking for help with the children of Orissa, where we provided funds for a well last year.
great beginnings for this little Indian girl
Waiting for help

Orissa, India

Although it is in northern India, Orissa is a tropical region, lying just south of the Tropic of Cancer.  Temperatures in that region typically range between 80 – 110 degrees F, so even 60 F feels cold.  This past month, nighttime temperatures in Orissa have been as low as 40 F, which is much colder than usual.  We were told that the children in the village didn’t own any warm clothing, and they were beginning to get sick.  Thanks to our generous supporters, in mid January we were able to wire funds for over 200 sweaters for these children.  EC also teamed up with Juniper’s Fare Catering of Waterbury, VT to provide funds for a meal.  Having something warm to wear is a good reason to celebrate!
great beginnings for this shop owner in India
The shop owner (left) who helped children receive their sweaters. (Pastor Kishor middle; Mary right)

A Change of Heart

Witnessing a change of heart is a reason to celebrate also.  Two weeks after wiring the funds we discovered that the money had not yet been received in India.  This meant that the children still didn’t have their much needed sweaters.  Pastor Kishor told me that shop owners don’t usually let their goods out on credit.  I believe in the power of prayer, and immediately began to pray for a change in this shopkeeper’s heart.  A day later, I received a text telling me that this man had agreed to allow the sweaters to be purchased on credit!  Now my prayer is that he and his business will be greatly blessed.
great beginnings in India
Mary handing out sweaters in Orissa

Making Life Easier

In the coming year EC will continue to feed and provide education for orphaned and vulnerable children in Kenya.  We are also excited to be branching out into new areas.  It is a blessing to make life easier for vulnerable children, no matter where they live.
great beginnings for this cure little girl in a red sweater!
Happiness is a new sweater!

Great Beginnings

To our faithful donors, we want to thank you for these great beginnings.  Your partnership makes this work possible.  If you would like to begin this new year by joining us in our efforts, please click here to make a secure donation today.  Or feel free to contact us at [email protected].  We’d love to hear from you!
Dhanyavaad!  (Thank you in chhattisgarhi.)