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Stephen, COME ministry leader, with two of the lovely lady workers and a U.S. visitor at the Come Compassion Centre. This is where slum children are given a break from their confined slum quarters for retreats. Games and food and fun are combined with helpful teaching about handling life's challenges, about cleanliness, honesty, and many other character-building truths from God's Word.
There is a kitchen, sleeping for about 350 children, a kitchen for preparing meals, a large covered pavilion, and plenty of roaming space. This is the place where many young people are coming to know that there is really a God Who created them, loves them, and sent His Son to become their Savior. This is where many hundreds are beginning the path to abundant life in Christ.
From a rented bicycle shed and borrowed desk and no money, look what God has done! On the dedication day with a blazing sun and 115 degree heat the people saw a miracle. At 9:00 AM, the starting time, a cloud moved over the area, blocking the sun's heat. It hovered all day till the 3:00 PM closing time, then moved away. We have pictures. Not a shadow! This is God's work. And it is happening because God's people are sharing their love gifts to support it.
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Inside the chapel you would never know these children have come out of such deprived slums. In fact, 4,000 families live where COME has been operating for several years. About 1600 of the families have accepted Christ. Conditions in this entire slum are much better. The clothes are their best for this fun occasion with guests from the U.S. |
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Notice the clean polished floors, so unlike where they live. Notice the cross that symbolizes the sacrifice of God's Son to cleanse the guilt and stain of sin. And notice the ordinary people, the workers whose hearts overflow with God's care. From such moments comes the inspiration, the challenge, the uplifting truth. |
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Even the workers find refreshment. The resident caretaker whacks the top from a 'tender' coconut. Staff ladies enjoy sipping the fresh coconut milk.
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BACK IN THE SLUMS LIFE CONTINUES |
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Washing clothes on the alley concrete or pumping water from a old hand pump. Most slums have dirt floors and alleyways, no concrete. This one is upscale. there is no running water, no sewage facilities, only an occasional light bulb.
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This dear soul finds her security and hope in the Hindu gods whose markings you see on her face, and from the gold she wears in her nose. This is common among the women. Her adornment is making a statement. It changes nothing. |
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But here are believers in a thatched roof shed in the slum. They meet for prayer and worship. They are the fruit of COME missionaries who live and labor in their midst. While their adornment is only within, it is very evident from the outside. They have received a heart change from God.
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REACHING OUT, INC. -- P. O. BOX 902 -- ATHENS, TN 37371-0902 Copyright Information: Use freely any pictures or text for the purpose of carrying out the great commission of Jesus Christ to bear witness of Him to all mankind, if done freely and without charge. |
