Poverty, illiteracy and archaic social practices, including female infanticide, have plagued the rural areas of India. Children of extreme poverty have no hope for a future without food, education and care.

The troubling facts:

• India still has the world's largest number of impoverished people in a single country. Of its nearly 1 billion inhabitants, an estimated 350-400 million are below the poverty line, 75 per cent of them in the rural areas.
• Malnutrition affects nearly 50% of children under 5 in India, causing stunted growth and physical and learning disabilities. · In India, only 40% of females will finish school, leaving the majority unable to provide for themselves or their families.
• The dowry system continues to flourish in India contributing to the low status of women and causing despair in poor parents of daughters.
• Female infanticide is still practiced, killing an estimated 10% of girls born in the region surrounding the Glorious Children's Home.

Upon hearing the desperate cry of the women and children of India, Precious Daughters partnered with Body of Christ Ministries in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and Unreached Villages of Bandon, Oregon, to provide full time care for as many as 100 children. The Glorious Children's Home opens its doors to children who are abandoned at birth, experiencing hardship in their families such as the loss of a parent or physical disability, suffering extreme poverty, and orphaned. Since opening the home in 1999, we have expanded to include an infant dorm, boys and girl's dorm, bath house, kitchens and laundry facilities and even an American style playground. Each child attends school full-time, is given room and board and enjoys all of the love and care that a child should receive.

SANTHIYA'S STORY (as told by her care givers in India):

Santhiya was born into a Hindu family. Being the fifth daughter in a society where daughters are often viewed as nothing more than a financial burden; her parents saw no hope for the future and simultaneously committed suicide just after her birth, leaving their five girls alone. Relatives refused to help, and Santhiya's grandmother was so old she could not work to support her granddaughters. With no income, there was hardly enough food and clothing for the girls.

The Lord saw Santhiya's need and blessed her by bringing her to Body of Christ Ministries where she has been taken care of, become a part of a loving family, and has learned about Christ and His unfailing love. Santhiya enjoys attending church services, Sunday school classes, and daily devotionals with her sisters, both blood and adopted, and caretakers at the Glorious Children's Home. Santhiya is a little prayer warrior, taking everything to the Lord through prayer and intercession. Though she had a difficult road to get where she is, she has been blessed continually with words of love and encouragement from those around her, and the love of God is embedded deeply within her heart. Though a quiet child, Santhiya wins everyone over with her sweet, gentle spirit. She is continually striving to see the best in others and always offers a helping hand when needed.

School is going well for Santhiya and she continues to learn not just through daily classes and studies but through adventures she finds herself on while reading books. She enjoys coloring, drawing, and just "hanging out" with the other girls. The Lord is a strong force in her life and it's evident in the way she lives as a true servant of God. The pain from her past has given her a deep compassion and love for others who have hurts they are trying to overcome. The Lord will work mightily through Santhiya's past pains. He has opened a door to her future and she has already begun the journey, striving for His high calling, wherever He may lead.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The Glorious Children's Home provides children with the love and support of caring Christian workers, an education including books and all necessary supplies, clothing, healthy food and a safe place to call home. Established in 1999, in Tamil Nadu, India, the home brings hope to orphans and children of extreme poverty and neglect.

Your monthly support could mean the difference between life and death for a child in Tamil Nadu, India.

BENEFITS OF SPONSORSHIP

• "It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive". Acts 20:35
• Your $25 monthly contribution provides a home, education, nutritious food, clothing and other necessities including books, school supplies, personal hygiene items, toys and more for a needy child in India.
• You make it possible for our workers to care for a child, assessing their needs, helping them with homework, providing medical attention if necessary and giving loving support to each one.
• 100% of your contribution will provide for the needs of a child in India. Precious Daughters does not use support funds for overhead or any other expenses - every penny goes to the children.
• Your gift is tax deductible; our non-profit status allows you to write off any amount you give.

Precious Daughters works to build the body of Christ by raising up people like you to fulfill their destiny in Him. We have a place for you and your gifts! For over 10 years we have made the difference in children's lives by providing them with love and a hope for their future. This is your opportunity to enjoy fellowship with amazing people and serve the Lord at the same time.

"Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the right of the poor and oppressed." Psalm 82:2-4

Testimony

In 2005 I became aware of the amazing Glorious Children's Home in India through friends of mine. Information about the children and their needs grabbed hold of my heart and I knew this was definitely a need I wanted to support. As a child sponsor, I only heard of these little ones and saw their photos in my monthly newsletter from Precious Daughters.

Then in 2006 God opened a door for me to travel to Ramasswaram on a 3 week mission trip. It was wonderful interacting with the kids each day whether it was playing games, jumping rope or assisting Hannah as she gave them violin lessons. They would wait with their beautiful smiles patiently each day trusting we had more love and laughter to pour upon them.

Some of our time was spent brainstorming and praying about the children's needs and prioritizing updates to their living situations. We were able to take part in a ground-breaking celebration to build the girls enclosed showers and toilets. It was so good to witness and then later see photo's of the finished product!

Recently several wonderful tables and benches have been purchased for the children to have a place to work on their school studies. As a regular supporter, I know that our love-offering each month is blessing the children in India and we look forward to hearing about more needs for God's "precious little ones".

--Paula Harbaugh, Portland, OR