Faithful Prayers

January 1, 2022August 1, 2021 by Jayson Korthuis

Children across the world are lifting up prayers for something to change in their life. For some kids, everything has been taken away, and they are left with nothing but their prayers. For others, they have witnessed answers to their prayers, yet they face new challenges.

Each one of our Kidstown children has seen God answer their prayers for a family, a safe home, and a future. But now, because of the severe lockdowns in their countries, they spend their evenings joining together in prayer for the healing of their land, and the resources they need for survival. There was uncertainty over if they would be able to keep learning if schools were closed, if they would make it through if they got sick, and if they might not get the food they needed for their next meals.

The children were faithful in their prayers. They knew that God, who had so generously answered their prayers when they were on the streets or in a dangerous situation, would hear their prayers now for provision and protection. We know that God has heard their prayers and has answered them in ways that we may never know.

One way that we do get to know that some of their prayers were answered, is because of the Covid Relief Program being used to send the homes the extra funds they need. This program has effectively been used by the homes to purchase medicines, nutritional foods and vitamins, and educational resources. During a time when leaving the house is limited, supplies are difficult to get to because of store closures and price increases, and the danger of falling ill is threatening, it was time to lend a helping hand.

If you would like to donate towards this covid relief program and be an answer to a young child’s prayer, you can donate with the button below.

Thank you for praying for these children and their countries. Your support is invaluable, and every child is benefiting from it. If you would like to read more about the Covid Relief Program, you can by clicking here.

At the Right Time

January 1, 2022July 18, 2021 by Esther Klebe

“When there are so many people suffering in India, the Lord has been protecting and providing for us. We are very grateful for the relief fund that came at the right time. Though the monthly support is enough to meet our daily needs and sometimes more, we were struggling to provide for the extra needs that arose because of the situation. Because of the ever-increasing price of commodities, we were not able to buy better clothing, sanitary items, vitamins, etc. Children were overjoyed and thankful to God as they were able to buy some of their personal needs like new clothes, sports items, books, etc. School admissions will begin very soon and we are thankful that the relief fund will be able to pay for the fees.”

The funds being raised to cover the ever increasing covid costs is already being put to great use. There is a spirit of hopelessness that is spreading throughout India and Nepal. But with the help of our supporters, our homes are being protected from the dire situation that their nation is in. It may be difficult to know how to help, or if any help given is worth it, but we want you to know that the donations being sent for our covid-19 relief program are directly impacting and improving the lives of these children. They are receiving the help that they need to get through this. We can’t predict what the future will hold, but we do know that they are being given the best chance to succeed because of the compassion and generosity of our donors.

There is still ample opportunity to help with the covid-19 relief program. Our initial goal was to raise $50,000. We are still on our way to this goal, so if you would like to donate towards this fund you can click the donate button below.

The funds that are being sent to our children’s homes are being used to buy necessary items such as medicine, technology for school, and food. Many leaders were growing worried about how they would be able to keep up with the rise of costs, the difficulties of accessing supplies, and keeping their kids educated despite the lockdowns. But with this fund, their anxiety is eased. For many, it is an answer to prayer.

We are constantly amazed at the hard work of our leaders, and the ways in which they will go leaps and bounds to protect and serve their children. So if we are able to help them do this in any way, it is an easy decision. Please consider being a part of this relief mission! You can read more about our Covid-19 Relief Program here.

One Day at a Time

January 1, 2022April 18, 2021 by Esther Klebe

The day that Ritesh’s mother died was a day that rocked this little boy’s life. In shock, he retreated into the depths of himself, hoping to find safety.

In coming to one of our supported homes, they had hopes that this would bring Ritesh out of his shell. But despite their efforts, he remained closed off and depressed. He would not speak, and kept to himself.

Besides losing his mother and everything he understood of life, Ritesh also struggled physically with the effects of the HIV virus. He was weak and needed lifestyle changes to help him heal.

But none of this discouraged the leaders from pouring everything into Ritesh and trying everything they could to help him recover. Every day, they did their best to show Ritesh that he was loved and that he was safe.

The motherly love and mental support that they gave him slowly reached into Ritesh’s heart and showed him that he was indeed safe. It took him a number of years, but with time, Ritesh grew better and better, and is now the friendliest child in the home. He has recovered greatly from his past!

Something that the home found was really helpful with Ritesh was allowing him to engage in activities such as drawing and painting. Art became a source of healing and joy for Ritesh. He invested his time into improving his skills, and hopes to become a professional painter one day. This creative outlet has proved to be a powerful tool in bringing Ritesh past the trauma in his heart. He has found the ability to enjoy life and dream for his future.

Now that Ritesh is receiving the proper nutrition and treatment to heal his body from the HIV virus, and is receiving the emotional and mental support he needed to be pulled out of his pain, he is truly flourishing.

As a young boy, he still has a number of years left to improve and grow in the home he is at. But one thing he is lacking is a sponsor! Ritesh is living in one of our supported homes, but he does not have a sponsor.

Ritesh needs a sponsor!

By becoming Ritesh’s sponsor, you would be gaining the chance to walk alongside him and encourage him towards greater success and healing. He may even share a drawing with you!

Will you please consider standing up for Ritesh and believing in him by becoming his sponsor?

SPONSOR RITESH

Lay it Down

January 1, 2022April 4, 2021 by Esther Klebe

There are a lot of voices and circumstances that want to influence our peace and belief system. But when we take the time to pause and put our focus on God, He brings a peace and hope that cannot be taken away. When we lay down our requests at His feet, we can trust that He will pick them up and fulfill His plan.

Here are the requests we are currently laying down at the feet of Jesus. Will you join with us?

There are still some areas of India that won’t allow children to return to their homes. The leaders of these homes are working very hard to stay connected to the kids and make sure they are being well taken care of, but it can be very difficult sometimes!
A recent upgrade project at one of our homes in Nepal was fully funded! Praise the Lord for this answer to prayer.
We have had some leadership changes in a couple of our homes, so please pray for these new leaders, and the shifts that have happened with them. Pray things continue to go smoothly, and that all of the children can benefit from these changes!
One of our homes in Romania is in need of some extra money to fund the tutors that they need for education going forward.
The education system is suffering in many areas that our homes are located. Please pray that the schools open, and the online schooling system improves. A lot of children are falling behind and struggling with the current situation.

Keep up with our blogs and social media to stay informed on future prayer requests!

Stepping Closer

January 1, 2022March 28, 2021 by Esther Klebe

If every child was born into a family that was stable and whole, we would not know the word orphan.

If every family was able to have a sufficient income and to foster healthy relationships, their children would be safe.

If every culture had no judgment, no prejudice, no hate, no dishonesty, there would be no need for children’s homes.

If these things were, then we would not be.

But as evil and darkness continue to stream through the streets of Romania, Nepal, and India, households are filled with brokenness.

Children are left in the streets, and sickness debilitates parents. Abuse is not even hidden, and actions reveal just how twisted some people are.

And because of this, people like Stephenson and his wife have responded to the brokenness around them by starting a home that would provide a safe and healthy place for these children to live.

Many of the children that live in their home have come from the slums of India. They had no protection and no hope. These leaders had eyes to see a child when there was no light in their eyes. And instead of walking away, they stepped closer. They refused to let that child be left to the tragedy and the heartache around them. When everyone else had refused to lend a helping hand, these leaders bent down and offered an embrace of love and acceptance.

If you are not willing to walk by the injustice of an abandoned and helpless child, you have an opportunity to help today!

There are SEVEN children at Stephenson’s home that do not have a sponsor. I don’t know what you have heard about sponsorship, but over here, we know that it works. It gives you the chance to partner with a home that is actively improving the life of a child. You get to join those leaders in offering an embrace. When you sponsor, you can look into the eyes of your child, and remind them that they are loved, and they are worthy. Their future does not have to hold the pain of their past.

If you don’t want to walk past these children, below you will find the stories of those seven children, and an opportunity to sponsor them.

Deepika Birthday: March 2006

SPONSOR DEEPIKA

Deepika’s situation was becoming worse as her family was going days on end without any food. Living in a slum with a poor substitute for a home, Deepika’s father began drinking. He soon could not even work, leaving his family with no help. Soon after Deepika began begging on the streets, both of her parents died of tuberculosis. Deepika was taken in by relatives, but she was forced to work as a maid in other’s houses. She saw the other children going to school and dreamed of doing the same. Seeing her situation, Deepika was brought in to one of our homes. She was so excited to go to school for the first time ever! The home is dedicated to giving her proper love and care.

Sabina Birthday: August 2012

SPONSOR SABINA

It was a tragic beginning for Sabina. With many nights in tears with lack of food, she grew up in the slums of India. Her father was a drunk, and her mother died soon after giving birth to Sabina. After Sabina’s father abandoned her, she went to her grand father. As he was elderly, he could not take care of her. In a desperate state, he asked one of our homes if they would take her in. Once the leaders saw her condition, they welcomed her in and gave her the life she deserved. She is going to school for the first time and is very happy with her new family.

Chris Toppo Birthday: Feb 2012

SPONSOR CHRIS

After Chris’s mother died after child birth, his father became very depressed and began drinking. He eventually left Chris with his grandparents. As his grandparents were very old, they were not earning much to care for Chris. As a young boy, he had yet to experience true happiness as he had lost so much and was in an unhealthy situation. When Chris began seeing other kids go to school, he wanted to go with them, but his grandparents could barely feed him, much less send him to school. There was nothing for them to do, so he was brought to one of our homes. He was welcomed in, and is now receiving the proper care and love that he has always needed, and is going to school!

Vikram Soren Birthday: Jan 2008

SPONSOR VIKRAM

Vikram’s father moved the family to find work, but because he could not find anything, he became depressed. Vikram did not have a good place to sleep, was not getting enough food, and had no good clothes. Vikram’s father began to drink, and Vikram started begging on the streets. There was no care for the young boy, and he was beyond the thoughts of his father. Because of the concern for Vikram’s well being, one of our leaders decided to bring him in to their home. They are providing him with the proper care and food that he needs. He is going to school and will now have a brighter future.

Nikhil Kumar Gupta Birthday: Nov 2006

SPONSOR NIKHIL

With a mother burdened by a chronic illness and a father who is a drunkard, Nikhil’s chance of a quality life was even further lessened by the slum living situation and his lack of food. There was no initiative from his father to take care of the family or get treatment for his wife. Nikhil often talked of going to school to his mother, but she could not muster enough money. Nikhil took to wandering the streets and getting into trouble. He was losing the innocence that a young boy should have. As his mother worsened, she worried about Nikhil’s life is she were to die, with a negligent father. She was told about one of our homes and was encouraged to bring Nikhil to the home. He was brought in with gladness and is now going to school and being cared for properly.

Lucky Ekka Birthday: May 2006

SPONSOR LUCKY

Due to physical problems, Lucky’s father is unable to work. The family lives in a slum with little food or cover. Work is uncertain every day. There is no option for Lucky to go to school, and he is often left alone. He would beg in the markets with his friends. His parents were worried about how he would grow up and the things he may be tempted to do on the streets. So they met with the leaders of our home since they could not protect or care for Lucky. He was accepted into the home so that he could go to school and be brought up to know Jesus and good behavior.

Lovely Ekka Birthday Oct 2000

SPONSOR LOVELY

Although Lovely’s parents tried hard to work, they were often not receiving their due wages, and Lovely was going hungry. It was very difficult for the family. They could not supply the food and clothes that were needed. They were forced to find work in a bigger city, but they had to move into a slum. In his new job as a construction worker, Lovely’s father suffered from a dangerous work accident. Although he survived, he was a broken man and could no longer work. Lovely had to begin working, but it was not a safe or secure situation for a young girl. Lovely very much wanted to go to school, but it was out of the question in her situation. When the family met the home leaders, they decided it would be the best thing for her to live there. Lovely says “In my home I did not laugh, I was never happy, but here I am happy that I am free to laugh and go to school. I thank my Jesus for loving me.” She is also going to school.

And if you are not ready to sponsor a child today, but you still want to lend a helping hand, you can still donate toward this home. Just click here and you will be taken to our donate page.

A Care Infinitely Greater Than Our Own

January 1, 2022March 7, 2021 by Esther Klebe

When God teaches us that He knows the names of His children and can count the number of hairs on their head, it shouldn’t surprise us to see Him rescuing and leading His beloved out of tragedy and into a hope filled life.

He is faithful over all of His children. And we see this reality in every one of the kids we serve under Kidstown International.

God saw Sarah long before her life was turned upside down. And, in reality, long before even her parents met her. He knew the pain she would face, but He also knew the peace He would give her. She wasn’t out of His sight when her father lost himself to alcohol and died at a young age. And when Sarah’s mother could not provide the bare essentials for their survival, God was already on the move to provide breakthrough.

God was already working in the hearts of some of his other children to open a home for kids in need. And just as this happened, Sarah walked into their lives, becoming one of the first children to be a part of this home in India.

It was with a hope for a better life that Sarah came to this home, and here it was that she found this hope. Sarah herself writes “I never had to worry about anything else because I had everything I needed and more.” Sarah was able to go to school, grow up with a loving mom and dad, and eventually, find her worth in Jesus Christ.

It was a glorious day in Heaven when Sarah chose to be baptized at a Bible camp and dedicate her life to Jesus. And so we see, God had never walked away from Sarah, but was continuously leading her towards a life of surrender and peace, found only in Him. He was her hope, and once she realized this, everything changed.

Sarah is now a young adult, and is working towards a life of civil service to her people and to God. She writes “Everything that I am today was because of the relentless effort of Mom and Dad guiding me to the right track.” Sarah has seen her life transformed. She is not the same girl she was when she first walked into this young children’s home. She is a driven and compassionate woman of God, ready to give her life back to the One who saved her.

Before she moved into the home, she was not attending school, she didn’t have enough food, and she didn’t even have enough clothing. God found a way to provide these things for her, but He provided so much more. As a faithful Father, He provided her with New Life under the cross of Jesus, and He clothed her in His righteousness. Sarah has always been precious in His eyes, and He will now use her to help other people see their value in Him.

Sarah tells her sponsor: “I also want to thank you for your support and prayers in the past years. I really am grateful for it. May God continue to bless you tremendously.”

The lives we are reaching through this ministry are not only important to us, but to God. It is humbling to see how He cares infinitely more about their lives than we ever could. But even as He is working in their lives, He is using all of us to be His hands and feet to provide the love and care for His children.

To be a part of God’s transformative work in the life of a child, you can become a sponsor HERE.

If you are already a sponsor, or would prefer to make a onetime gift, click HERE for more options.

Lifting Them Up

January 1, 2022February 21, 2021 by Esther Klebe

A lesson we are learning is that God is a powerful and faithful God. He has continued to lay his hand on our kids, their leaders, and our supporters. Through the continued support being sent for kids, and the transformation happening in these kids, God is showing us how compassionate and loving He is. And as He answers our prayers, we want to continue bringing Him our requests. We know that He can meet them, and that He is the one with the answers. So will you please read through our prayer requests below and take a moment to lift them up to the Lord?

One of our children in Romania recently broke his leg. He is doing ok now, but cannot leave his bed for the next month. Pray that he has patience during this time of recovery, and that everything heals well.
A home in India is preparing to bring back a number of their older children that had to live with relatives during this time of lockdown. Please pray that this transition goes well, and that the children arrive safely back home. And please pray for the kids as they begin to go to school again and return to life at the children’s home.
A home in Nepal is moving to a new building. Please pray that the new landlord has understanding and grace for them, and that the children do ok during this transition. Moving can be difficult, so please pray that everyone has patience and love, and that this change is a good change.
A young lady that grew up in one of our homes in India has just gotten married! He is a ministry leader in his local church, and they are excited to build their life together. Please pray a blessing over them and their new marriage!
A young girl in India is walking through some health issues. They aren’t serious, but are causing her some fear and frustration. Please pray that she will continue to get the help she needs, and that she will have peace and hope through this situation. And pray for her leaders to know what the best decisions to make are.
Our homes have asked for prayer that their children remain healthy during this season, and that they are able to find joy and stay happy and occupied as the restrictions continue.
Online school is difficult. Please pray for our kids as they keep walking this challenging road. Pray that they have focus and a clear mind, and are able to learn what they need to. And pray for their teachers and leaders to help them through this.
Please pray for our children that may not know Jesus yet. Pray that their hearts would be softened to what God is teaching them, and that they believe in Jesus and what is being taught to them.
One of our leaders in India is suffering with some health issues that are making mobility for him difficult. He is still working so hard in his responsibilities, but his healing journey is slow. Please pray that he is able to rest and recover quickly. And please pray that his responsibilities go smoothly during this time.
As many of our kids are making decisions for their future, please pray for their motivation to keep working hard in their studies and to make good choices. Please pray that they are encouraged and hopeful about their future, and that the right doors open to them.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Would this Darkness Shift

January 1, 2022February 14, 2021 by Esther Klebe

Here on the streets of a crowded market. Bare feet running past a pair of lonely eyes. She sits in the midst of chaos, yet her world feels empty. She meets rejection around every corner, encouraging her rising feeling of insignificance. Her thoughts stray to the missing embrace of a loving mother, wondering where the protection of her father went. A breeze blows past, bringing her back to the present. Where will she find her next bite? Will this time actually sustain the aching in her stomach? Or will she spend another night wasting away, wondering if there will be anything left of her in the morning. She tries to keep her thoughts from drifting to the sorrowful moment of losing her sister to this exact fate. The pain is too much to bear.

This is the story of Suman. A young teenage girl who now lives in one of our homes. Her past is tragic and heartbreaking, but unfortunately, one that we have heard before. But although we meet many children with this same fate, their stories are all unique.

When Suman’s mother could no longer bear the weight of this painful life, she attempted to leave it. When this failed, she realized there needed to be a change for her daughter. This important moment led her to inquire with a local children’s home. One that we happen to support. When they were told of the situation, their hearts were moved to bring Suman in to their family.

Suman no longer needs to go to bed with an empty stomach, or wander the dangerous streets of her village. The growing darkness around her has shifted to the light of hope. She has found her worth in Jesus Christ, and is receiving the daily love of diligent leaders.

As Suman follows the path of her education and walk of healing, she moves away from the little girl she was on the streets to the young woman of confidence and joy she is becoming.

But there is one thing Suman is missing. We have yet to find her a sponsor!

This is a very easy and accessible way to be a part of the change we know needs to come to these hurting places of the world. If you have compassion on Suman, will you please click the link below and become her sponsor? It is a $38 a month pledge, but the value you give by transforming her life goes far beyond this amount.

SPONSOR SUMAN

Landscape of Education

January 1, 2022January 31, 2021 by Esther Klebe

The landscape of education is significantly different this year. If children are not allowed back into the classroom, the classroom is moved to an online program. But this requires children to have a phone, or some other device to participate. This has proven to be a difficult challenge for our homes to walk through.

We have shared this need with supporters, and have been blessed by those who have stepped up to the need. Through the support we have received, we’ve been able to supply some of our homes with a few new electronic devices, such as computers, phones, and printers!

With every new device, a child is able to continue with their education, and take one more step towards their future. Education is of course very important for helping a child walk out of their previous poverty, but it is also vital in giving them the chance to learn, to improve, to grow, and to be inspired. These devices are helping these kids be confident, and to be everything they were made to be.

Now that children are able to continue receiving their education and moving up to higher grades, the homes are still faced with educational costs. To help cover these costs, we have an education fund, as well as an education sponsorship program called ‘Running the Race’.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an education sponsor to a child in need, or donating towards our education fund, click on the link below.

Helping with education

Thank you for your support, love, and transformational care for these kids during this ever changing season! They are in good hands because of you.

Online School Readjustments

January 1, 2022January 24, 2021 by Esther Klebe

It wasn’t long before our home leaders started lifting up requests for new technology devices so that they could keep up with the new education guidelines. As school moved online, many of our homes in Romania, India, and Nepal were worried they would not be able to keep their kids in school.

These aren’t like most families that just have a few kids in school. Because of their servant hearts, they often have a dozen or so kids under their responsibility. This means that the one or two phones or laptops they already had would not be enough to provide online education to all of the different grades and children they have.

A lot of requests were sent for new phones, laptops, printers, Wi-Fi routers, ect, and a lot of time has been spent sifting through requests, reaching out to donors, and funding these projects. Thankfully, a lot of homes have been able to improve their access to technology, and their kids are able to continue their studies.

One home says, “We are very grateful to Kidstown for taking all the efforts in helping our children have computers to do online classes.” Education is critical to the success of a child moving out of their past of poverty, so these devices are important to the homes.

If you would like to help the homes continue to provide needed devices for their children’s education, click the link below!