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PL784
21 April 2019
Today is the start of a very proud period here at the GSAM. With this Prayer Letter, we are officially kicking off our Mission: University campaign, inviting the world to take part in an effort to enroll ten of our 12th class graduates into college.
As anyone who has ever worked to get a single child into college can imagine, placing ten children in top-quality programs around India is no small task. Researching and applying while simultaneously fundraising college tuition for ten is a big job but it will all be worth it because...these kids are worth it.
In honor of the launch and to kick the whole thing off, we thought we'd dedicate this prayer letter to the boys and girls who make up the pilot Mission U team. Many came as young children, but all have grown into dedicated young adults, ready to work hard and take on the world.
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To begin with, let's introduce you to the class of 2019. To aid the fundraiser, we put together a short video featuring each of our ten participants. As you'll see, some of our kids are now living in Delhi and needed to be shot on location. But all worked together to tell the Mission: University story for a global audience. Roll the cameras...
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All of these kids have been in our care for a long long time, some since they were just a few months old. To see where they came from, where they are now, and where they hope to go is an exciting moment for all of us who love them. So here's a quick little past, present and future snapshot of each of our Mission U members.
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This campaign is really an opportunity to get involved in a very powerful way to change life for one of our kids. Already, supporters have stepped forward, offering to either pay or champion a Mission U student and for that we are extremely grateful. The best thing is, unlike college tuition in the west, fees are relatively affordable, making this dream not as far fetched as it might at first seem.
Though our numbers are estimations for the moment (we don't have all children enrolled and all the official numbers tallied up), we expect each students yearly tuition bill to be about $2000 US. (Imagine that, American parents!) Which makes $20,000 for all ten kids per year. And as Indian university is three years long, we're looking at a $60,000 total bill. Total!
We can actually do this!!!
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Ruhani shows off her Mission University pride!
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We'll be offering this button several more times throughout this Prayer Letter for you to take a look at the campaign and maybe, just maybe, get involved. We couldn't be more proud of our kids and, as they say in their video, they promise to work hard and report back. Go ahead. Give it a click. It's the blue button above. See it?
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Nyeti thinks clicking the button is a good idea.
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Like our Mission University kick off, there were parties aplenty this week. Pinky had her birthday bash with the small girls in the dining hall, cooking up special food, gobbling cake and dancing to a little music afterwards. If it seems like Mission life goes from one birthday party to the next...you are right. Cue the music!
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In every party group shot, getting everyone to smile at the right time is the hardest part.
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Pinky let the candle pickers have their way, waiting patiently for her piece.
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Roshni and Santoshi, ready to pose then eat.
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No one was more excited about cutting the cake than little Aaron.
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It was also Raj's birthday and he celebrated with his small boy friends and movie night in the Strong House. Popcorn, gram, and two cakes made for a very full, very fun evening.
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Raj and the boys. The little cake was delivered that day from his mother, a fact that made him almost too proud to eat it. Almost.
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Oh look. There's that Mission: University button again. If you're wondering where it leads, just give it a click. Perhaps you've already clicked it. No? Then what are you waiting for?
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This is no drill. Gordon invites you to visit the Mission University campaign.
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As the weather warms up, the fruit around the property starts to ripen and one of the first fruit of the season are the mulberries. These little tasty berries will stain your fingers and clothes so pick carefully. But that didn't stop both kids and adults from diving head first into mulberry season. Yum.
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Rina with a juicy handful.
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Jimika doing her part, lending her perfect smile to another PL pic.
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Mulberry production on a massive scale.
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So small, so juicy, so many.
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And so another week has come and gone. We celebrated Good Friday with an evening service, and will celebrate the miracle of Easter on Sunday. It's a time of year where we are filled with gratitude, awe and wonder, overwhelmed by the gifts that have been given so freely to us all. Not simply the grace of forgiveness in which we put our faith, but also the gift of friendship, love and support that we receive daily from so many of you.
Like our Mission: University campaign, like this entire mission, we simply can not do it without you. Thanks for spending another week with us, and we'll see you next week.
Blessing on you,
Rick, Clifton, Eugene, Priscilla and John
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For Those Who Pray:
- Please pray for Rick as his foot continues to heal.
- Pray for Auntie Josie who has not been feeling well lately.
- Pray for a successful launch to our Mission University campaign.
- Pray for an easy and bountiful harvest as our wheat comes in this week.
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