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"Dovetales are committed to building solid relationships with pastors and co-workers in India, which are based on the firm foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by His Grace and so that His name might be glorified."
The mobile clinic was purchased in 1996 with money raised locally. It is now covering forty villages and is staffed by an Indian medical and evangelistic team. The clinic provides free medical advice and medication to an average of 1,200 people each month. The man in the picture (right) was extremely sick, and is one of many who have benefited from the service. A clinic is held once a week at our home base in Nidadavole. Here the doctor is able to carry out more detailed examinations and arrange for x-rays and blood tests to be carried out if they are needed.
The world health organisation in co-operation with the Indian government is trying to eradicate polio throughout the country. To assist with this, pulse polio camps have been run to try to immunise every child under the age of three. Our mobile clinic has been used to reach many of the tribal village children, who have previously missed out on this life saving immunisation.
Bibles are very precious, especially to the poor. Their meagre wage only just feeds them with little else left for extras. The complete Bibles which were purchased with your help, were gratefully received by many.
We ordered study Bibles and teaching books from the Indian Bible literature trust in Madras. Some we distributed to pastors and evangelists in the various areas we visited. We also left pastor Abraham of New Life Fellowship in Eluru, a supply for him to distribute to the young men who have completed their training at the ministry school.
In 1997 we held fewer evangelistic meetings than we have in previous years, but the meetings we did hold, were occasions in which the Holy Spirit moved in a wonderful way. Many people gave their lives to the Lord. In accordance with Jesus' instructions to "make disciples" (mat.28:19), we are pleased to report that the people we had the privilege of leading to the Lord have been left in the care of pastors, who will nurture and encourage them to grow in their new found faith. Bible ladies and evangelists continue the outreach work with the mobile clinic. The harvest does not stop when we leave India, His work continues!
The Street Kids Children's Village is run by Matthew from Manchester (England), and his Indian born wife Bhakti. They have dedicated their lives to helping "India's little destitutes".
The staff from the night shelter (situated in the heart of Vijaywada city), make contact with the children in their place of work, on the streets, the railway and bus station. The boys (aged between 5 and 15 years), are mostly scavengers and have to beg for food. Some are able to find employment but are treated harshly and do not receive regular meals, medical help, savings or security. The night shelter offers these vulnerable children medical assistance, counselling, a safe place to sleep, facilities for bathing and washing clothes. Basic literacy and numeracy classes are held for one hour each night followed by a hot, nourishing meal before a time for recreation and watching TV. The night shelter now has its own hospital, so sick children are able to receive free medical attention.
If the children attend the night shelter regularly, they are offered a place to live full time in the children's village. The village is situated on the outskirts of Vijayawada beside the river. It is picturesque and very peaceful. If the children are seen to be academically suited, they are encouraged to attend a formal school and so receive a basic education. Street children are much better working with their hands than sat at a desk, so these children are given the opportunity to learn a trade in one of the vocational workshops. The village has its own farm and dairy, and offers children many recreational facilities.
This is the project that Matthew and his staff are working on at the moment. Finance to build or purchase a building suitable for a girls night shelter has come in. Locating a suitable site is going to take longer, a small six acre farm is being looked at which may be a possible location. Matthew has been very ill recently. He has been diagnosed as suffering from TB. Your prayer support for a quick and speedy recovery would be very welcome.
£50 a day feeds three hundred boys, both at the village and the night shelter. With your help, we have been able to support this vital ministry. We pray that we will be able to continue to do so in the future.
