Tuesday ~ Tsunami Relief for Chinnakuppam Village

On Tuesday, the group had the opportunity to visit the Tsunami Village that CMCT has sponsored. What is particularly remarkable is that CMCT has committed to rebuilding all of the 140 homes of the village that were demolished by the Tsunami in December of 2004. This is a very special project for CMCT because they feel a tremendous desire to fulfill their promise to restore housing for every family.

The villagers all expressed that many organizations came right after the Tsunami to provide aid, but CMCT is the only organization that has committed to and delivered consistent support. This was such a great reminder for us all that even though we no longer hear about the Tsunami in the news, people are still very much afffected and experiencing the repercussions. If you have the opportunity to give to CMCT, this is an area that still requires great financial support ($300,000). Here is a link to the CMCT website: http://christianmissionsindia.com/

A panoramic view of the new homes CMCT is building for Chinnakuppam.

Our group getting to know the children who live in this village that was devastated by the Tsunami.

Allison and Kirsten with the children of the Tsunami Village. The children joyously greeted us, showed us their home and the nearby beach.

Susan Bramel was able to spend time with a boy that she is now sponsoring.

Colleen and the other CMCT staff members giving us a tour of the new homes that have been constructed. CMCT is about halfway finished constucting the 140 houses. Each house costs $6,000 to build and CMCT is still working and praying to raise the funds to complete the project.

Anne Storm was able to meet her sponsor child: Susithra. Susithra invited Anne into her home and introduced her to her parents. The family is very encouraged by the sponsorship.

CMCT: Ministry Overview

Monday
Today was the first weekday we visited CMCT. The building was bustling as we entered the chapel for their daily staff service. Cindy spoke to about 150 people, sharing how God perfectly orchestrates our lives, how He cares about every detail, and see us through the good times as well as the very hard. She used her own challenging life experiences and beautifully shared God's promises from the Bible. Her message was powerful and quite impactful to us all.

Later in the day we were able to visit the secondary and primary schools affiliated with CMCT. The little children, mostly from the slums, looked darling in their school uniforms. We were overwhelmed, asking them if they knew Jesus and that He loved Him. They responded yes. Never have those words seemed so powerful, knowing we are all bonded together by the love of Christ.

We finished the afternoon seeing all the other ministries inside the main CMCT building. We saw:

•  Medical Clinic: provides extensive care for all types of illnesses. People from the slums can come at no charge and are given top rate care. 
• Dormitories: housing for 150 hostel girls as well as 40 women who work in the handicraft center.
• Handicraft center: an entire floor of CMCT where women are employed and taught a skill (such as sewing or making jewelry), their finished products are sold at CMCT.
• Kitchen where over 1500 meals are served daily.
• Social services department: organizes the entire sponsorship program as well as all outreach programs (tsunami village, leprosy village, neighborhood rallies, etc.)

It is truly remarkable how God has used one woman to touch so many people's lives. God is so good and loving even in the midst of remarkable suffering and trials.

Mary Hendricks, Susan Bramel, Pam Emery and Marilee Schneider with the headmaster and her assistant of the Bethany Secondary School (grades 6-12).

Cindy quizzing the Kindergarteners on their English (they were studying animals).

Leslie Casserly meeting her sponsor child.

Lunchtime for the children at the primary school.

The girls who live in the hostel showing off their bunk beds (three high, 20 girls per room).