DELHI, India, October 13 (PW)—This morning began with worship with the staff from the Church of North India (CNI), in the chapel at their headquarters. We were welcomed by Sudipta Singh, director of programs for CNI, with traditional stoles (shraddha). Mr. Singh shared the church's work, including its efforts to educate and empower women, its work to educate communities concerning violence against women, and its work to prevent human trafficking and rescue women and children who have been trafficked.
The Church of North India is a combined church including: Disciples of Christ, Church of the Brethren, Methodist Church, Baptist Church, Anglican Church and Presbyterian Church.
After our visit to CNI, we visited St. Thomas School, a private girls' school supported by the diocese of Dehli (CNI). The students greeted us with a program of song and dance. The school's social worker, Madha Kapoor, presented information on the school's expectation for it's students—they are expected to do community service. Students in grades 6-12 visit hospitals, volunteer at the school for the blind, visit nursing homes and work with students in special education classes. The school also offers vocational training for nontraditional students in computer technology, beauty services and jewelry-making.
Principal Anuradha Amos introduced several special needs students who presented the group with beautiful scarves (dupatta). We had the opportunity to visit with staff and students over a delicious lunch. We were thrilled to be able to present necklaces to the girls—necklaces made by Presbyterian women in our own communities.
This has been our first opportunity to be part of the Dehli community and to share our common purpose for mission as well as justice and peace. It is difficult to hear stories of trafficked sex workers and child slave labor, but it is heartening to know that the church in India is leading efforts to stop all forms of trafficking, and to see for ourselves the future of the church and its young leaders.
We have felt so very welcomed during our time in Dehli and look forward to returning here after visits to communities in east India.
The Church of North India is a combined church including: Disciples of Christ, Church of the Brethren, Methodist Church, Baptist Church, Anglican Church and Presbyterian Church.
After our visit to CNI, we visited St. Thomas School, a private girls' school supported by the diocese of Dehli (CNI). The students greeted us with a program of song and dance. The school's social worker, Madha Kapoor, presented information on the school's expectation for it's students—they are expected to do community service. Students in grades 6-12 visit hospitals, volunteer at the school for the blind, visit nursing homes and work with students in special education classes. The school also offers vocational training for nontraditional students in computer technology, beauty services and jewelry-making.
Principal Anuradha Amos introduced several special needs students who presented the group with beautiful scarves (dupatta). We had the opportunity to visit with staff and students over a delicious lunch. We were thrilled to be able to present necklaces to the girls—necklaces made by Presbyterian women in our own communities.This has been our first opportunity to be part of the Dehli community and to share our common purpose for mission as well as justice and peace. It is difficult to hear stories of trafficked sex workers and child slave labor, but it is heartening to know that the church in India is leading efforts to stop all forms of trafficking, and to see for ourselves the future of the church and its young leaders.
We have felt so very welcomed during our time in Dehli and look forward to returning here after visits to communities in east India.
1 comment:
it was lovely meeting u too ma'am..thank you so much for such a lovely review.
we thank you for joining us that day in st thoms school.
i was one of the member of the choir..
n your necklaces were wonderful..that was sooooo sweet of you!!
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