Projects in India 2023
Adult Literacy Program
The Adult Literacy Project in India is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering adults through education. Operating in various centers across rural areas, the project provides essential reading and writing skills to men and women who have never had the opportunity to attend school. In 2023, the project successfully taught over 300 adults, enabling them to read, write, and significantly improve their daily lives. This year also saw an increase in the number of female participants, highlighting the project’s role in promoting gender equality. By breaking down barriers to education and fostering a sense of self-reliance and confidence, this project not only improves literacy rates but also enhances the socio-economic conditions of entire communities. Your support can help us continue to change lives and bring hope through the power of literacy.
Bethel House India
Bethel House India is a support organization seeking to aid Indian workers to encourage women facing unplanned pregnancies, and to help them value the life of their unborn child. A great awakening is taking place, and we are excited to be a part of it. The work is expanding and to accommodate and encourage this we have increased the number of Regional Directors from one to three. One of the Regional Directors helped organize the 7th All-India Pro-Life Summit with 31 delegates. By the end of the year, more than 2000 people had heard the life affirming message. Another director opened a new Life Care Center in the Northern state of Odisha. We are very encouraged to see the work in India developing. Pastors are learning about the value of each life, many for the first time. Those receiving the message are eager to share this information with others, and we desire to do more to assist their efforts.
Founding and pioneering International Directors, Doug Roth, retired at the end of December 2023, prior to the passing of his wife Anna.
Bill Freeman and Cathy Birnie are presently serving as Interim Co-Directors in preparation for our next International Director. Pray as the Lord leads and fills this need. Thankyou for partnering with us as lives are being saved; both in the literal sense, and for eternity.
Bethel House India is reliant upon Indian Regional Directors who initiate and connect with Indian Christians as new Life Care Centres are established. BHI funds from Canada are primarily directed towards the education and training of Life Care Centre staff.
Rupamari
In 2023, the Reach Kolkata Project in India made significant strides in supporting the education and skill development of children and women in Rupamari and Bantala. In Rupamari, children attended the program five days a week, receiving assistance from trained teachers to prepare for regular school exams. Despite facing challenges in finding Math and Science teachers, this need was successfully met. In Bantala, women were offered opportunities to learn sewing, blanket making, and beautician skills, although the program struggled with space constraints, accommodating approximately 250 children in a single room that also served as a venue for Bible study and Sunday worship services. Despite these challenges, the Reach Project continued to provide essential educational and vocational training to its beneficiaries.