Sri Lanka (MNN) — Intense fighting in the north, terrorist bombings in Colombo, and a nationalist movement are just some of the problems facing Christians in Sri Lanka. Many Christians are being extremely careful in their outreach efforts. However, these events aren't stopping IN Network.
IN Network's USA President Rody Rodeheaver says they just opened their second school in the slums just outside of Colombo. "We will be helping over 400 children in grades 4 through 12 in what we're calling the Harrison Child Care Centre. Children are living literally in cardboard shacks. A lot of the mothers are forced into prostitution because of the poverty."
According to Rodeheaver, IN Network's child sponsorship is helping to pay for their education. However, the school is also helping the mothers. "When they bring their children to school, they stay for job skills training so that we can help those women have a chance to improve their selves and their ability to get jobs."
Rodeheaver says this type of ministry is having an impact. "These children are being introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ, and they're not only being taught how to read and write, but they're being discipled into the faith. These children with then go out and start families who will also be Christian. And many of the mothers are coming to know Christ."
Because the program is run through nationals, Rodeheaver believes it's as safe as it can be. "There (have) been times when the teachers had to stay at the school because it wasn't safe to go home. But in spite of that, they serve faithfully."
Because of the abject poverty, many of these children can't got to school because families can't afford school uniforms or transportation to get there.
Rodeheaver says your sponorship of $32 a month can help families "cover the cost of these children getting this education, plus while they're getting this education they get a hot meal at school. They also get doctors care. So, it's a total program."
If you'd like to help IN Network with Christian education, click here.
