India Missions: July 2011

 
From July 16 to July 30, Denver United sent a team of 13 people on the church's first missions trip to India.  They had the opportunity to encourage one of our global missions partners, as well as impact the lives of some of India's most precious children. The team included Amanda Foltz, Vibeke Brant and Jason Senn, Steve and Kristen LePeau, Sandra Hartshorn, Lieanna Baker Dull, Lauren King, Katie Bond, Josh Wehe and Jake Olsgaard, led by Denver United's Global Missions Coordinators Benj and Gabi Kelley.

During the first half of their trip, the team visited the Comforter Children's Home near the city of Chennai.  This ministry is home to nearly 200 children who have been rescued from such dire circumstances as life on the streets, in slums or even brothels.  The team completed hours of much needed clean up work around the 10-acre campus, including cutting down trees, moving rocks, and building a pathway.  Each morning they had the opportunity to lead the home's children in worship and devotions, and the afternoons were spent playing with the kids and doing crafts. 

During the second half of the trip, the team visited the Kathleen Home in Narsapur.  This ministry, founded by Pastor Yesupadam, is home to nearly 90 children who have come from impoverished villages.  While here, the team had the honor of laying the foundation for the new Denver United Dining Hall and School.  They also went to nearby villages where they preached the Word and prayed for all those in attendance.  Perhaps most memorable though was taking the children of Kathleen Home to the beach for some fun in the sand and surf.  

Take a look at some of the photos from their trip, and keep up to date on Denver United Missions by liking them on Facebook or following them on Twitter (@DUMissions).  You can also view additional photos and read stories from the trip on the Facebook page.

Special thanks to Benj and Gabi photos for providing photos of the trip.