Caring for Widows and Orphans

A measure of a ministry's heart for God can be seen in what they are doing for the widows and orphans of their ministry region. The apostle James said "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit widows and orphans in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)
This is a particular burden of the Routs as they travel through out the villages. Numerous children roam the streets unsupervised and neglected while their parents work in the fields.

This 6 year old boy is left to look after his infant sister while his parents work in the fields. (Baby barely visible behind boy).

Other children are completely without a family or a place to live and must either steal, beg or live as a slave in another villager's home. These children suffer under terrible conditions, with no hope for their future unless they receive proper care. The Routs are carrying on ministry to these precious little ones; providing food packets, literacy training, clothing, immunization against disease and most important of all, sharing the Good news of the Gospel with them.

This group of children are waiting to receive immunization.

The number of street children in Orissa is staggering. The general population is conditioned against helping them; the lingering effects of an ancient caste system and superstitions originating from pagan religions preventing the helpless from receiving relief from those who have the means to give it.

Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14)
The people who live near them are not the only ones who can prevent these little ones from coming to Christ. We who have the resources to share and yet withhold them do the same. The Routs share even the little they themselves receive with these children, as well as with the neglected and abandoned elderly people of the villages.

An elderly widow woman prepares a simple meal using pots and food supplied by the ministry of the Routs. The despair of being alone can be too much for one who should receive respect and care.

There is so great a need. Although the Routs have been able to bring some relief to the misery and loneliness of these widows and orphans, what is desperately needed is a home where they may be nurtured and loved. We are praying for provision to rent or purchase a building which can function as both a home for the abandoned elderly and the orphans.

The Routs have taken these street children from one of the villages into their care.

Become A Sponsor

A child can receive food, clothing and education for only $15.00 a month.

An elderly widow or widower can receive food and clothing for just $20.00 a month.