As some of you may know, I will be traveling to Kolkata, India this coming February. I will be in "The City of Joy" for ten days with a team from Cross Point Church here in Nashville, TN. [You can find out more about Cross Point at http://www.crosspoint.tv/.] Here's a picture of where I'm going, for those who are geographically-impaired, like me:
Kolkata, which you may know as Calcutta, is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. About 1.5 million people, nearly a third of the city's population, live in slums. We will be serving 500 of these people - the people of the Khalpar slum - and more specifically, the 65 children that currently reside there. The men of Khalpar typically work as rag pickers and rickshaw pullers, and the women work as maid servants. Unfortunately, they are forced to leave their children at home alone while they work. They can barely afford food, much less childcare. More recently, Cross Point has helped establish a school for these kids during the day. This school has an aged graded curriculum, features Bible classes, and provides the students with a daily hot meal. Here's a picture of some of the kiddos that I will soon be meeting:
The sign they're holding says "Thank you Cross Point" in Bengali.
I will have more details soon concerning the exact itinerary of our trip, but for now I know that we will be working with an organization called SEED (save, entrust, equip, disciple) while we are there. Much of our efforts will be focused on the children, but we will also be doing some general clean-up. I'm so excited to see how God will use us on this trip!
I have to say, it will be quite the adventure. Never before have I been overseas - I've traveled over the Gulf of Mexico, but somehow I doubt that counts. And I hate to admit it, but I've never even tasted Indian food. However, when I heard that Cross Point was sending a team to India, I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted to go. I've always had a strong desire for missions, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
The only thing missing is financial support. The cost of the trip comes to approximately $2500 - mainly because of the plane tickets. I would be so grateful if you would consider giving to help send me to India. (You can click on the "Donate" button at the bottom of the page, or contact me at tyler.m.shores@vanderbilt.edu if you prefer an alternate method.)
Even if you are unable to give monetarily, I would greatly appreciate your prayerful support - for the team, as well as for the residents of Khalpar. I know that God has some amazing things in store for this trip, and for the futures of all the children living in Kolkata. Nothing is impossible with Him!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth;proclaim his salvation day after day.Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
1 Chronicles 16:23-24
