Another Ankoor Anecdote
Posted on Wed, 03/02/2010
In November 2009 a team from Bowral Church of Christ visited Ankoor Children's Home for the second time to assist in some practical ways around the campus.
Julie had the honour of cutting the ribbon to open the new school building on our first day there, and with the paint on the windows still wet, the classrooms were put straight to use. Work is progressing well on the next building project - an additional dormitory for the boys.
Five of the team taught some computer and basic English lessons assisting Ching (the resident nursery age teacher). Maree was great at encouraging the Ankoor staff.
With the help of some of the boys, I was able to do some "rain water harvesting" work installing some storm water drains around two of the buildings and connecting them to the well. Guttering was also installed on the girls’ dormitory roof - after we had it made at the local sheet metal shop.
In the afternoons when the children arrived back from school there were a few chores to do and then came some serious play time. It was a great way to unwind at the end of the day playing a variety of games together.
After dinner each night the team ran a devotional program. Many of the children responded to the message. We were able to sit and pray with many of the children about some of their concerns.
Kiron Gaikwad had organised a parents’ convention which coincided with our time there. It was great to meet many of the parents. I had the pleasure of speaking at the convention and afterwards many of the parents gave testimony of how the Lord had spoken into their lives. These testimonies were given around the bonfire on the last night - a very special night indeed.
It was such a joy to return again to Ankoor and see the many changes that had been made since we were there last year. It was great to see again the staff and all the children including meeting the new ones who had arrived throughout the year. Ankoor Home continues to grow and be a shining light in the area.
Planning for this year’s return has begun!
Phil Giddings, NSW
From an Ankoor Friend
We all got very excited when we heard that our friends from Australia were going to come again. Uncle Phillip and his team stayed with us not as our guests but as our dear friends. They ate the same food that we eat and sat with us on the floor during dinner without hesitating.
Uncle Daniel taught us Computer Basics and played Cricket with us which we liked very much. The aunties taught us some English lessons which were fun as well as being very interactive classes so we got to learn very good English. They also taught the Ankoor girls how to make necklaces and anklets out of beads which the girls enjoyed very much. Uncle Dave took our evening devotions and taught us a new story every day. Uncle Philip did the water pipe fittings for the rain water harvesting on our main hall and school classrooms. It was very inspirational to watch him work in the hot sun in a rural area of India just to see that we get enough water.
During the teams’ stay a three day camp was held for our parents which meant that we got to stay with our parents for three days at our Ankoor home. During this camp Uncle Philip ministered to us through the Word of God and I am sure every one of us was blessed through his ministry.
The two weeks spent with the team just flew by and it was sad to see them go. Many of the children as well as the team members cried before the last good bye. It is very difficult to find such lovely and caring friends who work so selflessly and humbly. I have personally learnt a lot from all the team members and will cherish these memories throughout my life.
I am grateful to all the sponsors from Australia for giving us an opportunity in life where we could learn about Jesus Christ and grow in our lives. Thank you so much.
Ishwar Rathod, Year 12 Commerce, Ankoor