Recent developments in India have had consequences for a number of ministry groups that have outreaches to Indian people. The most visible of these is Compassion International, which was recently forced to withdraw its support for some 148,000 children sponsored by Compassion partners.
What does this mean for Bibles For The World?
The news in India isn’t completely dire. For more than 50 years, Bibles For The World, headquartered in Colorado Springs, has provided a sponsorship program to assist children living in poverty in India. While our program differs quite a bit from that offered by other ministries, we have continued to provide help and hope throughout the turmoil Compassion has experienced during the past year — and there are no concerns at this time that our program is in jeopardy.
Bibles For The World’s “Partner Parents” program matches children in grades K-12, and even college and seminary students, with partners in the United States and Canada who provide for tuition, books, uniforms, shoes and basic health care in one of our three dozen Christian schools across northeast India. Older students attend Trinity College & Seminary, located in Sielmat, in the Manipur state of NE India. Currently, some 2,300 young people are sponsored — but there are at least 7,000 who are on waiting lists.
The Indian government places a high value on education — and that is what we deliver through accredited, high-quality Christian education overseen by Indian nationals. Our Partner Parents program is designed to promote lasting relationships between children and their sponsors.
Of course, we grieve for the loss of Compassion’s help to those in India who are in desperate need. However, we believe people should know there are still ministries, like Bibles For The World, that continue to provide opportunities for people to make a difference through their sponsorship of young people in India.