Kendall Family Mission to India
November 2012 Mercy Mission Newsletter
December 2011 to February 2012
The Mercy Mission is committed to caring for the poor and neglected in the Andhra Pradesh region of Southern India. They believe Christians have a responsibility to preach the good news about Jesus and show his love and compassion. The Mercy Mission reaches out and offers support to those in spiritual, physical and economic need.
What is Mercy Mission? The Mercy Mission comprises a children’s orphanage, a school, a bible school, and medical centre. In addition, courses, seminars and conferences are also held, in part to provide funding for the running of the Mission. The Children’s Home was established in 1996 and has grown from 6 to 110 children, many of whom are orphans or were abandoned, abused or neglected. They now live in a safe and secure Christian environment and attend the Mercy Mission School where they receive a free education. The school is also attended by children from families in the surrounding villages. A very modest fee pays for the salaries of the teachers, but those unable to pay receive free education, uniform and transport. Without the Mercy Mission School, many of these children would not have an education. The Christian Renewal Bible School supports the Mission’s evangelism and pastoral care responsibilities. Men and women are trained in their native language and go out to assist pastors in the local towns and villages on graduation. A Christian Renewal Theological Seminar has been set up to train people who are called to take up leadership ministries in the mission field. Seminars for Christian pastors and missionaries working in existing churches in the area are also held. A medical centre was opened in 2005 to provide free health care for locals, and medical clinics are held with the support of a few doctors from the nearby city of Vizianagaram and a full time doctor.
Who runs Mercy Mission? In September 1998 Charly Tom felt called by the Lord to start work among the rural people of Andra Pradesk. He had served as coordinator for The New Testament Church of India, with 160 churches and as lecturer on the Theological Seminary, COTR. Charly Tom felt led by the Lord to move out of the Christ for India Organisation and establish what is now Mercy Mission. Charly and wife Liz began planting churches in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. From the very beginning, the Gospel was preached, drawing many people to faith in Christ. The Christian Renewal Church was established and has set up many new churches, particularly in the remote tribal communities.
What will the Kendalls be doing? David will install sound systems and technology for the Mission and has donated the equipment for this purpose, including a projector for the bible college and a sound mixer. There are a number of community events and seminars that will benefit from technology. Mission staff will work with David so they become self-sufficient in servicing the technology and teach others.
Hilary will do a number of projects; there are limited administrative procedures to run what is now becoming a large and complex Mission. She also hopes to spend time at the bible college helping teach English. Charly’s wife Liz has promised to help teach her to cook! Maggie, will help teach English to the children and learn about how God’s love shines in this Mission and William will attend school with his 100 brothers and sisters, sharing his spirit with children and the community alike. The family has not sought sponsorship or financial assistance for their own costs for the trip.
How can the Parish and community help? Please providing ongoing encouragement and support to the Kendall family
during and after the Mission and in your prayers.
The Kendall’s have a blog
You can learn more about the Mercy Mission
At 3SA on Sunday 16 October, the children made a large card for the orphanage.
Photos of events in the community and Parish have also been collated.
A prayer quilt has also been made for the Mercy Mission.
Please contine to pray for Faith, Love and Joy