We are associated with three orphanages in India. The first orphanage, called ALC Home, was founded in 1999 and is located in Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) State; the second, called Agape Manor, was founded in 2002 and is located in Orissa State. The third, called Little Lambs of India, was founded in January of 2006 and is located in Andhra Pradesh State.

Agape Manor Children’s Home (Orissa State):

The Agape Manor Children’s Home was co-founded by Mrs. Chris (Amy) Helmes and the Limma family in Orissa State, and is under the direction of Pastor S. P. Limma. It currently has 190 children studying and residing there. The final capacity has not yet been established as construction continues on the building, and some additional adjacent land has been purchased. Approximately 90% of the Agape Manor children were previously living in leper colonies where they not only suffered from lack of proper food and clothing, but were denied basic privileges such as health care and an education. The remaining 10% of the children come from destitute homes in nearby villages. The need is great and new children arrive almost daily, requesting placement in the mission compound. They arrive bedraggled with their pleading parents, and all their worldly possessions in a sack, hoping for the promise of a brighter future.

Spiritual Growth:

And a brighter future they have, indeed, with Jesus in their lives. The motto of Agape Manor is Hope for Today, Tomorrow and Eternity. With the hope for today, they are promised food, clothing, shelter, and health care. A better tomorrow is promised by providing them with a basic education in both the local language (Oriya) and English. But the best part of life at the home is that they are steeped in the knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They begin and end each day by gathering in the church for a time of prayer, praise, and the Word of God. This time that is centered on eternal things has had an impact on many of their lives. A few come as Christians, but many have become believers since their arrival. The testimony of the children is illustrated in the following situations.

During a recent interview with 12-year-old Kartilo, the following conversation ensued. “Who is Jesus?” Kartilo then proceeded to tell me the whole Gospel story, from creation through the ascension, ending with the comment, “Jesus is the Savior of the world!” “But what about you?” I asked. “Is He your Savior too?” Kartilo enthusiastically agreed that Jesus had died for him and was his Savior also. I asked him then if he had known of Jesus prior to living at Agape Manor, and he assured me that he had no knowledge of Him; indeed had never heard of Jesus.

I thank God for the privilege of being a part of this life-changing ministry. Another incident took place during a visit to a leper colony home where 14-year-old Laxmi Dash was overheard telling her mother of the futility of worshiping false gods and of the necessity of believing on Jesus Christ. Even younger children like Laxmi, who have returned to their homes due to parents who are ill, from homesickness, etc., have brought their testimonies with them in the little songs of Jesus that they sing.

Sponsorship and Support:

All of the financial support for the construction of the two-phase, four story orphanage, has come from private donations. God has brought sponsors for the children from 5 countries that represent at least 25 churches, with approximately 75% from the ALC. There are 50 children awaiting sponsors, and funds are still needed for the construction of the building and the property purchase.

We thank God for his continued blessing and direction on this ministry and for all of the financial support and physical labor, from here in North America, Europe, and on location in India.

If you would like further information on Agape Manor, please contact Amy Helmes at:

Agape Manor, P.O. Box 1446

Brush Prairie, WA 98606,

Phone: 360-887-4509. Email: agapemanor@clearsail.net.

– Amy Helmes

ALC HOME (A.P. STATE):

The ALC Home is under the direction of Pastor K. Yesuratnam. The orphanage contains 38 children and is open for children ranging in age from 6 to 16. The capacity of the home is 50.

Excerpts from Light House (ALC Home Newsletter):

The merciful God is continuously showering His unlimited mercy upon the ALC Home, and we are all so thankful to Him many times a day.

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations (Ps. 100:5).

The new academic year started the second week of June. We are happy to inform you that the children gladly entered into their new classes as promoted... now they are so happy with new textbooks, notebooks, lessons, etc. They are thankful to God for His continuous generous mercies upon their lives. They sincerely ask the Lord daily for His wisdom with their studies as they start the day with morning devotion and prayer at 5:00 a.m.

School Academics: One girl, Miss Parvathi (Susanna), appeared for the 10th grade State Board Examination and attained a wonderful score of 430 out of 600. We are all thanking God for His mercy and kindness to her. She has now started college studies in the Medical Nurse course. She travels by bus daily to college with her lunch box.

This is Susanna’s story:

“I hail from an orthodox Hindu family. My name, Parvathi, is one of the goddesses in Hinduism. My parents live very far away from here. My father is a drunkard, and due to that, he lost his job. I was brought to the ALC Home by my grannies who are ALC Church believers. They requested help to continue my education and provide room and board. The concerned people at the ALC Home have taken me in, and today, I love the Lord and sing to the Lord in the church. I am very happy because of Christ.

“I love the Word of God. I am called Susanna here. When I write to my parents, I always beg them to come to the knowledge of the love of Christ. It is my prayer that some day I will be a witness and carry the Gospel message to my Hindu friends in our village and surrounding places, including my parents.

Thanking you.”

Restoration of Kitchen After Fire: From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you who prayed for us and helped us restore the kitchen after an accidental fire in November 2004. The Lord has protected us from the fire, and you have been a channel to restore the things in the kitchen. Please continue to pray for the protection of the cooks and kitchen as the oven keeps burning for several hours a day so that the three meals per day are ready for the children.

Editor’s Note: Funds for repairing the kitchen fire damage were provided by The Master’s Mission Foundation.

Prayer Request for Family: A father is afflicted with a paralysis and is unable to work. The mother is suffering from a heart problem. They came to know about the ALC Home and its ministry to needy and orphan children. They came from a distant place and asked us to take one of their daughters into the home, which we did. Please pray for this family.

Beloved sponsors, God's peace from your child in the ALC Home. We are so thankful for your generous support for our livelihood, which gives us shelter, food, and education. Moreover it helps to give us spiritual knowledge to learn more about the love of Christ. We love you and we are praying for you daily.

Thanking you.

– Your Child in the ALC Home

Prayer Request for Children:

Miss Rhode and Mr. Samuel have been in the home for several years. Their father died when they were infants. Their mother was suffering from a leprosy wound and was under treatment. She was very much hoping that her children would bring her bright hope in the days to come But she could not cope with a sunstroke this summer, died on June 18, and went to be with the Lord. The children and we attended the funeral, and now they no longer have a father or mother. Please pray for them as they grow in the ALC Home and receive fatherly and motherly care and grow in the grace of God.

– Pastor K. Yesuratnam

Little Lambs of India

View the website for this orphanage and the Little Lambs International organization.