Orphanage kids in India
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


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