It's 8:30 Monday morning here in Calcutta and we are holding our hearts in our hands. IN GOD WE TRUST and trust that God would move in a mighty way today in setting free the children. Leah has taken ill and is suddenly crying much the past two days calling out to her dad :-( Please join us in building up a mountain of prayer for the safe  release of the children. Would keep you all posted as the day goes by...peace and blessings, Dev

A rather quite Easter Day...was able to take Grace for the sunrise service at St. James' Church and then for the main celebration at 8:30. Drove quite a bit today. The authorities at the interim home where the girls and boys are housed refused permission to attend Church. The Minorities Commission have accepted a complaint from the older girls (now staff-Ruth and Sumila) and would issue a notice to the present home tomorrow. 


Praying hard though for the release of most, if not all the of kids tomorrow at the hearing in the afternoon. We have done everything they have asked for and shown every conceivable document they have asked for and we are just praying, praying and praying. Also, new details of the alleged conspiracy to defame me and hurt the Hope Home are surfacing. Pray first though that the kids would be released and be able to adjust in the housing we have arranged. Once again, we thank God for Grace, Peter, Arun and Supriyo (now the administrator) for the courage they have shown, their faith in God and for the boldness in holding fort in the present situation.

Many Indian Churches follow the traditional Good Friday (incidentally a public holiday in India) 3 hour service between 12 noon - 3 p.m. Good to see that the children were able to join in one of the Anglican (Episcopal) Churches' for the worship service (there are seven short expositions based on the seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross). The most memorable part of today was that the girls who had come for the service were able to go back to their present lodging in the Hope Home Calcutta vehicle!! They were truly elated and we were blessed. Trusting God to help release more of the kids on Monday, April 9. Please pray fervently!!

Many have asked about specific details of children NOT  in the Homes sponsored by the government and removed by the Social Welfare Department. The following children are with their parents/guardians and are being helped by us for their welfare and education:


Moses (Ranojit)
Salomi (Sangita)
Abigail (Rosni)
Dorothy (Dolon)
Rebecca (Guria)
Philip (Chandan)


The Mishra siblings are with their mother (Pinki, Rinki, Shivam)


Grace is now on staff at the Hope Home as assistant-house keeping and is a great blessing to us.


Pray that on Monday, April 9, more of the children would be released.


Pray for wisdom as we make contingency plans and arrangements for their stay and schooling.


Thank you all for standing with us in this hour of crisis. The Lord is going to honor your faith, dedication, passion and commitment to see these boys and girls being empowered and independent in life!

December 2011. We are praying, praying and praying that the family would be restored once again. The interim period of waiting hurts though and is painful, very, very painful...please pray!!

Not too eventful a day...was able to meet up with our advocate and then a senior police officer from Nagaland presently based in Calcutta - he promised all help especially for the release and rehabilitation of the six children from Nagaland, including Leah. Waiting and praying! 


On a sad note, Ruth took ill, very ill indeed as we have been informed. I almost feel ready to blame myself for allowing her to go and be with the others, especially to look after Leah even after the authorities asked her and Sumila to leave (they have no jurisdiction of boys and girls over 18). Pray for her complete healing. Pray for inner strength of the Lord to permeate her very being. Pray for continued courage and boldness to speak up for truth and righteousness. Pray for endurance during this very subtle form of persecution.


Silver lining of the day - Grace has assumed responsibility as Assistant-House Keeping and is determined to stay put and share all that has happened over the past three horrifying week.


Letter and encouragement keep pouring in and we are so blessed. Keep praying for us, especially the children.

Leah during happier times at Dad's office!!