Dear Pastor Denny Finnegan and Congregation,

My name is Julie Worthington, and I am writing to hopefully answer any questions you may have regarding Agape Leprosy Ministries: Indian Institute of Theology and Mission. I come from Alexander, NY and my church sent me for 2 weeks to Bangalore, India to work with this mission group. During my stay here, I have been helping to establish a library, working with the Foster children (ie: playing games and helping with their english homework), and leading a morning devotion with the Bible College students. I have been learning a lot about Indian culture and the difficulties faced with establishing a christian community here. There are more than 1800 dialects. The Bible has been fully or partially translated in only 300 languages. There are over 3.2 million gods and goddess to compete with, and new ones being created everyday. The christian education provided to both the Foster home children and the young adults attending the Bible College will hopefully bridge this gap. Currently, there 6 students attending the College. Three of these student come from Burma. For those of you that do not know, this is a small country north of India. The government is a communist military regime. They do not allow foreigners to come into their country and preach the gospel (similar to China). This country is economically poor, therefore, the students are not able to keep up with expenses in India. 10,000 Burmese kyats is equal to 25 Indian Rupees. 25 Indian Rupees is equal to about 50 cents U.S. Currency. Attached to this email you will find a list of ministry oppertunities that need support, as well as, a list of books that need to be purchased for the Bible College that was started on July 7, 2008. These books can be purchased at a Christian book store in Bangalore. There are seven professors at the College. They are teaching the old and new testament, church history, world religion, evangalism, discipleship, and English. The Foster Home children were originally coming from the homes with one or both parents suffering from Leprosy. There is a stigma attached to this disease in India because of the Hindu culture. Hindus believe that Leprosy is a curse from one of there gods, so if a person contracts this disease they, along with their family, will be shunned. These people are considered the "untouchables". Even after treatment, these individuals will be excommunicated. They are considered to lead a cursed life.

The Foster Home now takes in children who come from extreme poverty, as well. Without a support network, these children would be begging in the streets or worse. There are currently 7 boys and 4 girls in the Foster Home. The Foster Home allows these children to have three square meals a day, attend a christian school, have a roof over there heads, and feel safe. It is a good oppertunity for them to study hard and advance in this culture. Any financial support for these Ministries would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for this oppertunity to correspond with you. If you have any further question please feel free to contact me at this email.

God Bless you,

Julie