George visiting children in a village
Sowmya could not understand what was happening. Her mom was crying and all of the neighbors and her aunts and uncles were coming to her house and speaking quietly to her mom. Sowmya was just seven years old. People were looking at her with pity and smiling sadly, but nobody was telling her anything.
What Sowmya didn’t understand was that her dad had been killed, leaving her mom to care for her and her younger sister Kiranmai. Family and friends were sad for the sudden death of Sowmya’s father, and they knew her mom would face the impossible task of being the sole provider for her daughters. On top of that, she was the care-giver for her aging parents.
Sowmya’s uncle heard of VEDA School and it’s reputation for helping those who are in tough financial situations. He enrolled his nieces when Sowmya was in fourth grade.
That was the year that Hope and Help began partnering with VEDA School, to provide help for kids who were orphans or from desperately poor family situations. Sowmya and Kiranmai fit that criteria perfectly.
That was also the year that Hope and Help began partnering with George Miller, a singer from Buffalo, NY who has a passion for helping needy children. At his concerts, George shares the positive impact that sponsorship has in a child’s life; the opportunities that the child would not have otherwise; quality education; good nutrition and medical care; and the chance to hear the gospel. Then he encourages those in his audience to make the choice to sponsor a child.
The first time George shared about Hope and Help at his concert, a lady was impressed to become a sponsor. The children she chose were Sowmya and Kiranmai. They were the first two kids sponsored through Hope and Help!
Here’s how she remembers it: “A representative of Hope and Help International visited my church in the Spring of 2010. There were several children… in need of sponsorship, but two sisters from India peeked my interest.
“I learned from their profile that their father had died and their mom was working hard to provide for the girls and their grandparents. My husband had traveled to India the previous Fall for work-related business. He brought back pictures of both a beautiful country and culture, but also a place not unfamiliar with poverty.
“My husband and I have two girls of our own who are about ten years older than Sowmya and Kiranmai; we also have a son. I can’t imagine raising my children without providing them with an education. I wanted these girls to also be provided with an education, in a nurturing environment, surrounded by people who love them and love the Lord.
“I knew in my heart that God wanted me to step up to the plate and sponsor these girls. It’s not a big hardship for us. God has blessed us with provision enough for my family here in the states.
“I am thrilled to know that what I send each month for support makes such an impact on the lives of these beautiful sisters through Hope and Help International. God bless all who have made this work their calling.”
We thank God daily for those like Sowmya’s and Kiranmai’s sponsor. She is truly making a difference in their lives, both here in and eternity. Both Sowmya and Kiranmai have surrendered themselves to Christ since coming to VEDA.
As a student Sowmya has flourished! She learned that she loves to sing and she is good at it! She joined the school choir at VEDA and she sings at church.
Anytime a Hope and Help team visits VEDA School, we can count on Sowmya being front and center in the program. She sings and loves acting in the skits.
At the Become Conferences for girls, she is always an attentive Bible student and helps to lead worship.
Sowmya has now graduated from VEDA and is enrolled in college. She aspires to become a doctor.
This young woman comes from a background of poverty, is a semi-orphan, and had little chance for education. But today she has graduated from high school and is taking steps toward a career that will allow her the opportunity to serve others.
The power of sponsorship has changed Sowmya’s life and has given her a chance for a successful life in the eyes of God and man. (Luke 2:52)
There are many kids who have amazing potential, but are held back by their circumstances. They need someone to step up and give them hope through the power of sponsorship! Pray about being that someone and it will change your life as well!
Click here to learn more about child sponsorship.
If you or your church is interested in talking to George Miller about Child Sponsorship or would like to book an event to raise support for children you can contact George Miller
website address: http://www.georgefmiller.org/ email: dianemiller42@aol.com phone: 716-822-2684