India Ministries Fellowship
IMF is a small Christian charity which began when some theology students became friends with Siga and Nalini Arles in the early 1980s. IMF grew from their burden for the millions of Indian children who never get a chance to develop their God-given talents, and are condemned to a life of hardship and poverty. Its aim is to; sustain, propagate and develop interest in and financial support for children who live in extreme poverty in India by providing the means for their welfare, education and nurture in the Christian faith. The first project was an orphanage in the town of Thiruthani, Tamil Nadu, about 80 km from Chennai (formerly Madras), and at present 50 boys are cared for here by a team of permanent and part time staff, and educated at local schools and colleges.
Following this, a project was begun to help girls in the town of Kolar Gold Fields, about 80 km from Bangalore in the state of Karnataka, and a specially adapted building provides premises for tuition, training and activities for more than 100 girls. They live at home, and sponsorship means that they are able to live at home and continue in education. A third project in the slum of Madhavaram, Chennai, works for the uplift of a community dependent on distilling illicit spirits, and around 50 young people and their families receive help with education, health and social awareness. Each project relies on active local committees of volunteers from various churches, who are able to assess and address local needs.
IMF Scotland depends on the generosity of supporting individuals and friends, and all donations are sent to India as the trustees pay all other costs themselves. Periodically we have appeals which focus on particular needs, and these have helped IMF India to buy and build new buildings, and recently to fund students on a midwifery course. Our hope is to enable the children to continue in education as far as they are able, and a number have graduated from college and University. One has completed his studies to become a surgeon and one other is doing dentistry. Others have done courses in music, art, car mechanics, using sewing machines, secretarial studies and computing. Some have found useful employment, and we are very keen to explore new possibilities for training and work experience.
Through its work with marginalized and outcaste people IMF has been able to share the love of Jesus Christ in word and action, and have seen many lives and families changed through the good news of the Gospel. IMF is a model for genuine partnership in Christian mission, and its innovations have also challenged and encouraged British Christians to use all means to reach out in mission and evangelism to our post Christian society.
More information is available from the secretary, and trustees would be happy to come to your church or group to speak about the work.
| Contact
Details |
| |
| Contact:
|
Rev Graham Dickson
Secretary
India Ministries Fellowship
8 Blinkbonny Crescent
Edinburgh
EH14 3NB
|
| |
|
| Telephone:
|
0131 332 3364 | | Email:
|
graham@dickson22.fsnet.co.uk |
Back |
|
 |
|
Members
Search
Search for details on a member agency in the MRF directory
View
all members |
|
|
