The Little Lights of Chennai

I got to meet Akhilesh "Akhi" Gowrivakkam, the 32 year old Youth With a Mission (YWAM) director of the "Little Lights" home.

"Little Lights" is a home for children of people who are lepers and must live in leper colonies around the city. This home takes these children in to allow them to go to school to get an education with the hope of breaking the very strong stigma associated with living in a leper colony.

Even though leprosy can be treated, and these children will not get leprosy, they would nevertheless not be able to attend school for the education to break the cycle of poverty
which is the reality for these people.

Evidently, there is a strong stigma associated with leprosy, and the only means of support for these parents is begging. Without the "Little Lights" home for these fortunate children, their future would be just as bleak.

These children were bright and happy and beautiful. It is amazing to see the ways in which God is intervening through the dedicated staff of this home.

I especially enjoyed meeting a talking to this little girl, who I called "Money-Penny," who let me teach her a special handshake that my daughter taught me.

I also need to thank Isabella "Bella" Correa for the broken in soccer ball which was given to these kids, and which they received with much joy.

Can't wait for tomorrow.