The Radical Experiment | The Church at Brook Hills

One of the great benefits of working with Compassion is that they are providing the link between our faith family and faith families in India. We have the unique privilege of serving our brothers and sisters in what is economically the neediest country in the world (41% of the world’s poor) and spiritually the country that has the most lost people in the world (hundreds of millions who are without Christ). Below you’ll find information about Kalinagore and the Child Survival Program we are a part of there. As you read, pray for our brothers and sisters in Kalinagore and for the spread of the Gospel in their community.

Kalinagore Child Survival Program is located about 18 miles south of Kolkata in the village of Kalinagore. Overseen by Raghabpur Baptist Church, this program has been serving mothers and their babies in this community since April 2007. Kalinagore is a small
rural village surrounded by agricultural fields and water ponds. Typical homes are
made of mud walls, dirt floors and thatched roofs. Most of the inhabitants eat a diet
of rice, beans, bananas and fish. The primary occupation as day laborer brings in an
average monthly income of $31, and there is a 50 percent unemployment rate.

The average age women become mothers for the first time is 21, and most families
have about 4 children. Although Kalinagore has some medical facilities, it is a 3
hour walk to the nearest major medical facilities. Common health problems include
diarrhea, colds, coughs and skin diseases. There is only one primary school within
walking distance of this village, so only 5 percent of the population knows how to
read. There is a need for non-formal education and vocational training here. The
people of Kalinagore are very orthodox Hindu, so the Rahgabpur Baptist Church has
a very challenging task of presenting the gospel in this area.

The mothers at Kalinagore Child Survival Program receive supplemental foods such
as peanuts, fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and meat. They also receive baby supply
items like baby oil, soap, talcum powder and antiseptic creams. Workshops teach the
mothers how to care for their children. They learn how to prepare balanced nutrition
and provide physical and mental stimulation for their babies as they develop. They
also have the chance to participate in income generation activities and literacy
classes.

Just as the physical health of the mothers and babies is important, their spiritual
health and development is also a focus of this local church. Spiritual activities such
as Bible stories and group prayer give each mother in the program the chance to
hear about the love of Jesus. Five to eight home visits by project staff per month
ensure plenty of one-on-one training and encouragement, as well as counseling and
prayer.

Kalinagore Child Development Center, 18 miles south of Kolkata, is linked
with the Kalinagore Child Survival Program. It began in February 2001 and works
with 316 registered children.