Picnic in the Grove 2024 Recap

Wow, what a night we had at our latest Picnic in the Grove! This year's bash was nothing short of amazing. Keep reading to learn all of the details about the fun, the crowd, and the astonishing amount of funds raised for REAP!

This year’s shindig at Fair Market was jam-packed with activities that had everyone buzzing with excitement. We kicked things off with not just one, but two cornhole tournaments - the GOAT bracket and the Billy bracket, creating double the fun and competition. The live music by Will Dupuy and his band set the perfect vibe, while the little ones got up close with furry friends at the petting zoo.

A huge shoutout to the Cowboy Auctioneers for bringing their A-game and helping us with the live auction - your generosity and skills are unmatched, and we can't thank you enough! We had over 200 folks joining in and we were thrilled to see so many familiar faces and equally excited to welcome loads of new ones, all eager to hear about the incredible things God is doing through REAP in India.

The highlight of the night? Our fundraising efforts soared to new heights, with a whopping $270,000 raised! This phenomenal support means the world to us and to those we serve, allowing us to deepen our impact through programs like the GOATway program, Springbuds, and our church planting efforts.

It was amazing to hear from our board members, Stephanie Land and Taylor Shepard as they shared their heartfelt connection to REAP and the life-changing experiences they’ve had with the ministry. Their stories reminded us of the powerful work we’re all a part of.

And let’s not forget the auctions! With seven incredible packages on the block and an astounding $71K raised from paddles up alone, we were blown away by your generosity.

To each and every one of you who attended, sponsored, donated, or sent prayers our way - THANK YOU! Your support is sowing seeds of faith across South Asia and making a real difference in countless lives.

The Latest from the Springbuds Children's Homes

Our prayer and mission with the Springbuds children's homes has always been to see hope bloom for young students who have faced more challenges in their early years than many do in a lifetime. Our heart is for these homes to stand as pillars of compassion, education, and opportunity, offering a new beginning to children and students who have been neglected, abandoned, or come from families in temporary distress.

The Springbuds Mission

The mission of Springbuds is to: provide a safe, nurturing, and educational environment where children, starting from the age of four up to their teenage years, can experience the power of the Gospel and Love in their lives. 

Our program is divided into two homes, tailored to meet the needs of elementary through high school-aged children. It is through the generous support of our donors that we can continue to furnish these homes with essentials like nutritious food, a comfortable living space, and quality education, ensuring a brighter future for these children.

Recent Updates from Our Homes

Primary School

Our students at our home in S (abb village), which houses our elementary-aged childre,  recently gathered around a bonfire for fun and connection with each other and those that care for them. These moments of joy are precious. Please keep the continued good health of all these students during this cold weather in your prayers.

Secondary School

Over in D (abb of location), where our middle and high school students live, students are a bustling hive of activity. With the academic year in sight, they are diligently working on their papers and preparing submissions for school. This time of year is crucial for their educational journey, and as they focus on their studies, we ask you to pray for God's provision and protection on them.

Join Us in Our Mission

Every child in our Springbuds program has a story, a dream, and the potential to achieve something amazing with their life. Through your support, these dreams are closer to becoming a reality. Whether it's providing a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, or the resources needed for education, your contribution makes a significant impact.

If you’d like to become a part of their journey, consider sponsoring a child. This is so much more than a donation; it's a lifeline that offers stability, hope, and opportunity.

To begin sponsoring a child, click here.

As we continue to share updates from our homes, we are reminded of the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause. Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and for believing in the mission of Springbuds children's homes.

Together, we are nurturing seeds, ensuring that every child has the chance to grow, thrive, and bloom to their fullest potential.

REAP India's Progress and Vision for 2024

As a new year begins, we couldn’t be more excited about the vision and future that God has laid on our hearts for REAP in 2024. Take a look at our plans and points of prayer that we would love for you to join us in this year. 

A Journey into New Territories: Church Planting

2024 marks a significant expansion for REAP, as we venture into new territories with church planting initiatives in Nepal and the local region of K (abb). This expansion is not just a geographical outreach; it's a spiritual journey into different cultures and communities to share the Gospel. As these new churches take root, we believe they will become centers of spiritual growth and community development.

Empowering Leaders: The Heartbeat of Our Ministry

Training and equipping leaders remain at the core of our mission. The upcoming IRCP training sessions in March and April are pivotal in this endeavor. These sessions are designed to empower pastors and church leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of their ministry effectively. The Summer Institute for IRCP Churches further builds on this foundation, offering a platform for fellowship and collaborative learning.

Triumph and Resilience: The Springbuds Story

The Springbuds initiative, our children’s ministry arm in the Naga community, has recently overcome a significant challenge – a dengue outbreak. The resilience shown by our students and staff during this time is a powerful testimony to the strength and grace of the community. As we celebrate the completion of another academic year, our Springbuds ministry stands as a beacon of hope and perseverance.

Building Tomorrow: Infrastructure Developments

Infrastructure development is crucial in laying a strong foundation for our future endeavors. The construction of the Stone Memorial building in B (abb) and the expansion of the Springbuds school, Naga, are not just physical structures but symbols of our commitment to long-term, sustainable growth in these communities.

The Search for Dedicated Leaders

The expansion and effectiveness of our work are heavily reliant on the dedication and skill of our team. Currently, we are seeking a regional ministry coordinator for G (abb) and three administrative executives for our B office. These roles are vital in supporting and advancing our mission across different regions.

Navigating the Political Landscape: An Election Year in India

2024 is an election year in India, a period that often brings uncertainty and change. For the past decade, the political climate has been challenging, especially for faith-based organizations. In these changing times, we are praying that we will be able to continue working alongside whichever political party comes into power.

Celebrating New Additions and Global Connections

We recently welcomed Mrs. Karado as an administrative executive, a valuable addition to our team amidst increasing field operations. Additionally, our participation in the global congress of pastoral trainers in Panama has broadened our perspective and connected us with global trends in pastoral training.

As REAP India steps into 2024, we are reminded of the ever-evolving landscape of our mission. Each challenge we face and every victory we celebrate brings us closer to our vision of a spiritually enriched community. We invite you to join us in praying towards all of these initiatives and projects this year and you can learn more about getting involved by clicking here. 

Celebrating the True Spirit of Christmas

From holiday parties to Christmas shopping, travel, and trying to hustle to wrap up everything before the end of the year, it's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind that is December. But, in the midst of this hectic pace, it's so important that we take a moment to reflect on what truly illuminates this season.

The Promise of Hope

In a world that feels chaotic and is plagued with so much darkness, the Christmas story continues to stand as that beacon of Hope that we can trust in. It reminds us that, even in the darkest times, Light finds a way to shine through.

Emmanuel – God With Us

The heart of Christmas beats with the rhythm of divine closeness. It's a reminder that we are never alone and in fact, Love walks right beside us, guiding us in every step.

A Gift of Peace

Christmas extends beyond the physical gifts we exchange; it's about the Peace that fills our hearts when we embrace and remember the true reason for this season.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the physical embodiment of joy and peace, let's pause to really take in the deeper meaning of this beautiful time.

A Time for Sharing and Caring

Christmas isn't just a celebration but a call to action. It's a time to reach out to those in need, to spread love and joy in tangible ways. This season, let’s extend our hands and hearts to those waiting to experience this joy and peace.

Far-Reaching Impact All Year Long

Our team in India - from our dedicated church planters to our amazing staff that watches faithfully over our Springbuds - embodies the Christmas spirit every day. Their tireless efforts to spread the Gospel, especially during this season, remind us of the far-reaching impact of love and kindness.

Join Us In Prayer

We invite you to join us in prayer for those our team reaches out to this season. Let's pray that the message of Christmas touches many hearts, bringing transformation and a newfound sense of hope.

As we journey through this season, may you be filled with the warmth, joy, and peace that Christmas brings. 

Merry Christmas From All of Us at REAP

From all of us at REAP India, we extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas. Your support and prayers mean the world to us and those we serve. Let's continue to walk in love and spread the true meaning of Christmas throughout this season. 

A Season of Gratitude: Celebrating Thanksgiving With Our REAP Family

Reflecting on a Year of Blessings and Growth

As the seasons change, we find ourselves immersed in a season of profound gratitude. Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on the abundance of blessings we've received, and this year, our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness.

Celebrating the Impact in India and Beyond

This year, we've witnessed incredible strides in our mission to spread the Gospel across South Asia. The launching of new church planters throughout South Asia marks a significant milestone in our journey. These brave men, fueled by faith and dedication, are now spreading the message of hope and love in communities that need it the most.

Gratitude for Our Faithful Donors

Our mission thrives on the unwavering support of our donors, especially those from the United States, who have shown remarkable commitment to our cause. Your generosity and prayers have been the backbone of our work, and we are immensely grateful for your partnership.

The Success of the Third Annual Picnic in the Grove

Our third annual Picnic in the Grove fundraising event was a massive success, raising an astounding $255,000. This achievement speaks volumes about the power of community and shared vision. These funds are instrumental in advancing our mission, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who participated and contributed.

The Stone Memorial Building Project: A New Chapter

The beginning of the Stone Memorial building project at our main campus in Bangalore, India, is a dream turning into reality. The project, focused on constructing a new dormitory for church planters and additional training facilities, is a testament to our growth and commitment to nurturing future leaders. This initiative is crucial in our endeavor to raise church-planting disciple-makers, and we're thankful for every contribution that has made this possible.

Celebrating Our Newest Graduates

We are also thrilled to celebrate our latest graduating class from the Academy for Church Planting & Leadership. These graduates, equipped with knowledge and a deepened faith, are ready to embark on their journeys as leaders and change-makers. 

Looking Forward with Hope

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we at REAP India are reminded of the incredible journey we've embarked on together. Each milestone we’ve come to this year is a shared victory—a ripple of change that is only possible from the collective effort of our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for being part of this journey. Your support, prayers, and contributions have shaped the landscape of our mission, enabling us to reach further and impact more lives.

Let's continue to sow seeds of faith and hope, nurturing a future where every community in South Asia can experience the transformative power of the Gospel. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at REAP India.