Springbuds Fun: Vacation Bible School

As our board’s journey through India continued during their trip this past summer, one of the most heartwarming stops was at one of our Springbuds homes. These homes, a crucial part of our ministry, provide temporary care for children who have been neglected, abandoned, or whose parents are unable to care for them. Thanks to your generous support, these children are not only surviving—they are thriving in a loving, nurturing environment.

The Springbuds Mission: A Safe Haven for the Vulnerable

Our Springbuds program consists of two homes: one for elementary school-aged children, starting as young as four years old, and another for middle and high school-aged kids. These homes serve as a refuge for children in need, offering them a place to live, nutritious food, access to quality education, and spiritual development. Whether the children stay for a few months or a few years, our goal is to ensure that they experience the love of Christ and grow into healthy, joyful individuals.

Playtime and Fellowship

During our visit, the Springbuds children were on a break similar to our winter Christmas break, which gave us a lot of time to spend with them. The day was filled with laughter and joy as we played with balloon animals, balls, and bubbles. Fresh pineapple and jackfruit snacks were a hit. There’s something special about seeing these children, who have faced so much adversity, simply being kids—running, laughing, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Building for the Future

One of the significant developments we got the chance to see was the ongoing construction of new staff quarters. These quarters are being built on top of the existing dining hall and fellowship area, and everyone is really excited about getting these completed. Living conditions for staff are challenging, and these new quarters will not only improve their quality of life but also help retain the dedicated teachers and staff who are so vital to the success of the Springbuds program. Seeing the progress firsthand was a reminder of how your support is making a tangible difference in this community.

Letters from Donors

Another amazing moment was getting to distribute letters from our donors to each Springbud child. The excitement on their faces as they opened and read the letters was unforgettable. Many of the children took the time to write back to their donor families, a small gesture that reflects the deep connections being formed across continents. These letters are more than just words on paper—they are lifelines of hope and encouragement for these kids. 

Vacation Bible School

Our trip also coincided with preparations for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) event that the Springbuds staff was organizing for the village children. We got to jump in and help and it was inspiring to see the resourcefulness and dedication of the home manager and staff. The children were eager and excited to welcome their peers from the village, ready to share the love and message of Jesus with them.

On the final day of our visit, we helped welcome the village children to the much-anticipated VBS event before departing for our next destination. The joy and excitement of the children—both from the Springbuds home and the village—were contagious. It was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do, and how important it is to continue nurturing these young lives with the love of Christ.

Our time at Springbuds was a powerful testament to the impact of your prayers and support. These children are not just surviving—they are thriving, learning, and most importantly, they are filled with joy. There truly is no place quite like this, and we are grateful for your partnership in making it a sanctuary of hope and love for these precious children.

If you’d like to start supporting the Springbuds, click here.

Board Trip Recap: An Amazing Time of Fellowship and Development

Last month, our board at REAP India embarked on a trip across India to witness firsthand the incredible progress happening through your support. We explored how God is moving in powerful ways through the communities we partner with. We wanted to take a moment to share our experiences with you, our incredible donors, as we reflect on the journey.

Landing in India

We landed in India early in the morning on day one despite the delays caused by the global Microsoft/Crowdstrike issue. After a brief adjustment period, we spent the day exploring a vibrant local market near our hotel. From sipping fresh coconut water from a street vendor to enjoying rickshaw rides, it was really cool to be immersed in the local culture. We ended the day with our Director and Founder, Sam, and Jay, along with their family. It was so good to spend time with them.

Worship and Fellowship in K.

One of the most moving parts of our trip was returning to K (abb.). Fifteen years ago, when we first visited, it was a small village with a fledgling church and a clinic. Today, K has grown into a thriving community. We had the privilege of worshipping alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ there, and the growth and spiritual maturity of the congregation were evident. We also spent time visiting with the pastor of this church plant in his home, reflecting on how God’s faithfulness has sustained and strengthened this community.

Seeing Progress at the BBCM Office

Our next stop was the BBCM offices, where we toured their impressive construction site. It was inspiring to see years of planning and fundraising taking shape into what will soon be an incredible space for ministry. The energy and excitement among the team was contagious, and we were encouraged by what is up ahead for the organization. The day concluded with another meal at Sam, Diana, and Jay’s home, sharing stories and celebrating what God is doing.

Journeying to Springbuds

The next phase of our trip took us from the BBCM headquarters to J (abb), with vans transporting us from the airport to the village our Springbud school is located in. Though the travel day was largely uneventful, one of our vans got stuck in the mud, adding some unexpected adventure to our journey! Thankfully, with teamwork and a little help, we were back on our way. The warm welcome we received upon arrival in S (abb), along with a delicious meal, made the journey worthwhile. It was amazing to see everything happening at this Springbuds home and we had so much fun taking part in their VBS. Stay tuned for next month’s blog where we’ll share more about this event. 

Exploring the Taj Mahal

Our visit to the Taj Mahal capped off the trip with a stunning reminder of the beauty that can be created through perseverance. Despite a day filled with travel mishaps, seeing this iconic monument was more than worth the effort. It was a fitting conclusion to our journey—reminding us that, much like the work of REAP India, anything worth achieving requires faith, patience, and persistence.

This trip was an opportunity not just to witness the physical growth of communities, but to connect with the people behind the progress. From worshipping in Kandili to seeing construction projects come to life, we were continually reminded that your prayers and support are the backbone of this work. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to plant churches, serve communities, and see lives transformed across India.

Stay tuned for more updates coming from our trip including our work with the Springbuds and more church planting efforts!

O Church Planting and Springbuds Updates

At REAP India, our mission is clear: we train local believers to plant and reproduce discipleship-driven, community-impacting churches. Our heart is to spread the Gospel throughout India, reaching communities and transforming lives. Our latest updates reflect that mission. Keep reading to learn more about what’s been happening on the ground in India and ways you can pray for our team.  

Church Planting Updates from the O Region

AK's New Contact

One of our faithful church planters, Ak (abb), has recently made a new contact, SD. These personal connections are the way the Gospel spreads and the Kingdom is built!

Please join us in praying for SD and her family, that they may receive Jesus as their personal Savior. 

Prayers for AK

Unfortunately, Ak was involved in an accident last week during his morning walk, resulting in a fractured right leg. We’re praying for his swift and complete recovery. Despite this setback, Ak' is still completely committed to serving the people in O. We’re grateful for his faithfulness!

Outreach to Shepherds

Our team also had the opportunity to meet and share the Gospel with a couple of local shepherds. Pray that they continue to show interest in seeking to know Jesus and that they will continue to engage with our church planters. 

Springbuds Updates

Springbuds | Primary School

Our primary school Springbuds are continuing their regular classes and enjoying them. Temperatures are rising though making getting outside tough. We’re praying for cooler weather to provide some relief for the children and staff. As always, thank you for your support that ensures our students receive a quality education in a nurturing environment.

Springbuds | Secondary School

In our secdonary school, our Springbuds program has provided new bags and shoes for the students as they begin a new academic year. We’re excited to see what the next year holds for our older students. We have so many who are working hard to create a brighter future ahead for themselves. Please keep them in your prayers, especially for good health and staying sickness-free. 

Excited for What’s Ahead in Odisha and With the Springbuds

The work we do at REAP is made possible by your generous support and prayers. Each story and update from our team in India reflects the collective effort and dedication of our community of believers. As we continue to plant and nurture discipleship-driven, community-impacting churches, we invite you to explore more ways you can join in on our work. Together, we are making a lasting impact across India with the Gospel.

Empowering Children Through the Springbuds Program: A Path to a Better Future

At REAP India, our mission is rooted in faith and driven by a commitment to serve our communities through church planting and strategic discipleship. Alongside this mission, we have a special place in our hearts for children who have been neglected, abandoned, or whose families are going through difficult times. This is where our Springbuds program comes in.

What is the Springbuds Program?

The Springbuds program is an initiative that provides a safe and nurturing environment for children who need temporary support. These children might come from various backgrounds—some are neglected or abandoned, while others come from families who are simply unable to care for them at the moment. Our goal is to offer them a place to call home while their families work through their challenges.

We operate two separate homes under this program. The first is located a primary school and is designed for elementary-aged children starting from 4 years old. The second home is a secondary school, catering to middle and high school students. Both homes are dedicated to providing not just shelter but also education, emotional support, and a loving community.

How Does the Springbuds Program Work?

When a child is brought into our care, we aim to provide them with a sense of stability and routine. Our team works diligently to ensure they have everything they need—from nutritious meals to a quality education. Each day is filled with structured activities that help the children grow both academically and spiritually. Our staff is trained to offer guidance and support, helping these young ones navigate the challenges they face.

The homes are more than just buildings; they are communities where children can feel safe and valued. We organize various activities, including tutoring sessions, recreational outings, and spiritual guidance, to help the children develop into well-rounded individuals.

Why Sponsor a Child?

Your support is critical to the success of the Springbuds program. By sponsoring a child, you provide them with the resources they need to thrive. This includes not only food and shelter but also educational materials, school fees, and other essentials. Sponsoring a child is a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on their life, giving them the chance to dream and work toward a brighter future.

Sponsorship also allows us to continue expanding our program, reaching more children in need. It helps us improve the quality of our homes, hire additional staff, and offer more comprehensive services. Ultimately, your sponsorship contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and neglect, empowering these children to become leaders in their communities.

How to Get Involved

If you're interested in sponsoring a child or learning more about our Springbuds program, we invite you to get in touch with us. Your generosity can change the course of a child's life, offering them hope and a fresh start. Visit our website or contact our team to find out how you can make a difference.

Together, we can continue to support these children and give them the tools they need to succeed. Thank you for being a part of our mission at REAP India. Your support means the world to us and the children we serve.

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.