Championing for Orchard Project Children

Mahasvin* was the first child admitted into one of Mukti’s Orchard Projects in 2004. By the time he was five years old, his mother had deserted him, his father had died, and he was in the care of an aunt who made a living as a prostitute. Mahasvin had to work hard doing small jobs for her—cleaning, washing dishes, running errands—but she resented him because he was a deterrent to her ‘business.’  His life was bleak, undisciplined, and without foundation or direction. He was unloved and afraid; yet, this was the only life he knew.

A Christian worker, a pastor in the area who had taken up the cause of helping the children of prostitutes, asked the aunt if he could take Mahasvin into his hostel and see that he got an education. She agreed, saying he wasn’t hers and she was tired of caring for him. Even though he had a hard life with her, Mahasvin felt rejected and at first resented being removed from the only life he knew. But in time he grew to respect the pastor and learned about spiritual things.

In the late 1990s, Mahasvin had a terrible accident, falling about 50 feet down a rocky cliff. Several people witnessed the fall and felt sure the boy had died. Amazingly, he not only lived but got up and walked away from the incident, with no broken bones and only minor injuries. Everyone (including Mahasvin himself) was amazed. How could he possibly have survived such an accident with no injuries? He realized it must have been God who protected him. He decided to follow Jesus.

However, the early years of Mahasvin’s life harmed him. The lack of love and direction in those first critical years left him scarred, wary, and fearful. He confessed one day that he was afraid of being sent back if he didn’t do well or was naughty. He was assured that everyone wanted him to stay at the Home. He would never be sent back to his former way of life.

Mahasvin is one of almost 700 children in a Mukti Orchard Project. His story mirrors many of the stories of these kids damaged by circumstances. Mukti is able to bring some of these children into the Homes and reshape their thoughts, dreams, and actions. It is thrilling to see children like Mahasvin grow, mature, and respond to truth. Many of the children, like Mahasvin, go on to university or trade schools showing the change of direction that Mukti has brought into their lives.

*Names changed for privacy and security. Images representative.