Yes, Lord!

As she walks confidently across the Mission grounds, purpose in her stride, long braid swinging down her back, this young woman may easily catch your attention. If you stopped her, she might tell you she is on her way to sing for staff choir practice, teach Sunday school, run an errand for the Family Life Administrator, or rush home to look after her ‘daughters’!

Meet Chandra*, one of the Mission housemothers. All smiles and poise, she is a valued, member of the staff family.

Coming to the Mission in her early 20s, Chandra was appointed housemother and found herself in the role of mother to twenty children, ages 3 to 23. The youngest child of her parents, she was not used to being the authority figure and that is certainly what she was expected to be in this role. Her first and hardest three months she promised herself that she was going to pack her bags and leave.

But God had given her a conviction to work at the Mission and she could not deliberately go against His will. She had already gone through a harrowing experience in Junior College which taught her how bad things can go when you start planning your life for yourself, ignoring the will of God and the promises you make to Him. Succumbing to family pressure and her dreams, she had backed out of a vow made to the Lord and things went downhill from there. When her hopes for studying further fell flat and she was driven almost to suicide, she was reminded that the way out was by clinging to God’s Word. She recommitted her life to Jesus and His service.

Coming to the Mission, she was finally following what she knew was God’s plan for her life. She had read the Mission’s publications as a girl and, while attending Bible College, was reintroduced to the Mission by a Mission girl also studying there. She was convinced God was telling her: “Go. Serve at the Mission.”  

She wanted to work with children. She accepted the housemother position without question. But things were rough from Day 1. Having a loving home and family, Chandra was unable to identify with the children in many ways. It took days of fasting, praying, and soul-searching for her to come to grips with her dilemma and for God to give her wisdom to move forward.

He poured grace and strength into her life. She was able to complete her graduation while serving. That was a personal triumph but also an example for her children.

Chandra laughs as she recalls, “My happiest moment was when Santha* became part of our little family. She called me mummy on her own and that completely captured my heart.”

Chandra dreamed of completing her Masters in Social Work. It required two years of hard effort but she saw God’s leading and now looks back with satisfaction on what she has accomplished. She says, “I am very happy when I see that my children are obedient and listening to me, taking positive steps in their lives. It gives me joy to see them grow in faith.”

*Names changed for privacy and security. Images representative.