etcetera:

James 1:27 “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (NLT) 

It was a misty morning in the mountains. Our partners began a day of travel through rough terrain and wilderness. They walked through the river and climbed up a waterfall to reach the village of Chainpur, Nepal. Here, they did not have enough food for everyone. The children had no notebooks or pens and families had no funds for school. This community had no access to the gospel. As our partners witnessed the need, they began a children’s club as a way to serve these families by providing education, food, and resources in the community. They also began to share the Good News, and the village established a church as new believers emerged. Transformational love had taken root and, though they were once strangers, they are now brothers and sisters in God’s family.

We are a part of this church, the one where God leaves the flock of ninety-nine for the one. The church where pure religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress. The church of abundant life, not scarcity. Though we live across the world, in a different culture and tongue, we worship the same God, follow the same Jesus, and the same spirit abides within us. This village across the world feels much closer when I remember this community is captured in the heart of God and, just like us, they have hopes for what their children’s future will hold and they have hopes for an abundant life.

Though this village is isolated, its narrative is widespread. Across Asia more than 60 million children are abandoned and at risk, and over 1 billion people have never heard the Gospel. Agape Asia is currently working with Asian partners across seven countries to serve abandoned children, start small ministry-supporting businesses, and plant churches in hard to reach areas like Chainpur. In 2024, we served 2,090 children in 261 communities. We are working to grow and serve 5,000 children across 300 communities by 2027. Through prayer, we believe this is possible, and we long to see a world where every child is secure in a family and is raised in the love of Christ.

If you feel called to join this mission to walk in prayer with us, join as an Agape Champion at https://www.agapeasia.org/champions/

OR – to learn more, sign up (deadline 4/25/25) for our Agape Asia lunch happening this Sunday!https://www.agapeasia.org/chattanooga/

written by Haley Carr and Sean McKelvey.