Miriam Children's Home

Ernest and Rachel always shared the conviction in their hearts that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just in word but also in deed. This same conviction has been imparted to the Pastors and leadership of Manna International. The "cup of cold water" to the thirsty is as important as sharing salvation through Jesus Christ. The two need not be mutually exclusive. Ernest seen his own older sister die of malnutrition, and Rachel had seen her father help many suffering in poverty. This changed their outlook forever.

In 1968, Rachel went to visit a woman dying of cancer who asked that she take care of her children upon her death. Rachel promised, never suspecting that the woman would die 2 days later. She took the two children into her home. It did not take long for the word to spread.

Within 3 weeks, 25 orphan children were staying in the Komanapalli home. Miriam Children’s Home, a ministry of Manna International was born. Today over 30 orphanages are operated by the ministry; feeding, educating, giving shelter and clothing over 5,000 children.

Since that small beginning, over ten thousand children have gone through these homes and on to being productive, successful and responsible citizens of India. Rachel, in addition to raising her 2 children and 3 foster children has become a true mother in Israel.

The "graduates" of the homes has found employment in many fields: Professional and Non professional, Industrial and service, Government and Private sector. Many young men have been called into the ministry and currently pastor churches. All thank God for the chance they were given to make it in life through the Ministry of Miriam Children’s Home.

Taking care of so many children brought many new concerns and responsibilities. Not only did the children require food and shelter, but what about their education? What about their future and job prospects? What about marriage?

In 1972, Miriam primary school was started in Amalapuram. This was to be a school for primary education. The idea was to teach the younger children and then send them to the government schools for the higher grades. However, it was determined that the government was unable to provide a satisfactory education for the children. As India is a developing country, funds are limited to meet the needs of nine hundred million people. It was decided to pursue a cradle to adult education policy for the orphanage children, as well as to provide quality education for the poor people of society and the Christian minority.

Soon the primary school at Amalapuram was upgraded to a high school. Once that was done schools were opened in the different areas where orphanages had been founded. As of today, 21 schools are being operated by Manna International. In India, the system of education offers students the choice of either technical education or higher academic education following 10^th grade. To offer training, and provide the children with an opportunity to learn a trade, 2 Industrial students have gone on to have successful careers up on completion of their studies.

The opportunity for college education is small in India, and even smaller for the Christian minority and the poor of all backgrounds. To higher education, Paramjyoti Junior College and Miriam College have been established. Both are fully government university accredited institutions. Miriam College offers 12 major areas of study in the Bachelor Degree program. Today hundreds of students experience the joy of learning and have an opportunity for a successful future.

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