Dear Friends of HOINA,

I recently returned to Pennsylvania after three weeks visiting the HOINA homes. Papa Bruce flew home on September 20th, after a three week visit. Darlene and I flew home from Chennai to London on Sept 27th; then we had to part. Darlene had been in India since June.

Of course, the highlight of the trip for me was being with the children. The girls were studying for exams and the older ones appreciated help I was able to give in written and spoken English. Two evenings I spent homework time with the standard 6th class. They were diligently memorizing answers to exam questions provided by their teachers, but found the task easier when they understood the meanings of specific English words. Please remember the girls in your prayers; pray that a qualified English teacher may be hired to help them.

Construction has begun on the new house at the Boys’ Home. Please pray that it is finished by early April, when we begin moving the girls. This trip I had to endure about 23 hours of train travel. What a time and money saver it will be to have the girls on the same campus!

Anu, the Boys’ Home secretary, a driver, and I went up into the mountains one day to distribute used clothing, and new baby sweaters and blankets. While in the mountains, we saw a peaceful demonstration of about 500, protesting the persecution of Christians. Please pray that the killings, and the burning of houses and churches, will stop.

I am blessed to be able to visit and help our HOINA children.

June Heller

The children finished their written midterm exams, and have a short holiday.

Ramadu, our teacher at the boys’ home, is working with some of the boys on their studies over the holiday.

Several of the staff at the Vizak State Bank visited the HOINA boys’ hostel. They said HOINA is like heaven, and plan to come again to visit at the holidays.

We have hired two crews at the construction site to speed up the construction of the new boys’ home. The old boys’ home will become the girls’ home when they are moved in 2009.

We’re very excited to have launched our brand new website! We’re very pleased to be able to offer online giving, as well as child sponsorship on our new site. Please enjoy!