India Mission 2017

2 Occupational Therapists and a Nurse with a heart for India

India's last socio-economic census recorded that "of the 300 million households surveyed, an overwhelming majority of 73% live in rural villages. Of this population, less than 5% earn enough to pay taxes. In some rural villages 51% earn their living by manual labour." In addition, ONLY 2.3% of their entire population know Jesus.

Mother Teresa said "Poverty in the west is a different kind of poverty - it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There is a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God"

The three of us are excited about being able to use our passion for a purpose so that through God's abounding love, we can help satisfy people's hunger for more. More love, more compassion, more kindness, more light, more hope.

On the 20th January 2017, a missions team from Port Elizabeth are setting out on a 10 day trip to Kolkata, India. We (Carmen Smit, Jessica Porter and Courtney Mercer) are hoping to be part of this team. The excitement in our hearts is bursting with a drive to get our there and impact people's lives for God's greatness. Our deepest desires are to use the gifts and talents that God has equipped us with as Healthcare Professionals and to share that with people who desperately need it.

The money we are trying to fundraise will go towards flights, accommodation, food and transport costs for the three of us as well as to support local people that we come into contact with.

Our goals:

1. Enlarge our vision - we hope for this dream not only to become a reality, but also to enlarge our vision to do greater things in the future.

2. Empower people - we want to strive to empower the broken-hearted and needy to a place where they will feel lifted up and sustained.

3. Embrace risk - we know that we are stepping out into faith and taking a big risk by doing this, however we want to embrace what we feel God has called us to do despite fear or uncertainty.

We would be so sincerely grateful if you feel lead to contribute towards supporting our cause. We are confident in assuring each person that gives that your donation will be used in the best possible way to add value to people's lives. We appreciate your generous hearts more than you will ever know!

For those of you nearest and dearest to us who don't have a Paypal Account, you can donate your contribution to the following South African Bank Account:

Account Holder: Courtney Cowden

Bank: Standard Bank

Account Number 271307056

Branch code: 04272606 (Florida Road/Windermere branch)

Please use 'India' and your name as a reference when making donations.

You are one person but your contribution may have a significant ripple effect and change lives for the better.

God bless

P.S.

Should you donate a certain amount of money, your name will be entered into our lucky draw.

R100 - 1 x entry into lucky draw
R200 - 2 x entry into lucky draw
R500 - 3 x entry into lucky draw
R1000 or more - 5 x entry into lucky draw

You have the chance of winning.....drum roll please....

A weekend stay for 4 at Prince's Grant Coastal Golf Estate (one of the most prestigious residential Estates in KwaZulu Natal)

This will include:
3 nights accommodation at a self-catering unit with beautiful ocean views and swimming pool. Perfect for our golf enthusiasts. Restaurant available. Activities in the area include: picnics on the beach, kayaking, a visit to Ballito close by. Offer valid between February and March 2017.

Please see their website for more details : http://www.princesgrant.co.za/