STORIES

MANGAL S.

Mangal’s father is lame and cannot work. His mother supports the family as a day laborer in the fields around their home in the hills of Chikhaldara. Mangal has enrolled in the Welding course at Prakash Boys Institute.

“During the six months that I’ve been at Prakash, I’ve experienced a major life change,” says Mangal. “I used to be very short tempered, and often fought with others. But the staff and teachers have helped me learn to control my anger. I’ve also learned that I can share about Jesus, and what He’s done for me, even if I’m not involved in full-time ministry.”

Mangal plans to finish his course, work to support his family financially and return to his tribe as a mentor, to help his tribal friends experience transformation, too.

RAJU M.

Raju’s father deserted the family when Raju was just three years old. Raju and his mother never saw him again.

But when Raju enrolled in Prakash Boys Institute, and he became surrounded by Christian friends who care about him. In particular, Christian Education classes have been a source of great comfort to Raju, who now has the assurance of his salvation. He considers Moses and Abraham as his role models in the faith.

“My mother worked day and night to take good care of me while I was growing up,” says Raju. “When I finish my education, I will work hard and earn enough, so that she doesn’t have to anymore.”

LIKESH P.

Likesh’s mother died when he was small. His father works as a day laborer, and has remarried. Likesh now has two brothers and two sisters. Although the family is Hindu, Likesh attended a Christian school for poor boys, where he made his profession of faith. But after three years, the family could not afford for Likesh to continue his studies.

The school told Likesh about Prakash Boys Institute, and made it possible for him to enroll in the Electrician course. “I have had a lot of struggles in my life,” says Likesh. “But now, I have a peaceful heart. I like the beautiful, clean campus at Prakash Institutes. And the training gives me hope for a new direction in my life.”

Since coming to Prakash Boys Institute, Likesh has learned to discipline himself to read the Bible every day. One of his favorite scriptures is Ephesians 4:29, which showed him not to use abusive or foul language. “My speech has changed,” says Likesh. “I’ve learned manners here.”

Likesh’s goal is to work hard to support his family, both financially and spiritually, so they won’t know the same suffering he has experienced.

RAJIK M.

Rajik was raised as a Muslim. But when a local pastor shared the story of Jesus with him, Rajik received Christ as his Savior and was baptized in the village river. His family has had difficulty understanding his new faith.

However, at Prakash Boys Institute, Rajik feels cared for and accepted. He is enrolled in the Welding course, and when he is finished, he plans to open his own workshop in his home village.

Rajik used to be addicted to chewing tobacco. Through Bible study in the Institute’s Christian Education classes, he learned that his body is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19), and that he should keep it clean. “It was difficult for me to give up this habit,” says Rajik. “But praise God. I did.” He regularly asks his Christian brothers and sisters for prayer, that he might have courage to stay strong in his faith, especially when he returns to his village.

GANARAJ T.

Ganaraj is from Ramtek, about 100 km from Nagpur. He has two brothers and one sister. Ganaraj’s father owns a bullock cart, and supports the family by doing odd jobs. His mother is a homemaker. The family is Christian, and they are members of the local village church. Ganaraj has a special passion for the Sunday school and whenever he is home for a visit, he works with the children in the congregation.

Ganaraj is enrolled in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning course at Prakash Boys Institute. He plans to open his own business in Ramtek when he has completed his studies. His life at Prakash is not only giving him an education and helping him make friends – it is giving him a firm foundation in his faith. In Ganaraj’s words, “I used to waver in my spiritual life. Now, I feel stable and secure in the Lord.”