Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows
in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.                    - James 1:27

The Story Behind Sanctuary Home

Tenali, the location of Sanctuary Home, is a world away from Abilene Texas, the home of many of our supporters. India has no foster care system, no welfare, no medicaid, no social security; orphans are left to fend for themselves along with countless others who find themselves destitute. Despite laws against bonded labor (slavery) and prostitution, it is common to witness these conditions. For many Indians, orphans are simply a fact of life, a low rung on the wheel of reincarnation. Many Hindus believe that if you are an orphan or a widow, you must have done something in a previous life to deserve such an unhappy existence.

At Sanctuary Home we believe that these children are precious to our heavenly Father. Our mission is to help as many children as possible, starting with those living on the streets of Tenali. Isaac and his wife Mary Margaret have had a lifelong dream to reach out to those in need by opening an orphanage in Tenali. Finally in 2005, through prayer, opened doors, expert advice, resistance, and finally acceptance of God’s will, Sanctuary Home became a reality. It was opened on June 1, 2006 to fifteen children in Tenali. In only four months that number grew to forty-two children, and then grew again to eighty-five by May of 2009. The Lord has provided a facility to house the children, a warden, a caretaker, two cooks, and a doctor. He also provided school uniforms, bedding, medical treatment, surgery, and paid bills when needed.

In December 2006, a small team from the Abilene-based organization traveled to India for the first time to see the work. We took Christmas gifs for the children, as well as special greetings from their American sponsors. We spent lots of time with the children, getting to know them, and making plans for the future of the home. Our big dream is to help Sanctuary Home become self sufficient through cottage industry, thereby freeing all of our sponsors from their financial commitments- enabling us to start again and help another group of children in need.