Jammu Kashmir

Regina Sebastian, came to a personal knowledge of Christ at age 19 out of a Roman Catholic background. Then, despite frequent illnesses and her family's opposition, she joined Himalaya Evangelical Mission (then called Kashmir Evangelical Fellowship) for missionary training.

In 1994, while still a Bible student, the Lord burdened Regina's heart with the plight of the street children. Following graduation from Bible school, she took a six-month's course in children's ministry at the Youth With A Mission Center in Darjeeling.

When she returned to Gorakhpur, P.M. Thomas encouraged her to follow the vision the Lord had given her. So she set off looking for an opening in the nearby villages.

"My spirit was depressed to see village children playing in the sun half naked, dirty, and using vulgar language," Regina said as she shared her heart with me. "Their condition was much worse than the street children."

While Regina considered their situation and needs, the Lord gave her clear direction. She began going out with dedication, prayers, and a burning vision in her soul.

As Regina prayed, the Lord added three women co-workers with the same burden. They moved from village to village as the Lord led them day by day. In each one, they first obtained approval from the parents to start classes for the children. Then they began making friends with the children and invited all they met to attend their programs.

At first, 47 children came. That number slowly increased to 150.