A Glimpse Into the Ministry’s Ongoing Work:

In late October, Dan Baker, a member of the Sharon India team, had the opportunity to visit the Orphanage and Day School in Nashik, India, to check in on the current state of the ministry and the progress being made. For many years, the administrators of the Orphanage and Day School maintained open, transparent communication with their partners, but recently, that had tapered off due to various challenges. The team at Sharon India was eager to reconnect with the ministry and see firsthand how things were progressing, especially under the leadership of Vivek and Sanjeevani Naidu, the children of the late Brother Lazarus.

A Family Committed to Service

Vivek and Sanjeevani took over the oversight of the Orphanage and Day School following their father’s passing. Along with their roles at the school, they are also actively leading a local church in Nashik. Despite the immense responsibilities, they remain deeply committed to serving the community and furthering the work their father began. Dan and his wife, Danny, had planned to attend a church service with them on Sunday, but a delayed flight meant they missed the opportunity. However, they were able to spend time with Brother Lazarus’ widow at the family home, where they had a heartfelt conversation and learned more about the ongoing ministry.

Tour of the Day School and Orphanage

On Monday, Dan and Danny joined Vivek and Sanjeevani for a tour of the properties, beginning with the Day School. The school, which serves over 200 children ranging from preschool to 10th grade, was in full swing when they arrived. The students were gathered outside, singing and pledging in unity. It was a beautiful moment to witness the enthusiasm and commitment these young students bring to their education.

During the visit, Vivek shared that the Indian government had approached the school about expanding its facilities to accommodate several hundred more high school students. This was an exciting opportunity, but it would require a substantial investment—around $2 million USD—for construction and expansion of the school buildings. Dan listened attentively, offering his insights on the importance of stewardship. He encouraged Vivek and Sanjeevani to ensure they were properly managing the resources they already had before seeking additional funds. For minimal investment, simple maintenance like regular painting and upkeep of the current buildings could go a long way in preserving the facilities. Stewarding well what they already had could set the foundation for long-term growth.

Dan also suggested conducting a thorough financial review to ensure the ministry was on solid ground and operating efficiently. This would give the team a clearer understanding of their resources and allow them to create a strategic plan for future growth, including an expansion of the Day School and other services to the community.

A Celebration at the Orphanage

After their visit to the Day School, Dan and Danny crossed the street to visit the Orphanage, where they were warmly welcomed by the children, staff, and elders of the community. It was a joyous occasion, with children performing songs and dances, celebrating the ministry’s work and their shared commitment to faith. The event also recognized the pastoral team that Vivek has been training in rural villages—12 pastors and their wives who are actively working to expand the reach of the ministry in surrounding areas.

One particularly touching moment was seeing the “Orphanage Mom,” a young woman who had actually grown up in the care of the Orphanage herself. She now serves as a mother figure to the children and is dedicated to ensuring they are loved and cared for in a safe, nurturing environment.

A Changing Landscape for Christian Ministry

During their visit, Dan and his team learned more about the challenges the ministry has faced in recent years. The political climate in India has shifted dramatically, especially under the current ruling government. The BJP Party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become increasingly active in certain regions, including Nashik, and has placed greater restrictions on Christian activities, including intercepting communication and limiting outreach. This has made it difficult for ministries like the Orphanage and Day School to maintain open lines of communication, as emails and newsletters have been halted out of concern that they might be tracked.

Despite these challenges, Dan was encouraged by the resilience of the ministry team. The Orphanage and Day School are still making a significant impact, and their commitment to serving the children and families in the community is unwavering.

Stewardship, Leadership, and the Way Forward

While Dan was inspired by the work being done, he also saw areas where the ministry could improve in order to better steward their resources and increase their impact. One key observation was the need for a dedicated administrator to manage the Day School. Vivek and Sanjeevani, both trained engineers, have a deep passion for the ministry, but their skills are better suited to other areas. The Day School could greatly benefit from someone who has a passion for education and the administration of such an institution.

Dan shared that, as someone who loves cars, Vivek clearly takes great pride in maintaining his vehicles. However, the same level of attention to detail wasn’t always reflected in the upkeep of the Day School’s facilities. This insight led Dan to recommend bringing in a skilled administrator who could ensure the school operates efficiently and is properly maintained for the long term.

In addition to this recommendation, Dan proposed that Sharon India conduct a full financial review of the ministry’s operations. This would help ensure that funds are being used effectively and in line with the mission of the ministry. With this insight, Vivek and Sanjeevani would be better equipped to make decisions about future growth and expansion.

Looking Toward the Future

In conclusion, Dan left Nashik feeling encouraged by the work being done but also optimistic about the future. The Orphanage is thriving, with children being cared for and loved. The Day School has enormous potential for growth, but proper stewardship and administrative leadership are essential for it to reach its full potential.

Dan and Danny remain committed to supporting the work of Vivek, Sanjeevani, and the entire ministry team. They are excited about future opportunities for collaboration, including the possibility of offering training and mentorship to the pastoral team in the rural villages. As always, they are praying for wisdom and guidance for the leadership as they continue their work, trusting that God will provide the resources needed for this important ministry.

At Sharon India, they believe in the power of partnership and collaboration. As they continue to support ministries like this one, they are grateful for the opportunity to serve and be part of something much larger than themselves. Together, we can all make a lasting impact for the Kingdom of God. 🙏

To learn more about Sharon India and how they’re supporting ministries across India, visit Sharon India.