The India Story

Helping Hands India came to existence in 2001 in Bangalore, India. Pastor George Fernandes was a young theological graduate from the slums of Jeevanahalli who had a vision to transform the lives of, and give hope to, orphaned and street children, the disabled, and the widows of the slums where he grew up. The Childrens’ Home in Bangalore began with 10 young children living with Pastor George and his wife Jyothi. The ministry now provides housing, food, medical needs, education, and Christ’s love to 137 children through Childrens’ Homes in Bangalore, Badrachalem, Rajoli and Ambur. In 2009 Pastor George began ministering to the widows in the slums. Today 27 widows, both young and old, from the slums of Jeevanahalli receive stipends each month from HHI. Since 2009 the ministry supplies training, and supports 43 full time National Pastors as they plant churches throughout the South Central area of India. At this time there are 13 Churches and 5 Bible Training Centers where 65 pastors are presently in training. These pastors and their families receive small monthly stipends to help with their basic needs. Pastor George Fernandes is committed to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout India to his people – regardless of caste, creed and religion. The ministry of HHI has been blessed by God and, God willing, will continue to bring the love of Christ and hope to the destitute. India is one of Satan’s strongholds, but God is using the men and women of India to breaks the chains of oppression that bind their people.

The U.S. Story

In 2010 our youngest daughter Hannah graduated from college. She was eager to volunteer at a childrens’ home before seeking out employment, and had always wanted to visit India. Our family had recently hosted two Latvian children for several weeks through Big Family Mission in Pennsylvania. BFM had recently begun financially assisting an organization in India that included childrens’ homes and widows programs, as well as training Pastors for the mission field. Hannah went to Bangalore, India for 5 months alongside another young lady from the US, ministering to 16 girls and 45 boys at New Hope Childrens Home. We visited the Childrens’ Home and immediently felt the Lord drawing us to our brothers and sisters in India. Pastor George Fernandes and his wife Jyothi had started Helping Hands India in 2001, which consists of four Childrens’ Homes, a Widows Empowerment Program, and Pastoral Training Centers. They have dedicated their lives to the destitute, the helpless and needy, the dalits of India. After visiting the ministry in India several times, we felt that we were accountable.

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

James 4:17

Feeling God’s call, we have established Helping Hands India, Inc. and have since received our 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS, establishing the ministry as tax exempt. We have traveled each year bringing clean water and other needs. We have a family in India and, God willing, will continue to “…look after orphans and widows in their distress….” James 1:27, and enable the men of India to spread the Good News that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of Truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15

We covet your prayers and welcome your partnership with us in this ministry.