The Mercy Project Colorado, a 501c3 organization

CU Students Reach Out to India’s Children

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:05:22 +0000

A group of CU Students who participate in the Servantship program within the University Ministries Department at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder gave up their traditional Christmas party this year to spend time in 5 areas of service — one being The Mercy Project Colorado! Students spent time writing a personal letter to a specific child in the Red light Districts of Sangli and Miraj, India, and then sending them a photo graph of themselves. Most of these children have never received a Christmas Card or letter before, and with the personal touch, now over 275 of them have friends in America who have committed to pray for them during the year! Thank you to Jennie Fletemeyer, the fabulous Interns of The Annex and the awesome students involved in Servantship at First Pres. Boulder!

Night At MadCap Theater!

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:35:50 +0000

What a wonderful way to launch The Mercy Project! Sunday night, December 6th, we pretty much though that no one would brave the cold and snow for a comedy night with ticket revenue going to The Mercy Project. Boy were we wrong! 140 people showed up for the special event (the theater only holds 155!) Delicious Desserts from Marqui Spencer, Hilarious comedy from the wonderful staff at Madcap, and a successful night of fundraising and kicking off this important ministry! THANK you to all who came, and Merry Christmas to you all!

Up next…Personalized Christmas cards and photos from University of Colorado students to children in the Red Light Districts if Sangli and Miraj, India! Children who have never received a letter in their lives now will have a friend in America, praying for them and encouraging them.

School Supplies!!

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:44:01 +0000

This was sent to me last month. Thank you all for making this happen!

Police Inspector Mr. Sanjay Palange, Mr. More Miraj and Dr. E.R. Bidari were all invited in the red light district of Miraj India to distribute text books and note books to 264 children!

All the children were very excited and extend a special thanks to the Mercy Project Colorado.

Who are These Children and Where Have They Come From?

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:43:46 +0000

Below are excerpts from Rev. Timothy Jalam in India, who has taken a brothel and turned it into a school for women and children so they do not have to go further in the horrible world of trafficking….

These are a few of the children of former sex workers from the red light districts of Sangli and Miraj. Some of their mothers have died of HIV/AIDS, although five children in this group are living with the disease.

Girls whose mothers are sex workers are not given opportunity to go to school and are raised generally to become sex workers themselves. In this location, the average age of a female child entering prostitution is 11.

“The main cause for prostitution is extreme poverty and illiteracy. When a girl is sold and purchased, everything she has is taken away –her development, her right to education, her right to livelihood and all rights to food, security and health. These children grow up in an unsafe environment and they are regularly abused and exploited. As they grow older, their right to get married is determined by their owners. If they get pregnant, the baby becomes the property of the owner or pimp. As a result, it is very difficult for sex workers to escape. Because of early pregnancies and permanent damage to their reproductive health, they live life in bondage.”

“We currently have 30+ girls living in the Home of Hope, who are originally from a red light area. Under the care of the Home of Hope, each girl is able to receive and enjoy the benefits of education so that they will have a brighter future.”

“We are very thankful to God, to the First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Colorado, the Honorable Rev. Keith Vandegrift, Dr. and Mrs. Bedells and Dale and Anne Stetina who have played a major role to bringing positive change in the lives of these children as well as to the red light areas.”

Children are accepted in the Home of Hope without taking into consideration their backgrounds or culture. They are accepted, cared for and transformed within this loving community.