Few outsiders have ever seen the Kutia Kondha people.

They live deep in the jungle hours away from the Nanda orphanage, have no written language, and are largely untouched by the outside world. The tribe embraces animism, the belief that spirits inhabit living creatures and inanimate objects and govern their existence. Native evangelists from GPMO have spent years building trust and relationships with this people group in order to begin to share the gospel with them. Recently, four of the Kutia Khonda children came to live and learn at the orphanage. They are thriving at Nanda, and the tribal leaders have now asked if ten more children can join them. At the orphanage, the children are receiving the basic necessities, a loving home, education, and are hearing for the first time about the sovereign God of the universe who has all authority over the spirits that oppress the people. As the children travel home to visit their families, they are beginning to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the villages. Because of your donations and the faithful, patient witness of Christians in Orissa, the day will be coming when the Kutia Khondha are no longer an unreached people group!

GPMO has a new and updated website!

Be sure to visit: gpmoindia.org. There are narratives and pictures about the history and current ministries with the orphanage, the leprosy community and the unreached Kutia Kondha tribe, as well as pictures of the children in the orphanage who still need to be sponsored. When someone decides to sponsor a particular child, information is given to complete the process immediately and securely online or to send the request/check through the postal service.

Please pray for:

• the ongoing work of GPMO and the orphanage staff who facilitate all the day-to-day ministries.
• our Christian brothers and sisters in India. The Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com/) reports that “Persecution of Christians is most intense in Orissa state.”
• the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit as Jesus Christ is courageously shared by word and action in Orissa.
• the financial support that will allow GPMO to reach more people with help and hope through Jesus Christ.

Dear Friends of GPMO,

2011 was another exciting year for Grace and Peace Mission to Orissa. We would like to thank the donors, children sponsors and all those who have prayed for the ministry and mission of GPMO. Below you will find some brief updates as to what God has been doing and an exciting story of how God is continuing His great plan in Orissa.

The Well Project is now complete with two operational wells which provide not only abundant drinking water, but irrigation to the newly cultivated field. Nanda is now able to grow and harvest vegetables and fruits which are a welcome addition to the children’s diet.

A fence was built around the perimeter of the Nanda property which provides protection for the campus from wandering livestock and wild animals. It also clearly defines the property which as the Orphanage grows may become increasingly important.

God has been spurring new growth in many ways. He has provided the means to not only complete the physical projects but has brought spiritual growth opportunities as well. In July of 2011 Graham and Ann Upton led a team to Nanda and were able to witness firsthand how God is moving. While visiting Belgar (the Animist tribal people) Hemant and Saima were asked to pray, for the first time ever, for the family of a tribesman who had passed away. It is significant because it has taken years, slowly building the trust and love of these people, to have the privilege of praying with them.

Even more significantly, when the group was leaving to return to Nanda, the Chief asked if four of his most gifted young girls could return to Nanda to live so they might get an education! The group was able to load the four girls, ages 12-14 into the already crowded jeeps and begin the arduous, three hour journey back to Nanda. In the ensuing months, the girls were introduced to Jesus and today they are all professing Christ followers who are being discipled and growing in faith at Nanda! We believe in time, these young girls will return to their villages and bring the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ back to their families and friends.

Nanda currently is home to approximately 130 children (including 8 college students) plus 6 staff. There is always a need for new sponsors to help feed, clothe and educate the children. For only $15/month or $180/year you can partner with us to care for these children. Your donations can also be directed toward a monthly food donation to the leprosy colony or to the 18 Christian Pastors we help support.

We appreciate each of you who donate, pray and support in so many ways the work of Grace and Peace Mission to Orissa. Please continue to pray for the staff at Nanda and the Pastors who work tirelessly for His Kingdom with little or no earthly reward. They are truly our example as James 1:27says: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”

Thank you again for caring for “the least of these.” May God receive all the honor and glory!

Todd Mansfield
GPMO Board Member