Written a month before the deadly terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, a letter from Sheba Sunayana of Compassion Clement Mission in Andhra Pradesh, India, warned of continuing attacks from Muslim terrorists.

"Though we live in a predominantly Hindu country, India has been targeted by Muslim radicals who want to destroy our country and are willing to kill innocent people," wrote Sheba. "Bombs are hidden in busy places in toys, suitcases, dustbins, and even in the vegetable markets. Last month there were 4 blasts in four different places in the capital city of Delhi. When the investigation was done they found out that one of the bombers was a 10 year boy who had a bomb strapped around his waist. When the bomb went off many people died including the small boy."

A month later, scores of men, women, and children were left dead, and hundreds wounded, as Islamic extremism once again reared its ugly head.

And although the attacks are predominately Muslim on Hindu, Christians in India are facing danger as well.

"The days are getting harder for Christians as persecution grows," wrote Sheba. "Many churches were burnt to ashes in Orissa and Karnataka. Bibles and Bible literature have been destroyed and many people have been beaten for Christ and even killed. Many people ran for their lives and are still hiding in forest areas. Now the Hindu people have targeted our state of Andhra Pradesh. They plan to destroy churches, Christian schools, colleges, orphanages, and everything that belongs to Christians by the end of this year.  This makes us nervous but we are trusting on Lord to lead us. When we leave our home in the morning we are not sure that we will see our children in the evening. Such is the persecution towards Christians."

Despite the ongoing persecution, Compassion Clement Mission is continuing its work.

"On the ministry front, our academic year started June 12," according to Sheba. "This year we have 153 children. We bought books for all the children. We also bought uniforms for them to wear. We bought sports items like bat and ball, skipping ropes, molding clay, carom boards, etc., for the children to play with. We also teach them crafts. The children have started to learn about computers but we don't have a computer yet they can use. This is one of our needed items."

She noted that  "as you can imagine, each child is different. As we bring them from slums and gutters, it is hard for them to get adjusted to the discipline and good manners which are taught in the orphanage. It takes several months and lots of prayers for them to change. But we have been able to bring the knowledge and love of Jesus to them."

The faithful support of Christians in the United States is critical to the mission. "Your financial support enables us to try and keep the children healthy," Sheba said. "Rice is our main source of food. One hundred pounds of rice lasts us a day and a half. Along with that we serve vegetables with curry. Due to climatic changes the children get various diseases and skin infections. The main cause for that is the crowded space we have including only two bath rooms. Almost every day someone needs to go to the doctor for medicines. That takes a lot of time as we need to go by bus or walk."

The mission is also purchasing land where, eventually, they will construct buildings for the school. Once the land is bought, they will use a temporary structure. However, being on their own land will enable them to grow their own vegetables, have chickens, and even a cow for milk to give to the children.

Please consider helping provide food, and education, and--most important--the gospel of jesus Christ to the children served by Compassion Clement Mission.