Why I Joined the Team Trip
I met Heart for Kids mission partner, when they visited Australia in 2023. Hearing his testimony of how God called him as a young man to serve in India – where no churches or Christians existed at the time – deeply inspired me.
Through his obedience, God’s work has flourished: hundreds of villages now have churches, a College equips workers for ministry, child development centres (CDCs) provide education, borewell projects deliver safe drinking water, and women’s tailoring schools and food distribution centres support communities.*
I felt called to not only witness the fruits of over 20 years of faithful labour but also to contribute to that legacy in some small way.
What I Expected
We knew we’d be spending time with children through activities and sharing God’s love while serving those in need. Having previously joined two Heart for Kids trips to China, I had a general idea of what to expect, but each trip is unique. This was a smaller group from the UK, South Africa, Singapore, Perth, and Sydney.
In preparation, the team met on video calls for a few months before the trip to plan activities for the CDCs. We were briefed on the challenges: 40–85 children at each CDC, limited space and resources, language barriers, wide age ranges, and cultural differences. Careful planning was essential to ensure our activities would work in these conditions.
From experience, I also knew to expect some challenging situations. We asked our churches and Christian friends to cover us in prayer throughout the trip, as we were entering areas where life for Christians is extremely hard. Thankfully, the Lord kept us safe, including during the daily 2–3 hour drives to the villages—an adventure of its own, navigating chaotic roads and traffic.
My Experience
Our first visit was to a CDC about 1.5 hours away. We climbed to the rooftop of a house where 40 children sat on the dusty floor, watching us with curiosity and shy smiles. Their warmth, and the welcome from teachers, helpers, and parents, made us feel at home. This same kindness greeted us at every village we visited in the days that followed.
What we did
Each team member led activities suited to their strengths, including storytelling with illustrated storyboards, colouring, balloon games, and faith based action songs. Before leaving, we gave each child a small gift bag with stationery and treats.
Though I hadn’t been involved in children’s ministry for years, I led the action songs on this trip. Seeing the kids – and even adults – enjoying themselves was a joy.
The CDCs and the Reality of Poverty
Despite seeing photos beforehand, I was amazed at how CDCs function in such limited spaces: rooftops, tiny living rooms, open courtyards, or front yards. Often, I wondered—what happens when it rains or storms, or in extreme heat?
Each CDC hosts 40–85 children, aged 4 – 16. They sit on the dusty ground for two hours of learning before heading home to help their families. There are no desks, chairs, or whiteboards. Many children lack basic supplies like bags or stationery. The teachers face immense challenges yet remain committed to giving these children hope for a brighter future.
As we travelled through the countryside, we saw women and children making bricks by hand in open fields—children who should be in school, learning and dreaming of brighter futures. Instead, they are trapped in a cycle of poverty. Without intervention, their circumstances won’t change.
Ying's Call to Act
Heart for Kids exists to help vulnerable children by providing love, education, sanitation, healthcare, and safe environments. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling children to thrive.
For me, the question wasn’t “Should I go?” but rather, “When, Lord?”
Ps. Through this partnership, to the start of 2025, Heart for Kids has provided funding for 5 Child Development Centres, 53 safe water bores in villages, 10 women’s tailoring schools, and around 8,000 food parcels during the COVID pandemic
