Day Six

Today we will march in downtown Coimbatore to raise awareness about the exploitation of young women in India. We have heard tragic stories from a number of the conference attendees, ranging from reports from a clinic in Mumbai where 8,000 abortions were performed in one year--all but one were female--to village leaders drowning infant girls in hopes that they will be reincarnated as males. 

Nearly 1,000 girls join us for a 2k march, flags waving, drums playing, chanting 'Save the girl child,'  'Education for all women,’ and 'Stop killing baby girls now!'  We were joined by the town's mayor--quite a coup from what we were told. Right to life advocates in India claim that their issues have been dismissed by the government for the most part. The growth of the Catholic church in recent years has helped, but more must be done.

Riding back on one of seven buses after the rally, we are dusty, hot, exhausted and thankful to have joined together over such an important issue.

These 500+ orphaned girls are a living illustration of the value and potential of young women in India. We are convinced that many of these women will have a significant, powerful impact on this nation in the days ahead. What would their lives have been without a free center that has given them spiritual training, food, a haven and a solid education?

In the evening, we tour the educational facilities. They are basic, but functional. The Center is able to offer free accredited college degrees to orphaned and indigent women.  They are clearly doing God's work.

One of the girls, 'Jennifer,' preaches a powerful message to the delegates. Her English is good, her knowledge of Scripture is solid, and she has a pure love for Jesus. She also scored 100 percent on the state-proctored exam this year. One of the many 'girl child' leaders who, by God's unfailing mercy and grace, has been saved for a greater purpose. May many others follow her inspiring path. 

This photo is of local police assisting with traffic control as we march to raise awareness to "Protect the Girl Child" from exploitation in India.

This photo is from the march.