Kilangla Ajem
Morung Express Feature
Dimapur | March 2
Tucked away in a remote place, surrounded by paddy fields and barren valleys, lies “Touch of Hope Ministry”, an orphanage inspired and motivated by God’s love. The orphanage is situated at Shoxuvi village in Dimapur District, far away from the chaos of the main town. The responsibility of transforming the lives of the orphans with compelling needs is shouldered by Meren and Damsel and true to their commitment, they have been sincerely involved in the effort to carve an identity for the children who, otherwise would have faded into oblivion. The ministry started in January 7, 2009 with two children and no means at all. But today, the orphanage is home to twenty four Children whose hopes and dreams are being nurtured and shaped in the humble abode.
“I have been raised in an orphanage and it has always been my dream to build a home for children who do not have a place to call home” said Damsel. And when she got married to Meren, she realized that they shared similar dreams. Damsel admitted with a smile saying, “I love what I am doing. I still cherish the good times, the bad times and the worst times because each one has made me a better person and made me grow in his love and I want these children to feel the same as well.” She said that, every moment spent with the children is a trip down memory lane and she praises God for giving her an opportunity to give back in return for all the goodness that life had offered to her.
Braving their way to a bright future, the orphanage has completed three years against all odds. “It is tough task to fulfill the needs of all these children especially with no sources of permanent financial assistance and we are always walking on tight rope in order to feed the children as well as clothe and meet their other requirements. However, God has been extremely kind to us and we have experienced the ray of hope even in our stormiest days!” She thankfully added. The fees received from few neighborhood children admitted to the school and the little profit they get from selling the vegetables grown in the orphanage field is their only source of income. However, there have been instances when many have contributed by donating clothes and food items, said Damsel. She also went on by saying that they get immensely encouraged when young people not just visits and spends time with the children but from their minimal incomes, contribute food and other necessities for the children. “God works in mysterious ways and we have encountered this in more ways than one and we cannot help but be more thankful for all the generosity shown towards us” added Damsel.
The meticulous self-introduction by the 24 children and the flow of conversation in English from such young children was the testimony of the commitment of the care takers. . Almost all the girls aspired to be missionaries while the boys aspired to become Doctors, Engineers, Police Officers, IAS Officers etc and the task of realizing the dreams of these eager and ambitious children required a team of highly dedicated individuals who understands the rewards of serving these children. This need was also fulfilled when Lanu, Akum and Benjong volunteered to teach the Children free of cost. Altogether, six of them are engaged in teaching including Damsel, Meren and Damsel’s sister.
The school is from Class A till Class IV but they upgrade the classes every year. The thatch roofs and the mud walls of the school is a pitiable sight, with no sufficient desk and benches to compliment the classrooms.
These factors however, never dampened the spirit of those involved in teaching the students. “Since we cannot afford to send the children to other schools, we ensure that all these children receive quality education within the premises of the orphanage,” Damsel stated. She also said that many anonymous and known donors donate stationeries and other materials required in the school which somehow help them make their ends meet.
“We bring up all these children as our own and want them to grow up fearing God and to become contributing, law-abiding citizens.” said Damsel. All the children address Damsel and Meren as ‘Mummy’ and ‘Papa’ and they shower their love on them with no distinction from their biological son Joshua, who is five years old. Joshua excitedly says that he has nine sisters and fifteen brothers, not at all possessive about sharing the love of his parents with the rest, while the other children emotionally revealed their stories and their experiences.
The children started singing the song, “It’s God’s way not yours or mine” and as the melody of the song resounded, one couldn’t stop but wonder how blessed the couple are that they could have a hand in making these children realize their dreams.
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