On May 1, 2005 at 6PM in the Community Life Center, Grace was privileged to host Bibles For The World (BFTW) India Children’s Choir.

          The India Children’s Choir was on a ten-month tour of the United States performing for churches, schools and retirement homes.  They tell the story of their people’s transformation from fierce headhunters, only two generations ago, to ambassadors for Christ.  A Gospel of John had been given to the tribal leaders in the early 1900’s which set things into motion.

          Since that time Dr. Rochunga Pudaite translated the Bible into the Hmar language for his people, and today 96% of the tribe claim Jesus Christ as their Lord.  The twenty-two children, ranging in age from nine to twelve years-old, are direct descendants of these former headhunters who live in the remote areas in Northeast India.

          Dr.  Rochunga Pudaite, along with his wife Mawaii, founded Bibles For The World in 1959, a mission dedicated to sharing the Bible with people in their native languages on a global scale.  Since its inception BFTW has sent over 16 million New Testaments to more than 168 countries around the world.  The India Children’s Choir is sponsored by Bibles For The World.

          Bibles For The World also currently runs 32 village schools, five high schools, a junior college, one seminary and five schools for Dalits, the untouchables of India’s caste system, in Delhi.  The total enrollment of the schools is nearly 10,000 students; about 15 percent of whom are sponsored by individuals in North America.  In addition, a 30-bed hospital has been established by Bibles For The World in Northeast India ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the people.

          The event was a tremendous success with several hundred people of all ages attending the event.  Refreshments were served afterwards as some great fellowshipping was taking place.  While in Bradford on May 1st & 2nd, the children stayed with host families.  Churches represented by these host families include Grace Lutheran, First United Methodist, First Wesleyan and St. Francis.  Carleton Campbell, the coordinator for this event, would like to express his sincere gratitude to all the families who opened their homes to these young ambassadors.