We had this project about 2 weeks ago, but I didn't bring my camera, so here are some pictures from Brother McIllece, the YM president. The first shows our Suburban... we had 18 people crammed into it. Then you see some of our YW sanding the walls. It was a very messy job. Then the painting. Then me with our 20 year old YW president, and our YM president's driver, who is also a member. Last picture shows all the Mutual kids and a few of the 32 children of the home. It took 22 youth and 4 adults about 4 hours to sand, paint and clean up 3 rooms in the home. It turned out so well, that the mutual kids in the other branch wanted to know why they don't get to do service projects like that! We told their branch president that we'll fund it if they will round up the labor.
Brother McIllece wrote the following for submission in the Liahona (which is what everyone here gets, even the English speakers).
New Delhi Youth Make Service Look “Pretty in Pink”
…When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your
God… Mosiah 2:17
With these words of the prophet-king Benjamin in their hearts the young men and young
women of the New Delhi 2nd Branch recently joined together to meet the needs of
orphans in India. Organized by Branch President and Sister Flake of the New Delhi 2nd
Branch, over twenty youth joined together to help the Saikripa Orphanage in the nearby
city of Noida prepare for a truly momentous event – a wedding! “Aunty Anjina” as she
is lovingly called, has taken in the fatherless and motherless for decades, giving them a
home, food, and precious love that they would not find on the streets. That alone is cause
to celebrate – but two of their own girls, now adults, are both returning to be married in
the very orphanage where they were raised! With such joyous events coming soon, the
orphanage needed to be beautified and made ready.
…I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to
that which he hath… Mosiah 4:26
The youth of the 2nd Branch were ready to meet the need. First there was sanding and
cleaning to be done to prepare the walls of the girls’ level for the pretty pink paint that
Aunty had picked out for them. After sweeping up all the paint dust, removing cobwebs,
and arranging and covering the beds and belongings, the youth got down to business
painting. The heat, humidity, and cramped spaces made the task far from pleasant, but
you wouldn’t know it from the smiles and happy talk that filled the three small rooms.
Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind… D&C 64:34
After several hours of painting, cleaning, and more sweeping, the once gloomy rooms
were transformed. This humble space was brighter, cleaner, and more inviting.
Although they wouldn’t see the reactions firsthand, it was easy for the youth to imagine
the smiles and laughter of surprised and delighted little girls. It was also exciting to
visualize the wonderful wedding ceremonies that would take place, alive with color,
music, and happiness.
…But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That
thine alms may be in secret… Matthew 6:3-4
Surrounded by so many people living in terrible poverty, it may be difficult to think that a
day spent painting three rooms makes any difference. But for those who were there and
felt the spirit of this service, it was clear that it made a world of difference. After
completing their work, despite the heat, fatigue, and crowded conditions, the youth of the
Delhi 2nd Branch spent the long drive home singing hymns and primary songs!
Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.
And out of small things proceedeth that which is great … D&C 64:33
We had this project about 2 weeks ago, but I didn't bring my camera, so here are some pictures from Brother McIllece, the YM president. The first shows our Suburban... we had 18 people crammed into it. Then you see some of our YW sanding the walls. It was a very messy job. Then the painting. Then me with our 20 year old YW president, and our YM president's driver, who is also a member. Last picture shows all the Mutual kids and a few of the 32 children of the home. It took 22 youth and 4 adults about 4 hours to sand, paint and clean up 3 rooms in the home. It turned out so well, that the mutual kids in the other branch wanted to know why they don't get to do service projects like that! We told their branch president that we'll fund it if they will round up the labor.
Brother McIllece wrote the following for submission in the Liahona (which is what everyone here gets, even the English speakers).
New Delhi Youth Make Service Look “Pretty in Pink”
…When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your
God… Mosiah 2:17
With these words of the prophet-king Benjamin in their hearts the young men and young
women of the New Delhi 2nd Branch recently joined together to meet the needs of
orphans in India. Organized by Branch President and Sister Flake of the New Delhi 2nd
Branch, over twenty youth joined together to help the Saikripa Orphanage in the nearby
city of Noida prepare for a truly momentous event – a wedding! “Aunty Anjina” as she
is lovingly called, has taken in the fatherless and motherless for decades, giving them a
home, food, and precious love that they would not find on the streets. That alone is cause
to celebrate – but two of their own girls, now adults, are both returning to be married in
the very orphanage where they were raised! With such joyous events coming soon, the
orphanage needed to be beautified and made ready.
…I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to
that which he hath… Mosiah 4:26
The youth of the 2nd Branch were ready to meet the need. First there was sanding and
cleaning to be done to prepare the walls of the girls’ level for the pretty pink paint that
Aunty had picked out for them. After sweeping up all the paint dust, removing cobwebs,
and arranging and covering the beds and belongings, the youth got down to business
painting. The heat, humidity, and cramped spaces made the task far from pleasant, but
you wouldn’t know it from the smiles and happy talk that filled the three small rooms.
Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind… D&C 64:34
After several hours of painting, cleaning, and more sweeping, the once gloomy rooms
were transformed. This humble space was brighter, cleaner, and more inviting.
Although they wouldn’t see the reactions firsthand, it was easy for the youth to imagine
the smiles and laughter of surprised and delighted little girls. It was also exciting to
visualize the wonderful wedding ceremonies that would take place, alive with color,
music, and happiness.
…But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That
thine alms may be in secret… Matthew 6:3-4
Surrounded by so many people living in terrible poverty, it may be difficult to think that a
day spent painting three rooms makes any difference. But for those who were there and
felt the spirit of this service, it was clear that it made a world of difference. After
completing their work, despite the heat, fatigue, and crowded conditions, the youth of the
Delhi 2nd Branch spent the long drive home singing hymns and primary songs!
Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.
And out of small things proceedeth that which is great … D&C 64:33
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