More Hope for 2025 Campaign Results

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; and his love endures forever. Psalms 118:1

I trust all of you had a blessed Holy week and a wonderful Resurrection Sunday. I had a week full of new understanding this year starting with Palm Sunday, did you know that Palm Sunday was known as Lamb of Salvation Day! They had to have a perfect Lamb to sacrifice and thankfully we know Jesus was that perfect lamb.

This year I was blessed to attend a Seder Dinner. What a blessing to go through the Passover Dinner together with friends. I received a whole new understanding of Passover. And of course, Resurrection Sunday. He is Risen and our lives will never be the same again. I am so thankful we have a living, Lord!

I also want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who joined us in the “More Hope for 2025” campaign. What a joy to know we have new financial partners and new prayer warriors to stand with us as we serve together for Grace English School. Because of your generosity and prayers, as of the posting of this email we have reached 75% our goal. Our new school year has started and with further generosity we can continue to offer the best education possible to our students. Click on graphic below if you wish to join us.

MORE HOPE FOR 2025

We are thrilled to report that 14 students graduated in our first 8th grade class this past March. What a blessing to have played a small part in the future success of these children and their families.

This past week we had two former students return for a visit to the school. They both passed their 10th grade exams, which means they can now further their education, by attending a college or a trade school. Raju, our Headmaster, had them share with our students the importance of studying hard to achieve their goals in life.

Speaking of our Headmaster, Raju we thought it would be nice for you to get to know him. Here is a note from him.

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, my name is Raju, I am

Headmaster of Grace English School.  I have been working in this school for almost 10 years.  And I am very happy and the environment here is very good.  I got the opportunity of service to work in this school and I have the opportunity to learn every day. Here, at least until today, more than 200 children get the opportunity to study every year.  Children have received a free education and everything a student needs.  Because of this, many people who are in financial need and who do not understand the love of Christ have received a lot of help. School buildings have also been developed, and we have a beautiful campus for the children to enjoy.  Every morning devotion is done here, prayers are offered, Bible verses are taught, our children have become very smart, and 14 students have successfully graduated from class 8. Children testify that they do not want to leave this school. I felt sad. They want it to be up to class 10.  This is how they express their feelings on the day of farewell. I remember the moments of teaching those children.  I am happy that the children who have been taught since childhood, who grew up in front of my eyes, are graduating today.  Sometimes I ask my children, "How do you like this school?"  They say it's good, if it wasn't for this school, I probably wouldn't have been able to study by now." So, I feel my heart beating because of the laughter on their sweet faces. By God's grace, about 200 children can study, eat, play, and wear clothes. Please pray for me. I can't do anything without God's grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for my teachers and family.

Raju Headmaster Grace English School

I was once again reminded how blessed I am that God chose me to be a part of helping not only the students at Grace English School, but their parents and the village.

The last year and a half have been difficult to stay home when my heart wants to be in India in person. I am blessed that I have regular contact with everyone there and I am making plans to return in the fall.

As you all know I have been a full-time missionary to India since 2018. You may not know it but I must raise all my own support. I do not receive any money from Learning to Hope or Grace English School. 100% of all donations go to school. There are no administrative costs due to the generosity of FBC Lodi and I raise my support separately so that all the funding can go to the school staff and children.

In 2022 I was stopped by immigration while trying to leave the country. I was interviewed and encouraged not to come as often or stay as long but despite this, my role with the school has remained the same, I serve via the phone and emails, and I am still very active in the running of the school.

Because of the problem at the airport, I have had to change how I communicate with all of you. Since I no longer post my newsletters on social media, I have lost contact with several people and some of you have mentioned you are not receiving my emails. I am so sorry for this disruption. Please encourage people to go to our ministry website and sign up to remain in contact with me via my emails. https://www.learningtohope.org/

Even though much of my support has dropped, I am thankful that God always supplies my needs. If you feel God leading you to join my support team, I have a link listed below. If you would like to receive my newsletter in your email, please go to the link below and sign up.

PRAISES:

1.     Praising God that 14 students have graduated from our first 8th grade class.

2.     Praising God that 2 former students returned to share about passing their 10th grade exams and can continue their education.

3.     Praising God for everyone who joined our team for More Hope for 2025.

4.     Praising God for each one who lifts us up in not only in financial ways but with daily prayers.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.     For safety for our school to be protected from the persecution of Christians in India.

2.     For my granddaughter Emma as she fundraises so she can return to India in the fall with me.

3.     For my friend Donna to be approved for her visa request to return with me also to India.

4.     For new members to join my prayer/support team.

For more info:

email: carol@learningtohope@gmail.com

To Contribute to Carol Alexander's ministry support

Mail a check to:

First Baptist Church

267 N Mills Ave, Lodi, CA 95242

Memo: (include this account number) # 40-108

Online:

Go to: https://fbclodi.org/give

Choose from the drop down: India/Carol Alexander and enter your amount

To join in support of Grace English School ministry and give to our many school needs

Mail a check to:

First Baptist Church

267 N Mills Ave, Lodi, CA 95242

Memo: LEARNING TO HOPE (include this account number) # 20-807aa

Online:

Go to: https://fbclodi.org/give

Choose from the drop down: Learning to Hope/Grace English School/India and enter the donation.