Jesus’ Friends – Children’s Ministry in Visakhapatnam

Jesus’ Friends – Children’s Ministry in Visakhapatnam is a multifaceted Christian mission dedicated to sharing the love of Christ with vulnerable populations, including women and children in slums, those affected by HIV/AIDS, and marginalized communities in both urban and rural regions. Rooted in a vision of hope and transformation, the ministry aims to address spiritual, emotional, and physical needs through Bible teaching, skill-building, and community support.

The ministry began with a calling to provide hope and healing through Christ, particularly for children and women experiencing trauma, stigma, and discrimination. Over time, the mission expanded to support a wide range of at-risk groups, including children living on the streets, single-parent families, women in distress, and tribal communities practicing nature worship. Inspired by the message of Luke 4: 18–19, the ministry emphasizes the holistic transformation of lives through faith, empowerment, and practical assistance, as it is written:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Here is our current programs and initiatives:

1. Children’s Bible Clubs. Weekly Bible Clubs provide a platform for children to grow spiritually and develop a foundation of faith and character. Activities include: Bible storytelling, memory verse learning, creative activities like coloring pages, food and fellowship.

2. Support for Women in Distress. The ministry serves women living in slums, those affected by HIV/AIDS, and survivors of human trafficking by:
• Sharing the Gospel of salvation
• Providing employability training in sewing, detergent making, and food production
• Offering counseling and personal prayer support

3. Church Services and Outreach. Starting from Gospel outreach in slums, the ministry established Friends Church India in 2016. This church now operates in five service locations in Visakhapatnam:
• Gajuwaka: Primarily attended by people living with HIV/AIDS
• Kancharapalem: A central hub for diverse groups and special events
• Pendurthi: Focused on elderly women, children, and non-Christian communities
• Fishing Colony: Serves fishing families and children through Bible Clubs
The ministry also reaches tribal groups in the Araku region, sharing the Gospel and addressing spiritual needs among the Konda Dora and Peetez tribes.

4. Nutritional and Medical Support. In partnership with government-provided Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), the ministry supports individuals living with HIV/AIDS by offering nutritional supplements to help them withstand treatment. Counseling and prayer are integral to this care.

5. Skill Training for Sustainable Livelihood. Training programs in sewing and other income-generating activities empower women to achieve financial independence. Efforts are ongoing to expand these programs and provide essential tools like sewing machines.

Through its initiatives, the ministry brings the Gospel to the neglected corners of society, offering practical hope and eternal salvation. From creating safe spaces for worship to equipping women with sustainable skills, Jesus’ Friends transforms lives and fosters thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9: 2). Join us in prayer and support as we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in Visakhapatnam and beyond. Together, we can share hope, build lives, and expand God’s Kingdom.

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