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Jesus said...“Let the little children come to me.” -- Matthew 19:14

Yet, many children would not know how to come if it were not for the SPICE program. The Scholarship Program for International Children’s Education (SPICE) originated in India in the 50s and enlarged as the national church grew. It operates as a sponsorship program for Brethren in Christ children in Bihar, Orissa, and Nepal. Today, 8 hostels house nearly 1000 children, and there is always the need for more.

Children ages 5-18 live in hostels, and attend government schools. The hostels provide a safe place where children are taught the Scriptures and led in daily devotions. Each hostel is located near a Brethren in Christ Church where the children worship.

Many of the current leaders in the Indian and Nepali churches have come from these hostels. These leaders are now the teachers, local officials, evangelists, church planters, pastors and church administrators. In both India and Nepal Christians experience extreme pressure and even persecution just because they follow Jesus. Helping children to be strong in Christian faith is one way to partner with our brothers and sisters in these countries.

The parents, most of them agricultural laborers, cannot afford to pay the full board and tuition fees, as well as clothing and transportation. Sometimes they can only send one of their children to the hostels, and thus to school, each year. Many would never receive any education apart from your generous donations to SPICE.