IN HIS IMAGE
“70-100 million people have disabilities in India”
– Hindustan Times
In India the belief is strong that children with disabilities are worthless, a curse, bad karma. That belief leads to neglect and to lack of services or opportunities.
Since 2007, In His Image Center has lived out a calling to transform India with the truth that people who are differently-abled are created in the image of God and are precious in His sight.
In His Image is a center for students with autism in New Delhi. They serve 30 to 40 students with all the services that they need under one roof, regardless of the family’s financial situation. And rather than “aging out” at 18, adult students continue to receive support and training to take on valued roles as contributing members of society.
SERVICES
We provide all the services necessary for students with autism, from age 4 to young adult, to reach their full potential.
Classroom Time
Students receive occupational, speech, and physical therapies.
Family Support
We support parents through counseling, workshops, and awareness building with extended family.
ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES
The Church has the mandate to love and serve the most vulnerable. Beyond that, churches are called to welcome every person as a valued, contributing member of the body of Christ. We seek to raise awareness of this calling among churches across India. We also help to train churches in the biblical foundation and practical realities of engaging with people with disabilities.
The Church has the mandate to love and serve the most vulnerable. Beyond that, churches are called to welcome every person as a valued, contributing member of the body of Christ. We seek to raise awareness of this calling among churches across India. We also help to train churches in the biblical foundation and practical realities of engaging with people with disabilities.
Founder’s Story
In 2004, a Christian mother in India received the news that her son had autism. She was told, “Nothing can be done. Let him live out his karma.”
In India, the belief is strong that disabled children are worthless, a curse, bad karma. That belief leads to neglect and to lack of services or opportunities. But this mother knew the truth: that her son is made in the image of God, that his life has purpose and potential. So she began looking for services to help her son. Instead, she found other desperate parents who had no place to turn. At that point she felt called to show people that the children her society was discarding are only differently-abled, and that they are a blessing.
God led this mother to open a center for children with autism. Her hope was to be a model to others—a light house. Today, In His Image Center serves 30 to 40 students who, as the founder dreamed, are “able to get all the services that they need under one roof, regardless of the family’s financial situation.” Furthermore, God has opened doors for her to teach the truth-based philosophy and best-practices of In His Image to thousands of mainstream school teachers, SpEd educators, and other practitioners. The school has been a model for two other new centers and their curriculum.
Today, the calling remains as clear as ever—to transform India with the truth that those who are differently-abled are created in the image of God and are precious in His sight.
PLEASE PRAY
Please pray for enrollment at the center to grow.
Pray for a new building to come available for the center that will meet all the current government regulations.
Pray for parents and family members to be lovingly involved with their students—that they would have grace and strength to care for their special needs.
Pray for Sheila, the Director of the In His Image Center—that she would have grace and wisdom as she leads teachers, staff, parents, and students.
Funding is really needed right now. Please pray for companies, foundations, and individuals to come alongside us. Pray for stable funding month-to-month and year-to-year.
More Prayer Resources
STORIES AND UPDATES
Below are two recent articles related to the In His Image Program. You can read more related stories and updates on our blog.
