Retna and Balluro were two strangers in India raised in two separate Christian orphanages. They were eventually arranged into a loving marriage and began ministering to the people of India on behalf of the Lord. But when Balluro turned 18, he went from “three meals a day to nothing with his suitcase in hand,” said his son and current director of Crosspoint of India. His son and his family, who have since built up the ministry and now facilitate all components since 2000, shall remain nameless to protect their safety.
Crosspoint of India is a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting fellowship, transforming communities, and raising up strong leaders for Jesus Christ. Their mission motto is “Changing hearts from the heart of India.” And this is exactly what the directors carry out in every field of their mission, including the orphanage.
While some Christian orphanages take care of the individual up until 18 years old, Crosspoint of India makes sure to consider “mental, physical, financial, and spiritual” nurturing even after a child ages out. The directors themselves have helped with college tuition and wedding costs, even teaching new mothers how to nurse their newborn babies. “The heart of our orphanage is to really be a family,” the directors promise.
With a similar community-focused attitude, Crosspoint of India runs a fair-trade handicraft training business called The White Peacock. Founded to “equip and empower a community of local slum-dwelling women,” The White Peacock provides a platform for women to contribute to their households financially. Rather than assembling women to collectively work on assigned projects, The White Peacock invites women to identify their skills and maximize those talents. So far, the organization has spiritually and economically supported over 60 families.
In addition to these services, Crosspoint of India has established medical clinics and camps, a public school, homeless outreach, agriculture demonstrations, and computer education. However, their greatest financial commitment is the pastoral training done in home villages.
“They worship everything,” the directors explain. Nearly 316 million gods are worshiped by India’s indigenous people, and Crosspoint of India strives to make Jesus Christ, not one of their many gods but their only God. The directors’ vision is to see one church for every 1000 people.
While Crosspoint of India is versatile in its services, it’s easy for the ministries to overlap with an underlying focus. Four foundational principles guide this ministry: faithfulness, availability, transparency, and accountability to humankind and God. The directors of Crosspoint insist, “If you are faithful in the big and small things- He’ll open the heavens for you.”
Crosspoint of India includes a staff of only 26 people and most of the organization is run by volunteers. To partner with Crosspoint of India and their ministry efforts, simply make a donation on their website. 100% of each donation made goes to the work done in India.
Featured Image by Nikunj Gupta
