Little 5-year-old Raju was alone in the giant country of India. The sidewalk was now his bed after being abandoned by his grandmother. He sat on the streets with dogs and cats and hoped that the beggars would show him mercy by sharing their hand-outs.

Raju's father was a truck driver. As is the case for many village men who drive trucks for a living, time away from home meant time to drink and to visit prostitutes. Raju's father's lifestyle on the road made him a violent alcoholic and gave him AIDS.

Even before Raju was born, his dad began suffering from frequent fevers. Soon he became extremely weak and was bedridden. Since there was no money to consult a physician, Raju's mother simply thought her husband was sick from his excessive drinking. Before long, he was emaciated and unable to move. Shortly later, he died.

Raju's mother did not know what had killed her husband. But while she was still pregnant with Raju, she went to see a doctor. After some blood tests, she found out she had AIDS. At 2-years-old, Raju lost his 18-year-old mother. And Raju himself now had AIDS.

Because everyone in the neighborhood knew about Raju's condition and how his mother and father had both died from the same disease, no one would care for him. His half blind grandmother tried, but had to give up.

Then a small miracle occured. Children's Hope's representative in India found Raju and brought him to the orphanage that CHI helps sponsor. There, Raju has access to the medicine he needs and food that will keep him strong. With this help, he again looks like a healthy child. 


Literally thousands of children like Raju are waiting for someone to come with love  and bring them hope.  Would you look at the children waiting to be sponsored, read their stories and ask God for what He would have you do?

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