Word Made Flesh Chennai’s calling is to see Jesus among the poorest of the poor in the community, especially children affected by HIV/AIDS.
India is renown for its rich historical heritage, storied traditions, distinct cultures, and resilient people groups, all of which contribute to the collage of beauty and brilliance that makes up this great nation. Still India is a country torn apart by an exploding AIDS epidemic, religious tensions, political instability, an ever-increasing economic disparity, unsustainable population growth and rampant inflation. In a nation such as this, vulnerable children suffer the most.
Mission Statement
Our calling is to see Jesus among the least and the poorest of the poor in the community, especially children orphaned by AIDS and children living with HIV. We are committed to make the knowledge and love of Jesus known to them by providing homes filled with love and warmth, giving them an opportunity to grow up with dignity and love, and providing witness to the love of our Lord.
Machzhilchi Illam – Children’s Home
Machzhilchi Illam (Home of Happiness) was opened in 1994 and was the first WMF care home to be established and we understand it to be the first pediatric AIDS care facility in South India. The Home of Happiness cares for children orphaned by AIDS, children living with HIV, children from families affected by AIDS or Hansen’s disease (leprosy) and abandoned babies. Patrick and Victoria Samuel (Care Home Directors) have led the home since the beginning and continue to take in more children, daily laying down their lives for each one. There are 34 children (21 girls and 13 boys) between the ages of 3 and 14. Three of the children living with HIV are undergoing special care and treatment (antiretroviral therapy).
Remembrances
We honor the lives of those who have died under the care of WMF. We thank God for entrusting them to us, if only for a short time. Please visit the Remembrances page to read the memorials of some of our children.
Destitute Women
WMF Chennai also runs a ministry among destitute women. These women, who have struggled to escape lives of prostitution or who are living with HIV, widowed, divorced or victims of domestic violence find love and acceptance in the WMF child-care facilities. WMF trains these women as caregivers, providing them with a family atmosphere, Christian discipleship, economic stability and giving them an opportunity to educate themselves through correspondence courses during their stay at the homes.