Simona's Mission in Kolkata – One Yes, Many Lives Touched
Over the past year, Simona sensed God continually drawing her towards mission work among communities experiencing severe poverty in India. Responding to that call was neither easy nor comfortable, but she became convinced that her obedience could not wait. If God was asking her to go, she needed to take the next step.
In October 2025, Simona met Lun and Ngaiching, the married couple leading Open Home Foundation International (OHFI) in Kolkata. Together with a team of six social workers and teachers, they serve across four slum communities, supporting children and families facing poverty, limited access to education, poor health, and vulnerability to exploitation.
Simona departed for India in April 2026, committing to spend five months serving alongside the OHFI team before returning home in September.
Bringing Hope Through Practical Care
OHFI exists to meet both immediate needs and the long-term wellbeing of children, women and families. Their tuition centres provide children with education, a safe place to learn, and a daily tiffin meal, helping remove barriers created by hunger and poverty.
Beyond the classrooms, the ministry also provides home visits, literacy and employment training, child-protection education, medical clinics, pregnancy and healthcare support, and community development programmes that empower families to build healthier, more sustainable futures.
Over the past four months, Simona has served across many of these areas—helping in classrooms, visiting homes, supporting medical clinics, and building relationships with children, parents and community members.
Educational resources to be distributed.
Small Acts, Lasting Impact
One of Simona's most significant opportunities was leading a self-defence class for children.
"Sadly, the area has experienced high levels of sexual abuse and violence, so teaching the children practical ways to protect themselves and stay safe is incredibly important."
The children embraced the training enthusiastically, growing in both confidence and awareness. While one class cannot remove every danger they face, it equips them with practical skills and the confidence to seek help when needed.
Another simple but meaningful project involved providing every child with a school exercise book and a pen or pencil.
"Seeing the excitement on their faces over something so simple was a beautiful reminder that even small gifts can make a lasting impact."
For many families, these basic supplies are difficult to afford, yet they make it possible for children to fully participate in their education.
Receiving educational resources
Restoring Dignity
One initiative especially close to Simona's heart came to fruition at the end of July. After spending time with women and teenage girls, she recognised how limited their access was to safe menstrual products and the impact this had on their health, dignity and ability to attend school consistently.
Determined to find a sustainable solution, Simona partnered with a local supplier, securing a 30 percent discount on period underwear. Through this initiative, more than 50 girls, along with several teachers and female family members, will receive reusable period underwear. What began as an observation became a practical response that will help remove one of the barriers preventing girls from participating confidently in school and everyday life.
Period care initiative
Relationships That Point to Jesus
While practical support has been an important part of Simona's role, relationships have been at the heart of her mission.
Despite language and cultural barriers, she has developed deep friendships within the community. One particularly meaningful relationship has formed with a Muslim woman who has begun asking questions about Jesus. Rather than driving conversations, Simona has simply shared her own story, explaining how knowing Jesus has shaped her life and walking alongside her friend with patience and compassion.
These moments remind us that mission often grows through ordinary acts of love, trust and faithful presence.
What God Is Teaching Her
Serving in Kolkata has transformed Simona as much as it has allowed her to serve others. She has been challenged by the cost of surrender, realising that following Jesus often requires releasing our own plans, comforts and expectations. Obedience is not simply about being willing to help—it is about trusting God enough to let Him lead wherever He chooses.
Living in another culture has also expanded her understanding of God's work. Rather than expecting Him to move only in familiar ways, Simona is learning to recognise His presence through different people, cultures and circumstances.
Her time in India has also reshaped how she views generosity. The equivalent of just $5 NZD can provide medical care for two people or educational books for six children. In a place where so little can achieve so much, she has been reminded that generosity is measured less by the size of the gift than by the willingness to give.
One phrase has stayed with her throughout this season:
"It is not worth anything if it costs you nothing."
She often returns to the parable of the Good Samaritan. While others passed by, the Samaritan allowed compassion to interrupt his plans and personally carry the cost of caring for another. For Simona, this has become a picture of genuine love—one that is willing to stop, serve and sacrifice.
Life in Kolkata has also slowed her pace. Without the constant busyness and comforts she was accustomed to, she has found greater space to reflect, pray and process what she witnesses each day. Although only a few hours may be spent on the frontline each day, those hours carry deep significance. They are followed by time to pray for the people she has met, grieve the suffering around her and seek God's heart for lasting change.
How We Can Pray
As Simona enters the final weeks of her mission, we invite you to continue praying:
For strength, health and protection over Simona and the OHFI team.
For the children to continue growing through education and community support.
For opportunities to share the hope of Jesus through everyday relationships.
For lasting impact from the period underwear initiative.
For the upcoming medical clinic and those receiving care.
For wisdom and grace as Simona prepares to return home in September.
Simona's simple "yes" to God's call is already touching countless lives. Through practical service, genuine friendship and faithful obedience, she is helping bring dignity, hope and the love of Jesus to communities across Kolkata—one relationship, one act of kindness and one life at a time.
