The bells are ringing, and houses have been decked with lights as families gather around, decorating their abode with happiness, joined together in unison. The nights are long, filled with festivity and treats, children waiting in anticipation for a night of miracle and wonder. Do you know 

The world is ready for yet another Christmas night as families around the world wait with bated breaths, prepared to enjoy the holidays and anticipate yet another fruitful new year, but some out there are waiting for miracles far greater; this is their story. 

According to the stats released by the Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani in Rajya Sabha, the number of orphans and abandoned children has risen by 25% since the year 2022. Many found their way to an orphanage and shelters, while some are still out there, hoping for a home, yearning for a miracle.

There are no trees, bells and whistles for many who haven’t even felt the warmth of a family but are waiting for a Christmas miracle that we can’t even fathom. This Christmas, let’s take a short trip to bring the spirit of joy and happiness to these souls and be the miracle in their lives.

“I have tried to make them understand the importance of education,” says Evangelist Molai Das from Kolkata, who runs a free education centre for underprivileged children. 

Mr Das used to conduct a children’s club in Puipukur, near Barasat Hospital in West Bengal, and every Sunday, he would visit the children and teach the community that resided in this region. Rickshaw pullers and families who survived on the bare minimum welcomed him with open arms. As the weeks passed, he realized that visiting them just once a week wouldn’t help them, so he opened a free tuition centre for the children in 2012.

“In that area, everybody started calling me ‘Sir’,” said Mr Das. He mentioned that he started receiving great responses from the community, as children from all across the region came to him for education. Many lacked proper documents, while some children couldn’t afford extra tuition, yet they all gathered under a tattered roof to learn.

The joy you feel when you see your hard work come to fruition and bear fruits beyond your imagination, that joy is indescribable, and to hear about the children that Mr Das had taught had now grown up, pursuing higher education in colleges, some girls were married, and others started businesses; the joy that envelopes you when you hear this goes beyond what words can describe.

As the tuition centre blossomed, Mr Das took out a small piece of land close to his church to accommodate more children and build a solid roof over their heads made with tin. Classes go from Monday to Friday from 7-9:30, and new teachers have joined to accommodate more children and higher grades. Snacks are served after classes as the children eagerly wait to enjoy moments of camaraderie and happiness, moments they wouldn’t have dreamed of had it not been for an opportunity like this.

But, like anything in life, challenges came upon Mr Das as he delved into the hurdles he faced at every stage. 

“I faced lots of challenges as some girls are married off at an early age. Human trafficking rates are increasing in our district. And now I need a good teacher who can teach higher classes.” 

But as he looks back at his journey, all he sees is the lives he has influenced through education and how, as the world faced the dark times that COVID-19 brought, Mr Das was able to convert that into an opportunity to deliver food packages to those in need, in the hopes of gaining opportunities to teach more.

When asked about Christmas miracles, Mr Das shared about the little joys that this season brings into the lives of these children every year. Singing, skits, dancing and games make these wee souls smile. Lunch is served, and gifts are distributed as the season of miracles takes shape through the lives of those whom we often forget about. 

Before we wrap up our gifts this festive season, let’s open the depths of our hearts for a few more brave children who will leave you wanting to render yourself away to see them smile. Nestled deep into the heart of Kerala is Rehoboth Girls’ Orphanage, a charitable trust where the word ‘Rehoboth’ translates to “God has made room for us”. This humble abode began in 1905, when Volbriech Nagel, from Germany, decided to settle in Kerala. His burden to help the needy children compelled him to stay back and open this abode. What started as an orphanage later gained a school where these girls could gain education and be prepared to face the world. Now, it is a home for young girls and anyone needing solace.

While speaking to Mr Nainaan, an active member who helps out at the orphanage, you realize their dedication and passion regarding their service for these children. With around 100 children currently residing in the orphanage, Rehoboth Girls’ Orphanage continues to inspire the lives of these young souls and bring about a change in society. 

If you are from the region where the orphanage is located or are aware of it, which is almost all of Kerala, then you will know that only one name stands out when Rehoboth is mentioned; that is ‘Mummy’.

Phyllis Naomi Treasure, lovingly called ‘Mummy’, is the heart and soul of Rehoboth Girls’ Orphanage. As a young girl, she spent all her life in New Zealand, but due to her innate desire to work amongst those who don’t have a family to call off their own, she left her home in New Zealand when she was in her 20s and settled in Kerala to help these girls find a safe space. Over the years, they have seen many miracles happen, with anonymous donors dropping food and necessities when they were starving for days to stories that will require countless pages to encapsulate the charm of this place. 

With Christmas being a season of giving, many anonymous donors sponsor food and gifts for the children, opening hearts and opportunities for these young girls to enjoy moments of peace and warmth. 

But, by far, the greatest miracle is yet to happen; it is happening on the 21st of this month. This year is unique for them as their dear Mummy turns 90. With decades of servitude and love, this year marks a special occasion for the orphanage and will be a year of miracles. 

There are many out there who yearn for a family, seek the warmth of love, and hope for miracles. This year, let us remember them because, at the end of the day, we are all one big family; no matter where we come from, we might not be related by blood, but we can choose to be united with love.