In late July 2017, I (Emily Shepherd) will be visiting Karnataka Central Diocese, Church of South India with nine other young people, as part of the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester youth trip. My older sister, Leanne took part in the trip in 2014/5 and was a junior leader. I am looking forward immensely to taking part in the trip which will be a fabulous experience and an opportunity to help children who are less privileged than myself on the streets and in hospitals, orphanages and schools.

The annual Youth Trip stays in Bengalaru (Bangalore) each year and has built up many contacts and friendships. As English is very widely spoken there are a number of opportunities for clergy and laity. This (along with Dornakal Diocese in the Church of South India) was the first partnership formed by the Diocese and was established in 2001 under Bishop Vasantha Kumar, who has now retired. Bishop P K Samuel was consecrated bishop in 2015.

The church of South India is well established there and based in the city and outer areas, a number of which are much poorer (such as the Kola Gold Fields – the mines all closed some years ago). Bangalore is a large bustling city with huge contrasts within it. Modern buildings and multi-national corporations are often only a street apart from roadside shanty dwellers. The main language is Kanada, with Tamil a close second and some Malayalam, Hindi and Telugu spoken: as a result even the auto-rickshaw drivers speak a little English as a common tongue.
A major aspect of the church’s ministry is in education to both the poorest and more affluent and along with this a number of hostels and homes for orphan or disadvantaged children.

Chickballapur school -
There are two church hospitals, both with nursing schools, which have been a central part of their work in the past. The growth of government responsibility for health care provision is leading to a rethinking of the church’s role in this area.

Help, advice or donations appreciated!