OUR VISION
We hope and pray for a future in which those we serve experience the freedom, dignity and fullness of life that comes when we enter into relationship with Jesus Christ.
EIN: 26-3359068
Our Office
51 W Monroe St
Franklin, IN 46131
(317) 494-6226
Monday – Friday:
Monday – Friday:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
BYTAVI Boutique
51 W Monroe St
Franklin, IN 46131
(317) 494-6226
Tuesday & Wednesday:
Tuesday & Wednesday:
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday – Saturday:
Thursday – Saturday:
10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Midwest Food Bank event
Inspiration comes in all ages and sizes. 43 kids gave up their Saturday morning to come to the Midwest Food Bank and sort out different toiletry items and giant bags of candy for the hungry and needy families of Indianapolis. However, they did not just come, they came willingly and with excited faces. The entire warehouse at the food bank echoed with the laughter of small children rushing to see who could fill their bags the fastest – so they could fill another bag! Happy voices mingled in with the laughter as the older kids helped the younger kids, as parents stood back and watched their children taking the first steps to changing the future.
When food bank director John Whitaker announced to the room full of excited kids that some families in Indianapolis can not afford to buy little treats for their children, such as candy, disappointment crept onto their faces. He went on to say that a local candy company had donated a lot of candy to the warehouse and that they would be dividing it up and putting it in bags. Their eyes were shining at the mention of candy, but there was joy when John reminded them it wasn’t for them to eat, but to give away. Their excitement was contagious as the parents also started to show signs of eagerness.
The group was divided randomly and half of the kids sorted and stuffed bags of candy, while the other half sorted and stuffed special bags filled with shampoos and soaps. Each child was determined to make sure that these bags were filled exactly like they were supposed to; they were also determined to make as many bags as they could in the time that they had.
So inspiring. Children of all ages coming together to help the poor of Indianapolis. So willing, so nonjudgemental. There is a lot to be learned from the faith of a child, and the unquenchable thirst to know why other kids in the world don’t have everything that they do, and their humble innocence in wanting to help. While we strive to fill our children with good morals and values, our children are instilling us the reminder that we can give unselfishly–even when it’s candy.
By Aimee Davis
-No matter the age, or the shape or the size
helping can be done if we open our eyes
If we follow the steps that our children are taking
We will see tall the changes in lives they are making
So maybe for a while instead of leading,
We should follow our children to see what they’re seeing-
Happy Hands – Happy Handbags
We are constantly overwhelmed by the opportunities that God provides for byTavi in the United States. It seems that every time we turn around, God has opened a door for a major event, or saved us a prime spot at a conference, or gives us the opportunity for a great marketing tool for FREE! This last example is exactly what happened a few weeks ago…
Have you heard of Vine? Vine is a mobile app that allows its users to create and post six second videos that can be shared on social networking services, such as Twitter and Facebook. Several weeks ago, Brandin6 approached us about running a Vine contest. Whoever came up with the best Vine video about byTavi, would win a cash prize.
Well, what does this mean for byTavi? It means that we were featured on the main page of Vine and Brandin6, people who never knew we existed, were now creating videos about us, and the word spread like wildfire. We are so grateful for this opportunity that we thought we’d share it with you. We are so thankful for @hunrharrison who created the winning video.
Check out “Happy Hands make Happy Handbags” here:
You can also check out ALL of the byTavi videos here: http://www.brandin6.com/bytavi.html
by Kristen Baynai
Recycling Our Hearts
by Alan Beringer
When I arrived I noticed the recycling cart parked in front of the CGI office. This is a pretty common sight in Cambodia, especially in the city. Very little goes to waste in the developing world. Mom was not far away, but it struck me that she left her little one in the cart while she searched through bins and asked neighboring store owners if they had anything that she might be able to sell. When she returned we asked her what amount she would make from the recycler. She said $5 a day, but based on what we saw in the cart and know of the industry, that seemed very optimistic.
Our hearts break in increments, but they heal quickly. Then we forget. We become distracted and self-absorbed. Then we move on. Could I challenge you to remember the poor today? Perhaps even do something for the poor today? On the drive from the airport, we were stopped in traffic at a light. A little kid – maybe 8 or 9 – took a feather duster and started “cleaning” our car. This happens a lot here. The boy needed money but knew that doing something was better than just begging. His hopeful eyes gazing through the still dusty glass finally broke Alan Beringer down, who rewarded his effort with a small gift. Let your guard down today and let your heart break just a little. Consider for a moment what your life and what your future would be like if this picture was taken of you.
Until ALL have heard,
Chris
Story of Hope: Chanary
When I met Chanary two years ago, she would hardly look me in the eye. Her face wore her pain. Her past had its scars, many of which we cannot understand here in Central Indiana. We welcomed her into the Daughters House, where she was taught the Bible, English, and sewing skills.
We watched her mature over the past two years. Now Chanary is much more confident and hopeful. Her English has immensely improved. When the Green Mango Café and Bakery needed a front hostess and manager, it made sense to offer the position to Chanary, even if it meant a move. She was the oldest girl in cgiDaughters so I knew it was time for her to have more independence.
Now Chanary smiles, she laughs, and she enjoys many new friendships. It brings me great joy to see how God has worked in her life and how she is doing her new job well. Indeed, this is the hope you and I through CGI can give those whose lives have been marred by extreme poverty and at-risk environments.
By Nicole Krajewski