Blake and I have seen the intense brokenness that exists all around us. Whether here or in some far-away country, people suffer deeply as a result of abandonment, abuse, poverty and disease. Sometimes the world feels so hopeless and people seem so bound by fate. 

Which is why we want to help spread stories of hope and healing!! In response to pain and suffering all over the world, SO many amazing people and organizations have found practical ways to share the message of God's grace and love! We have been so inspired by these amazing people that are passionate about serving and LOVING others - and we want to be a small part of the work that they are doing. AND YOU CAN JOIN US!!! 

SO - this is our new plan of attack:

Starting NOW - we are going to start highlighting the beautiful individuals and organizations who's stories of passionate sacrifice and service have inspired us. AND we're going to start donating 10% of all income to the organizations. So - if we shoot YOUR engagement/wedding - YOU will get to choose any of the highlighted organizations to which we will donate 10% of your photography package price. So - here goes...

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE: CALCUTTA MERCY MINISTRIES

Photos courtesy of Calcutta Mercy Ministries

What inspired the creation of your organization?

NEED. This isn’t a romantic story, but reality with elements of what seems to be fantasy. Two missionaries embarked on an endeavor to share the ‘gospel’ with the people of Calcutta, India for a single year. And what has transpired is Jesus being played out every day by those that have given their lives to serve the disregarded and the poor.

One day, during a church service, a beggar walked in and screamed, “Preacher, feed our bellies and then tell us there is a God in heaven who loves us.” This inspired the Buntains to launch a number of compassionate programs across Calcutta, beginning with a feeding program to nourish the physical needs of the poor.

What is the mission of your organization?

Our Mission: Calcutta Mercy Ministries is dedicated to developing the best in cutting-edge care and services for the diverse needs in India through partnerships with individuals and organizations of various professions and passions from across the globe.

What We Do: In 1977, we opened a full general hospital. Today, this hospital has 173 beds with 30 multi-specialty units, along with a Cardiac Care Unit, an Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics, a Blood Bank and Diagnostic Centers. Hospital treatment extends beyond Calcutta through Mercy Outreach Clinics. The Calcutta work also includes an educational system with over 100 city and rural schools, like the Teacher’s Training College, the Calcutta School of Nursing, a school for the blind, and homes for children. Further services include a daily feeding program for more than 25,000 people.

What is your advice for people that are passionate about your mission?

1. Come Volunteer. We host nearly 350 volunteers each year in a program designed to engage each volunteer in the capacity that suits them best. Our volunteers work among our free care program, the children in our over 100 elementary and secondary schools and at our School for the Blind, as well as visit our rural clinics, Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity program and work among our medical professionals at our Mercy Hospital. Apply online at buntain.org/volunteers.html.

2. DONATE. There are various programs you can donate to or simply to a general fund that will tangibly provide care to one of our over 100,000 patients or over 25,000 families receiving meals daily through our free feeding program. You can also sponsor a child, either one of our cleft palate patients or our blind students.

Photos courtesy of Calcutta Mercy Ministries

For more information about volunteering, donating, or hosting a fundraiser, visit their website at www.buntain.org. They are also beginning a Laundry Service to provide employment to women form the Red Light districts of Calcutta. The facilities will give women an opportunity to escape the brothels and learn a trade that is beneficial to the Hospital – amazing.