Photo by Christina Lloyd
participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony. “This building is much more than a structure,” says Noble. “Future Seventh‑day Adventist Church leaders come through this school, and it provides a less-fortunate area with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.” The building was made possible, in part, by a generous gift from the Krueger family in memory of Sue Krueger. Krueger, a longtime volunteer and supporter of Maranatha, had a passion for education and a special affinity for India, and the building is named in her honor. After the ceremony, students and teachers explored their new classrooms. These large, clean classrooms are a far cry from their old, deteriorating buildings. Students and teachers’ smiles showed their approval. And when enrollment opens in January, there should be even more smiles. “One of the parents at the dedication told me his daughter didn’t want to go to school at Khunti anymore because of the conditions, so they pulled her out,” says Noble. “Then they saw the construction going on, and with this new building, and she’ll be returning to the school next year.” The excitement for the new school building extends beyond the Khunti campus. Families are taking notice and children who have never heard of Jesus may soon be attending the school. One of the first Adventist schools in India that started with a mud hut now has a substantial building to be a beacon for the Gospel for years to come. New principal Patmas Murmu knows this building will make a big difference in sustaining Adventist education into the future. “On behalf of the school I would like to thank the donors for helping the students in getting their Christian education and hope someday these children in return will come out good and serve the community at large in their surroundings,” says Murmu.
www.maranatha.org
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NEW SCHOOL: 1 Khunti students assemble in the central
auditorium of the new Elementary Education Center. 2 Student Arzoo Warsi learns in the classroom. 3 Maranatha president, Don Noble cuts the ceremonial ribbon at a dedication ceremony. 4 Teacher Esther Kujur teaches in her new classroom. 5 Students try out their new classroom after the dedication.
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