Project 61

About "Project 61" Ministry

It is estimated that between 600,000 to 800,000 children and young women are trafficked across international borders each year and that one in four girls will be sexually abused before they reach the age of eighteen.

In May of 2008, LCMI introduced the teaching of the “Good touch-Bad touch” in the health elective during the girl’s camp. As it was taught, over the next two years, girls began to come forward to share stories of abuse. In October 2010, at Teens camp (where more mature topics are taught, discussed, challenged, more intense Q & A sessions geared towards teens) it became very evident that further initiative should be taken to support those who have bravely come forward to disclose their sexual abuse to us and ask for help.

“Project 61”, a new elective geared towards restorative ministry was launched in the 2012 camp season to bring about spiritual transformation and healing to physically and sexually wounded girls. We have begun teaching all our male and female campers on “How a godly man should treat a woman” and “How to be a godly man and woman when it comes to the opposite sex”; believing that education and prevention are the first steps to bring about restoration and hope to wounded hearts. Please continue to pray for this area of ministry in our camps, as we continue to lean on the Lord for His guidance now and in the future.

Here are few lives that were impacted through Project 61 ministry:

Male Testimonies: (names have been changed for protection)
• Bhuvan: Before coming to this camp, I used to physically abuse (beat) my sister but through Project 61, I learned that we both are equal. Now I decided to respect her and show concern towards her.
• Jitin: Before coming to this camp, I was very arrogant and proud to be a boy. I showed no respect towards my sisters and mother. But in this camp through Project 61, I learned about the heart of God towards them and I have decided to love and respect them.
• Salim (Muslim boy): Before coming to this camp, I was just attending Church. But, after coming to this camp for the first time, I learned completely about salvation and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. Through Project 61, I decided to respect girls.
• Prem: Before coming to this camp, I had a wrong motive towards girls. But thanks to Project 61, I learned that, what I was doing was wrong. Today, I decided to respect girls.

Female Testimonies: (names have been changed for protection)
• Srujana: I learned how to behave with the boys. Project 61 has helped me to learn to respect our elders.
• Esha: By Project 61, I learned how to overcome temptation. I found this subject very useful.
• Buelah: I learned many things from Project 61. I learned how to face my personal problem through prayer.
• Sonia: Project 61 taught me, how to face problems with boys and overcome by prayer.