From Lamb Biryani to Life-Changing Impact
As I enjoyed some leftover *lamb biryani from our recent Gratitude Gala, I was reminded of the first meal I had during my first trip to India in 2012. I was in New Delhi searching for a lamb dish. Two men I met along the way offered to guide me to a restaurant. The place felt too upscale and empty, so they took me to their own neighborhood, which was more humble and worn. It was there that I broke my Filipino-Indian friend’s cardinal rule: “Do not eat street food.” I did anyway, enjoying lamb biryani at a small eatery. To my surprise, the bill had been quietly covered by my new acquaintances.
At the time, I was living in the Philippines and had traveled to India to visit a friend serving in the Northeast. My goal was to encourage her and bring along some much-needed supplies. Along the way, I met incredible people, including Pastor Cross, who invited me to return with a team. I agreed without hesitation.
Later that year, I unexpectedly moved to British Columbia, but the promise I made lingered in my heart. Thankfully, my church family, *FIC, partnered with me, and I returned to India with four others—Auntie Luz, Uncle Jess, Wilson Hu, and a friend from the Philippines who met us there. Together, we ran a kids’ camp for children from the slums, filmed a kids' TV program, and visited a hospice, rural village, and a Nepali orphanage.
That trip planted the seed of a vision—an orphanage to shelter the homeless families we encountered. Though I lacked the resources to make it happen immediately, I founded POGI Foundation in Canada and began by sending funds to enroll homeless children in school. Boarding school not only gave them access to education, but also provided essentials: a place to bathe, clean clothes, a warm bed, and a chance to hope.
Today, that vision has grown. Pastor Cross established God’s Dream Home, where over 100 children and seniors now have a safe and loving place to live. This nurturing environment, combined with the scholarships we offer, empowers the youth to dream big and pursue brighter futures.
This Christmas, we are filled with gratitude for you—our partners in this journey. Your prayers, generosity, and unwavering support help us continue the work of alleviating poverty through education.
*The lamb biryani at our gala was prepared by a woman I met during a field outreach in Kurdistan, Iraq. Her family now resides in Canada.
*Fleetwood International Church
With heartfelt thanks,
Buena Tupe
Founder
People of Grace International
Year-end Campaign Update
We are just $11,000 away from reaching our year-end goal to help build a school and center in the Philippines. Every gift—large or small—makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and youth we empower.
To make a year-end contribution, click the button below.
Ways to Give
Online: bit.ly/pogigift
Cheques to ICMS: Please include a "separate" note – For People of Grace International
Call or Email: (604) 240-5096 or peopleofgraceintl@gmail.com
