"How much would you pay for a little girl?"

I didn't answer. The question actually made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

"How much money is a little girl worth?" He asked again. "$100? $1000?"

I was afraid to answer. I knew I would say the wrong thing.  I just half smiled, waiting for the rest of the story.

"Well, we just bought a beautiful little girl for 3000 rupees (about $70)!  Can you believe that? A beautiful little soul for only $70."

$70?  I spend that much money on a pair of shoes!  How in the world could a child be bought for the same amount?

I listened intently and Bill Dull finished his story.

"There was a little girl that we heard about from some church members.  She had been raised an Adventist.  When her parents died her relatives sold her to be a slave for only 1200 rupees (about $30)!  Can you believe that? A precious soul, for $30.”  Bill’s eyes danced as he went on. “She ended up doing housework for strangers.  When she tried to explain to them that she would like to have the Sabbaths off they just gave her more work to do on Saturdays.  We offered her "owners" $70 for her and brought her back to the orphanage.  Now this precious little girl can worship her creator on Sabbath!  She is also getting a Christian education and is able to be a kid again and play with her friends.  All just for $70!"

Things in India are quite different than they are here.  We will have many things to adjust to.  We will be teaching at an orphanage near Erode, in Tamil Nadu.  Please pray for us as we work out all the details.  We are planning on leaving around the first of September, Lord willing.

Our lord was bought for only 30 pieces of silver.  I wonder how many rupees that is?

http://www.outpostcenters.org/ministries/living_springs.html