We are sending out this letter with a heavy heart with the intention of reaching our international devotee family. We sincerely request all devotees to join our effort to help a dear friend, godbrother and very special devotee named Gaurasundara Prabhu. Gaurasundara is a young man of 25 years of age. He is the son of Mangala Devi and Ciranjiva Prabhu (Srila Prabhupada's disciples). At the age of fifteen he fully dedicated his life to Guru and Gauranga. He left home, went to Vrndavana Dham, took a vow of brahmacarya and grew into a prodigy of extraordinary devotional talent. For years thereafter Gaura traveled throughout the world preaching the mission of Mahaprabhu. His model character, amazing kirtans and sincere devotional talks touched the hearts of so many devotees.

In July 2004, Gaurasundara Prabhu returned from a preaching tour and while attending a pilgrimage in Jagannatha Puri Dhama, dove into the ocean waves, hit his head on the sand and broke his neck. This tragic accident left him paralyzed and without sensation from the chest down. After the accident, Gaurasundara underwent surgery and a seven month stay in Bhuvanesvara Hospital until he was physically stable. At that time he returned to the states and has been in the care of his mother and family, who are with him night and day.

For two years now Gaura has dealt courageously with the Lord's unexpected test. In one sense, little has changed. His preaching continues although it is more localized, his body is less mobile and his kirtan a bit quieter. But true to character, he continues in the best of spirits, inspiring his family and the regular flow of guests who file through his room. Despite all that has happened, Gaura's devotional spirit still remains an example to us all. Physically he has also made a little progress yet recovery is painfully slow and over the past months seems to have come to a standstill.

On behalf of Gaurasundar and his family we are requesting everyone to consider giving a donation to Gaura which will be used specifically and only for continued medical treatment. Although Gaura has insurance his coverage is minimal and will not pay for many types of treatments which his family feels would be very beneficial for Gaura.

Gaura is one of 6 children and his mother is a single mom who is on a low fixed income. We are very happy to answer any specific questions you might have. If you chose to make a donation by any of the methods listed below, please inform us of your donation by contacting Sravan das. If you want us to correspond with you about Gaura’s progress, please make that request to us by email at the time of giving your donation. Thank you very much for considering our appeal.

Chandrika dasi

A Note From Gaura's Mother

My Dear Friends,

I want to express my gratitude to all the devotees who have so kindly helped and who may help in the future. I have no doubt that the Lord will surely bless anyone who would share for a soul like Gaura. I have learned so many valuable lessons through these difficult times. Most importantly, I hope that I have learned to be kind to others as you have all been to me--this is my earnest prayer. My son Gaura is very shy and does not like attention and honor. He is a very good boy and I am proud of the wonderful devotee he has become. Despite Gaura's mood, close friends and also devotees whom we have never met have insisted that they want to help. My sincere thanks to all of you. Please keep us in your prayers.

Your servant,
Mangala dasi

Methods of Making a Donation

MAILING YOUR DONATION Mail your Tax Deductible donations to:

Bhakti Projects, Inc.
4589 Pacheco Blvd
Martinez, CA 9455
USA

Make checks payable to: Bhakti Projects. Please write Gaurasundara in the Memo

WIRE TRANSFER

Bank Name: Wells Fargo Bank
Swift Code: WFBIUS6S
Wire routing: AB A 121000248
Bhakti Projects Savings account # - 7824 384 353
Once transfer is completed please email or call:
accounts@bhaktiprojects.org or 925-335-2300 ext. 108 to provide transfer information and confirmation

PAYPAL TRANSFER

SEND TO PAYPAL ACCOUNT NAME: accounts@bhaktiprojects.org  In the message body (memo) please write Gaurasundar

Bhakti Projects will confirm all contributions with a receipt within three weeks. Please inform Sravan das at sravan16@yahoo.com when you make your donation. Please also inform Sravan das if you do not receive a receipt for your donation. Thank you.