for private circulation only
INDIAN MISSIONS
October - December 2004
Indian Missions is the quarterly journal of India Missions Association, the
federation of missions in India. It has an update of contemporary missions
scenario, view-points, and articles. The magazine promotes missions, and is of
use to all those interested in missions.
Contents
General Editor
Editorial.............................................................Mr. Ashok Kumar
Dr. K. Rajendran
Heart to Heart..35 Abdication vs. Delegation.. Dr. K. Rajendran 4
Managing Editor
Mr. Sam Arackal
Editorial Consultants
Dr. Daniel Sathiaraj
Mr. John Amalraj
Mrs. Pramila Rajendran
Rev. Dr. Francis Sunderaraj
Cover Design
Mr. Kolluri George
Layout
Mr. Sam Arackal
Focus on Global Opportunities
India - A Mission Sending Nation.........................Mr. Sam George 7
Europe Calls.................................................Dr. Chacko Thomas 14
Europe - An Authentic less Reached Mission Field and the
Challenges for the 2/3rd World Mission...............Dr. K Rajendran 16
Opportunities in Singapore.................................Mr. Ashok Kumar 19
India and SEA Missions..................................Dr. Wei Leong Goh 24
Challenges of Latin America.............................Rev. Bertil Ekstorm 28
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Challenges in North America.............................Rev. Saji K. Lukos 31
Indians in Reaching the World..........................Mr. Rajesh Duthie 35
Exclusive Focus
The Highlights of the 2001 Census Report and its
Implications for Indian Missions........................Mr. John Amalraj 38
In Focus
Late Dr. RAC Paul...............................................Mr. Sam Arackal 48
Creative Thinking
Operation Nomad, A Revolutionary Project for Brazil...................
..........................................................................Mr. David Bothello 52
Pitfalls of Missionaries and Missions........................Pastor C Sekhar 55
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Chennai - 600 102.
Phone: 044-26632076
Email: imasouth@imaindia.org
Recent Happennings
57
IMA Member News
60
The views expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of IMA.
Central Office for all correspondence:
IMA, 1-300/118, Arul Colony, ECIL Post, Hyderabad – 500062.
Indian Missions,
Oct imacenter@imaindia.org,
- Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 1
Tel: 040-27134530
/ 5, Email:
ima@imaindia.org
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Response to Heart to Heart - 35
I’ve been following your Heart to Heart and though I haven’t been
responding, I must say I’m inspired by your vulnerable leadership and
proud to be your friend. Thanks for building the kingdom not another
dynasty in Indian Missions.
- Chris Gnanakan
May be the Lord is reminding you to remember the root. Do something
with old folks as well. Moses needed the counsel of Jethro.
- Gopal and Meena Hembrom
I was greatly encouraged and challenged reading the Heart to Heart.
Thanks so much.
- Paul Bendor-Samuel
I appreciated the thought about abdicating responsibility. Some years
ago I wrote a book, about questions regarding the ministry in Spanish
and Portuguese, since that was the part of the world I was working in
(although the manuscript is in English). Over the years with reading the
Word of God and seeing the ministry in different parts of the world, I
had questions. This book is based on these questions. One of the
chapters is on the question: OUR MINISTRY, IS IT RELINQUISHMENT
OR RESISTING? Here I am talking about how we need to learn to
relinquish the ministry. Perhaps a better word for abdicating is relinquishment.
- Frank Dietz, Minister at large with OM International
Thanks so much for sending me your “Letter to Mission Leaders”. I think this is
a very important topic and that you addressed it sensitively and well. I don’t
know how similar the situation is to that in the U.S. But here there is another
dimension of the problem because of the differences in methods of worship,
leadership and ministry between the generations. Many of us older leaders are
finding that we need (indeed MUST HAVE) great input from younger leaders and
increasingly turn things over to them if we are going to reach this generation.
This is sometimes a painful process because it involves different styles of worship
(I for example, do not like much of the music that the younger generation worships
to.), different styles of preaching (often less exegetical and with a great focus on
“stories”), a flat (rather than hierarchical leadership/administrative style), and all
sorts of other things.
While we have to be sure that these changes are in style or form, not the substance
or content of the scriptures, the changes can still be difficult for we older leaders.
May the Lord give you wisdom as you work with IMA leaders to find a wonderful
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Global Opportunities for Ministries
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balance between wise traditions and individuals and ways of doing
things and newer, generation sensitive ways of reaching people today.
- Bruce Narramore
I read with much interest, your Heart to Heart. Wonderful! You have
articulated your thoughts so nicely. With prayers,
-N. J.Gnaniah, East West Church, Anaheim, California
Wow! a “Super” presentation. I stand with you specially that not ONLY
the spouses but also the adult children should be invited. I pray that
every mission leader will catch this vision. -Dr. Mrs. Iris Paul, Malkangiri
What a wonderful message, How I thank the Lord for you, your courage
and your loving and constructive communication to your leaders. I
pray that it will be well received! My deep love and prayers to you, dear
brother.
- Paul Cedar
This piece is done well. I know that many will read it carefully. I was
benefited by reading it.
-Samuel Kamaleson
I want to applaud you for a gracious, well-written letter, but especially
for the content. I agree completely with the direction you are going. It
will help build a stronger and deeper church in India!
-Peter Ochs
Someone said that a leader is a person who is constantly working him/
herself out of a job and if you keep at this rate of delegation you may soon be
working yourself out of a job. Just kidding. Keep up the good work. I stand with
you. Ragland Remo Paul
Responses to Indian Missions
July – September
“The magazine had a very comprehensive coverage of your
programs”
- Rev. K. Lung Muana, Hyderabad
“Good work by the team that compiled all the proceedings of the
IMA National Conference for further reflection”
- Rev. D. B. Kulothungan, Nagpur
Response to IMA Website
A few weeks ago I checked out your website for the first time, and found
it very informative and exciting.
- Cathy Douglass, California
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 3
To Indian Missions Leaders - India Missions Association
October 2004
- 35
- K. Rajendran
Abdication vs. Delegation
I
n one of my whirlwind tours, I met
a mission leader, a member of IMA
who felt that I have abdicated my
responsibilities to the other emerging
leaders in IMA and thus he found it
difficult to relate.
The second part of the grievance is
that IMA has become inclusive even
to invite the second-line leaders* to
be part of the meetings like the IMA
National Conference.
In the last few conferences, we
progressively welcomed the spouses
of the CEOs, later the emerging leaders
to be brought in by the leaders
themselves and this year we have
asked their sons and daughters above
18 to observe the proceedings of the
meetings in which their parents
[CEOs] are involved. These invitations
has opened the eyes of the spouses,
the growing adult children and the
emerging leaders to understand the
importance of their Dad or Mum or
husband or the wife or the leader in
the mission leadership. This exercise
also sets up models for them to follow
in their spheres of leadership. It also
gives them the good time with each
other in their traveling up and down.
There are very few places where the
spouses, children and the emerging
leaders are invited to observe the
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Global Opportunities for Ministries
process of decision making and
interaction with other leaders. My own
daughter, son and wife have grown by
this process in their lives and become
responsible in life and decision makings
and learning to cooperate and work
together as teams. Team building is not
mere a topic to be taught but to perform
in action.
It is like the live telecast of the Indian or
British or any other countries’ Parliament
proceedings. This has a ramification for
the future. Since the revolution of the TV
age, we can see the proceedings of many
Parliament gatherings and feel either
proud or be ashamed the way that the
leaders conduct themselves. As
Christians we should be much more open
being filled with the fruit of the Spirit with
openness and transparency.
There are very few issues which are
secretive unless there are personal
confessions of failures and struggles for
which there are other forums within IMA
to meet, such as the CEOs [only] get
together in the cities.
Second is the question of abdication of
responsibilities to the younger people.
As IMA grows in many areas, there are
areas that the younger people could be
involved and trained especially in the
administration and mundane matters.
There are other areas where experienced
4
people like Dr. Theodore Srinivasagam,
Rev. Francis Sunderaraj and others in
the IMA Executive Committee are to be
involved.
As India Missions Association has
grown in number of members and also
the width of ministries at global level,
as Indian missions has a lot to
contribute, it becomes impossible for the
one “General Secretary” to be involved
in all matters, hence the jobs have to be
delegated. There are limits for me to be
involved in many areas because of the
sheer growth and also because of the
philosophy of developing others for
leadership.
It was easy for the one leader to relate
when IMA had only 25 missions. Thus,
the missions’ leaders themselves have
to grow up in maturity in understanding
the growth. The leaders who practice
and understand the meaning of
delegation to develop other people will
relate well to this phenomenon. Plus, an
organization which continues to be the
same for years where there is no growth
cannot understand the need to develop
other leaders. Indian missions’
challenge is great and the Christian
leadership in India must grow to develop
many leaders to handle multiple
responsibilities to reach this nation with
the Gospel of Christ.
Abdication has to be understood in
balance to delegation. There is also a
balance between bureaucratic system
and building new leaders. Delegation is
important for the sanity of leadership
and for developing the second line
leaders. Or else it will be like Moses
confronted by his father-in-law, Jethro,
as Moses’ wives have not seen him for
a period because he was “very very
busy”.
Of course the leaders who are being
developed make certain insensitive
mistakes which are risks that a CEO
takes and tries to correct it for the future.
It did not mean that appointing other
leaders was meant to be abdicating the
responsibility by Moses. He simply had
to cope and had to think of the longterm implications that he has to live with
due to some of these decisions.
Why some get delegated and not all in
equal proportion? The primary goal of
delegation is to develop people. There
were questions asked about why some
people get more delegation of work and
others less and some others never get
anything delegated. Delegation is not
just throwing away the jobs to people
around you because they are around
you by default. Delegation is a process
which begins with small jobs done
faithfully and successfully proving a
capacity to do a job in which a person
operates. It is very difficult to delegate
jobs to people who are lazy, quarrelsome,
argumentative, irresponsible, problem
creating than solving issues on the way
and not blaming the “delegator” for the
failures.
When a leader delegates a job to some
one and if the same job ends up back in
his own plate with more problems, then
it is difficult for the delegating leader to
entrust any other job to the same person.
Usually people who are idle and do not
do a job well end up loosing even what
they have and eventually will become a
headache both for the leader and in
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 5
many cases a liability to the
organization. Especially in the Christian
organization where it is difficult to
evaluate performances and dismiss if
they are not up to the mark.
So my plea to some senior leaders who
feel neglected by having newer leaders
[both newer CEOs and the emerging
leaders] must make sure that there is no
insecurity or one-upmanship feeling.
This will create hierarchy and will loose
out the great creativity the younger
leaders bring.
The great CEOs are to spot and bring
up a number of emerging leaders in their
own realms, which will achieve much for
the kingdom. Therefore, my dear
brethren, please be patient.
Please think through these issues and
be partakers of the privilege of
developing upcoming leaders with
humility and with hindsight of the things
that the Lord is doing.
Blessings.
Continuing to learn the tension between
abdication and delegation and being
bombarded on many sides.
Your fellow friend,
K. Rajendran,
India Missions Association.
Endnote
*I call the so called second-line leaders as the emerging leaders who will eventually will
become the leaders of missions and churches, given time and encouragements. I have seen
this over the many years I am in the ministry. Today’s “nobody” becomes the cornerstone
given time, energy, input and guidance and the hand of the Lord on them.
Heart to Heart
Leadership letter to Mission Leaders
If you are interested in receiving
“Heart to Heart” Leadership
letter to Mission Leaders, please
mail to <ima@imaindia.org>
6
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6
India - A Mission Sending
Nation
Sam George
T
God’s
mandate
was not to
be limited by
geography,
culture,
hroughout the history of the Christianity and mission
movement, God has been doing many new things,
which turned out to be revolutionary in nature. The
men and women in every generation that responded to the
call of the Spirit and made themselves available to what God
wanted to do for their times, had been part of those
revolutions. Be it be use of printing press for Bible
distribution, mission societies, native missionaries, radio,
film, church planting or Internet. Each of which has shaped
the mission enterprise in many new directions. And God
continues to do new things in our times. Yet we have much
to learn from past missionary enterprises from around the
world. Will we follow where God is already moving in our
times? Will we allow mission history to teach us and inspire
us, without paralyzing us? Will we be true followers of the
unchanging God of the universe and partners in his active
work in the whole world anew?
Great Commission is Global: Ends of the Earth
language or
people. The biblical mandate of the great commission is global in
scale. Jesus charged his followers to ‘Go into all the world
God’s heart ….” (Mk 16:15), “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt
aches for 28:19) and “..be my witnesses ….to the ends of the earth.”
(Acts 1:8). It was not to be limited by geography, culture,
lost people language or people. God’s heart aches for lost people
everywhere.
every
where. In his last words to his disciples he even laid out a strategy
for the global mission. According to Acts 1:8, Jesus said,
“start right here in Jerusalem and then expand in geographical
ripples to cover the whole world.” Between here (a city) and
ends of the Earth, he told his disciples that there would be
two major waves - Judea and Samaria (regions). Judea was
occupied by mostly Jews, while Samaritans were a mixed
race and hostile to Jews. The Judean region had the same
culture as that of Jerusalem, while in Samaria they needed to
engage in cross-cultural mission. When you involve in one
cross cultural mission work (Samaria), you can go to all
cultures of the world.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 7
The important point in the last recorded
till Indian independence (some 150
words of Jesus is that Jesus did not say, years), the missionary work that was
“Cover all of Jerusalem first, then take done along with British colonial powers
on Judea, next Samaria and finally, if you gave birth to what we know as the
have time go as far from here as you can Modern Missionary Movement.
and tell the people about me.” Jesus Although this era could be broken down
desires that we be involved in all four to various mission waves, I will refrain
spheres at the same time. We do not from doing so here. Many mission
have to finish the task in one to go on historians have done this at length. In
to the next. Going to the next does not short, Bible translation, printing of
mean neglect the previous sphere. But Indian language Bible, vernacular
even as we are involved in one, we worship, abolition of social evils like sati,
become a blessing to others. It is our uplift of women, education, etc. are all
obedience to the great
directly linked to this
commission, in its
movement.
entirety that brings God’s
In the next 25
blessings everywhere,
During the first 30 years of
years (1977where I serve as well as 2002), Christians Independent India (1947those who send me.
77), the churches in India
in India owned
were delinked from colonial/
the missionary
In Acts chapter 8,
western institutions and
task and have
persecution broke out in
were nationalized. Many
become the
Jerusalem and Christ’s
foreign
missionaries
largest crossfollowers were forcefully
continued to serve with
cultural
scattered throughout
various mission agencies
Judea and Samaria. Acts missionary force and work alongside of
8:1 was necessary in the
Indian Churches and
in the world
fulfillment of Acts 1:8.
missionaries. The expulsion
From those regions it
of foreign missionaries from
began to spread to the ends of the earth. India in 1977 as a result of political
When Jesus’ disciples were too busy unrest (what came to be known as the
with Jerusalem, God raised Philip to go emergency) turned out to major turning
to Samaria and later to an Ethiopian point in missionary movement in modern
eunuch, transcending both ethnic and India. The Christians in India were forced
racial barriers. The recent persecutions to take on the responsibility, by
on Christians in China and India are evagelising their fellow citizens.
scattering Christians just as in first
century. Both colonization and In the next 25 years (1977-2002),
globalization have also scattered Christians in India owned the
Indians around the world. These missionary task and have become the
migratory trends and cross-cultural largest cross-cultural missionary force
interactions are helping them catch a in the world. Today there are over 44,000
global perspective on all issues, full time cross-cultural missionaries
including missions.
associated with over 500 mission
agencies in India. The native missionary
The Indian Missionary Movement: movement has taken a firm root in India.
Historical Waves
Also many Christians in the South were
From the coming of William Carey in 1793 called to go to the North and many new
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Global Opportunities for Ministries
8
mission agencies were born as a result.
Indian leaders took on the challenge of
heading many foreign mission
organizations in India. It could be said
that the expulsion of foreign Christian
workers was the best thing that
happened for the indigenization of the
missionary movement in India. It was a
blessing in disguise. This era also led
to formation of numerous bible colleges
and theological institutions all over the
country. Not to mention numerous
research on Indian people groups,
missionary association, networks, local
mobilization, mission strategies,
literature etc that emerged
during this period.
India as a Mission Sending Nation: Go
Global
For India to receive the blessing of a
sending nation, India must send out
missionaries around the world. Though
it might defy all our reasoning, when
there is so much work yet to be done in
the land of Billion plus people, we must
be fully obedient to the Great
Commission and start sending our
missionaries to the ends of the earth. I
believe in order to see the next major
breakthrough in mission work in India,
we must send missionaries to other parts
of the world and be found obedient to
great
commission
completely.
Instead of
So what is next? No one
looking inward North India is not the ends
can predict what lies
within our own of the earth! Neither is it
ahead with any reasonable
remotest parts of India or
accuracy, some trends can country, turn our the last tribe in the remote
be observed. The Acts 1:8
jungles. I am not against
eyes outwards
principle gives us some
evangelizing the least
and see the
indication.
If
our
unreached people groups
world as God
Jerusalem is where our
in India. But a greater
sees it
mission agency/church is
obedience to the great
based (town/city); Judea
commission and taking
is the same-culture-region
Jesus’ last spoken words
(district/state) and Samaria is other more seriously. Instead of looking
cultures in India (other communities/ inward within our own country, turn our
states), then the next step is to commit eyes outwards and see the world as God
to being witness to the ends of earth. In sees it.
Jesus’ grand strategy for world
evangelization, there are no steps Apostle Paul’s missionary model is clear
between Samaria and Ends of the earth, from his linear logic in Rom 10:13-15. He
because if we have committed and connects being saved to believing to
learned to do mission in one ‘other hearing to preaching to going and
culture’, then rest of the world is more sending. In verse 15, he asks a rhetorical
of the same. With cross-cultural mission, question, “And how can they [go]
we can cover the entire world. Are we preach unless they are sent?” He
ready to go beyond our Samaria (India) himself was sent by the church in
and commit ourselves to the great Antioch and personally knew the
commission to all people everywhere? blessing of being sent by a community
In the next 20 years, will India become of believers (Acts 13:3). They gave their
the largest missionary sending nation best for world evangelization and did
in the world?
not hold back Paul for local ministries.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 9
Will Indian church give her best for
global missions?
Our mission agencies must start a
foreign missions department and start
identifying regions of the world where
mission opportunity exists. Our
denominations must start foreign
churches /dioceses. Our theological
institutes must train students for global
mission. Our researchers must provide
mission information of various parts of
the world and facilitate global
missionary involvement. We must
develop a Center for World Missions to
play a catalytic role to promote global
mission and network with other global
agencies.
We could start with our neighboring
countries such as Bhutan, Bangladesh,
Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan,
and Sri Lanka. We could look at other
10-40 countries in Middle East,
southeast Asia and even China and
Latin America. We could also begin to
work among the global Indian Diaspora
in over 120 countries. The Christian
witness among overseas Indians are
very low and could be natural step
before reaching out to people in those
host cultures. We could also leverage
the global Indian image as a technology
leader to use it as developmental
platform in working in other cultures.
(see my article on TechnoMissionaries
on use ICT for developmental mission).
This is beyond pragmatic approaches
to mission work that we are most
effective in our own cultures. Although
that is true, the spiritual reality is when
we commit to serve other people, God
blesses the work among our own people.
God’s approach to ministry has always
been incarnational and cross-cultural.
We must fully embrace God’s strategy
and economy of the Great Commission.
There will always be a unique place for
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Global Opportunities for Ministries
We must capture
God’s heart for all
nations. It is in
sending that we really
receive. And in giving
that we really have. It
is laying down our
lives that we
really live...
foreign missionaries in all national
missionary movements, which no one
else replaces. We must capture God’s
heart for all nations. It is in sending that
we really receive. And in giving that we
really have. It is laying down our lives
that we really live. They might sound
illogical, but a proven fact in the
kingdom economy. For the next
revolution of missions in our land, we
must commit to the missionary task to
the whole world.
The status of mission sending nation is
not exclusively right of few western
countries. Sending people to the
neediest part of the world, bring a
special blessing to the sending
community, church and nation. Every
nation that captured God’s heart for
people everywhere has experienced a
revival among themselves. So even as
we address the needs of people among
us, let’s not turn a blind eye to other
parts of the world where needs are far
more acute.
Mission Sending Capacity:
In the 19th century and early 20th century,
UK probably would have been a major
force behind the global missionary
enterprise. But the sending capacity has
10
dwindled since then. In the later part of
the 20 th century until very recently
Unites States continues to be the
significant force global missionary
enterprise – both in workforce and
finances. But lately tides have reversed.
Many countries that were once the
destination for western missionaries are
now sending nations.
The Chinese have set a goal of 100,000
missionaries by 2010 and the
underground house church movement
is experiencing unprecedented growth,
in spite of persecution from the
communist authorities. The vision of Back
to Jerusalem (www.back2Jerusalem.org)
has been catalytic in Chinese church
capturing the global vision.
The South Koreans had set a goal of
10,000 missionaries serving in other
countries by year 2000, which was
almost achieved. Today they have sent
out approximately 12000 missionaries
and are the second largest sending
nation after USA. The spread of the
global mission vision also coincided
with widespread revival and spread of
Christian faith in that country.
There is an obvious lesson that can be
gleaned from all these global missionary
movements – for a national movement
to experience a greater breakthrough, it
must embrace the great commission in
its totality. God’s timeless strategy is
‘ends of the earth’ and Jesus died for all
people. Sometimes our nationalistic
fervor, ethnocentric thinking and
western pragmatism come in the way
taking Jesus’ last words completely.
God’s mission is far beyond our bottomline pragmatism or any man-made
strategies.
Through the nineties, the Brazilians
have caught on the global vision and
had been sending missionaries all
around the world. They also had been a
catalyst for mobilizing the entire Latin
American region for sending
missionaries globally. This uprising
concurred
with
widespread
evangelization within Latin America.
This is not a new thing at all. Over the
years many Indian mission agencies
have posted their missionaries in foreign
countries. There are 5000 plus Indian
Christian workers around the world now.
Some simply went, not being sent by
Table: Global Mission Sending Capacity
Missionaries
Foreign
Sent out
Missionaries
National
Missionaries
Britain
2498
1681 in 171 agencies
from 54 countries
10604 in 183 agencies
to 198 countries
USA
17703
1873 in 139 agencies
from 115 countries
60200 in 631 agencies
to 220 countries
Korea
1636
Brazil
3985
1311 in 46 agencies
from 12 countries
3100 in 205 agencies
from 41 countries
10646 in 166 agencies
to 156 countries
4754 in 132 agencies
to 100 countries
India
44000
6000 in 184 agencies
5000 in 40
plus countries
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 11
anyone. But the question is how do we
increase the mission sending capacity
of India? What does it take to train, send
out and support 100,000 missionaries
around the world in next 20 years or
less? Can we repeat the feat of building
the largest cross-cultural mission force
within the country over the last 25 years
to include other nations? What are our
capacity-building strategies and how do
we hope to train and support such a
large missionary force?
When we increase our stake in global
mission, our national mission movement
would grow rapidly. There is nothing
magical about the number 100,000. It
could be more or less. But catching a
vision to develop and sustain the
largest cross-cultural missionary force
from India is the key issue. Also I must
warn that they need not have to be
funded by home churches/countries,
although some of that would happen.
But new models of missionary
mobilization, prayer, funding, support,
training, resourcing and care have to
be developed, instead of imitating the
western models.
Giving what we have: People
The basic building blocks have been
coming together over the last few years
for global missionary involvement: The
There are possibly 280
younger generations
in South
have a global outlook,
The basic building institutions
Korea training over
many
theological
blocks have been
25,000 students in South
institutions
have
Korea. Not including
developed good crosscoming together
1000s of other students
cultural
training
over the last few
among the Korean
programs and the
years for global
Diaspora. India has over
mission minded middle
200 mission training
class, is on the rise. The
missionary
institutions and we train
Indian diaspora is
involvement
over 10000 students each
globally placed and the
year. Our training
Indians possess new
levels of knowledge, skills and financial capacity and quality need to be
resources, that are sought after upgraded. They must be geared toward
training next generation of missionaries
everywhere.
to go to the ends of the earth. Our
Just as China, India has people. That is experience in cross cultural missions
our greatest asset and India must give among Muslims, Buddhists, tribal etc.,
what she has. The global missionary would help us in our work in the Middle
involvement would also be a way to East and North Africa, East and
attract younger generation to short term Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin
missions and missionary careers. They America. If the center of Christianity
could expand India’s mission has shifted to south and east, as
involvement without being any financial suggested by some recent scholars2,
burden on their sending missionary then it is only a matter of short time,
organizations, yet extending their reach that mission movement will find its new
and involvement. This could also bring center in those countries. As we map
resources that we currently are unable global missionary movement, we can see
to attract. Now is the time to take on the that it is already beginning to happen.
next challenge of revolution of our times Will India play its part for the new
mission’s movement and out-give what
in world missions.
12
Global Opportunities for Ministries
12
we have received over the past decades
and centuries?
Just as I started with a quote of Mother
Teresa, let us go beyond our ethnic
origins, citizenships and organizational
affiliation, and commit our devotion
solely to Jesus Christ and extend our
calling to all that matter to God, i.e. the
entire world. We have received much
from the global missionary movement
and now it is time to give — give our
personnel, our experience in cross
cultural missions, our training and
support to the world. It is time for India
to contribute toward global missionary
movement and receive the blessing of a
sending nation. Would you commit to
be part of God’s work to the ‘ends of
the earth’?
Sam George serves with Urban India Ministries based in Bangalore (www.UrbanIndia.org)
and various mission initiatives in India and around the world. He graduated in Mechanical
Engineering and holds a master degree in Business Management. He worked in the software
industry in India, Singapore and US for eight years before stepping into Christian Ministry
in 1996. He studies at Fuller and Princeton Theological Seminaries. He can be contacted at
magazine@imaindia.org
Endnotes
1
All missionary statistics in this paper are taken from Operation World , 21st century
edition by Patrick Johnstone & Jason Mandryk (Paternoster Publishing, GA, 2001) and
World Christian Encyclopedia and World Christian Trends by David Barett, George
Kurian & Todd Johnson (NY: Oxford Press, 2001). Also browse
www.WorldChristianDatabase.com
2
Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom: The coming of Global Christianity, (NY: Oxford
Press, 2002). Also Andrew Walls, The Missionary Movement in Christian History, (NY:
Orbis, 1996).
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 13
Europe Calls
Into The Spiritually Devastated Continent
Dr. Chacko Thomas
E
The Bible
does not
urope was the “home” of the Christian faith
for several centuries, even to the extent that
many in Asia believe that Christianity is western.
However, today Europe is a post-Christian, in need of the
Gospel just as much as India, Algeria or Japan. Whereas
the church is growing in every other continent, Europe is
the only continent where the church is known to be
shrinking. “Jesus Christ” is a swearing word, often heard
on the streets. Europe needs re-evangelising. Most
European countries have far less than 1% Evangelical
Christians. Thank God for the believers there are and
standing firm in their faith in this anti-Christian climate.
brand any
country as Europe the ‘Sickman’ needs ‘Good Physicians’
Being labelled for centuries as a missionary sending
just sending continent, has largely prevented Europeans being served
only while by the world-wide church and they themselves having a
mind set of receiving as well as giving. It took me a good
the other part of the ten years I have been in Europe to accept the
fact I am what my visa says in my passport, an Indian
just “Missionary” to Europe. I just had the privilege of
receiving. accepting a Japanese Christian onto my team, who also
is here as missionary visa, sent by her church and
We need to believing friends.
both The Bible does not brand any country as just sending
graciously only while the other just receiving. We need to both
graciously give as well as receive missionaries. Today
give as well the Gospel is going from everywhere to everywhere. The
Commission is binding for all believers in all nations
as receive Great
to “go and make disciples of all nations”. I hope Indian
missionaries Christians are willing to graciously receive those whom
God sends from other nations to bless us.
Can Indian Missions Send ‘Good Physicians’?
India is an emerging missionary sending country, sending
vast number of Indian Christians serving the cause of
Christ cross culturally within India, the Gulf countries
and beyond, including Europe. India today has one of
the fast growing churches. We need to accept Europe as
a mission field and share in our responsibility for the 730
Million Europeans made up of 1100 people groups.
14
Global Opportunities for Ministries
14
Europe is also a good place to reach
many of the unreached people groups
of the world, who live or visit here.
In the light of the great enthusiasm for
Indian food and Indian religions,
particularly various branches of
Hinduism, such as yoga, Europe is a
wide open door for Indian Christians.
Indians are effectively employed in
every one of the European countries in
various professions and skilled jobs.
Christians, who are into various
professions and skills, need to give this
call great consideration. Your
professions and your skills may be
God’s key to serve Him in countries that
are in desperate need for the Gospel.
Many Indians are being effectively
used of God here. I remember hearing
Ravi Maharaj, the author of “Death of a
Guru”, a Brahmin who found Christ, say
that he has many openings in German
Universities, students staying late into
the night to ask questions about his
faith. Just reading the story of Bakht
Singh, shows the openings he has had
in Europe: that a number of believers
assemblies are linked with him in
Holland, France, Denmark and the UK.
Pray for Europe. Let us freely give, as
we have freely received.
Conclusion and Challenge
I would like to recommend two books
that will guide and encourage you along
these lines. The first is George Verwer’s
“Out Of The Comfort Zone” and the
other “Go and Make disciples” by Roger
Greenway, both are published by OM
books in India. May the readers take
cue from these books and respond to
the call of the sickman, Europe.
Mission Mobilisation Tool
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Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 15
Europe:
An Authentic Less-reached Mission field &
the Challenges for the 2-3rd World Missions
K Rajendran
P
atrick Johnston in Operation World mentions that
the last 250 years have been years of worldwide
advance for the gospel but, conversely, decline in
Europe.1
The colonial
spirit of The colonial spirit of Europeans’ advance into the world and
the awakening of the Church in the past 250 years have
Europeans’ opened up the doors for the Gospel in the wide world while
advance into the followers of Christ dwindled in Europe. How do we work
on the Great Commission fulfilled in this scenario?
the world
and the The following are some of the factors to consider:
awakening 1. Orientating and energizing the Christians migrating to
the Western World.
of the
The colonized world has transported people across the globe
Church in the for various reasons. Thus there are a number of two-third
past 250 world Christians migrating into the European world.
years have Apart from colonization, globalization, commerce, travel,
opened up education and many job opportunities have opened the
numerous doors for entrepreneurship.
the doors for
the Gospel in In this scenario, it becomes important to impart conscience,
teach and empower the migrant Christians to take the Gospel
the wide to their European neighbours. Much thought has to be given
world while in this.
the followers 2. (Fulltime and Tent-making) Missionaries and from the
two-third world has to be sent.
of Christ
Much thought must be given in inventively engaging them.
dwindled in
Europe The problem, often, is the funding. Many of the two-third
world countries are not able to economically support the
missionaries to Europe. In this situation the European
International missions have to be selfless to review their
policies of recruiting and incorporating of the missionaries
16
Global Opportunities for Ministries
16
from the new missionary sending world.
Thus the older missionary sending
countries must come to term with new
ways of internationalizing the teams.
The weaker economic countries could
raise a portion of the fund while the rest
could come from the common pool of
the stronger economic nations.
Agreements could be made between the
missions, missions associations and
the churches.
The other feature is to encourage the
tent makers in different parts of the
European world. Could the Indian
doctors and IT professionals be
coached and be made to become the
missionaries in the countries where
they live? Thus, they become the tentmaking church planters and nurture
people in some kind of fellowship of
house units.
This challenge calls us to rethink the
old styled mission compound ventures.
This also calls us to rethink the
traditional understanding of the church.
Could the church, the called out people
of God, meet in the houses instead of
being in the cathedrals with ordained
clergy. More and more even in the
countries where Christianity and
cathedrals are prominent, many new
followers of Christ especially from the
middle upper classes and intellectuals
respond better to worship Christ in
informal settings.
Missions and churches often minister
only to the poor, understandably so.
However, many of the tent-making
doctors, IT professionals and other
professionals work and relate with a
large number of middle and upper class
in the societies. It is important that
missionaries work not just among the
fringes of the societies. This principle
has to be applied across the world.
Daniel2 – A Korean’s example in
London.
Daniel and his family for some reason
ended up living in the well-to-do
suburbs of London. There was no
church and the locals found it difficult
to penetrate in to that particular posh
community. Daniel and his wife with
their previous experiences and zeal
visited the British homes in the
neighborhood, started conversations
and gave them appropriate literature
and eventually a congregation of
Christians began to gather in a school
nearby. The congregation felt
comfortable meeting at a school and
became a thriving place of worship and
a number of people committed their
lives to follow Christ. This is a case
study of how, the two-third world
Christians can make an impact in the
areas of their living in Europe. Such
ventures must be supported with
encouragement and without bias.
3.
4.
Looking for the felt needs of the
Europeans
Whenever, the missions and churches
speak about the “felt-needs” of the
people, they most often refer to poverty
of the people, especially thinking with
guilt about the Two-Third World across
the seas. Poverty and starvation is one
of the felt needs of the people. But there
are many other felt needs in any
community. Christians must become
aware of such needs, especially in
Europe, reaching out into the society
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 17
and present solutions in Christ. Thus,
evangelization has to become much
more than just mental communication
through logic and preaching.
spirituality. Even when people claim to
be atheistic, there is a deep felt need for
spiritual things in life. In this situation,
the Eastern Christians have a lot to offer
and they must be encouraged to do so.
For example ministry to the children,
marriage partners and parents are some
of the big “felt-needs” across the globe.
The New-Age followers which is
another form of free thinking and
reintroduction of Hinduism is making a
big wave across the American and the
European world. Many naive people
respond to it because of their “felt-need”
to fill the vacuum of spiritual things in
their lives. In the depth of the entire
human race there is a deep vacuum
wanting to know the unknown
Therefore while we talk about Europe
being an authentic less-reached mission
field, we must creatively think on the
possible solution to meet the spiritual
needs of the Europeans with the Gospel
in new ways beyond our narrow
perceptions with “Christian boxmindset”. May God give us the
boldness to try new things and
innovatively engage the migrant
Christians and the tent-makers from
across the world to impact Europe.
K Rajendran is the General Secretary of India Missions Association. He along with his wife
Pramila is settled in Hyderabad. The couple have a son named Pradeep and a daughter named
Preethi.
Endnotes
1
Operation World CD. Introduction on Europe.
2
Daniel’s second name is withheld.
Our condolence
to the bereaved family of
Dr. Thomas Gnanamuthu
Dr. Thomas Gnanamuthu was an active member of IMA Membercare
network entered the Glory on 16th September 2004.
Dr. Thomas Gnanamuthu, a medical surgeon heard the call of God and left
his profession to be in the fultime ministry. He was an ordained
minister of the Methodist church in Bangalore and a distinguished Christian
counselor
in
India.
He
loved
music
and
used
to
conduct
musical
events.
Being
passionate
about
children, he had helped many deserving children for their
education. His counseling center in Bangalore was always opened to
many who were in need.
Let us continue to pray for the bereaved family for the comforting
hand of the Lord tobe upon them.
18
Global Opportunities for Ministries
18
Ministry Opportunities in
Ashok Kumar
Singapore
A
Singapore,
s a city, Singapore is unique. It does not have a rural
population or rural-urban migration which is
experienced in some Asian countries. Singaporepopulation is 100 per cent urbanized. Dr Kwok Kian-Woon,
Chairman of the National Archives Board said, “What is
Singapore? A little dot on the map. An island-city-state
aspiring to be a nation. A country run like a corporation. A
world class home for Singaporeans”.1
from its
independence Singapore is also unique in other ways - her diversity of
in 1965, has culture and it is also a city state.
always been Singapore, from its independence in 1965, has always been
a city-state. a city-state. It thus becomes redundant in some ways to talk
of Singapore’s ‘urbanization’ since ‘urban policies’ are in
It thus effect state policies. It is because state policies override
becomes urban issues that the process of ‘urbanization’ in Singapore
is somewhat unique. For example, no city authority has to
redundant in deal with issues of defense and foreign affairs. To talk of
some ways Singapore’s future is thus to talk of the development of the
global city-state.2
to talk of
Singapore’s One fourth of the Singaporean population is foreigners.
Recently, the Department of Statistics said that the growth
‘urbanization’ of the foreigner population has been many times faster than
since ‘urban that of the growth of the local population. Foreign talents
are always welcomed in Singapore.
policies’ are
in effect Urban Singapore
state Singapore is always on the move. The natural resource of
policies the country is people and her good infra-structure. Former
Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew said, “Our climb from a per
capita GDP of US400 in 1959 to more than US$12,000 in 1990
and US22,000 in 1999 took place at a time of immense political
and economic changes in the world. In material terms, we
have left behind our Third world problems of poverty”.3
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 19
“Singapore, a highly developed and
successful free market economy, enjoys
a remarkably open and corruption-free
environment, stable prices, and one of
the highest per capita GDPs in the world.
The economy depends heavily on
exports, particularly in electronics and
manufacturing”.4
Singapore dollar
The main attraction for foreign workers
is strong Singapore dollar, white collar
or blue collar jobs. The bottom line is
the exchange rate. Asad Latif, a Senior
Writer with the Straits, who was a
journalist in India and Hong Kong said:
Why did I come to Singapore? Because
of the money. That was in 1984. When
did I make this country home? When I
began to repatriate the expatriate in me
– that is, when I ceased to think in Indian
rupees and began to think in Singapore
dollars”.5
The exchange rate is between twenty
three to twenty - five Indian rupees for
a Singapore dollar. Singapore’s
economy is dependent upon both the
skilled and unskilled foreigners.
The shrinking birth cohorts in Singapore
coupled with increases in manpower
demand have resulted in persistent
labor shortage. A large pool of foreign
workers is thus necessary to support
our growing economy.6
This trend is also found among the
housemaids in Singapore, who come
mainly from Indonesia, Philippines,
Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. There
are more than 100,000 foreign maids in
Singapore.7
20
Global Opportunities for Ministries
Religions in Singapore
Indian Diasra
The Indian Diaspora is a generic term to
describe the people who migrated from
territories that are currently within the
borders of the Republic of India. It also
refers to their descendants. The
Diaspora is currently estimated to a
number approximately twenty million.8
Indian Construction Workers
There are estimated 200,0009 foreign
construction workers in Singapore.
30,000 of them are from India.
The private and public construction
projects have multiplied many times,
creating the demand for more manual
workers. The labor market operates in
South India, Thailand, mainland China,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and a few from
Malaysia. Comparatively, the Indian
worker is one of the cheapest in the
labor market, the major requirement of
any contractor in Singapore.
Most of the foreign Indian construction
workers originate from Tamil Nadu,
India.10 All are male and ageD between
20 and 30. They come to Singapore with
one or two-year work permit to work on
construction sites. These workers
20
spread over 300 work sites and are
employed as laborers, cleaners and for
other menial, low-waged jobs.11
Foreigners
There are many nationalities in
Singapore for the employment purpose.
Indians, Bangladeshis, Koreans, Sri
Lankans, Thai and mainland Chinese and
many European countries are seeking
employment here in Singapore.
There is a special group of people in
Singapore. Need very special group of
people to touch them with the love of
Christ.
We can find every language church in
this tiny island. Philippians 15,
Indonesian17, Japanese 4, Korean 5,
Thai 8.12 Apart from this figure there are
7 Tamil churches under Emmanuel Tamil
Annual Conference (ETAC) of
Methodist Church in Singapore. 13
Anglican Church also has 7 Tamil
congregations. There are also Hindi,
Telugu and Malayalam churches found
in this island.
Foreigners in Singapore
One fourth of Singapore populations are
foreigners. The city-state opens her arm
to welcome foreign talented people.
“…Singapore’s economy is too open for
us to shut our doors. Instead, we must
attract well-educated people from
around the world to Singapore. Every
year, we send teams of Public Service
Division and EDB14 officers to comb the
universities in America, Canada, Britain,
Australia, and New Zealand”.15
Opportunities
1. The foreign professionals are from all
walks of society in Singapore. They
integrate with society and church life
fairly well.
2. Singapore Education Hub: Target 150,000 students to make up 5% of GDP,
20% of student population to be foreign
students in all universities and
polytechnic.
The foreign students will be increasing
in number with the liberalization by the
government to grow the Education Hub
in Singapore. There are increasing
foreign students from ASEAN and nonASEAN nations. The Universities’ will
have 20% of their enrollment from
foreign students. There is an initiative
to reach out to the students in
University campus. Students groups are
strong in University campus, especially
the medical faculty.
3. Foreign unskilled and semi-skilled
workers are a big force. Some serving
opportunities we can consider are: Simple English lessons
Legal advice or counseling
Free medical facilities
5. Filipinos: About 85,000 Filipinos live
in Singapore. Mostly domestic helpers
but increasing number of professionals
6. Myanmar: A small number of domestic
helpers and laborers in construction
industry.
7. Thai: Estimated to be around 20,000
Thai.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 21
8. Nepali: Estimated to be 25,000, mainly
Gurkhas.
9. Bangladeshi & Pakistani: Estimated
at 40,000.
10. Indians: Estimated at 30,000. Work
started amongst them. Much openness
to accept Christ - as one of the many
gods.
11. Chinese: Estimated at 100,000 as
laborers. Not including professionals/
researchers in universities.
12. Sri Lankans: “There are over 20,000
Sri Lankans working in Singapore as
domestic helpers, waiters, motor
mechanics and contract workers”16
13. There are several theological
institutions in Singapore and many
instructors are from different parts of
the world. We can also see lack of
experienced Asian missiologists in these
theological institutions.
14. Head quarters for number of mission
agencies. Suitable geographical
location.
Some people say “Singapore is an
Antioch of Asia”. But mission
opportunities are at our doorstep. The
above statistics show that people need
to be reached. Here we can see people
of different ethnic backgrounds living
in a small “little dot” in the world map
known as Singapore.
Ashok Kumar is the IMA co-ordinator for International relations. He with his wife Phebe
and 2 children are based in Singapore. Study on Hinduism is his passion as he is the
leader of Bandhuseva Network along with Dr. Theodore Srinivasagam
References
1.Aghamkar, Atul Y, Insights Into Openness, Encouraging Urban Mission, Bangalore:
SAIACS Press, 2000.
2.Bakke, Ray with Jim Hart., The Urban Christian: Effective Ministry in Today’s Urban
world, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1987.
3.Boi, Lee Geok (ed), Singaporeans exposed: Navigating the Ins and Out of Globalisation,
Singapore: Landmarks Books, 2001.
4.Cheong, Young Mun and V.V.Bhanoji Rao, eds. Singapore-India relations: A premier,
Singapore: Singapore University Press, 1995.
5.Hiebert, Paul G., Anthropological Reflections on Missiological Issues, Grand Rapids:
Baker Books, 1994.
6.Greenway, Roger S. and Timothy M. Monsma, Cities, mission’s new frontier, Grand
Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989.
7. Kumar, Kalyana, “Indian Migrant Workers: A Profile”, Basic Volunteers Training Manual.
Singapore: Foreign Indian Workers Fellowship, Asia Evangelistic Fellowship.
8. McGavran, Donald A., Understanding Church Growth, third edition, edited by C. Peter
Wagner, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1970.
9.Richardson, Rick, Evangelism outside the box: New ways to help people experience the
Good News, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
10. Sample, Tex, Blue Collar Ministry, Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1984.
22
Global Opportunities for Ministries
22
11. Saw, Saw-Hock, The Population of Singapore, Singapore: Institute of South Asian
Studies, 1999.
12. Thomas, Chris D., Diaspora Indians: Church growth among Indians in West Malaysia,
Penang: Malaysia Indian Evangelism Council, 1978.
14. Lee, Kuan Yew, From Third World to First, Singapore: Times Media, 2000.
Endnotes
1
Singapore as Cultural Crucible: Releasing Singapore’s Creative Energy in the New Century,
Lee Geok Boi, ed., Singaporeans Exposed: Navigating the Ins and Outs of Globalisation,
Singapore, 2001, p.21.
2
Victor R Savage, “Singapore as a Global City: Change and Challenge for the 21st Century”,
Singapore Towards A Developed Status, Linda Low, e.d., Singapore, 1999, p.39
3
Lee Kuan Yew, From Third World to First, Singapore, 2000, p.13.
4
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sn.html, Monday, June 14, 2004.
5
Asad Latif, Becoming Singaporean: I Repatriated the Expatriate in Me, Lee Geok Boi, ed.,
Singaporeans Exposed: Navigating the Ins and Outs of Globalisation, Singapore, 2001,
p.187.
6
Paul Cheung, “Needs and Challenges of New Demography”, Singapore Towards A
Developed Status , Linda Low, ed., Singapore, 1999, p. 207.
7
Ibid
8
http://www.indiandiaspora.nic.in
9
“Dirty, dangerous and demanding”, The Straits Times, (Singapore), 21 October 1999,
p.40
10
Interview with Shankarguru, a missionary to Singapore, India Ministries, OM, 20
February 2002.
11
Brochure, Foreign Indian Workers Fellowship, A ministry of Asia Evangelical Fellowship,
Singapore, n.d.
12
A Guide to Churches and Christian Organisations in Singapore 2003-2004, Singapore,
2003, pp.172 – 183.
13
http://www.methodist.org.sg/churches/emmanuel/emmanuel_listing.html , 19 June 2004.
14
Economic Development Board.
15
Lee Kuan Yew, Straits Times, (Singapore), 9 August 1989.
16
That Asia may Know: Perspectives on Missions in Asia: 40
th
Anniversary Commemorative Volume, Jonathan James and Malcom Tan (Eds), Singapore,
p.36.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 23
Mission Opportunities
in South East Asia
Dr. Wei-Leong Goh
O
ne of the most exciting and encouraging missions
developments of our day is the increase in crosscultural missionaries and lay workers from former
receiving countries.
The two-thirds world church, which includes India, is now
The well equipped together with the global church to fulfill the
globalised task of evangelism. The globalised world is the new context
which will allow Indian workers to function not just as
world is the missionaries but as professionals and students in closed and
open access countries.
new
context “Tentmakers” as referred to by the apostle Paul are, qualified
professionals and business people who enter foreign lands
which will to make bonafide contributions to the socio-economic
development of these countries. Being in the midst of the
allow locals, they provide effective low-key witness to ready hearts.
Indian Such has been the case for believers from nations such as
South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia.
workers to
the Indian economy shining over the past few years,
function not With
increase in trade and business developments has created
just as tentmaking opportunities in areas previously inaccessible.
Many Governments are now more aware that the software is
missionaries more important than the hardware i.e. brain power is the key
but as to a developed society. IT personnel, technologists, scientist,
entrepreneurs and educationists are welcomed with open
professionals doors in many countries in the world and South East Asia is
no exception.
and
students in South East Asia
closed and South East Asia (SEA) consists of the 10 ASEAN (Association
of South East Asian Nations) countries including the four
open access Indo-China countries viz. Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and
countries Vietnam. It is populated by about 500 million (m) comprising
major people clusters. There are two major people clusters.
The first comprising mainly Buddhist from Dai/Thai (97m),
Vietnamese (73m), Mon-Khmer (20m), and Hmong/Meo (12m).
The second major people cluster group are the Malays who
are mainly Muslims from Sumatra/Indonesia (40m), Java
24
Global Opportunities for Ministries
24
(125m), Sumatra/Kalimantan/Riau of
Indonesia/Malaysia/Brunei/South
Thailand (86m).
The Historical Relationship
Indian cultural relations with SEA go
back to 2,000 years and has been
almost entirely peaceful. The primary
motive for migration was economic and
has resulted in a deep interaction of
language and literature, religion and
philosophy, art and architecture, customs
and manners of the whole of Indo-China,
Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and the
Malaysian Peninsula. The most
Status of evangelisation and unreached peoples in South East Asia
Closed access
countries
Total
Affiliated Christians %
millions
Johnstone
2000
Protestant
Evangelical
(Asia week) Christian
Unreached
Peoples 2000
(JP 2000)
Brunei
Indonesia
Laos
0.3
5.1
2.9
1.4
2
209.4
5.4
12.6
1.5
9.4
0.7
4.5
0.7
124
37
Malaysia
Myanmar
23.0
7.3
6.3
4.0
5.2
3.1
3.6
27
48.9
Vietnam
80.3
9.8
0.8
0.8
26
28
Open access
countries
Total
Affiliated Christians %
millions
Johnstone
2000
Protestant
Evangelical
(Asia week) Christian
Cambodia
11.0
0.4
0.1
Philippines
Singapore
75.8
88.5
3.9
62.6
12.3
Thailand
0.8
Unreached
Peoples 2000
(JP 2000)
0.1
8
7.5
5.1
40
7.8
0.4
6.8
0
0.3
33
Restricted Access Scale
Missionaries
Welcome
Professionals
Welcome
Freedom for Countries of
Evangelism South East Asia
Open
Unrestricted
Yes
Yes
Philippines
Open with
some limits
Some entry
restrictions
Yes
Yes
Cambodia
Thailand
Ltd Access
Restrictions
on role/ activities
Yes
Variable
Restricted
No
Yes
Yes, with
sensitivity
Indonesia
Singapore
Brunei, Laos
Malaysia,Myanmar
Vietnam
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 25
significant large scale migrations took
place during the colonial period which
saw emigration of contract labourers as
well as traders, clerks, bureaucrats and
professionals. In 1942 to 1945,
thousands of Indians joined the Indian
National Army (INA) in Malaya and
subsequently the Indian Independence
League (IIL) established leading
recruitment and funding centres in
South East Asia. Today, South East
Asian countries have many Indian
professionals working in joint ventures
and other institutions.
The Indian diaspora (NRIs and PIOs) is
as high as Singapore (9.7%), Malaysia
(7.3%), Myanmar (5%), Brunei (2.3%),
Thailand (0.07%) while the rest
[Cambodia,
Indonesia,
Laos,
Philippines, Vietnam] have negligible
numbers of Indians.
In view of the above, contextualisation
and cross-cultural adaptations for the
Indian tentmaker are not a major
constraint compared to his Western
counterpart.
Mission Opportunities
Urban and Rural
As South East Asia becomes more
urbanised, the challenge of ministry to
the poor and needy, both in the urban
and rural areas remains a major need as
is in the ranks of professionals and
decision makers.
Tentmaking opportunities:
Foreign expert/employee
Education
Teaching – Primary, Secondary,
Tertiary
Research – institutional, field
Teaching English
Academic institutions
Non-academic settings
26
Global Opportunities for Ministries
Setting up School-Informally and independently
Business
Multi-national
Local
Diplomatic
Entrepreneur/Self-employed
Rep. Office
Personal Consultancy
Operational Company
Relief and Development
NGO
UN/Govt
Student
Regular
Language
Research
Key areas of opportunities with easiest
access for Indians: IT, Medical,
Education
Agencies and NGOs offering
opportunities include Tentmakers
International Exchange (TIE), Medical
Services International (MSI), Wycliff
Translators,Overseas Missionary
Fellowship(OMF), World Vision,
Medical Ambassadors International,
Prison Fellowship International and
Mercy Teams International, just to name
a few. There is an increase in mission
relationship between India and SEA, eg
Operation Mobilisation (OM) Singapore
has OM India as a partnering field.
In general, IT services are the most
sought after. R&D and agriculture
provide opportunities for a select group.
Medical has tremendous potential as the
more developed countries upgrade their
services which require more specialists
and the less developed countries extend
new infrastructure for primary and
tertiary healthcare.
26
Business opportunities are tremendous
as SEA features significantly in the
United Progressive Alliance (UPA) 24page Common Minimum Programme
(CPM), “June 22 has been set for the
ninth round of talks on the long
pending Comprehensive Economic
Cooperation Agreement with Singapore.
A tenth session is likely before India
finalises an agreement that will also
inspire confidence in other ASEAN
countries, notably Thailand and
Malaysia, with which the UPA seeks to
strengthen cooperation”1.
In addition, professionals can also be
engaged in exchange programmes
(medical, engineering, agricultural, etc)
with national institutions. Scholarships
in many instances are available.
Theological colleges such as Trinity
Theological College in Singapore have
Indian students in training with a view
to work in the region.
In the less developed countries of
ASEAN such as Cambodia, there is also
rapid growth and availability of national
workers. This translates to the need for
training, recruiting, time and money to
send out national workers through their
local churches and mission agencies.
The Indian missionary has the
opportunity to respond to this need.
Mobilising Indian financial resources for
Indian-ASEAN cooperation in support
of such programmes is a new paradigm
now possible with the growing Indian
economy.
Conclusion
Tentmaking remains the key opening for
mission opportunities in the coming
decade in view of the increasing
restricted access in SEA.
I believe we all share a common aim: to
see the Gospel taken into all of South
East Asia, and into the rest of the world.
We want to see the Gospel taken over
the mountains and across the seas, into
the rural villages and into the
megacities, and if we can do it by
mobilizing professionals and skilled
workers through tentmaking then let us
use every means to do so.
Dr. Wei- Leong Goh is a full time physician in Singapore, active supporter of missions,
especially medical mission. He is also the chairman of OM Singapore.
“Partnership is only truly possible when people see
relationships as an end in themselves” Dr. Vinay Samuel
www.imaindia.org/quotes.asp
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 27
The Challenge of Latin
America
Rev. Bertil Ekström, Brazil
The Christian
faith came to
Latin America
“The issue seems to me to be not whether the church
is growing, but whether it is authentically engaged in
the mission of the triune God in its concrete sociohistorical situations. It is a matter of efficacious
participation in the ongoing life-struggles of society
in a total witnessing engagement, which, more than a
program or a method, is a lifestyle”. (Orlando Costas,
Christ Outside the Gate, 1982, p. 54).
through the
Spanish and The Christian faith came to Latin America through the
Spanish and Portuguese discoverers in the beginning
Portuguese of the 16th century. The Roman Catholic Church has
discoverers in since then been the “official” church in many of the
Latin American countries having a privileged support
the beginning from most of the governments. During the celebrations
of the 16th cen- of the 500 years, some of the more critical Christian
leaders even among the Catholics, such as the
tury. The Ro- Liberation Theologian Leonard Boff, have defined
man Catholic those five centuries as Pseudo Evangelism. It has been
much more of imposition that of sharing of the Good
Church has News of Salvation, according to them. Today there is a
since then been revival within the Catholic Church in some of the
countries and there is a honest strive for giving the
the “official” Word of God a new place in the liturgy.
church in many
The Evangelical Church in Latin America is around 150
of the Latin years old. To a few countries the protestant churches
American coun- came earlier but planted churches only among the
immigrants and did not reach the national population
tries having a in the first decades. In the fifty’s and sixty’s the big
privileged sup- revivals began in Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Some of
them have continued for more than forty years and the
port from most church growth has been astonishing. Especially among
of the govern- the poor, the Pentecostal movement has had a
tremendous impact and denominations like Assemblies
ments of God, Church of God, Brazil for Christ, and many
others, count their followers in millions. Today the
percentage of evangelicals is still growing and is
28
Global Opportunities for Ministries
28
reaching higher numbers of
churchgoers than the official Catholic
Church. In Guatemala the evangelicals
are 25 %, in Costa Rica 10 %, in Chile
26,7 %, in Brazil 17,8 %, just to mention
some examples.
people group. Although we have a
strong evangelical movement, hundreds
of indigenous tribes are not reached in
Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and
Venezuela. In Brazil there are 250
indigenous peoples and only 120 of them
have a Christian presence. In the big
cities there are huge colonies of
immigrants from every corner in the
world and the Muslim population is
growing. And other groups in the
society are less evangelised such as the
upper and middle classes and the
students.
The missionary organizations that came
to our continent were strongly focused
on planting churches and preaching the
Gospel. In some cases the social concern
was emphasized but not as a real part of
the Message, but as a response to the
need the missionaries faced among the
poor communities. The idea transmitted
Do we need more
was that the salvation of
the soul was more Do we need more missionaries working in
Latin America? No and
important.
Better
missionaries
conditions for living were
working in Latin Yes! No, if they come to
plant new denominations
something that the
their
own
Heaven would bring one America? No and and
Yes!
organizations.
We
have
day and not worthwhile
denominations enough. In
the effort here on earth.
The church grew with a theology that Brazil there are at least 500. In Uruguay,
alienated the Christians from the society where the number of evangelicals is not
and with a pragmatism that created a more than 50000 (1. 2 % of the
deep dependency on resources from population), there are over 50
abroad. Today the mentality is different denominations. No, if they come with
and there is a growing understanding an attitude of superiority thinking that
of the holism of the Gospel and the they know best about church growth,
responsibility that the local church has training nationals and doing theology.
No, if they are not prepared to work
for its neighbourhood.
under a national leadership, serving the
When we look to the evangelical church body of Christ as co-workers. Yes, if they
in Latin America today we see a giant want to help us to deepen our
that begins to be conscious of its understanding of what it means to be
potential and of its calling. The figures servants and committed to the Great
could be as high as 60 million Commission. Yes, if they are prepared
evangelicals in 200.000 local churches. to go to the unreached people groups
But we still have big challenges to face. we still have in our nations. Yes, if there
Our desire is that every nation, tribe, is a mentality of sharing global resources
people and language in Latin America in cooperation between equals defined
will hear the Good News and that an by a mature and transparent agreement
indigenous Church will emerge in every of collaboration.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 29
There is no doubt that the Latin
American Church has a lot to learn from
other parts of the world. At the same
time that there are many aspects in
common between the Indian
Subcontinent and Latin America, Indian
missionaries could be of enormous
blessing sharing their experience of
living and working in a multicultural
setting facing the reality of not being a
majority church. The perseverance of
the Christian people in a hostile and
adverse situation is another important
lesson for us. And the dynamic mission
movement of church planting without
great economic affluence is of
encouragement for other countries in
the same situation.A new time for
cooperation has started and we see more
and more “South-South” alliances for
reaching the unreached. A stronger
relation and collaboration between Latin
Americans and Indians would be of
great importance and surely a strategic
step to advance the expansion of the
Kingdom of God on both continents.
There is already some exchange of
mission workers but much more can be
done. Let’s pray for an increasing
number of missionaries from India to
Latin America and from our countries to
the Indian Subcontinent.
Bertil Ekstorm is the past president of the Brazilian Association of Cross Cultural Agen
cies and COMIBAM, the Latin American Continental Missions Network. He serves on
the Executive Committee of the WEA Missions Commission. He is a staff member of
Interact, a Swedish Baptist Mission, and is also with the Convention of the Independent
Baptist Churches of Brazil. He can be contacted at magazine@imaindia.org
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30
Global Opportunities for Ministries
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30
Mission Opportunities in
North America
Rev. Saji K. Lukos
T
When Europe
lost her
first love
for God,
He raised up
North America
for a specific
purposeto become a
beacon for
Jesus Christ
he world is changing every day on all fronts —
government, business, education, medicine,
technology, even in terrorism. God is sovereign,
and His hand is on the developments of the world
scene for good – it is often hard to fathom the mind of
God. Due to the advancement of technology in many
fields, the world is shrinking into a global village.
Therefore, globalization brings many missions
opportunities cross-culturally every where, especially
in North America.
Post-Christian North America
When Europe lost her first love for God, He raised up
North America for a specific purpose — to become a
beacon for Jesus Christ. The revival that broke out
from Great Awakening has had its impact all around
the world. The spiritual fervor and the economic
prosperity opened the way to start many foreign
missions agencies to reach out to the world, among
them Wycliffe, O.M., Campus Crusade, and many other
church based missions. God used specifically D.L
Moody and Billy Graham and a host of others to
evangelize this nation. Churches thrived in America
and everyone responded for world missions by going
and giving. Now the scene has changed drastically.
Traditional American values have shifted. Due to the
hardness of hearts, people have rejected the true living
God, and thus there are no absolutes. Many churches
are struggling — closing down the ministries,
congregation dwindling, less giving, and finally selling
the church properties or merge with an existing church.
Post-modernism and rise of new age bring chaos in
human thinking and understanding. Sin is no longer a
shame; rather it has become a way of life. This
continent needs to be re-evangelized.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 31
North American Demography
About 293 million people live in the USA
and about 31 million live in Canada.
According to the World Fact Book,
ethnic groups in the USA are: White
77.1%; Black 12.9%, Asian 4.2%,
Amerindian and Alaska native 1.5%,
Native Hawaiian and other pacific
islander 0.3%, other 4%. Hispanics are
the largest minority group, and they are
included in the above groups. There are
about 287 people groups (Joshua
Project). In Canada the groups are:
British Isles 28%, French origin 23%,
other Europeans 15%, Amerindian 2%,
other 6% (includes Asian, African, and
Arab), mixed backgrounds 26%. There
are 156 people groups.
South Asians with their different people
and language groups, total about 5
million people. They are spread
throughout the major cities including
Chicago, New York, New Jersey, San
Francisco, Boston, D.C., Dallas,
California, Houston, Orlando, Atlanta
and Toronto. I live in Chicago and there
are about a half-million in this area alone.
Most of the South Asians are welleducated and influential in various
fields, especially in technology. They
are contributing significantly to the
communities here and the economy,
especially for the Indian economy. Who
can forget the contribution of Sam
Pitroda, in America and in India? The
impact of our physicians, nurses,
entrepreneurs (motel industry
dominated by Patels) are seen
everywhere, even in a remote village of
South Dakota!
Changing mind of missions.
Missions in America are not dead, but
the focus has shifted. America’s role as
32
Global Opportunities for Ministries
a major missions sending country is
diminishing. Rather the center of gravity
of missions is shifting from here to the
developing countries such as Brazil,
India, Korea, China, Africa, etc. Today
in America, foreign missions agencies
are truly struggling to survive, and it is
hard to find more committed people for
long-term missions work. Therefore,
many churches and missions agencies
are recognizing the importance of
supporting the nationals with resources
and training. Many missions- minded
churches are trying to reach out to the
various ethnic groups in their
communities using Indian leaders. For
example, Reuben Arulanandan is
assisting Naperville Evangelical Free
Church, IL, and Ravi Narasimhan assists
Willowcreek Community Church, IL.
South Asian Friendship Center, under
the leadership of Sam Naaman, is
located in Devon, IL, to serve the
communities here in Chicago.
Christians Fulfilling the Great
Commission
Missions for everyone: Today the whole
church is reaching the whole world. No
longer can one nation, one organization
or one denomination take the dominant
role for world evangelization. All are
called to “go and make disciples of all
nations”. We must do it as our duty. We
have countless opportunities for this
through various means such as the
internet, immigration, overseaseducation, employment, travels, etc.
Indians are called to go and plant
churches all over the world. The Great
Commission is given for every Christian.
We must not only receive missionaries,
but we must send to the needy places.
We must not only receive funds, but
32
the time has come for us to give funds.
Tim Rask, a Dallas Theological Seminary
student, was sent to India by an Indian
Hindi speaking church with partial
support. It’s payback time.
Indian Christian Diaspora: India is now
one of the largest cross cultural
missionary force within Asia, the Gulf
countries, Europe, and North America.
There are over 400 Malayalee churches
in North America of different
denominational backgrounds. In 2003,
about 10,000 Malayalee Pentecostal
Christians gathered near Philadelphia for
a national conference sponsored by
PCNAK. I was impressed by the
potential of the 4,000 young people of
the second generation that I met at the
convention. Last year the North
American Diocese of Mar Thoma
Church started a mission project in
Mexico and over 300 people participated
in it during their summer break. Many
other exciting things are happening here
by other groups such as Sindi church
planted in NY, Hindu evangelism over
the internet, campus ministries to Indian
students,
apologetic
debates,
friendship evangelism through book
stores, etc.
The Church in India — many are
making a difference: Today the church
in India is thriving with quality and
quantity, and there is so much
excitement and enthusiasm for missions.
Young men and women leave their
material ambitions and join for
theological training with a great faith to
reap the harvest. Many travel to the
West for advanced training. We need to
accept North America as a mission field
and faithfully do our part to reach out
to our own people here and others. In
my travels, many get saved in churches
and other gatherings. Pastors and
believers comment: “Saji, you are not
only a missionary back to India, but also
a missionary to America. We need more
from your country.” Yes, we need many
more missions-minded, passionate
people. Sujo John from Calcutta, a Sept.
11 survivor, is calling the unsaved to
Christ. Within the last three years, he
has spoken in about 275 cities.
There are many people of Indian origin
making significant differences in their
specific fields to reach out to the lost in
North America and beyond, including
Ravi Zacharias, Ramesh Richard, K.P.
Yohannan, T.V. Thomas, Jospeh Paturi,
Samuel Chand, Sam Naaman, Ravi
Narasimhan and Sam George. These
people are not only reaching out to the
people here in communities, churches,
schools and work places, but also
assisting the missions work in India. My
friend Ravi Narasimhan has a lifepassion for reaching the lost. He is
originally from Tamil Nadu, who met
Christ while he was a student in
America. Today he is a leader in
Motorola, but his passion is to reach
out to the fellow Indians by visiting their
houses, giving Jesus Film videos and
various other relevant means.
Pastor Ernest Singh in Chicago, United
Methodist Church, is reaching out to
Indian and Pakistani people groups
through his Indo-Pak Fellowship. His
service is in Hindi, Urdu and English.
He also reaches out to the various other
groups (white, black, Hispanic,
Philippino, etc.) in the morning service
conducted in English. Pastor Timothy
Rathord, who was a church worker in
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 33
Gujart, is now pastoring a church of 200
people in Evanston, IL, reaching out to
his own people. A few days ago I was
speaking in Baltimore where I met with
many computer professionals from India
who are committed and passionate for
reaching out to their co-workers.
Washington Pentecostal Assembly, an
Indian Church, grew from twenty to 100
within the last three years, under the
spiritual leadership of Pastor Sunny
Samuel. A few believers in Salt Lake
City, Utah are looking for an Indian
church planter.
Closing Challenge:
Yoga, new philosophy, and other
ideologies have been exported
successfully to North America over the
years. Temples and mosques are coming
up in most major US cities. Pluralistic
thinking is widespread and it is seen
every where including the schools and
universities of America. America is no
more a Christian nation (as many
outside think it to be) — the challenge
is real and big.
We must use our skills and jobs in North
America as an opportunity from God to
bring hope to the people and to
strengthen the churches which are weak
and luke-warm. Our Christian students
from India, who come here for education,
must accept this duty to disciple the
fellow believers and reach out the nonChristians in their schools and work
places. Share your testimony, the faith
of other Christians and our family
values. The Indian churches in the West
must continue to be challenged and
motivated for world missions so that
they will plant multiplying healthy
churches in various cities. The missions’
leaders must educate and challenge the
churches here, especially Indian
congregations to reach out to the lost.
This must be a high priority in their trip
with a long-term vision and world
missions perspective in mind. Let us
together be participants in the great
harvest, “so that the sower and the
reaper may be glad together”
Rev. Saji K. Lukos is the Founding Member and CEO of Mission India, based in Nagpur.
He is married to Moni Lukos and the couple have a daughter named Mary Ann. He is also
the founder of RIMI in USA. He can be contacted at magazine@imaindia.org
Interested in Transforming Indian Cities!
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34
Global Opportunities for Ministries
34
Indians in Reaching the
World…
Rajesh Duthie
Christians in India view themselves as
minorities in the country. Yes, we are a
few in number compared to the mega
population of our country. Though we
are 2.3%1 of the Indian population, we
are more than twenty four million people
(24,080,016). This is more than the total
population of countries such as
Australia and Saudi Arabia. We are
thus a significant people and we can
and should contribute in global
evangelism. It is time for us as Indians
to play a major role in carrying the
gospel to the ends of the world.
The Churches and Missions need to
broaden their vision in global
perspective, empower the Diaspora and
train those who are willing to go out as
tentmakers.
1.Broadening the vision of Churches
and Missions
The Churches and Missions should
realize and catch up the vision of
spreading the gospel outside the
country and pass on the same to the
people there.
The gospel came to us because the
great commission of the Lord was
global. When the challenge of reaching
our country was put before us by the
Churches and Missions, we got the
vision and we are working towards it.
The people of God in our country are
fervently praying, sacrificially giving
and earnestly working to see that the
gospel is taken to every corner of this
nation. But the advancement of the
gospel is never to be limited within the
boarders of our country. If the Churches
and Missions challenge the people with
this mammoth task of reaching the world,
the Indian Christians will certainly
contribute much better towards global
evangelism. The Churches and Missions
should be educated of different
strategies available, which will help the
people shoulder in the task of reaching
the world.
2.Empower and Train Diaspora (Non
Resident Indians):
Indians are there in almost all countries
of the world. In the USA, 38% doctors,
12% scientists, 36 % NASA employees
and 13% of the Xerox Company are
Indians2. Indians with 1.68 million is the
second largest Asian population in US
next to the Chinese 3 . There is an
estimated 200,000 strong Sikh
community in the British Colombia
province in Canada alone. Every year
more than a lakh of students are going
abroad for studies. Thousands of Indian
professionals are leaving the country
for the sake of jobs. As part of reaching
the world, these Diaspora Indians
should be reached with the gospel, who
in turn will reach others in those nations.
There are over 400 temples built by
Indians in USA4. Young Brahmins are
being trained in Lucknow to be sent
abroad as temple priests (Pujaris). These
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 35
young priests will propagate Hinduism
and educate the West about the Vedas
and the Upanishads5. How strategically
are they planning and working to spread
their beliefs around the world! Is it not
an eye opener for us?
Christian Indian Diaspora should be
challenged to reach other Diaspora
Indians. Let us not treat them as only
‘fund raising agents and channels’.
Meetings are conducted among
Christian Diaspora to mobilize funds for
Indian missions. Let us conduct
programs to empower and train them, to
reach the fellow Indians and others.
Christian Diaspora Indian students
should be equipped to reach other
students.
The Indian Churches should come
forward to work in partnership with the
local churches in various countries to
reach the Indian Diaspora.
3.Train and Send Tentmakers.
Tentmakers are mission-minded
Christians who support themselves by
secular work and share the good news
with others. They may be business
entrepreneurs,
professionals,
employees, paid voluntary workers, or
Christians in professional exchange,
funded research, etc. They use their
professional skills to gain access to a
place or nation for the purpose of
communicating Christ through their life
and witness. In terms of his/her
commitment, calling, motivation and
training, he/she is a ‘missionary’ in
every sense. Though ‘tentmaker ’s
ministry’ is not new, now it is realized as
an important strategy to reach closed
36
Global Opportunities for Ministries
nations. Many countries which are
restricted to Christian missionaries are
open to Christian professionals.
Missions and Churches should take this
strategy to people and challenge them
to become ‘tentmakers’.
Separate training should be given to
people who are ready to go as
tentmakers.
Missions should come forward to open
separate departments for ‘tentmakers’
and commission them as missionaries.
Guide them to unreached places /
nations. Support them for a short period
and assist them to find a job.
Missions should allot ministry
responsibilities for them suitably,
monitor them, get reports from them and
provide pastoral care for them.
The Frontline magazine says
“India’s growing presence and role in
the resources-rich and strategically
significant Central Asian Region has
important implications” 6. “Olympic
Bidding Success Spurs English
Language Fever in China” 7 says
People’s Daily of China. There is a great
demand for teachers in China to teach
English to the Chinese in preparation
for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Let us
make full use of these strategic
opportunities to expand the kingdom of
God.
Can we broaden the vision across the
boarders? Are we willing to enhance
Christian witnessing through the nonresident Indians? Can the Indian Church
send tentmakers to Central Asia or send
English teachers to China? Let us think
seriously.
36
At least around ten missions in India
have sent families or individuals as
missionaries or tentmakers to many
closed countries. May our Lord raise
many such missions in India!
Let us have the passion ...
Let it be the passion of every Indian
Christian to contribute his / her best for
world evangelization.
Rajesh Duthie served as a computer lecturer and tentmaker in Maharashtra and
now facilitates the IMA Tentmakers Network along with Rev. Augustine
Jebakumar. Rajesh and his wife Sheela have two daughters, Ameena and
Christiana. They are presently based in Hyderabad.
Endnote
1
Census of India 2001
Indian Currents, 31 Dec. 2000.
3
New Indian Express , May 17, 2001, p. 9
4
India Today, 1 May 2000, p. 50
5
Indian Currents , July 2, 2000
6
Frontline , Volume 19 - Issue 19, September 14 - 27, 2002
7
http://english.people daily.com.cn/200107/29/eng20010729_76042.html
2
IMA National Conference - 2004 CD
A CD-ROM proceedings of the
National Conference 2004 with
audio recording of all messages,
worship & special songs, video
clippings, power point presentations and documents is just
released. A best resource for
those who missed the National
Conference, and a souvenir for all participants.
The CD costs Rs.50/- In US 10$ . (Courier charges
extra)
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 37
The Highlights of the 2001
Census Report
The Implications for Indian
Missions
John Amalraj
O
ne of the unique features of Indian Census is that it captures
the diverse cultural heritage of the country at the population
enumeration and keeps its identity intact while collating
and tabulating basic population data1. The first report on religion
data succinctly brings out the salient population characteristics
by different religious affiliations of the population.
The recent report from the Census commissioner of India on the
religion based statistics of the Indian population has created several
controversies and debates. The report has more sociological
consequences than reveal anything of religious or communal
consequences. However, the media and the politicians who are
always looking for opportunities to create an issue jumped into
the bandwagon of politicizing the statistical report. Interpretation
of statistics depends much on the person who is interpreting the
same. The same statistics can be interpreted differently by different
persons based on their perceptions. Therefore we need to
understand how the data was collected, tabulated and analyzed
before we interpret.
India2 is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous nation
by 2050, while some countries will shrink by nearly 40%, according
to new research. The Population reference Bureau (PRB) says the
next half century will see wild swings in population sizes. It predicts
that the number of people on Earth will reach 9.3bn by 2050,
compared with 6.3bn today.
India is expected to grow from 1.08bn to 1.63bn people, overtaking
China, which is forecast to reach 1.44bn from 1.3bn currently. These
predictions can be affected by certain anomalies.3
PREDICTED POPULATIONS, 2050
1.India, 1,628m (2)
2.China, 1,437m (1)
3.United States, 420m (3)
4.Indonesia, 308m (4)
5.Nigeria, 307m (9)
Source: PRB (2004 position in brackets)
38
Global Opportunities for Ministries
38
In the context of the Indian population becoming the world’s largest, the Indian
Census report assumes significance. The highlights of the Indian census report
on religious communities are as follows:
A. Population of religious groups and their distribution and
growth rate
At the national level, of 1028 million population, 828 million (80.5 percent) have
returned their religion as Hindus followed by 138 million (13.4 percent) as Muslims
and 24 millions (2.3 percent) Christians. 19 million (1.9 percent) persons follow
Sikh religion; 8 million (0.8 percent) are Buddhists and 4.2 million (0.4 percent) are
Jains as per the 2001 Census. In addition to these, 6.6 million belong to ‘Other
Religions and Persuasions’ including tribal religions which are not part of the six
main religions stated above. About seven lakh (or 0.7 million) persons have not
stated their religion.
Readjustment of the statistics: Criticized for its methodology, the census
commission revised the presentation and the analyses of the data from 1971
onwards. The readjustment took into consideration the fact that census data was
not collected from troubled regions of Jammu & Kashmir (1991) and Assam (1981)
in the previous decades once each since 1947. Therefore the new analysis is made
by excluding the data from the above two regions.
As per the readjustment of the data, the Hindus constitute 81.4 % of the country’s
population and the Muslims 12.4 %. The percentages for all other religions show
a very marginal difference.
Population Growth Rate: The general population growth rate for the decade
1991-2001was 21.5%, which showed a decline of 2.3%. The Hindu community
grew at 20.0 %, the Muslims at 29.3 %, the Christians 22.1%, the Sikhs 16.9%, the
Buddhists 23.2% and the Jains 26%. Those professing other religions registered
a growth rate of 111.3 % and those who did not state any religion grew at 76.3%.
The Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and the Sikhs have shown a decline in their
growth rate. Whereas the Jains4, Christians and those professing other religions
have showed significant increase in their growth rate. The emergence of the
category of those professing other religions is important, since it reveals that new
religious persuasions have increased in India.
Proportion and growth rate of population
by religious communities India, 1961-2001
Hindus
Muslims
Christians
Sikhs
Buddhists
1961
84.4
9.9
2.4
1.8
0.7
1971
83.5
10.4
2.6
1.9
0.7
Proportion
1981 1991 2001
83.1 81.4 82.4
10.9 11.7 12.4
2.5
2.3
2.3
2.0
2.0
1.9
0.7
0.8
0.8
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 39
Jains
Others
Religion
not stated
0.5
0.3
0.5
0.4
0.5
0.4
Neg.
Neg.
Neg.
1971-81
Hindus
24.2
Muslims
30.8
Christians
19.2
Sikhs
26.2
Buddhists
25.4
Jains
23.7
Others
26.6
Religion not stated 67.1
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.7
Neg . Neg.
Growth Ratio
1981-91 1991-01
22.8
20.0
32.9
29.3
17.0
22.1
25.5
16.9
36.0
23.2
4.0
26.0
13.2
111.3
573.5
76.3
It is very important to note the increase in the Christian growth rate. In the 197181 decade there was a very sharp decline of up to 16.8%, and then in the decade
1981-91it further declined by 2.2%. In the recent report, the growth rate has
increased by almost 5.1% and has reversed the declining trend.
State wise analyses of the growth rate: An analysis of the religion-wise census
data now available for the state of Gujarat shows that the minority communities in
the state are growing at a much more rapid pace. Christians recorded a growth of
56.31 per cent, Buddhists 53.50 per cent and Sikhs 149.71 per cent. Most of the
growth in the Christian population has come from South Gujarat which had
witnessed incidents of attacks on the community in 1998 and thereafter.
In the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the growth of Christian presence has shown a
significant increase, especially among the rural districts. No census was conducted
in this region in the year 1991. Comparative analyzes for other states is yet to be
done.
B. Sex ratio of population (number of females per thousand males)
Christian population has the highest sex ratio of 1009 females per thousand
males at the 2001 Census followed by ‘Other Religions and Persuasions’ (992),
Buddhists (953) and Jains (940). Sex ratio of Sikh population is 893, which is the
lowest among the different religious communities. Sex ratio among Muslim
population at national level is 936 which is just above the national average of 933
for all religions while a shade lower is the Hindu population sex ratio of 931.
Among the states, the highest sex ratio (1058) has been reported among the
Hindu population in Kerala followed by Chhattisgarh 990 and Pondicherry 987.
Kerala is again at the top of the rank (1082) followed by Pondicherry (1097) and
Tamil Nadu (1020) among Muslims. It may be noted that 13 states and union
territories recorded a sex ratio of over 1000 population among the Christians.
40
Global Opportunities for Ministries
40
C. Sex ratio in the age group 0 - 6
(number of female children to the male children in age group 0-6)
One of the alarming facts that emerged at the 2001 Census is declining Child Sex
Ratio in the age group 0-6 in many states and union territories. At the All-India
level the Sikh population has recorded the lowest child sex ratio of 786 at the 2001
Census preceded by Jains at 870. Christians have reported the highest child sex
ratio of 964 followed by Muslims at 950 and Buddhists at 942. Hindus have reported
a child sex ratio of 925 which is slightly lower than the national average of 927 for
the total population. Persons professing ‘Other Religions and Persuasions’ have
recorded the highest child sex ratio of 976 at the national level. This pattern is also
evident in majority of the states and union territories.
An attempt to explore if there exists a relationship between female literacy rate and
proportion of child population age 0-6 among various religious groups was made.
The variable child population can be assumed to be a reasonable proxy for fertility
levels for the recent period preceding the census. Generally it has been argued
that in developing countries high female literacy rate usually has a positive
dampening effect on lowering fertility, other factors being constant. Thus there is
a negative relationship between female literacy (a minimum level of educational
level) and fertility.
This indeed is a positive sign and shows that irrespective of religious affiliations,
investments, creation of background environment and facilities leading to
improving female literacy would prove to be beneficial in lowering fertility faster
and as a long term stable solution.
The Muslim population has higher proportion of children age 0-6 (18.7 percent)
when compared to Hindus. This is clearly reflected in the overall lower female
literacy rate for Muslim women and possibly of its improvement in recent years.
The past legacy of low female Muslim fertility, which is to some extent true even
for segments of the Hindu population, such as the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes among them, has had possibly a (negative) role to play in not
accelerating the pace of fertility decline. It is therefore imperative that governments
invest in improving the overall female literacy, particularly for the Muslims and
sections of the Hindu society and these communities in turn need to respond
positively and faster than ever before and remove if there exists any female bias in
educating their women – girls and adolescents both.
This is one definite proactive step to improve the status of women in India by
empowering them across the religious group in the long run. While these trends
on the relationship between female literacy and proportion of child population age
0-6 are clearly visible and discernible from the 2001 Census data on religion, it
would be prudent for the policy makers and planners to examine such issues in
greater depth and isolate the influence of various other factors before jumping to
firm conclusions.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 41
D. Literacy Status
Literacy rate for the population age 7 years and above for the country as a whole
stands at 64.8 percent. As compared to this, the literacy rate among the Jains is the
highest at 94.1 percent followed by Christians 80.3 percent and Buddhists 72.7
percent. Hindus and Sikhs have returned a marginally higher literacy rate than the
national average. The lowest literacy has been recorded for ‘Other Religions &
Persuasions’ at 47.0 percent. Muslims are the other religious community returning
lower than the national average literacy rate at 59.1 percent.
It may further be seen that female literacy scenario among Sikhs and Jains is very
encouraging as compared to other religions wherein except one state all the other
states have reported females literacy rate above 60 percent. Twenty-nine states
and union territories among the Jains, 16 states and union territories among Sikhs
and 13 states and union territories among Christians are having female literacy
above 80 percent. The 2001 Census data brings out clearly a high literacy rate
among the females of the Jains, Sikhs and Christians. In Lakshadweep female
literacy of Buddhists is 100 percent and in another 5 states it is above 80 percent.
There are still 11 states where Buddhist female literacy rates are below 50 percent.
The position of ‘Other Religions and Persuasions’ is also following more or less
similar pattern as that of Buddhist population.
E. Work Participation Rate (WPR)
Work Participation Rate or percentage of workers to total population for all religion
is 39.1 percent in the 2001 Census. The group of ‘Other Religions and Persuasions’
have recorded the higher WPR of 48.4 percent followed by the Buddhist at 40.6
percent, Hindus 40.4 percent and Christians at 39.7 percent. The lowest WPR of
31.3 percent at the national level are seen for the Muslim population, preceded by
Jains at 32.9 percent and Sikhs at 37.7 percent. The proportion of urban population,
female work participation rates and proportion of workers in non-agricultural
activity directly influences low WPRs among other factors.
How was the census done and are there any flaws?
The Census Commission employed over two million enumerators to visit about 20
crore households all over the country. The responses of the householders were
scanned and tabulated by their officers and men with state-of-the-art technology
and huge scanners and finally evaluated using big computers. The enumerators
enlisted all including legal and illegal migrants. Those who answered the
enumerator’s questions were considered to be Indian citizens.
The religion of each person as reported was recorded. If a person belonged to an
aboriginal tribe and had no recognized religion e.g. Hindu, Musalman, Christian,
Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Zoroastrian, Jew etc., the name of the tribe was entered. All
persons who said they were Hindus, Musalmans or Christians, etc., were recorded
as such. Those who did not profess belonging to any recognized religion were
entered under the name of their caste or tribe. In the course of tabulation all such
persons were treated as Hindus if they belonged to a recognized Hindu caste,
42
Global Opportunities for Ministries
42
however, low it might be. Those who belonged to jungle tribes outside the caste
system, e.g., Bhils, Khonds, Garos, Todas, etc., were classified as Animists. It was
specially laid down as a part of the instructions to the enumerator that the answer
that each person gave about his religion was to be accepted and duly entered. It
is not necessary that all the members in the household profess the same religion.
Therefore, enquiry was made for each member of the household independently.
The enumerator was instructed not to presume that the religion of the head or the
respondent is necessarily the religion of every member being enumerated in the
household.
One of the questions that many will ask is whether the census data was in any way
influenced by the ruling party of the day, especially when the census data was
collected and tabulated and later when the analyses were reported. The BJP party
(Hindu Nationalists) were in power when the census enumeration and tabulation
were conducted. The Congress party is in power when the census report was
released. It is very difficult to make such a blind accusation, knowing that the task
of collecting, tabulating and analyzing more than one billion people is simply
huge. The census commission has exhibited professionalism in their task and they
have retained some credibility even though they goofed a little while releasing the
religion data and giving room to the media and politicians to misinterpret the
reports. Since then, they have released re-adjusted analyses of the data and have
been supported by leading independent Indian demographers like Dr. Ashish
Bose.
In the Christian media and mission leadership, there is an untested assumption
that the Indian census report has under estimated the Christian population. This
assumption is based on some reports that there are many followers of Christ, who
may not have declared their religious identity to the census enumerator because of
family or sociological pressures. Similarly, many Christians from the Dalits (Lower
caste) & even tribal back ground may have not declared their religious identity for
the fear of losing the economic privileges offered by the Government. These
assumptions have to be field tested. Even if this is true to some extent, the present
projection of the Indian Christian population to be 2.3% i.e., 24 million by the
census report may not be too far from the actual numbers. We have to take into
account the fact that Indian census report is based on accepted statistical principles
in contrast to the various guesstimates that floats around. .
Implications for Indian Missions
Christian Growth Rate – The efforts of the evangelical churches and mission
organizations to serve the people in many ways have resulted in increasing the
growth rate by about 5% which has turned the tide from decline in the proportion
of Christians among the general population to keeping pace with the 2.3%
proportion. There are many states that have less than 1% Christians. We need to
identify the districts which have less than 1% Christians and serve the needy
areas. We should not be contended with these results but continue to serve the
Indian population to fulfill God’s vision of discipling all peoples.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 43
Sex Ratio – The Christian population has more women than men for every
thousand. (1009 females per thousand males) 13 states and union territories
recorded more than 1000 sex ratio compared to other religious communities. The
report has clearly established that improving female literacy will provide positive
results in terms of the sex ratio. The reason for this can be attributed to impact of
the Gospel transforming the Christian community. Generally Christians have a
higher regard for women and importance for the education of women is given
high priority. This is a heritage of the Western Missionaries who have established
pioneering educational institutions to cater to the women population. Indian
Churches and missions must pursue this heritage and serve other religious
communities who are struggling with the issue of female feoticide.
Literacy – Christians have shown a very high percentage of 80% literacy among
them. The female literacy among Christians in 16 States & Union Territories is
above 80%. This re-emphasizes the priority for the education of women given by
the Christian community. We need to continue this trend and continue to serve
the women of other religious communities by providing educational opportunities.
Concluding Observations: The census report has highlighted the North-South
socio-economic divide across all religious communities. The sex ratio in the
southern region of India is better than the northern region for all religious
communities. The literacy rate is also better in the southern region for all religious
communities. This is attributed to the economic development of the Southern
region compared to the North. Literacy and empowerment of women in the
context of alarming sex ratio has now become an important issue for the policy
making of the Government. Therefore these should be priority ministries for the
Indian churches and missions too. We have to focus our ministry to meet the
socio-economic needs of the people and contribute to nation building and fulfilling
God’s vision of discipling all peoples to worship the one and true God.
John Amalraj is the Secretary Operations of India Missions Association based at
Hyderabad. He is a lawyer and personnel manager by profession. Married to Jessie he
has 2 sons named Jaison and Joash
Endnotes
1
Wehsite of Census of India, www.censusindia.net, Religion Data, Brief Introduction and
analyses.
2
BBC News World Edition website, 18 August 2004,
3
The projections are based on infant mortality rates, life expectancy, fertility rates and age
structure, as well as factors such as contraception and Aids rates. What the study cannot
predict is how migration between nations may affect population growth.
4
The Jain population has registered a growth rate of 26.0 percent against very low growth
rate of 4.6 percent during 1981-1991. Abnormally low population growth of Jains in the
last decade appears to be an aberration when compared with the previous decades.
5
The chart in the next page is an information on Christians in India to Census 2001. It
excludes Mao- Mizoram, Paomata and Purul subdivisions of Senapati district of Manipur.
http://www.censusindia.net
44
Global Opportunities for Ministries
44
1,028,610,328 24,080,016 2.3 1009 964 13.5 80.3
76.2
Participation
Female
Lit
Literacy rate
of child Pop 0-6
Sex Ratio Age 0-6
Sex Ratio
Proportion of
Christian Popn
Christian Population
Total Population
State
Union Territory
Code
1
India
Jammu &
Kashmir
39.7
10,143,700
20,299 0.2 594 834 11.6 74.8
6,077,900
7,687 0.1 822 898 12.8 82.2
24,358,999
292,800 1.2 893 870 16.1 54.6
47.0 35.7
60.9 50.6
2
Himachal
Pradesh
3
Punjab
4
Chandigarh
900,635
7,627 0.8 932 939 12.1 88.5
85.1 41.7
5
Uttranchal
8,489,349
27,116 0.3 960 989 11.7 87.9
85.3 37.0
6
Haryana
21,144,564
27,185
0.1 918 921 12.4 85.3
81.8 39.0
7
Delhi
13,850,507
130,319 0.9 1076 965 11.4 94.0
91.7 44.9
8
Rajasthan
56,507,188
72,660 0.1 986 956 14.6 83.0
77.7 42.9
9
Uttar
Pradesh
166,197.921
212,518 0.1 961 936 14.6 72.8
67.4
33.9
10
Bihar
82,998,509
53,137 0.1 974 918 14.8 71.1
66.4
39.2
11
Sikkim
540,851
36,115 6.7 960 929 14.6 72.4
65.2
47.4
1,097,968
79.5
47.6
205,548 18.7 1003 960 20.5 47.0
37.8
43.5
13
Arunachal
Pradesh
Nagaland
1,990,036 1,790,349 90 941 968 14.6 66.2
61.6
42.2
14
15
Manipur
Mizoram
2,166,788
888,573
58.5 44.2
91.4 51.7
16
17
18
Tripura
Meghalaya
Assam
57.3
63.3
38.7
41.9
48.0
41.7
19
W Bengal
3,199,203
102,489 3.2 941 975 15.7 67.9
2,318,822 1,628,986 70.3 1004 973 21.1 65.3
986,589 3.7 962 964 17.6 56.4
26,655,528
80,176,197 515,150 0.6 1002 973 13.4 69.7
62.3
38.9
20
21
Jharkhand
26,945,829
59.8 45.6
12
737,578 34.0 977 959 14.6 65.9
772,809 87.0 986 969 16.1 93.1
Orissa
36,804,660
1,093,382 4.1 1018 975 16.2 67.9
897,861 2.4 1026 981 17.8 54.9
22
Chattisgarh
20,833,803
401,035 1.9 1021 972 15.3 75.3
68.2
23
Madhya
Pradesh
Gujarat
60,348,023
50,671,017
170,381 0.3 996 976 13.3 85.8
284,092 0.6 988 927 12.8 77.7
81.4 40.5
24
44.1
44.6
46.1
71.2
45.9
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 45
Participation
Female
Lit
Literacy rate
of child Pop 0-6
Sex Ratio Age 0-6
Sex Ratio
Christian%
X Population
Total Population
State
Union Territory
Code
25 Daman &
Diu
158,204
3362
2.1
994 9`18 9.8 88.2
82.7 43.2
26 Dadra &
Nagerhaveli
27 Maharashtra
220,490
6058
2.7
902 1009 19.3 64.6
50.8 47.4
96,878,627 1,058,313 1.1
993 958 10.3 91.0
87.4 38.9
28 Andhra.Pradesh 76,210,007 1,181,917
1..6 1037 977 12.3 75.3
69.8 42.8
29 Karnataka
1..9 1030 961 11.1 87.4
84.0 39.5
26.7 1107 945 9.6 83.8
78.8 32.4
30 Goa
31 Lakshadweep
32 Kerala
33 TamilNadu
34 Pondicherry
35 Andaman
& Nicobar
52,850,562 1,009,164
1,347,668
359,568
60,650
509
206 333 3
97
31,841,374 6,057,427 19.0 1031 960 11.2 94.8
93.5 33.9
6.1 1031 968 11.2 85.2
6.9 1101 962 11.0 87.3
81.6 39.0
82.9 34.9
21.7 904 990 12.7 77.0
71.6 40.3
62,405,679 3,785,060
974,345
67,688
356,152
77,178
1
96
82
Management is not about running a democracy;
it is fulfilling a God-given sacred,
stewardship responsibility in the context of trust and
integrity based on relationships.
- Mr. Jayakumar Christian
Let us lift up one another so that
we all can celebrate the fulfillment
of our God given role in building God’s Kingdom
(Not denominational expansion)
-Rev. Dr. Ngul Khan Pau
www.imaindia.org / quotes / asp
46
Global Opportunities for Ministries
46
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then SAIACS is the right place for you.
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Last Date for completed application: November 30, 2004.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 47
From Malkangiri, With Love
Life and Work of Late. Dr. RAC Paul and the Living
Testimoy of Dr. Iris Paul
Sam Arackal
Early Life: Ganapal, who was later
known as RAC Paul was born on 19
August 1941 as a fourth generation
Christian. When Ganalpal finished his
matriculation with flying colours, his
family did not have the wherewithal to
send him for higher studies. Seeing the
situation, his second sister Priscilla
made up her mind to discontinue her
own studies so that the brother could
start his. As a result he went to Madras
Veterinary College for higher studies.
In the college days he developed
problems in kidney. This made him turn
to God and he began to read the Bible.
The Turning Point and the Transition:
In the early Nineteen Sixties, he received
an invitation from his well wisher Sister
Gunaseeli to attend Emmanuel
Methodist Church at Vepery, Chennai.
A deep voice thundered over the
microphone as Paul entered. “Who do
you think is the lost lamb? Who? Yes,
it is you.” Paul felt fascinated by the
handsome preacher who clearly
48
Global Opportunities for Ministries
challenged his congregation. He
seemed to speak directly to Paul.
Then the exhortation came, “Stand up
for Jesus”. At the end of the service
the pastor stood at the doorway
greeting
people.
Gunaseeli
introduced him to the pastor. He was
none other than Rev. Dr. Sam
Kamaleson whom he had heard
people speak of with admiration. Sam
Kamaleson proved to be more than a
pastor. He became a friend and tutor,
grooming Paul to serve God. Paul
finished his veterinary degree and
received his degree in 1963. On those
days veterinary jobs were hard to get.
Paul applied for a job as assistant
veterinary doctor in a government clinic
in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. He got it
and started practising as a veterinary
assistant. In 1967 Dr. Paul saw a notice
in Muthumalai magazine. It asked for
missionaries for Malkangiri in the
extreme south of the state of Orissa. The
people included tribal Koyas, and
Bondos. Having talked to the leaders in
his church and those in IMS, he left the
lucrative veterinary practice in
Virudhunagar and prepared himself for
missionary work.
Into the Brave New World of
Malkangiri: On 17 January 1967, Paul
reached Madras, bid goodbye to his kith
and kin, friends and his mentor Rev. Dr.
Sam Kameleson and left for Malkangiri.
They were three people who reached
48
Malkangiri in a jeep, they stopped near
a group of Koyas. Dr. Paul was fascinated
by their appearence, with a knot of hair
tied on the side of the head and adorned
with a big red flower.
The Paradigm Shift of Dr. Paul: The
city bred Dr. Paul began to live among
Adivasis. Very few Adivasis could read
or write, but each group had its own
language. Dr. Paul had learnt about the
fierce hill Bondos with their poison
arrows, their murderous knives their
frequent feuds, and festivals that turned
in to fights. The thought to reach them
fascinated Dr. Paul. Indian Missionary
Society at that time asked him to start
mission station in Malkangiri. After
some months the IMS sent Mr. Paul
Jeyaraj as a Man-Friday to join Paul. The
duo with the help of Munshi, a translator
roped in by Dr. Paul, formed a Bible
study group. These people had been
there so long without a pastor or
Christian encourager. And the group
grew. The trio went to different villages
preaching the gospel. Paul’s language
skills were growing. When he came to
Malkangiri first, he could communicate
in Hindi, Telugu, Oriya and his own first
two languages, Tamil and English. Now
he learnt to speak Deshya, the trade
language understood by the tribal
groups such as Koyas, Porajas, and the
Khonds. Paul did only a little veterinary
work there.
The Dramatic Marriage with Dr. Iris
Paul: Life had taken a sudden turn for
sheltered, city-bred Iris when she
married Paul.
She had a well off home, education,
friends, all the conveniences of the best
side of the city, a highly desirable career
in medicine and a chance to make good
fortune. Dr. Iris Paul, who was inspired
by the biography of Albert Schweitzer,
wanted to go to Africa as a missionary.
Drawing inspiration from Dr. Sam
Kamaleson’s message, she went to
slums and saw the life of poor people.
Realisation dawned upon her that Africa
was not the only place with poor people
who needed missionaries. After some
years Dr. Iris completed the MBBS
course with good records and took a
job as a house surgeon. With her
missionary mind she started praying for
an eligible bachelor. Her college friend
Chandra introduced her to RAC Paul
who was a friend of her husband. Iris
spoke about the same to her mother.
Consequently her father Mr. Walter
went to Malkangiri and was highly
impressed by the hospitality and
courtesy extended by Dr. Paul.
Notwithstanding
there
were
reservations in the beginning by seeing
the surrounding and difficulties, he
finally yielded to give his daughter to
him. On 24 January 1972 Paul and Iris
got married in Madras.
Dr. Iris’ Medical Profession, a Boon to
Tribals: The shepherd seeks the sheep
and not sheep the shepherd. Dr. Iris
Paul, assuming the role of a good
shepherd was going after the ‘tribal
sheeps’. Dr. Iris could offer her medical
skill there. The medical instruments her
friends had given as wedding gifts came
in handy for her. It was not just physical
matrimonial match but a match on same
vision, where today’s eligible bachelors
and spinsters should take cue. She
accepted patients in the small room she
called the clinic. Malaria was a serious
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 49
problem and TB
appeared in so
many ways that
Iris
kept
thinking. Her
attitude towards
work
was,
“Medicine is my
life. It doesn’t
feel like work. I
can’t think of
anything else I would rather do. It does
not bother me when people call at odd
hours. I just stay till I finish the job.”
Sundays were too busy where Dr. Paul
would go for preaching and Dr. Iris had
50-100 patients in the queue. She also
had to play the roles of a nurse and
pharmacist single handedly. It was a
show of extra-ordinary professionalism
and labour of love.
The Tribals of Malkangiri: There are
Bondos of both the plains and the hills.
Hill Bondos were suspicious and short
tempered and unhesitatingly shot their
poisoned arrows to kill. Their society
had far fewer males as many men were
killed. During those days, 4 to 5 murders
occurred in a week. They aimed their
arrows at the liver, believing it to be the
seat of life. One murderer even ate the
liver of the victim, but as a group they
are not cannibals. Both men and women
drank liquor. When a baby is born they
put a drop of liquor on its tongue to
protect it from spirits in the forest. There
is some soul of goodness in things evil
among the tribals of Malkangiri, the Paul
couple was credited with distillig it.
In 1973 the couple joined IEM after
Paul’s 6 years of membership, they
would formally resign from IMS.
because IMS vision was to undertake
work among Santali, Koya, Gadaba and
other people groups of Malkangiri. But
the couple’s vision was for reaching
Bondos as no one else was trying to
reach Bondos owing to their terrible
reputation. Dr. Theodore Williams the
then director of IEM who presided over
their welcome. In October 1977 Iris and
Dr. Paul’s world of Bondos and their
language and health needs fell apart. At
the age of 36 Dr. Paul plunged into
serious ill health and developed severe
headache, backache and fever. Dr. Paul
was admitted to CMS, Vellore. He was
examined and found that his one kidney
was damaged. He came back to
Malkangiri and continued his work
despite his illhealth. Dr. Paul stayed
against all odds. Putting on the
dauntless spirit of resolution he went
to fields when he got little respite.
Whenever Paul and Iris visited the
tribals, they gave them a tumultuous
welcome. Wherever they went, Iris held
a roadside clinic, offering merciful relief
from illness. Paul helped by cleaning
wounds, applying dressings, talking
with patients. And he saw results.
Among the Koyas and some other
groups people became Christians.
In the year 1986 Dr. Paul’s health was
going down from bad to worse. He had
to be admitted once again to CMC,
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Global Opportunities for Ministries
50
Vellore. Finally the date of operation
was fixed on September 30. On the
morning of 30 September 1986 Paul was
taken into the operation theatre. Dr. Iris
was waiting outside with great fear and
trembling. Surgeons swung into action
with their medication and injection. All
became vain. Finally the surgeon came
out with the disheartening news, that
they were not able to save her husband.
Dr. RAC Paul went to be with the Lord
on 30 September 1986. The irresistible
desperation made Dr. Iris to take the
immovable resolution to take the mantle
assuming the leadership thereby filling
the gap. Later her mission became a
separate entity called Reaching Hand
Society (RHS).
Conclusion and Challenge to Young
Medical Professionals: The legacy left
behind by Dr. RAC Paul and the living
testimony of Dr. Iris GR Paul is a
challenge to all young medical
professionals who aspire to be in
missions. Dr. Iris Paul’s four children
named Remo, David, Mary and
Mano,were the ones who stood with
their mother in weal and woe.1 RHS is
one of the missions who work among
tribals. RHS feel the shortage of funds
as a result, had to suspend many
development works. Your prayers and
support will be appreciated. Not only in
Malkangiri various tribal fields of India
need committed medical professionals.
The challenge before the medical
professionals is God’s query to Prophet
Ishiah, “Whom shall I send”?
This write-up is developed by Mr. Sam Arackal from Pioneering on the Pinda written
by Beulah Wood and Lalitha Chellappa. This book is available at Evangelical Literature
Service, 95- A, Vepery High Road, Chennai @ Rs 70
Endnote
Mr. Ragaland Remo Paul the eldest son of Dr. Iris Paul has taken over the charge of RHS
in March 2004 as Dr. Iris Paul retired as the Executive Secretary on the same month.
B R I D G E N e w s — k e e p s a p u l s e on
Indian Missions
Bridge News: The purpose of this newsletter is to bring recent updates of all
IMA programmes and events and mobilise prayers for IMA. This is an important
communication tool. This newsletter is mainly for IMA Members, and the leaders
of other Churches/Missions. All ministry partners, prayer partners, donors and
well-wishers of IMA within India and overseas receive a printed copy/ email.
Donation towards postage is appreciated.
Email to <bridgeedit@imaindia.org> or write to IMA Center, #118 Arul Colony,
ECIL Post, Hyderabad 500 062
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 51
Creative Thinking 1
Operation Nomad:
A Revolutionary Project
for Brazil
David Bothello
The Indian Church has to wake up to the mission realities!
“... as aliens and strangers in the world...” (1 Peter 2:11)
Project
Nomad arose
out of the
desire to see
people
M
any men and women end up not serving God to
their full potential because of the lack of support
and incentive from the church and its leadership.
The general tendency is to become comfortable, and after
awhile the Christian life becomes a routine. However, what
Jesus exhorts us to do is to put our hand to the plough
(Luke 9:62). Considering this, we decided to throw down a
challenge that will change not only your life but the lives of
many who still do not know the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
committed to Project Nomad arose out of the desire to see people
the Kingdom committed to the Kingdom of God who are willing to lay
aside everything for love of God and be used in a special
of God who way in these days. The idea is both simple and challenging.
are willing to The only thing necessary is to be prepared to preach the
Gospel and submit to God’s will.
lay aside
everything Pastor Martin Luther King Jr, Nobel Peace Prizewinner,
always defended the cause he believed in and gave his life
for love of for it. One of his most famous phrases is: “Because we
God and be can’t wait”. I would like to make these my words as we face
the great challenge before us of reaching those peoples
used in a who are as yet unreached, and often forgotten and
special way neglected by the evangelical church.
The Latin American church is one of the fastest growing in
the world, and especially so in Brazil. Let’s look at some
facts:
·
Brazil has the third largest church in the world with
35,000,000 members; in Latin America there are 70,000,000
evangelicals.
52
Global Opportunities for Ministries
52
·
It is estimated that in Brazil alone
there are 6,500 conversions daily and
almost 2,000,000 annually.
There are more than 180,000 churches
in Brazil and twice that amount in Latin
America.
Even with that the number of crosscultural workers is not proportionate.
The Latin American church needs to
consider the great challenge of these
unreached peoples. We just need to
remember that:
Of the 24,000 people groups in the world,
8,000 haven’t been reached with the
Gospel.
Of the 251 indigenous people groups in
Brazil, 103 still do not have missionaries.
Of the 7,158 languages in the world, the
Bible still has not been translated into
more than 4,000 of these.
There are STILL countries in the world
without a single KNOWN NATIONAL
believer, such as Saudi Arabia, Western
Sahara, the Maldives and Qatar.
Of the 600,000 cities and towns in India,
in 500,000 there are still no Christian
workers.
In China there are 500,000,000 people
who have never heard of Jesus.
85,000 people still die daily without
having heard of salvation through Jesus
Christ.
You can change these statistics.
There’s still time.
We have to ask ourselves how much
we are investing in cross-cultural
missions.
The average believer in Brazil invests
less than a half dollar per year.
Less than 300 churches of the 180,000
in Brazil have sent a missionary to work
among the unreached peoples of the 1040 window.
Less than 1% of resources are invested
in cross-cultural work.
The same is true of the church in the
rest of Latin America.
Most of the denominational leaders in
Brazil and Latin America know this
information; we have been sharing it
personally through literature, videos,
cds, etc. We have presented a project
of a ‘model church’ to several leaders
in the hope of doubling or tripling the
number of workers among unreached
peoples, but we have yet to see a
general commitment to reach the lost in
far away places.
Faced with this, we have had prayer
campaigns for workers, to ask the Lord
of the Harvest to send out men, and
children of pastors and businessmen to
be trained as they will never lack
financial support. We have seen our
prayers being answered, but the great
majority of people who respond to this
challenge of going to the most difficult
and inhospitable places on the earth
don’t have enough support, and the
majority are women.
Every day many people contact us who
want to go to unreached fields, but the
greatest challenge is still the financial
support from their pastors and leaders.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 53
What are we to do about this? The
words of Martin Luther King echo in our
ears. He said: “Expecting God to do
everything while we do nothing isn’t
faith, it is superstition.”
We have, therefore, two extreme
situations: on one hand, there are the
thousands who die each day without
having heard of Christ; and on the other
hand, there thousands who want to tell
of Christ’s love, but who aren’t being
sent.
That is why we have decided to sound a
call that is not just national but also
continental. We want to know how
many candidates would be willing to live
a very simple life like that of a nomad,
live in tents, live like soldiers, eat
different food, learn new customs, wear
different clothes, and in essence live like
the people they are trying to reach.
In addition to this, we propose the
setting up of a common fund, where the
needs are decided as a team, and the
priorities are food and missionary
training. If you are committed to the
missionary cause among the unreached
and are willing to be part of a project like
this, working in a team with everyone
helping each other to raise support, then
join us. Whether you have some support
54
Global Opportunities for Ministries
from church or friends, even if it’s only
a little, or whether you have no support
and your church isn’t prepared to
invest, this could be your opportunity.
We are willing to help you to receive
training and get on to the mission field.
I would like again to quote Martin
Luther King Jr: “I have a dream.” This
dream is to see the task of world
evangelization completed in this
generation and together stand before
the Master and hear his words: “Well
done! good and faithful servant, enter
in to the joy of the Lord.”
We are asking people to register their
interest. If you meet the following
requirements, then send an e-mail to
the address below.
- I am a committed member of an
evangelical Church
- I am baptized and I have been a
Christian for than a year
- I am single/ I am married, with no
children
- I am in good health and I have basic
level of education
On behalf of those awaiting Peace in
Jesus Christ,
David Botelho
d.botelho@uol.com.br
54
Creative Thinking 2
Pitfalls of Missionaries
and Missions
Chinnaswamy Sekar Stephen
T
he word ‘missionary’ was once
used to connote foreigners, who
came to our country to preach
the gospel and establish missionary
work. Mission centers, hospitals,
schools, churches and institutions,
which become legendary also grew well
later under the ‘native’ leadership. Let
us look into some of the aspects that
hinder the progressiveness and
effective commitment on the part of
Indian missionaries and missions.
The pitfall of commitment:
The early missionaries were really
committed and dedicated. There were
no programs or plans did not tie them
down or preoccupied their time. Their
commitment was purely to serve and to
see that souls come to the saving
knowledge of Christ [with some
exceptions]. Mission objectives are
slowly changing. Most missions have
turned to become result oriented, filled
with strategies and programs, which is
more like any entrepreneurship. Their
objectives became shallow in some way
or other. It is not the great commission
that counts but it is the ‘mission’s
commission’ that is imperative. It is not
the souls, but the projects that is pivotal.
If “production” in these ‘industries’ (so
to say for missions) doesn’t bring out
the desired results, the investment is
considered as waste and the workers,
(missionaries, pastors, evangelists) are
taken for task. Their income drops
down, the ‘financers’ aren’t happy! The
‘super supporting missions’ will not pay
some of the ‘entrepreneurs’! Has the
missions lost its relish? They have!
The pitfalls:
Monitory benefits were not considered
as important aspect to serve God. Many
have walked miles to reach the unreached. Many have sacrificed their
good lives to serve the Lord with
sincerity. Their terrain of missionary
journey was much more complex than
now. In one of the TV interview shows,
Tony Campollo, pointed out:
“In China, after the communist took over
the churches are growing, they don’t
have appointed pastors, or institutional
heads, but every one takes
responsibility seriously, they eagerly
speak the Gospel and live the Gospel,
they don’t even have scripture totally
available; yet they are passionate!
Problem with the established
institutions and missions is
complacency, lack of commitment.”
Can we motivate, live, and practice the
Gospel?
Today, we have better communication
systems but poor communicators of the
real gospel, we have excellent
transportation network but the missions
provide stringent funds for travel, which
indeed hampers the missionary or
mission workers commuting. It is
important to see that our missionaries
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 55
and mission workers are given
privileges to travel in better facilities
without wearing themselves, wherever
possible. We have excellent print media
and we produce substandard qualities
of magazines or other printed materials.
We have not encouraged or trained our
youths to contribute innovatively. We
need to look out for good and potential
youths to be useful for missions.
Are there some more pitfalls?
Laziness; it is due to the fact the
missionary may be less motivated and
or physically not fit. Sometime it is mental
instability that causes sluggishness,
due to undue pressures from the
headquarters, or the field it self is
difficult. Persecution can also be
another reason. Lack of preparation,
(this aspect is related to the laziness.)
lack of communication with the people,
unconcerned attitude, get it over with
attitude in the field; all these can happen
due to financial difficulties and family
instability, pressures about children’s
studies, separation, sickness etc.
Whose fault would it be?
Mission office: Lack of concern for the
missionaries/pastors/evangelists.
Finance is one of the major drawbacks,
which hampers or builds missions.
Accountability: It is yet another factor
that affects the missionary and the
mission leaders.
Many leaders are not willing to be
accountable to any one.
Many missions lean towards dynasty
leadership.
Lack of developing secondary
leadership: Most leaders find it difficult
to trust and build good successors.
Lack of constant prayer, helps Satan to
interfere in Missionaries life.
The solution:
I would suggest following points:
1) Right motive in serving the Master
2) Right relationship with everyone
3) Reciprocal communication with
sincerity
4) Re-generating leadership
5) Review mission mandate periodically
6) Respect accountability and be
accountable
7) Revolve all aspects around God and
His guidance
Missionary himself /herself can be
responsible.
Chinnasamy Sekhar is an IMA Member mission leader based in Bangalore. He is married
to Ammini and the couple have a daughter named Shamili
56
Global Opportunities for Ministries
56
Recent
Recent Happenings
Happenings
Convergence meeting of EFI, IMA and EFICOR
The leaders and key staff of three Evangelical Christian networking bodies
(Evangelical Fellowship of India – EFI, India Missions Association - IMA and
Evangelical Fellowship of India’s Commission on Relief - EFICOR) met together
from 16 to18 August 2004, at the Indian Social Institute, New Delhi. A total number
of 35 members were present from the three organisations. The purpose of the
meeting was to familiarize each other with the vision, activities, challenges and
future directions of each organisation; strengthen ties, and explore possibilities
for networking through the identification of common interests and concerns.
Rev. David Ruiz, (International Coordinator, Great Commission Round Table GCR) was a special invitee who led the Bible study on the 3 days. The Bible
studies were on Christian partnerships, being a good facilitator, and unity in
Christian missions which were relevant and challenging to the participants. The
three organisations made presentations of their respective organisations,
highlighting their specific calling and role played in Christian ministry. This was
followed by question-answer sessions, when clarifications were sought. These
enlightened the participants on the outworking of each organization’s vision,
mission and goals. The presentations were intercepted with times of prayer for all
three organisations and for Christian missions in our country.
Mr. John Amalraj (IMA) and Rev Richard Howell (EFI) took the group through
three sessions of ‘Building powerful ministry teams’. At the end of the 3-day
meeting Mr. Dino L Touthang facilitated the sharing by participants and note was
made of various suggestions that were received. He emphasized that although it
was premature to enlist specific areas of networking and partnership, the purpose
of the meeting – to get to know each other and understand each other’s ministry
— was more than fulfilled. The meeting ended with prayer.
Pauline Daniel
Let’s Prepare Indian Hearts to receive Christ
More than 60 leaders and intercessors gathered together in Nagpur on 18 and 19
August 2004 for the 2nd IMA Prayer Network Consultation. The meeting began
with praise and worship which was led by leaders of Nagpur and the exhortation
was given by Rev. Amaury Braga, after which a time of repentance and confession
took place. During the afternoon session reports of prayer efforts were shared
and prayed for. A special time was set aside for choosing prayer coordinators to
carry out the prayer initiatives in their respective places. The evening continued
with extended time of prayer till midnight, which was a blessing. On the 19th, after
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 57
the praise and worship Rev. Joshua Pillai challenged the participants with important
facts and figures of people groups as well challenged every one to consecrate, and
be holy if we have to see the nation reached with the gospel. Mr. Patrick Joshua,
Chairman of the IMA Prayer Network, proposed a plan of action and challenged
each initiative to motivate prayer across the country in 40 days cluster of prayers,
systematically to prepare the Indian hearts to be receptive to receive the Love of
Christ. During the final session many groups presented their action plans. It was
encouraging to see the commitment of many leaders for prayer. Plans were made
for training prayer coordinators in each State and District. A training program for
the coordinators is being planned either in Nagpur or Hydrabad on 9 and 10
November 2004. Most of the coordinators were very enthusiastic and have already
planned several regional consultations. The meeting ended with closing remarks
by Rev. C. Sekar, IMA Prayer Network Coordinator, challenging the leaders to
focus their prayers with faith to achieve what God wants us to. Mr. Cornelius
thanked the participants and the organizers and those who traveled great distances
to be at the consultation. The whole program was sponsored by DAWN Ministries
and coordinated locally by Rev. Mamoti of the Church of Nazarene.
C. Sekar
GCR Leader meets with IMA Members
David Ruiz, President of COMIBAM (Missions
Association for South American Countries) and
International Coordinator of Great Commission Round
Table (GCR) visited India from 5th to 18th August. He met
with IMA member mission leaders in special meetings at
Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai and Hyderabad. In all these
meetings he shared about the growing church and mission
movement in South America and other parts of the world. Many member mission
leaders responded that there were many similarities between India and South
America and wanted more opportunities for mutual learning.
David Ruiz also had fellowship meetings with several friends
from his region of the world who live and work in India. The
highlight of his visit was his participation in the historic gettogether meeting of the EFI, IMA & EFICOR. His Bible studies
facilitated an environment of cooperation and understanding
during the rest of the session. David Ruiz expressed that his
vision about India, IMA and missions in general weredeeply
accomplished. He looks forward to a second visit to India soon. JA
58
Global Opportunities for Ministries
58
(Registered under societies Act XXI of 1860)
CFI MINISTRIES
P B No. 670, Phase I, Indl. Area, Chandigarh 160 002 Ph: 0172 2563662/
2563668, E-mail: cfichd@sify.com
1. Administrator – Male
Professional requirements: Post graduation with specialization in administration
areas; Excellent communicational and interpersonal skills; 5 years experience;
Highly proficient in English and Hindi; Computer skills.
The candidate must be mature and energetic male above 35 years, married,
committed Christian, able to give long term commitment and with good
character and attitude.
2. Finance Manager- Male
Professional requirements: Bachelor/ Master in Commerce 5 years of experience;
Highly proficient in English and Hindi, Good knowledge in Finance; Computer skills.
Reaching, Restoring and Releasing
Reaching, Restoring and Releasing
Reaching, Restoring and Releasing
The candidates must be mature and energetic, committed Christian, excellent
knowledge in strategic and legal entities, able to give long term commitment and
with good character and attitude.
3. IT & Administrator Assistant – Male
Excellent computer, administrative, organizational skills; Highly proficient in English
and Hindi (Oral & Written).
The candidates must be mature and energetic, committed Christian, excellent
knowledge in administration and organisation, able to give long term commitment and
with good character and attitude.
4. Sponsorship Co-ordinator - Male / Female
Good computer skills; Administrative and organisational skills; Highly proficient in
English and Hindi (Oral & Written)
The candidate must be mature and energetic, committed Christian, excellent
knowledge in administration and organisation, able to give long term commitment
and with good character & attitude.
5. Field correspondent – Male (3 No.s)
The candidates must be mature and energetic, committed Christian, able to
travel, able to give long term commitment with good character and attitude.
6. Team Coordinator – Male
Excellent People skills; Good communicator; Proficient in English and Hindi; Organising
& Administrative skills.
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The candidates must be mature and energetic, married, committed Christian,
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loyal to CFI, and trustworthy, able to give long term commitment, need good
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health, able to make good impression about CFI, and with good
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character and attitude.
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“CFI exists to reach the unreached in India, restoring and releasing
them to fulfill the great commission. Our vision is being realized
through effective church planting and social development”
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 59
Reaching, Restoring and Releasing
Reaching, Restoring and Releasing
Good computer skills; People skills; Good communicator; Highly proficient in English,
Hindi and preferably Punjabi (Oral & Written)
IMA Members News
Compiled by IMA Research Team
1. Action For Asia Outreach: AFOA is an evangelical interdenominational faith mission based in Nagpur.
They have fields in Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and some parts of
Nepal.
2. Adivasi Baptist Churches Association of Assam:
This mission, based in Assam is making an endeavour to reach the tribes of Assam.
3. Agni Ministries Inc. Trust: They plant GENX coffee houses by the young
people for young people in the city of Chennai. GENX brings the good news
through music. They share about the reality, life experiences of individuals, stories,
and ethical values.
4. Aim Asia: This mission is based in Hyderabad, and has about 430 workers.
They minister to the poor, the elderly / widows, animists, etc. in South Asia, Rajasthan,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, etc. They are involved in
social development, literacy, sharing of the good news, and training.
5.Al Bashir: This Delhi based mission has about 40 workers involved in
Bible Correspondence course,vocational training, literacy programme, discipleship
and other ministries. Pray that lives of people may be transformed and the good
news of Jesus Christ spread to all.
6.Amar Jyoti India: This mission based in Cuttack, Orissa is involved in
Bible correspondence courses, training camps and conferences, ministry in villages and cities, leprosy asylums, slums in Delhi and works among the fishermen
and tribals.
7.Arise & Build Christian Prayer Fellowship: This Chennai based mission
is involved in evangelism, literature distribution, ministry to urban and the like.
8. Asian Shayogi Sanstha India: This Gorakhpur, U.P based mission is involved in church planting, training, research, social development and intercession
and prayer mobilization.
9.Association For Christian Thoughtfulness: This Mumbai based mission
encourages Christians and churches to promote development projects aimed at the
physical, emotional, social and spiritual development of weaker sections of society.
10.Association For Garhwal’s Advancement, Prosperity And Evangelization: This Dehradun based organization works through various ministries like clinics, reading rooms, handloom traning, and sewing centers. Besides they have 15
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village churches and they work in several pioneering stations.
11.Association Of Revival Tabernacle: This Delhi based mission is involved
in evangelism, Bible correspondence course, women’s ministry, ministry to the
poor, ministry to children, community development, running orphanages and the
like.
12.Astha Jan Chethna Society: AJCS, based in Bhopal is involved in evangelism, orphanage, adult literacy, education and training and community development.
13.Badavo Banjara Phzojer Trust: This Hyderabad based mission is involved
in social service projects for the people group of Banjaras.
14.Barasat Ketabi Jamat Welfare Society: The word Kitabi Jamati is parsoArabic and means believers fellowship. This Bengal based mission was launched in
1993 to preach the gospel among the neighbours.
15.Bastar for Christ Missionary Movement: This mission is based in
Chattisgarh. They are involved in church planting and other mercy ministries.
16.Beersheba Mission For Christ: This Nagpur based mission was founded
in 1995 with the dedication of soul winning and preaching the gospel in unreached
areas with service to the poor and helpless.
17.Behala Human Care Mission: This Kolkata based mission aims to reach
Bengalis, the 7th largest people group in the world.
18.Beruma Ministries Inc: This Hyderabad based mission is trying to reach
the ‘neighbours’ through mercy ministries.
19.Bethany Fellowship: This mission is involved in church planting, Bible
courses, orphanage, conducting periodical pastor’s seminars and campaigns, film
ministry, free medical aid, prison ministry and the like. Forty Bible college students
were graduated and stationed in villages. Forty eight students are undergoing
training. About 600 lepers were shared with the gospel. Fifty two orphan children
are taken care of.
20.Bethel Bible Institute: Bethel Bible Institute was established in 1976 at
Salem for giving one year training program for FMPB missionaries. Their other
ministries are missionary training, Jesus film camps, prisoners camp, VBS ministry,
Summer School of Mission and Evangelism.
21.Bethel Educational Sovereign Trust: This Kishan Ganj, Bihar based mission is involved in child care, cross cultural church planting, discipling etc.
22.Bethel Full Gospel Religious Charity Trust: This Varanasi based mission is involved in leadership training, church planting, women’s handicraft training, medical ministry, supporting poor children for education etc.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 61
23.Bharatiya Sewak Sangati: This Nagpur based mission is an indigenous
church planting mission working among 9 unreached people group in 5 districts of
Maharashtra and one district in Madhya Pradesh.
24.Bharat Susamachar Samiti: This U.P based mission is involved in literacy and social development projects.
25.Bharatiya Christi Seva Dal: This Madhupur, Bihar, based mission is
involved in church planting among Santal people group. Besides the mission has
their own schools. They are in need of computer professionals, teachers. Qualified
and commited Christians can apply. Email <santhaltribe@rediffmail.com>
26.Bible Believing Churches And Missions: BBCM is involved in church
planting, training both in and off campus, seminars for pastors and church leaders,
evangelistic meetings, literature ministry and social concerns such as establishing
educational institutions and extending scholarship assistance to the children of
poor Christians.
27.Bible Society of India, Bangalore: BSI is involved in translation, publication and distribution of Bible or its portions in about 180 Indian languages.
28.Bihar Outreach Network: There are about 60 churches and 500 Christians among the Yadav community in Bihar as a result of their ministry. There are 12
full time Yadav workers.
29.Blessing Youth Mission: More than 100 of their believers participated
with much joy in the Believers Retreat conducted in Karad in Maharashtra. The
ministry among children in this state is growing greatly. 350 children were benefited by the VBS in the state. An evangelistic camp was arranged by Bharatiya
Sevak Sangat in one of the fields. Twentyfive people committed their lives to Christ
and decided to become bold witnesses for Jesus.
30.Bombay Revival And Prayer Band: This Mumbai based mission is involved in evangelism, gospel and revival meetings, church planting and ministers
among commercial sex workers and lepors. They also run Christian bookstall, orphanage, school and, Bible training institute,
31.Calvary Chapel Trust: This Amritsar, Punjab based mission is trying to
reach the unreached people in North India. Their pioneer ministry is ministry to
poor. Besides, they are involved in multi-media communication and educational
programs.
32.Calvary Gospel Center: This Punjab based mission is was established for
charitable and benevolent purpose of promoting spiritual, moral, mental and social
advancement of its members and others throughout India.
33.Care & Share Mission: This Bhubaneshwar based mission is involved
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in empowerment, transformation of the targeted communities. Other ministries
include restoration of cultural values and morals of all section of community. CSM
consistently keeps on its attempt to locate the problem of slum dwellers in
Bhubaneshwar city.
34.Central India Christian Mission: This mission was founded in the year
1983. Based in Madhya Pradesh they are involved in church planting, Christian
Medical and Training Center, mission hospital, leadership training seminars, radio
programs etc.
35.Chandrakona Road Nutan Aalo: This mission which is based in Midnapur,
West Bengal provides education through residential an non- residential schools,
and runs home for the under privileged children and the aged. They have Bible
school for theological education. They adopt villages for community development.
36.Child Evangelism Fellowship Of India, Bangalore: This mission is existing in 152 countries around the world. In India it was established in 1947 and in the
year 1997, CEF India celebrated its 50th anniversary. The CEF ministry is going on
in 19 centers based in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh,
Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
37.Christ For India Movement: This mission based in Nagpur is involved in
ministries such as literature distribution, open air meetings, church planting, film
ministry, publication, education and social upliftment.
38.Christian Academy For Rural Welfare And Evangelism: This Garhwal
based mission began in 1983 as a result of the burden to reach the unreached
people of Uttranchal. Today, CARWE pastors are involved in outreach and providing spiritual nourishment to the new believers. CARWE also runs a children’s
home for the underprivileged, destitute and poor.
39.Christian Believers Assembly: This Kota, Rajasthan, based mission is
involved in church planting and orphanages. More than 6000 churches have been
planted by this mission all over India.
40.Christian Evangelistic Assemblies: This Delhi based mission is involved
in church planting, running educational institutions and training.
41.Christian Foundation for the Blind: This Chennai based mission is involved in providing gospel to the blind, prayer fellowships, personal evangelism,
retreats and Braille literature.
42.Christian Institute of Management: The publishing of Management of
Christian Services in India - Vol-2 is in progess. They had a seminar in the month
of August.Resource persons were Mr. Raja B Singh, Mr.J.S.Anbu, and
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 63
Prof.S.D.Jeyakumar.
43.Christian Missions Charitable Trust: This mission, based in Chennai is
a charitable trust formed in 1976. Its main objective is social services and uplift to
the poor. Besides they involve in accelerated education classes for drop outs,
healthcare, counseling and rehabilitation, cottage meetings, embroidery and tailoring classes, orphanages etc.
44.Christian Outreach For Mission And Evangelism: This Chennai based
mission came into existence in June 1988 with a vision to minister to the urban slum
dwellers and win them for eternity. Its work is being systematically spread to
Andhra Pradesh also.
45.Christian Outreach Uplifting New Tribes: This Hyderabad based mission works for the orphaned, abandoned and poverty stricken tribal children.
Their nearly 200 church planters work among 38 different ethnic groups.
46.Church Growth Missionary Movement: In Karat village, Gujarat, tgospel
was proclaimed. Worship services have been started in two new places. In all
fields through fasting prayer and worship, the gospel is proclaimed. Your prayers
will be appreciated for the protection of workers and their health.
47.Co-Operative Outreach of India: This mission which is based in Delhi is
involved in ministries such as medical assistance, training youth for evangelism,
forming worshipping groups and discipleship training in Kashmir & Sikkim.
48.Cross Bearers Missionary Movement: This mission which was formed
in 1970 has its objective to plant churches in unreached villages and among hill
tribes. It is based in Periyar, Tamil Nadu.
49.Diocesan Missionary Prayer Band: DMPB is a part of the Kanyakumari
Diocese of the Church of South India. It is involved in church planting, social
uplift, children’s home, medical work and educational institutions.
50.Discipleship Centre: From charity to empowerment, DC has begun the
journey of self introspection. In each one of their development projects they
enable the community, especially women, to come forward to shoulder various
decision making positions, to bring in changes and enhance their ability to carry
forward the community’s dream for a better tomorrow — with DC acting as a
catalyst. The disaster management program in Bihar has attained international
recognition when a team from BBC decided to film the program projecting DC’s
endeavours to bring in self-sustainability through community participation. In the
slum cluster of Delhi, 16 groups have been formed with 2 functioning co-operatives where women are actively involved in the production / packing of spices and
preparation of snacks. Earlier during times of financial crises women had to pawn
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their jewellery or depend on money lenders who charged exorbitant interest, to
raise money.
51.Dying Seed Ministries: Programs like Magalir Maalai (Eve’s Eve) Door
to Door house visitation, house fellowship etc,. are a great blessing to the people.
This gives them opportunities to get to know people personally to tell them the
good news about Jesus and spend time in prayer. Two sisters have visited around
200 houses. Together they conduct about 185 House Fellowships per month. More
than 700 people have been met personally and the Lord was introduced to them.
Almost 30 areas in Chennai have been covered and about 47 potential leaders have
been identified.
52.Evangelical Free Church Urban Movement.(EFCUM) India: This Bangalore based mission is planting self supporting, evangelical churches in the cities of
India. Those churches in turn plant other local churches. EFCUM is focusing on
urban middleclass people.
53.Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission On Relief: EFICOR is an
evangelical Christian development organisation working in different parts of India.
EFICOR has been working towards providing potable water for needy communities
since 1973.
54.Evangelical Synod Church: This Manipur based church is involved in
church planting, literacy programs, running orphanages, educational institutions,
hostels and homes.
55.Elim Missionary Movement: This Madurai based mission is a
transdenominational, evangelical and indigenous mission movement founded by
Dr. D. Thomas Walker of Madurai. The vision is to provide opportunity to the tribal
people of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to hear the Good News.
56.Emmanuel Christian Fellowship Centre: This Siwan, Bihar based mission is involved in church planting, evangelism, training, research, and social development programs like relief, rehabilitation, primary health care units, child care
centers and social action programs.
57.Ephphatha Mission: This Madurai based mission is involved in evangelism, seminars, awareness, workshops & convention, education, training and rehabilitation to the poor and handicapped.
58.Eternal Life Fellowship Society: This Gaziabad, U.P based mission was
formed in 1996. They are involved in evangelism, church planting, ministry to poor,
social service, community development, medical and healthcare.
59.Evangelical Medical Fellowship of India: EMFI works among the medical
college students and medical graduates.
60.Evangelical Teachers Fellowship: The 14th ETF Biennial National ConIndian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 65
ference is going to be held at Nagpur, Maharashtra during Deepavali vacation,
2005. Praise God for the successful conducting of the “CTC” at Gurukul Theological College, Chennai, during 7-9 May 2004.
61.Faith Outreach: This Jharsaguda, Orissa, based mission is involved in
church planting.
62.Fellowship For Neighbors India: FFNI was started in 1983. Based in Vellore
this mission is involved in evangelism, follow-up work, church planting, literature,
social welfare project for new believers and neighbours, Bible translation follow up
work and training.
63.Fellowship of Evangelical Friends: This mission, based in Nagercoil is
involved in personal evangelism and home for tribal children.
64.Friends Missionary Prayer Band: In Gujarat, a group of men had come
to the church last year and threatened the believers not to attend the church.
Fearing them, many of the believers left that village in search of jobs elsewhere. The
church was also closed. The anti-socials warned the remaining believers not to
open the church for service. In case they reopen it, they said they would burn the
church down. The believers therefore began praying secretly. The fervent prayers
of the believers did not go in vain. One day the village leader met the opponents
and warned them not to create any problems to the believers. Now, after 5 months,
the church has been reopened for worship service.
65.Friends of Garhwal: This Garhwal based mission is working among a
people group named Khatima. They are a about 3 million and they live in Uttranchal.
This mission has started 3 churches in this area.
66.Ghatal Missionary Baptist Fellowship: This Bengal based mission is involved in charitable works, dispensary, mission school and orphanages.
67.Gilgal Gospel Mission: This Chennai based mission is involved in training.
68.Gospel Echoing Missionary Society: In Jehanabad, Bihar, gospel preaching and tract distribution work was done in Ram Nagar & Dharampur areas. In
‘Tehatta’, 200 people attended in one of the house meetings. Five persons including Pappu Yadav & Rajiv are new comers to the church. Bro Jawahar Chowdhry of
‘Larsa’ village faces opposition from his community. Pray for his preseverence in
faith. 800 people watched the Jesus film that was screened in the villages. Nine
persons including Kanchan Devi & Sandeep Kumar started reading the New Testament.
69.Gospel For Every one Ministry: This Kadachanendal based mission is
beaming the gospel light to Sourashtras, rickshaw, auto, taxi, van and lorry drivers,
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assistants and loadmen. They also minister to Thappers (small gangs in the tea
stalls, saloons and streetsides), watchmen and security guards, walkers and jaggers.
The people belonging to Sourashtra community are staunch Hindus. Their main
profession is weaving. There are about 15 lakhs of Sourashtras in different parts of
Tamil Nadu. In Madurai city alone about 5 lakhs of Sourashtra community.
70.Gospel For India: This mission is involved in literature evangelism and
film ministry. They are based in Orissa.
71.Gospel In Action Fellowship: This Kerala based mission is involved in
personal evangelism, prayer cells and social work focusing mainly beggars.
72.Gospel Partners Movement: This mission is based in Chennai. Their work
spreads among 15 people groups in 40 mission fields located in nine states with 250
cross-cultural and native missionaries. In Jharkhand Dopeliha, Kumaria, Bemijhi,
Amjor and Modocola villages of Pathna field where the gospel has been preached
for the first time by this mission.
73.Gospel Recordings Association: This Bangalore based mission is involved
in evangelism through audio cassettes and visual cards.
74.Gospel Resource Centre: This mission which has its base in Trichy, is
producing audio-visual aids for evangelism to missions and churches. Outreach
programs are conducted in remote, unreached villages and other institutions. Family improvement seminars for happiness is other project.
75.Grace Academy: Bbased in Dehradun, this mission is involved in educating children.
76.Grace Counseling India: This Muvattupuzha, Kerala based mission is
involved in counseling, training etc.
77.Grace Mission: This Andaman & Nicobar based mission’s objective is to
preach the good news to the unreached in the Islands. They are involved in church
planting, school, audio-video ministry and missionary training.
78.Grace Ministries: This Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, based mission is involved
in evangelism, church planting, ministry to children, youth and students.
79.Great Commission Movement Trust: This Nadiad, Gujarat based mission
is involved in church planting, pastoral care, literature ministry, family seminar and
training on evangelism and discipleship.
80.Happy Valley Children Home: This mission which is based in Cuttack,
Orissa is involved in ministries like children’s home,and Bible college. Their vision
is to add more orphans and needy children in their home.
81.Harvest Ministries International: Based in Trivandrum, Kerala this mission is involved in church planting not only in Kerala but also in North India.
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 67
82.Hebron Ministries: Based near Madurai, TN, this mission is involved in
church planting.
83.Himalaya Evangelical Mission: HEM work is in progress in Uttranchal.
One worker continues to work in a sensitive area. Many anti-Christian groups
continue to hinder the gospel work. Despite much opposition people are responding to the gospel. Some people who believe in Jesus have not openly confessed
their faith for fear of the society. In Bhutan border and Sikkim one HEM worker
visited a hospital and shared the good news with the sick and prayed for them. As
a result one person accepted the Lord as the Saviour.
84.India Bible Literature: Joyce Scott designed and implemented a formal
and non-formal education throughout India. She founded Literacy India Trust in
1984 which covered 19 states and 18 languages. 15000 teachers were trained in 2000
partner organisations; over 500,000 adults have become literate.
85.India Bible Publishers: This Delhi based mission is involved in personal
evangelism, Bible translation and literature evangelism.
86.India Campus Crusade For Christ: The Bhils, a 90,000-strong tribal community live in villages of Gujarat and Rajasthan states in Western India. Bhils, an
illiterate community, are stereotyped as crime-ridden, substance-abusing animists.
In 1996, India Campus Crusade for Christ dubbed the JESUS film into the Bhil
language and took it to their villages. Soon, many small fellowship groups sprouted.
87.Indian Christian Research Organization: At Nowrangpur, Orissa the
ICRO workers visited a village called Kusumiguda where they met Sundhi people
group. They are illiterate and ignorant about many things. They just believe
whatever the witch doctor says. But through a team’s ministry 10 people accepted
Christ. Ministry among beggars at Dodda Gubbi village in Karnataka is progressing. One of their workers provides them food, clothes, and shelter through voluntary donors. Regular worship services and Bible classes are conducted for them.
At a home started there were 52 people.
88.India Church Growth Mission: This Madurai based mission is an interdenominational, evangelical and indigenous mission. They are involved in church
planting, training church planters, youth ministry, women’s ministry etc.
89.India Evangelistic Association: This Cuttack based mission is involved
in pioneer evangelism, church planting, seminars and conferences, literature production and distribution etc.
90.India Every Home Crusade: IEHC, which is based in Hyderabad, is looking for workers in Bihar, Delhi and Uttranchal. May committed preachers come
forward and spread the message of God.
91.India Fellowship For Visually Handicapped: In Chattisgarh, IFVH worker
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was able to share the Good News with 29 disabled people and among them Gauda
accepted the Lord. In Chennai Daniel was able to meet 92 disabled people in the
past few months and challenged 58 pastors and 79 Christian leaders to reach out to
people with disabilities. They had the privilege of motivating the students of YWAM,
DTS to reach the neglected community with the Gospel.
92.India Field Evangelism: This Madurai based mission exists as an arm of
the church to present to as many people as possible both in rural and urban areas.
They are involved in evangelistic meetings, discipleship and church planting, youth
guidance and training.
93.India For Christ Ministries: Their church in Bangalore is growing everyday. The cottage prayer meetings, door to door evangelism, prayer meetings and
the other activities of the church is reviving the church and is adding more new
believers into the church everyday. Daily, they go and knock at the doors of people
in the areas surrounding their church, sharing the gospel. Your prayers will be
appreciated for Bro. Haggiah, Retd Lecturer from Rajahmundry, a prayer partner
and supporter of this ministry who has been suffering from cronic diabetes, heart
disease and kidney malfunction.
94.India Full Gospel Mission: This Bhopal based mission is involved in
evangelism, church planting, multi-media communication, audio- visual publication etc. Besides they are involved in research and missionary training.
95.India Good News Mission: This Kanyakumari based mission was born in
1994. Their ministries are evangelism , church planting and ministry among slum.
96.India Gospel League: This Salem based mission promotes Christian love,
through charitable means of helping the needy. They are involved in evangelism
and church planting, theological training, youth work and vocational training, rural
and community development etc.
97.India Gospel Outreach And Social Action: This mission which is based in
Orissa, is involved in church planting, spiritual educational, social and physical
development, child development centers and children homes.
98.India Outreach Mission: This Nagpur based mission is involved in outreach programs, training institutes, women ministries, evangelism to the neighbours.
99.Indian Bible Translators: An unfortunate incident happened in one of
the mission stations in Orissa viz Bodomasigan, 15kms from the Nowrangpur. They
have their translation project at Bodomasigan. Besides they have a small congregation of around 30 to 40 people. For the past 6 years they have been working there
without any opposition. But on 12 August 2004, they received the news that some
people approached their 2 workers and asked them to vacate the rented house and
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 69
leave the village within 24 hours. No one came forward to talk to them. It seems that
some one lodged a written complaint at Kodina Police station. Thasildar and Police
Inspector went to the village and enquired the missionary and the people. In the
meantime, one local newspaper gave a twisted report that IBT is converting people
by inducement. Your prayers are appreciated.
100.Indian Christian Mission Centre: This Salem based mission is involved
in evangelism, church planting, missionary training, orphanages, VBS training,
homes for widows and handicapped etc.
101.Indian Christian Revival Movement: This Mysore based mission undertakes social service projects pertaining to relief, health, education and total
development of people by maintaining hostels, reading rooms, libraries, counseling centers, discipling centers and other institutions.
102.Indian Evangelical Fellowship: This Raipur (Madhya Pradesh) based
mission was started in 1992 to reach the educated class in India. Most of the
workers are tentmakers and talented professionals in public life as doctors, engineers etc.
103.Indian Evangelical Mission: Based in Bangalore this mission is involved
in evangelism, church planting, Bible translation, literacy work, health care, development work etc.
104.Indian Evangelical Team: Korba is a well known city in the state of
Chattisgarh. 75% of the people living in this crowded city of 2 lakh people belong
to the Bhandus. Even though 75% of the people of this city are literate they still
believe in witchcraft, sorcery, etc. 57 churches in this city are working against this
darkness. IET conducted a convention. IET has work in 11 districts in Chattisgarh.
56 workers minister in and around Korba spreading the word of God.
105.Indian Institute of Missiology: IIM solicits your prayer for the graduation and commissioning ceremonies in all the colleges in this month and for the
students who will be commissioned for the ministry. Pray for God’s guidance for
each student who completes his studies, to be in the centre of God’s will in choosing his future ministry. Also pray for the students who will be going to various
mission fields for practical training in summer for two months.
106.Indian Missionary Society: The Lord is graciously guiding and supporting the work of IMS in Orissa. In the Kothamguda area young men belonging
to a fanatical group go from village to village and tell the people not to allow
Christians into their village, or to listen to them. As a result people of Sallaguda,
and Thenguda refuse to listen to the gospel and will not even accept tracts. But
people of Podaguda, Sinthghat, Komangda and Lokanguda listen to the gospel
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eagerly. Worship has started at Koiaguda and Sinthghat.
107.Inter Mission: This Chennai based mission began as a small orphanage
with 6 children in 1964. Their objective is to provide wholistic care and relief for the
poor and downtrodden particularly children and women.
108.Interserve (India): Praise God that the Delhi property is being rented by
a Christian organisation. The Mussorie property’s transfer to Interserve is still
pending in the registrar’s office.
109.Jatiyo Kristiyo Prochar Samity: This Kolkata based mission is involved
in pioneer evangelism, film ministry, Bible correspondence course, Bible training
programs etc.
110.Jesus Mercy Home Association: JMHA started its ministry in 1969 with
the objective to plant churches and proclaim the gospel through social service.
Their ministries are church planting, Bible school, hospital services etc.
111.Karnataka Evangelistic Association: This mission was started by Rev.
Devananda Samuel in Karnataka. Their ministries are evangelism leading to church
planting, child development ministry, community development, mission awareness
in churches.
112.Kerygma: This Bangalore based mission is targeting youth for Christ
through, counseling, music concerts and other performances appealing to the
youth.
113.King Of Kings Churches (India): This Thenkasi, TN, based mission is
involved in church planting, ministry to women, grassroot tranining and ministry
to youth.
114.Kuki Baptist Convention India: This Imphal, Manipur based mission is
involved in church planting, ministry to women, grassroot training and ministry to
youth. KBC is a member organization of Manipur Baptist Convention, co-operating with the CBCNEI. It is the biggest Christian organization of the Kukis in Manipur.
115.Leads Outreach: This Nagpur based mission began in 1988. They are
involved in evagelism, discipling, church planting and social concerns.
116.Letha Charitable Society: This Hyderabad based mission is involved in
adult literacy, literature, children clubs and trainings.
117.Life In Christ Ministries: This Chennai based mission is an indigenous
evangelistic and faith movement. They are involved in slum ministries, home for
tribal children, writing and publishing Christian tracts etc.
118.Maharashtra Village Ministries: In Thane mission field, their missionary, Mr. Santosh Latelwar was ignored by the villagers. He is denied of getting a
house to stay in the village. Though the missionary faces direct opposition, he is
Indian Missions, Oct - Dec 04, www.imaindia.org 71
doing the ministry happily and willingly. Mr. Sikhandar and Mr. Brahmanand are
staying at Dhakpada village, Thane. The house where they stay doesn’t have a
door. But God, the Protector has been keeping them safe. Last month many of you
have prayed as thousands of children from Korku tribes have died due to malnutrition and lack of medical facility. MVM is trying to implement development projects
through partnership to protect the children by meeting their basic necessities.
119.Malabar Mission Service: In Mudalamada, Kerala, people suffer from
lack of drinking water. People are economically backward in this area. Malabar
Mission Service workers used to visit the fields and encourage them. Besides
hospital visit, Bible class, tailoring class, and house worship are being conducted.
120.Maranatha Full Gospel Association: Based in Chennai this mission is
involved in Bible College ministry, church planting, radio, TV ministry and the like.
121.Medical Ambassadors: This Uttranchal based ministry is involved in
ministry to women, poor, children, social service, community development, medical/healthcare, running of schools and educational institutions.
122.Messengers For Christ In India: This Nagpur based mission was established on May 1969. They are involved in city wide evangelistic campaigns and
revival meetings, gospel music concerts, audio cassettes ministry, church planting,
orphanages, children’s home etc.
123.Ministry of Jesus Power: This Madurai based mission is involved in
evangelism, church planting, ministry to poor, ministry to children, multi-media
communication, audio visual production etc.
124.Mission For Andaman And Nicobar: This Chennai based mission is
involved in door to door evangelism, film, audio video shows, church ministry etc.
125.Mission India: Mission India was started in May 1994 based at Nagpur,
Maharashtra. They have programs such as a) Evangelism and Church Planting
(Planting churches that will plant churches) b) Leadership Development ( Developing men and women to become influential Christ-like leaders through various ministry & technical programs) c) Compassion Services (Help the poor and needy
people through various compassion programs such as orphanages, medical clinics,
schools, literacy programs and much more. Presently Mission India has 560 Church
Planters in 20 States, 2,500 House Churches, 20 Training Centers of 650 students, 10
Orphanages helping over 300 children . Apart from this, Mission India Theological
Seminary is coming up at Khadgaon near Nagpur which is now offering D.Th &
B.Th (Hindi), B.Th (English) M.A. Missiology (English) and Vocational Training
Courses such Computer, Tailoring, Electrician, Screen Printing, etc.
126.Mission To The Blind: In the Sambalpur field, Anita is totally blind and
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her husband has partial sight. They have 2 children. The couple happily welcomed
a worker from Mission to the Blind and listened to the gospel. They had many
questions to ask but were very firm in their own faith. The husband could not
understand the plan of salvation although he listened with keen interest. He is 47
and has been totally blind since the age of four. He has studied only up to 6th class.
A gospel was given to him.
127.Missionary Sponsors’ Fellowship: This mission which is based in
Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu is sponsoring missionaries through missions and motivating members in secular jobs to get involved in mission.
128.Missionary Upholders’ Trust: This Vellore based mission’s objective is
to provide assistance in the areas like setting up rest houses, extending medical
help, providing calamity relief and providing shelter to retired missionaries.
129.Missions India: Missions India is an indigenous mission agency which
reaches over 8000 villages with the love of Christ. God enabled them to help the
earthquake affected villagers of Bhuj. They are running a day-care center at Valdas
Nagar (Bhuj), and recently they have started on orphanage with 3 kids there.
Another orphanage has started at Rajkot with 6 children. In Rajasthan they started
work in Sarera village 2 years back. Their workers and believers there went through
many hardships and opposition. At Dahia village, which is prone to severe drought,
the villagers used to sacrifice goats to please their gods. For this purpose, they
collect money from the people. Their believers resisted the custom resulting in
their ex-communication from the village. Your prayers will be appreciated for their
believers to stand firm in faith.
130.Mode of Deliverance: During January 1, 2004 to Jun 30, 2004, in six
months, we have seen, 467 new Churches planted, which make a total of 1998
Churches, 1376 new believers obeyed the Lord in water baptism, making a total of
27460 first generation Christians. Mode of Deliverance conducted 327, seminars
for training and equipping, where a total of 1897 leaders were trained and equipped,
including 458, new leaders on various levels.
131.Mukti Udharan Seva Trust: The Nagpur based MUST was born in
response to God’s call to reach, care, proclaim and propagate the good news to the
urban poor and the sick. Their ministries are church planting, child care, counseling and community welfare.
132.Naba Jivan Seva Samity: This Midnapore, Kolkata based mission was
born to introduce, establish formal and non-formal education centers. Their ministries are education, worship centers, community based health care, seminar on self
employment & development and computer training.
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133.Nagaland Missionary Movement: This Nagaland based mission is formed
for the purpose of reaching all the Nagas with the Gospel. Their ministries are tract
distribution, church planting, literacy and school ministry.
134.Nakkubetta Bible Fellowship: This Ooty based mission is a para-church
movement started in the year 1988 to sustain the move of God among the Badagas
in the Nilgiris. They work towards planting churches among the Badagas.
135.National Fellowship: This mission’s objective to present the Good News
in the contemporary context. Besides they assist in planting fellowships among the
unreached people groups. One of their endeavours is called as Mission Kolkata to
reach the urban elites of Kolkata city.
136.National Missionary Society: With the help of Kanyakumari Area Executive Committee, 21 workers, 8 Bible women, and 24 tribal children were supported. NMSI started work at Kolli hills during 1990. Currently there are 14 NMS
mission fields, 15 full time workers and 8 Bible women at Kolli hills, by the grace of
God, and by the prayers and support of the people. NMS has its centenary celebrations from Dec 2004 – Dec 2005.
137.Native Missionary Movement: This Udaipur, Rajasthan based mission
began in 1981 with a view to plant churches in unreached areas. They have church
planting, Bible colleges, children’s hostels, evangelistic campaigns etc.
138.Navjeevan Seva Mandal: Pimpri Home in Gujarat specializes in taking
care of tribal boys from tribes such as Kukna, Vasuva and Gamit. This home is
situated 60 kms from Vyara regional office in the midst of Vindhya and Satpura
mountain ranges, having dangerous mountain pathways. In Jharkhand NSM, FMPB
and HCDI Pune came together to initiate Watershed management project for the
Malto people. This project will greatly help the Malto people to raise more crops,
particularly maize every year on their lands and improve their financial position.
139.Navjeevan Vikas Sangati: This Delhi based mission is involved in church
planting, conducting Bible studies, children’s Bible club, Bible correspondence
course, women’s ministry, literacy and adult education.
140.New Life Fellowship: This ministry began 3 decades ago as a small local
church in Mumbai. The objective is to help all Indians to respond to Christ, within
their own culture and language. Their ministries are apostolic, prophetic, evangelical, pastoral and teaching ministries.
141.New Life Mission For India: This mission is based in Orissa.They are
working In 4 villages, adult literacy programme is going on in these villages. About
70%of the people are illiterate. This programme will help the people to become
literate as well as bringing awareness about the seriousness of drugs, wine and
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tobaco.
142.New Life Agency For Tribal People Upliftment: This mission is based in
Vellore, is working towards the upliftment of the tribals.
143.North East Vision: : NEV was formed in 1996. It is based in Bongaigaon,
Assam. Their ministries are training lay pastors, Bible correspondence course, film
ministry, orphanage, relief and development projects.
144.Operation Agape: This Ludhiana based mission is involved in church
planting through multiplying models of house churches, video Bible schools,
grassroot church planters training schools, slum schools, medical clinics etc.
145.Operation Mobilization: This mission’s objective is to present the gospel through literature distribution, mass media and personal evangelism. Besides it
is working towards forming worshipping groups among the least evangelized
people.
146.Orissa Follow-Up Ministry: This mission is based in Balasore, Orissa.
This is an inter-denominational service organization engaged in support of national
workers. It has planted more than 80 churches in unreached areas.
147.Peace Evangelical Mission: PEM is based in Pune, Maharashtra. Ministries are church planting, student evangelism, personal evangelism in urban areas.
148.Peniel Mission Trust Inc: This Chennai based mission’s vision is to
plant churches, ministries and projects in the city of Chennai and other metro cities
of India. This mission carry out social work projects for the upliftment and benefit
of street children, slum dwellers, drug and alcohol addicts, prostitutes and those
afflicted by drugs. Besides they conduct training programs with a view to building
good quality leadership in church and society.
149.Power House Church: Powerhouse church which is based in Chennai is
involved in creative ministries to cater to the youth of Chennai.
150.Prison Fellowship India: This mission offers Diploma in Correctional
Management Studies during Feb 27, 2004- March 13, 2004. Kindly email to
pfindia@hotmail.com for more details.
151.Quiet Corner India: This mission’s campsite situated in Nilgiris, an
ideal place for a getaway retreat from the madding crowd. Accommodation is only
350 rupees for food and accommodation. For more details please contact their office
in Bangalore. 080 25483160.
152.Rainbow Evangelical Association: This Madurai based mission’s objective is to evangelise backward castes and tribals. Also they are involved in social
service.
153.Rashtriya Susamachar Parishad: RSP enters the 13th year of its ministry. It now serves in 14 stations across Uttar Pradesh and Uttranchal and Haryana
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with 40 full time workers, short time workers and several volunteers. Besides, there
is a large family of prayer partners, supporters and friends. There are 14 central
churches and 118 village fellowships attended by several hundred believers and
seekers. RSP stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and grace.
154.Reaching Hand Society: Ram vade (Vade - Witchdoctor in Koya) was
bitten by a snake and lost the use of his left leg. After using in vain all his skills and
the skills of the other witchdoctors, he invited Niranjan and Dilip (missionaries in
Rabaguda) to pray. Praise God he then regained the use of his left leg. He now
gratefully tells of the payer that healed him. In July, two congregations in the
villages of Pod Colony and Kiang built sheds. These sheds are used for the Sunday worship and the mid-week Bible Study. The entire cost of the building of the
sheds was borne by the congregations themselves.
155.Renewal Ministry: This Manipur based mission is involved in church
planting, ministry to the poor, social service and community development programs. Their other services are extending relief and other acts of humanitarian
services, imparting Christian education to all kinds and levels of people.
156.Revival Literature Fellowship: Special prayers are offered every Friday
morning by the RLF staff for all the prayer requests they receive in their office. It
greatly encourages them when people write to them and inform them that their
prayers are answered on their behalf. The aim of RLF is to prepare people by
publishing literature named Knocking, so that its readers receive Jesus Christ as
their saviour and to awaken the believers in Him to be ready.
157.Rongmei Baptist Mission: This Manipur based mission was established
in 1988. Their main aim is to render service with an emphasis on holistic ministry
striking a balance between material and spiritual needs of the people.
158.Roof For Worship: This mission was started in the year 1994 to extend
financial assistance towards construction of prayer halls among tribals and to establish mission fields in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. They have taken
Bible translation projects in Wancho tribal language of Wancho Nagas in Arunachal
Pradesh.
159.Rural Blessing Mission: RBM was started in Wardha area of
Maharashtra. Their ministries are evangelism, schools, adult literacy, hostel and
day care centers.
160.Sadana: This mission would like to adopt six visually challenged children and invest in their lives so as to bring them up in godliness. Your prayers are
needed. Sponsors on regular basis are needed to adopt a child. The mission is
amazed at the way the Lord helped them to support 11 children of the ‘challenged’
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families for their education.
161.Sadhu Sunder Singh Evangelistic Association: This mission was started
in 1976 to use innovative methods to evangelise the unreached. This is based in
Chennai.
162.SAIACS: : Dr. Beulah Wood gave 5 weeks of parenting classes to the
Moms and Dads of the campus.
She also gave out a manual on ‘Parenting’ a
useful to help and care for little children.
163.Scripture Gift Mission: SGM is committed to taking the love of Jesus
to every tongue and tribe through literature. They are based in Bangalore.
164.Scripture Union – India: Their South Asia Regional Council met in
September at Mahabalipuram. SU’s Tamil Nadu and South units have brought out
2 different audio cassettes with songs for children. Your prayers are appreciated
for SU ministries in these areas.
165.Serving People In Need: Witnessing a broken church in Kabul in the
year 1973 moved Mr. Chandy Varghese to search God’s word. Their objective is to
continue evangelism and discipling of Afghan refugees. This mission is based in
Delhi.
166.Seva Bharat: This Hyderabad based mission is ministering to people
through adult literacy and community transformation.
167.Soul Winners India: This Khargone based mission’s objective is the
overall development of Indian villages and poor by evangelism, giving education,
running school, orphanage and medical assistance and charity work.
168.Sourashtra Gospel Movement: SGM was formed during the year 1994
by Mr. Manian who belongs to the Sourashtra community from Gujarat. Their
ministries include church ministry, Sunday schools, tracts distribution and house
prayer cells.
169.South India Soul Winners Association: This mission is based in Anna
Nagar, Chennai. From mission fields children were invited and given food and
clothes. Fasting prayers are being conducted occasionally.
170.St.Paul’s Village Gospel Mission: This mission is based in Dharmapuri,
Tamil Nadu. They are involved in ministry to villages.
171.Susamachar Seva Mandali: This Bhopal based mission is involved in
social, sanitary projects.
172.Synod Mission Board: SMB belongs to Mizoram Presbyterian church.
Their ministries include evangelism, church planting, pastoral and philanthropic
ministries.
173.Tamil Village Gospel Mission: By God’s grace churches are being built
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in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu. Booklets are being distributed in villages. In Perungudi
and Poolampatti different communities gladly received the booklets. 3 women gave
their lives to Christ. TVGM workers prayed for the sick, anointing them with oil. A
woman, who had had no children for 15 years, requested TVGM workers to pray for
her, after coming to know that ‘God is able to heal the barren womb’.
174.Training For Evangelistic Needs & Technology (TENT): This mission
has a training campus in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Many youngsters receive
training there. This mission’s hallmark is marrying information technology with
evangelism.
175.The Bethel Church Association: Based in Katihar, Bihar, this mission
has the largest worshipping center at Katihar. They are mostly involved in church
planting and mercy ministries.
176.The Hill Gospel Fellowship: This mission was founded by Mrs. E C
Brand who was the pioneer missionary on Salem hills. Their objective is to proclaim
the gospel to the tribal people.
177.The Pocket Testament League (India) : PTL focuses on the unreached
in north India and Nepal. This mission is based in Delhi. Their ministries are discipleship training, diploma and graduate level training, church planting, Christian
bookshop etc.
178.The True Light Ministry: This Madurai based mission is involved in
evangelism among the unreached and to make the love of God manifest through
gospel and humanitarian social service.
179.The Village Gospel Missionary of India: This Gaya, Bihar, based mission is involved in gospel preaching, establishing churches, training centers etc.
180.The World Evangelical Society: WES was founded in 1993 in a small
village called Bheemagundam, Cuddappah dist, Tamil Nadu. Their objective is to
encourage Christian writers and publish their articles.
181.Trans world Radio: This Delhi based mission is involved in church
planting, discipling and radio broadcasting.
182.Tribal Mission: A medical camp was conducted at a remote village
Selvakkudy, under the leadership of Tribal Missions medical doctors. The local
people were full of appreciation for the camp and for the services rendered to them.
183.Tribal Outreach Mission: TOM staff are working in 5 states with 9
different tribal people groups. TOM has worshipping congregations among every
people group with whom they are working. This mission is based in Madurai.
184.Trinity Evangelistic Association: This mission which is based in Dandeli,
Karnataka is involved in pioneer evangelism, church planting, vocational training,
community development, schools of evangelism, adult literacy program home for
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destitute children and literature printing.
185.Union Of Evangelical Students Of India: UESI Golden Jubilee celebrations were arranged in at Kasam, Vellore on 18th September. It was a time of
worship and thanksgiving on this Golden Jubilee day of UESI. The State Student
Leaders Meet, held at Trichy on 14th & 15th Aug. 69 students from 32 EUs ( 24
Affiliated EUs and 8 Functioning EUs) participated and were blessed.
186.United Fellowship For Christian Services: This mission is based in
Jhansi, U.P. The objectives of this mission is care and upbringing of the orphans.
This mission runs secular schools, hospital, nursing school and Bible training
school for women.
187.Urban India Ministries: This Bangalore based mission is dedicated to
building a value based urban society. In their resource and counseling center a
great unique collection of more than 1000 books on family, marriage and counseling is available. Video and audio cassettes on parenting and youth related issues
are also available.
188.Velemegna Good News Society Hospital: This mission is based in Bidar,
Karnataka. The mission ministers to the sick and children, conducts cottage prayer
meetings, and distributes gospel tracts. Some of their pastors are in very remote
areas.
189.Vishwa Vani: Vishwa Vani’s objective is to preach and teach the gospel
of Lord Jesus Christ. They are based in Hyderabad.
190.Vishwasi Sangati: This Hyderabad based mission is committed to serve
the people of the community. Also they are involved in church planting, discipleship through radio and plant churches among unreached people groups.
191.Word For The World: In obedience to the vision and burden to emphasise
the importance of the Word of God and to reach out to socially neglected people
with the gospel, Word for the World started in Chennai in 1991. Their ministries are
evangelism, church planting.
192.World Cassette Outreach India: This Bangalore based mission produces audio scripture in all languages.
193.Yavatmal College For Leadership Training: This Yavatmal based college for missionary training is involved in providing high school education and
home for missionary children.
194.Youth With A Mission: Youth with a Mission: YWAM was started in
India in 1982 with a team of about 10 persons. Today, YWAM India has about 1,000
workers in 45 different ministries in 130 locations. It has training programmes in
English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. Over 10,000 people have gone
through YWAM’s training programmes. The mission has started 4 Street Children
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Shelter Homes in Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune. Over 7,000 children have
used these homes. 60 children have been reunited with their families; 20 children
were enrolled in schools; 30 boys have been trained vocationally and they now
hold well-paid jobs
195.Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council Mission: This Manipur based
mission was formed in the year 1988 and has been involving in mission work. They
have mission fields in Siliguri and West Bengal. At present 4 evangelists and 2
missionaries working in Assam and West Bengal. They had planted 8 worshipping
congregations.
196.Zion Samajik Sewa Samithi (Zion Ministries): This mission is an indigenous, church based, mission oriented and inter-denominational denomination. It
had a very humble beginning in 1979 when Rolly Singh and Salomi ventured into an
unreached district of Barabanki, with the sole aim to see a transformation of the
people who were won for Christ.
197.Zoram Evangelical Fellowship: This mission is based in Aizwal, Mizoram.
The CEO of this mission is Rev. Lal Rinmawia.
All IMA Members are requested to send their reports
periodically, Editor
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