The subcontinent of India, with its 1.1 billion people, is a confluence of ancient cultures. Indian life derives most of its traditions from Hindu religion and mythology. The multicolored Hindu temples and the strange-looking idols decorate every village and town. It is truly a country of spiritual darkness. Even though hundreds of fundamental Baptist churches beam out the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the vastness of the population makes the task of evangelism seem formidable.
The commitment of the Indian pastors and church people as they face numerous challenges is humbling to witness. They minister in a country where there is caste discrimination, unparalleled poverty, intermittent availability of utilities, periodic natural disasters, arranged marriage customs, and progress made only through tiresome manual labor. Nevertheless, they are motivated by the desire to obey the Great Commission and sustained by Jesus’ promise, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18; NKJV).
Chris Hindal continues his quest to meet all of the IPFBM partners during his first three years of ministry. He sees this goal as critical to assessing the needs and establishing face-to-face relationship with the leaders of these ministries. This trip also provided an opportunity to meet some of the recipients of Regular Baptist Press materials received through Gospel Literature Services. Chris and his wife, Deb, used this trip to share in ministry with several partners in the south eastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
Faith Baptist Ministries in Hyderabad is an umbrella organization for several kinds of ministries. It is a fellowship of about 75 independent rural Baptist churches. Samuel Borra, the executive director, assisted by Menno Joel, seeks to hone the pastors’ skills and theological education. While pastors from various groups avail themselves of this training, Brother Borra instills the truths of God’s Word with the hope of negating false doctrines.
Over the last 18 months, IPFBM sent money to purchase 12 bicycles for these pastors. And out of their own heart of compassion, the Borras have reached out to some orphans and brought them into their own home. Currently they are caring for 16 orphan children. The orphanage is funded primarily through Baptist Children’s Home, Valparaiso, Indiana, although it receives other funds from its own board members and Indian churches.
Here is a list of some of the urgent needs of this ministry:
1. Funds for the construction of rural church buildings. Indian Christians can construct a basic building 20′ x 40′ for $8,000. Currently there are 5 congregations that need buildings.
2. A jeep-type, 4-wheel drive vehicle to oversee all the ministries ($16,000).
3. Funds to help widows – $5 to 10 per month to numerous widows.
4. Support for a rural pastor in his ministry. About $55 per month.
5. Means of transportation for about 40 pastors (bicycles, $60; motor scooters, $1,000).
We were able to spend one day at the Vimukthi Baptist Church in Secunderabad, pastored by T. Jyothi Babu, founder and current president of the Independent Baptist Fellowship. Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the student body of the Christian school with much fanfare and traditional Indian greetings. Many of the 200 students come from Hindu and Islamic backgrounds. But through this educational ministry they have the opportunity to experience the love of God and to be exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The IPFBM is partnering with the Vimukthi Baptist Church to build a second story on their school building. We observed the progress of the project and expect the roof to be erected shortly.
Brother Babu has trained numerous pastors, who have planted about 30 village churches. His goal is to plant 50 churches. Chris was able to speak to a group of those pastors and encourage them in the ministry. Brother Babu also invited Chris to speak to the church family in the evening. It became evident in conversation with other pastors that Jyothi Babu is highly respected and is considered a leader in that community.
The third partner we visited was the Jehovah-Jireh Baptist Ministry in Secunderabad. Our hosts were Pastor and Mrs. Mohan Kumar. Brother Kumar is president and founder of this ministry. In our two days there, Chris preached 6 times on various subjects related to marriage and the home, and Deb also taught a workshop to the ladies. Part of Brother Kumar’s passion is the unreached tribal people. Except in the rainy season, each month he and his wife make a 15 hour trip, one way, to minister in tribal churches, seeking to establish them in the faith. The Kumars wanted to take us to that region but felt that the religious tension made the trip too dangerous. They see the value of reaching the children with the Gospel and conduct classes in the schools and children’s camps, as well as large Vacation Bible Schools during the school breaks. GLS sends them a lot of RBP materials and they see much fruit for the glory of God. These are humble servants of the Lord whom we are pleased to call partners.
Before leaving Secunderabad by train, we were privileged to speak to about 90 men and a few women who were receiving instruction at the Good News Bible Training College founded by Dr. G. Jaya Sekhar. His vision and mission is to provide Biblical education for the hundreds of lay leaders in the churches. Many of these folk are well trained in other disciplines but have no formal Bible training. Dr. Sekhar has currently established 110 training centers across several Indian states. Chris spoke at two graduation exercises: Eluru, where 25 received their diplomas; Pitapuram, where 61 students were graduated. The Good News Bible Training College uniquely provides education in multiple local settings, with an evening format that does not require the students to leave their jobs.
The final leg of our journey in India ended in Nidumolu, where we received the gracious hospitality of Dr. and Mrs. Chatla Devasahayam. In 1980 this couple moved into a hut on this property and through the vision of Dr. Chatla and much prayer, God graciously extended their borders. The large campus currently houses boys’ and girls’ dormitories for 45 orphan children, a large school facility with a current enrollment of 280 students, staff housing, classrooms, dormitories and library for 40 Bible School students, and a huge auditorium which can hold up to 3,000 people sitting on the floor. These Bible School students actively minister in surrounding village churches. Many of the village churches were established by the graduates of Mt. Zion Baptist Bible College, founded by Dr. Chatla. Over our four-day visit, Chris spoke ten times to various groups. This ministry requested RBP materials to assist them in training children through their various ministries. This extensive work needs the assistance of local churches in the United States and abroad to fulfill its vision and purpose. The IPFBM will consider a $10,000 project to erect a water tank both for the campus and surrounding neighbors. Chris Hindal, director of IPFBM, commends this ministry to any local church looking to partner with a vibrant ministry in southeast India.