Training for the Future

Front Entrance of SBC

Shalom Bible College in Hyderabad is a new, yet essential partner with AIM. When our Executive Director Russ Sharrock met with the Founder and President of the College, Pastor Ravi Sundar, and heard his story and the vision for the work, he was truly impressed.

Most of us take the poverty in India for granted. This is the life that 75% of the population knows as reality—with little hope of improvement—due to many cultural issues.  Yet it is among the poorest castes and emerging tribals that Christianity is spreading like wildfire.

When men or women from this background are called by God, they seldom have adequate preparation for ministry, a solid Biblical foundation, or practical principles for evangelism and church planting. This is where Shalom Bible College fills the need.

Since foreign missionaries are prohibited from preaching the Gospel in India, training the Indian nationals and equipping them with the Word of God is an important strategy for evangelizing the country. Shalom Bible College was established for this sole purpose. 

The students are already residents of the area where they will serve, speak the language, and understand the local culture and customs. SBC offers an intensive one year Theology certificate based on the Word of God. Only 25 students are accepted per semester to ensure personal attention from qualified professionals. Almost 200 men and women have graduated from the Bible College since 2007. 

We had a chance to meet with several of them, hear how and where they are serving the Lord,

and had the honor of working with one of them for two days in his small rural village. If you would like to come to India with us, you will be able to personally experience the work these men are accomplishing for Jesus Christ! (And the risks they take...)

John Prasad is a quiet young man who has come a long way in his 24 years.  He grew up in a Hindu  But, instead, God led him to a Sunday school where he received the hope of Jesus Christ.  He began to teach Sunday school and his church gave him preaching opportunities. His pastor told him about Ravi’s Bible College—Shalom Veda Patasala—and he attended in 2009-10. 

Pastor John Prasad

family where his parents fought constantly. As a teen, he contemplated suicide because of the constant stress and emotional pain.

He was married to Amelia just over a year ago, and God blessed him with a church of 25 members in Allavaram village.  Prasad also has a job, and so he is able to help support other needy people with his tithing as an example to his congregation. 

As with many Christians in India, as soon as Prasad became a believer, his family expelled him from their home and lives.  Some time ago, a Hindu uncle attempted to bring about peace, but failed; the family remains estranged which is very difficult in a land where extended family relationships are the supporting fabric of life.

John Prasad's prayers are: To be able to minister full time; to plant a new church; and to have a motorbike so he can take the church youth out to evangelize.

Students of the Shalom Bible College

We are excited about the nature of the partnership, and the significant change the students will bring to these communities. A very clear strategy has been developed; the students are dedicated and not only trained, but given experience through regular village outreach opportunities where they pass out gospel tracts, New Testaments, and speak to people about Jesus. 

The passion of the men in the field was exciting to see, and each pastor is encouraged to plant at least ten churches in his lifetime.  

With 25 students graduated each year, we are looking at 750 new church plants every five years We are honored to be a partner in this venture of eternal significance—but we need your help!

Tuition for each college student is:
$50 USD per month.
$150 USD per semester
$450 USD per year

Your gift will be applied to room and board, tuition, and necessary school supplies.

Please help spread the Kingdom of God by supporting the Bible College now through the 

"Timothy Fund." Click on the donate button below and designate the funds in the drop down box:  

 When preparing your love gift as a check or money order, please make payable to “AIM”, and on the memo line please designate to the "Timothy Fund.” 

When mailing your donation to train a new pastor in India, please send to:

Asia International Mission

PO Box 1597

Stillwater, OK 74076 

 

 

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c) (3) non-profit ministry. 

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated