Building for the Kingdom

It’s such an exciting time in missions! Many souls are being saved throughout India by national evangelists and missionaries. Bible studies are formed to disciple the new believers, and small house churches begin to gather. The next step is building a house of worship for the growing assembly, a church for the people to come and worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ!

Since 2007, over 190 pastors have graduated from Shalom Bible College and are serving throughout   

Andhra Pradesh. Over 80 churches have been built, but so many more are desperately needed. In Pithapuram, the church has been evicted from its rented hall by a hostile landlord—it is crowded into the upper floor of the pastor’s home.

In Gungawada, the church meets in a tiny thatched hut where thunderstorms pour in through the walls.  This scenario is repeated in villages and cities across the land. You can help us help them!

The cost of building a church varies according to the area, and whether it is a rural or urban location. But on average, it costs $15,000 (US) to build a solid, substantial church in Asia.

What an amazing investment in the Kingdom of God! Churches can be constructed overseas for a fraction of the cost of one in the US. These churches are a lighthouse in the community, a testimony to idol worshipers around them, and a place where curious seekers will come.  More souls will be saved, discipled, and learn to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

You can help us to build as many churches as possible throughout India. With your help, AIM can

provide our partner missionaries and pastors with a building that legitimizes Christianity in the neighborhood and the culture.

If you, or your church, would like to help sponsor a church building in India, we would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, our email address: is aimission@hotmail.com. When preparing your love gift, please make all checks payable to “AIM”, and on the memo line please designate it to the ” Church Construction Fund.” 

If you are mailing your donation to build a place of worship in India, please send to:

Asia International Mission

PO Box 1597

Stillwater, OK 74076

Donations can also be received using a credit card. You can securely donate by simply clicking the donate button now!  

Thank you so very much for partnering with us in one of the greatest causes humanity will ever know--spreading the Life saving Gospel message of Jesus in one of the most under-evangelized nations of the world. Be part of what God is doing in India!

—Russ Sharrock

 

   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 

 

Martyrdom and the Mission of God

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' {20 John 13:16} If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." (John 15:18-21)

Countries like India face increasing persecution. This wave will eventually reach every nation. Christian persecution started with Jesus himself. Christian Martyrs of the World lists thousands of brutal killings throughout the history of the Church. Christian persecution didn’t slow the growth of the Christian faith during the first few centuries after Christ. Even as its early leaders died horrible deaths, Christianity flourished throughout the Roman Empire.

Persecution is the result of the non-compromising stand of the believer of the Truth toward the world.

Gunpalli Village

Wherever persecution becomes severe it displays that the Truth is actively penetrating that region.

Our fellowship with Christ cannot be frustrated by any persecution (Rom. 8:35–39). Persecution is a light that dawn on His people to prove to the world that Christians are the conquerors of pain.

Increasing persecution is the last important item we need to face on this earth before we enter into the Eternal Kingdom. Persecution is an indicator of the “last days” (II Tim. 3:1–5). A sea of people will be found in heaven through our church planting efforts (Rev. 7:9–17).

Since persecution is painful, often Christians react in defensive ways. It leads them sometimes even to politicize the issue. A church planter should view persecution through an eschatological lens. Our task is to prepare the Church for persecution; not to prevent it.

Martyrdom and the Mission of God are inseparable, linked together within the Church by unbreakable chains. Jesus forewarns us of this (John 16:1–4) so that His people will not stumble when persecution breaks out. The Church must keep witnessing for the Truth even during severe persecution (Rev. 2:8–10; 3:8–10). 

—Russ Sharrock

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Pastor Accused of Forced Conversion

In Pakshirajapura, Karnataka, Hindu nationalists protested, and accused Pastor Steven Suresh of forcefully converting members of the nomadic Hikki Pikki Adivasi tribe to Christianity, and insulting the Hindu gods. Police arrest Suresh and 11 other Christians. 

The new converts were forbidden to draw water from the town well, and denied government-subsidized staples such as rice and sugar. Please pray for the safety of Pastor Steven and the other believers, and that they will remain steadfast in their faith in the face of persecution.