Darkness
is falling as we enter his door. The little shed is attached to the end
of some poverty-
stricken row houses. With no electricity--a battery light
helps us see the cot/bed and two plastic chairs so we don't stumble over
them. No running water--every drop must be carried from the community
hand pump. This is the home of missionary John Kumar. His life is
dedicated to bringing Christ to his people.
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| John Kumar |
John's
elderly mother smiles at us from the door of the tiny kitchen. We
sit--Russ on his walker, Alice on a chair, Bihit and John on the bed.
Curious neighbors, drawn by the unusual sight of a car, come crowding through
the doorway.
Even
more unusual to them is the sight of a white foreigner with titanium
legs. They know John is a Christian and assume we are too. One
woman, her right arm paralyzed by a stroke, asks for prayer from Russ.
His disability strikes a chord in others who are struggling. Prayer
continues for many more who are seeking hope in the darkness. The doors
of hearts are opened that night. John will have many questions to answer
tomorrow, and ears will listen to the Gospel of Christ--the One True God in a
land of millions of idols.
John
Kumar has already planted two growing congregations, now under their own
pastors, in the
villages of Gunpalli and Gungawada, where Russ was invited to
preach. We met the people, visited their homes, participated in a group
baptism, and were invited to dinner in the home of a Hindu family--who were
also curious about us. The Kingdom
of God is like leaven,
spreading through the whole culture and changing lives.
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| Russ & Bihit Praying for Woman |
Asia International Mission is a small organization, and
we are continually pushing beyond our age and physical limitations. And
yet, so much more needs to be done! India has more unreached people
groups (2000+) than any other country. This is why we find local men whom
God has called, and equip them to go to their own people.
AIM partners with a group of 25 men who bravely and
sacrificially carry the Gospel of Christ to the unreached of Odisha (Orissa)
State. They are led by an energetic young man named Bihit that Russ and I
personally support; the others still need financial help. They often have wives and children to
feed--but are away from home for weeks, trekking, preaching, evangelizing,
planting house churches, carrying the Good News. Their lives are
constantly at risk. Life is lived on the edge for Christ.
Odisha (Orissa) is infamous for persecution of
Christians. Our missionary partners experience this every
day.
Here is an excerpt from Bihit's latest January-March Mission
Report:
"...our
missionaries evangelized more than 187 new villages...God has done marvelous
work through us to reach 1236 families who hear the Gospel and acknowledged
about Christ. Before, they do not know who Christ is....in the village of Tadama where people thrown (out) their
idol and image of god and goddess...the VHP (Vishpa Hindu Parishad) and
Bajarangdal....threaten us strictly not to preach the gospel
in that area 'otherwise we will kill you.' Please pray for
us."
Here in the USA
we have just completed a joyful Easter celebration. Our salvation is
secure; we rejoice in our Risen Lord, but what about the millions who know
nothing about Him? Join us--send us--send our partners!
They need your help. Please help us provide for
these national missionaries. Your monthly gift of
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| A missionary (Top right) and a family of new believers |
(When you sponsor a missionary in Odisha you will receive more personal information that cannot be made
public.)
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and financial support. God bless
you as you bless the nations with His salvation!
--Alice Sharrock
If you would like to sponsor a missionary now please click here:
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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
