Project India

There are few times in life that one has the opportunity to impact an entire country, but such an opportunity has been afforded us. Riverview has always been a “missions minded” church, supporting dozens of missionaries around the world, as well as sending many of our own to the mission field each year.

A few weeks ago while speaking at a church conference in India with our missionary Luther Chatla God so burdened my heart in such a way I have been sharing that burden with all who would listen.

Since 1950 Baptist India ministries has been planting churches in their country of India. With a population of 1.15 billion this is the greatest opportunity, with the most receptive people in our world today. The Chatla’s have worked a model plan that regularly plants churches throughout the villages, towns and cites of India. To date 370 churches have been planted and many others are in the works. There are 165 pastors who have been, and are being trained to meet this tremendous need.

But the face of India is changing, all we have to do is call about technical support for our computer and we will most likely talk to someone in India. Last year there were 1.2 million college graduates in India and 300,000 of these were engineers. Because of this there is a growing economy (9.2% last year twice the growth of the United States) and as a result India is positioning itself for an economic boom.

What does this mean for the cause of Christ? Baptist India knows education is the key, and here is the plan. The churches in the villages will continue to be pastored by men trained in pastors conferences, and monthly training sessions, that are ongoing. Most of the people in the villages are not educated (cannot read) so a clear presentation of the gospel and simple Biblical truths taught by these pastors who also seek to establish schools in the villages will suffice for the moment. In the towns there is more education and the need for Bible College trained men is preferred, many of these churches will be able to support their pastor financially over time. The village churches will supply their pastor with food but he will need funds for ministry, whereas in the towns there are more funds available and thus self-supporting. The cities are attracting the educated because industry is there, thus the pastors here must be educated as well. Master degrees are preferred, but these churches will not only be self supporting they will be able to support other works as well. Nationals reaching nationals is the best plan, because they know the languages (18 different ones in India, by state) customs, and geographical areas.

Currently Baptist India has an orphanage, elementary, high school, and Bible college. They are training and supporting church planters, building buildings and seeking to equip their people to reach their nation but they need our help. Currently these are the needs;

Supporting Pastors receive $4-20 per month – goal $40. per month
College Students need $ 50 per month – (#17)
Church Planters need $100 per month (#20)
Orphans need $20 for rm/bd. Education (#40)
Elem.’H.S. students need $5 per mo. Edu. Transportation and teachers salaries (# of students who need support 225)

Projects include: building classrooms and a library for the college $18,500 per floor (3 floors Needed)
Faculty quarters $7000 per floor 2 floors, 4 buildings
Textbooks for Bible College $1,250
Commentaries for Bible College $4,000