ACBM eNews 15 July 2024

India

India is the most populated country on earth. We have over 2,500 brothers and sisters in 105 ecclesias, and rejoice over 60 baptisms in the past year.

There has been a recent national election in India. By God’s grace, the BJP Hindu Nationalist Party did not achieve the expected sweeping majority which would have meant continuing difficulties in preaching the Gospel. This is why pastoral care and Bible Weeks for brothers and sisters and their families are so important. Bro Bruce and Sis Joanie Parker from the US completed a three-month pastoral visit based in Bangalore. They visited some smaller ecclesias to provide pastoral care, encouragement, guidance and Bible studies.

May was a particularly busy time for Bible Weeks in South India, which were held in Kerala and Bangalore. The North India Bible Week 2024 was held at the usual scenic Deodars venue in Mussoorie, North India, in June, with about 60 brothers and sisters, interested friends, and children attending. A highlight of this Bible Week was three baptisms, bringing great joy to all, and the heavenly host. Speakers at these Bible weeks included visitors from overseas and many local brothers. There have been visits from overseas brothers and sisters to North East India and other locations and much ongoing support through regular Zoom meetings and Bible classes.

In some locations successful Vacation Bible Schools were held for children. During the local school holidays these activities teach large numbers of children about the Gospel message through Sunday school classes and songs.

In Hyderabad our joy has been touched by sadness with the falling asleep of two brothers – Bro Robert and Bro Jayakar, and the loss of a newborn baby.

Construction and major repairs to ecclesial halls are progressing in various locations. The local ecclesias raise some of the funds and the ACBM provides the balance.

We ask for your support through your prayers and financial contribution for the ongoing work of the ACBM in all locations. For further information, please email: [email protected].