The Brethren Church

THE MYSTIQUE OF INDIA …

How can one describe the mystique of our most successful ministry, foreign or domestic?

• A ministry that has a nearly forty year history of continued growth.
• A ministry that is half again as large as the total membership of The Brethren Church in the United States.
• A ministry that yearly baptizes approximately 500 individuals.

What description of The Brethren Mission in India might serve as a guide for all of our ministries? Let’s examine three key aspects of this crown jewel of our ministry and see if we can find some lessons for each of us – wherever we may be serving the Lord.

The Brethren Mission in India is built on prayer. The most recent yearly report from India does not even mention prayer as one of the main activities. It doesn’t need to, for prayer is at the heart of everything else they do. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, a visit to the Brethren Mission in India always begins at the Prayer Tower. The “prayer ladies” will be summoned to be the first to greet you on your arrival. They won’t say much because they don’t speak your language, but they speak God’s language! These diminutive souls make sure that God is hearing from us on a 24/7/365 basis.

The Brethren Mission in India is built on evangelism. The Kumar’s have been quoted to say that evangelism is all we do. In reality they direct a multi-faceted mission to transform Rajahmundry, India. However everything they do is organized around the desire to reach people for Jesus Christ. A quick glance over the Sewing School students reveals at least several with the characteristic marking on the forehead. This subtle sign is an indication that in addition to teaching sewing techniques, they are teaching a way of life that is based on the life of Christ! Additionally the Kumar’s require each pastor to take a witness to at least one new village each year. “We don’t care if you stand in the middle of the street and sing a hymn!” Somehow, some way the Word of the Gospel goes to a new village each year.

The Brethren Mission in India is based on service to the community. In this way our mission is always sure to model the life of Christ who came with a service mandate. Our mission is involved in two different levels of Bible training for vocational church leadership, manages an orphanage for approximately eighty-five children, does training in literacy, has a sewing school, a keyboard school, manages a Charity Hospital, and does mobile medical clinics to outlying villages as often as possible. In addition each pastoral couple is able to provide vocational training, literacy studies, and health care along with their normal pastoral duties. The service orientation of our mission gives a wide-open door to share the Gospel in every situation.

• What can we learn from India?
• We must make prayer the first, last, and foremost of all of our activities.
• Evangelism must get the bulk of our efforts in the local church, and all other activities be evaluated in light of their relationship to evangelism.
• Our goal is to transform our communities. We have little to say if we do not begin with actions. Find your local needs and let your actions be a doorway for the Gospel.