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BRETHREN GLOBAL PARTNERS: INDIA

THEIR STORY


Nirmala Kumar, Rev. Sudhir & Latha Kumar

THEIR STORY


For over forty years, in a country where 80% of its one-billion people are Hindu, Rev. Dr. K. Prasanth and Nirmala Kumar, along with their son and daughter-in-law (Rev. Sudhir and Latha Kumar) have preached God's truth and overseen the many Brethren ministries in India. Youth and children’s ministries are foremost along with relief and educational endeavors. This includes ministries such as the typing institute, The Brethren Sewing school, and free buttermilk programs. Not only do they help with many who are impoverished and in need, but also those who are the most receptive to the Gospel message. ï»¿


NEWS & NOTEWORTH

By Scott Soden May 29, 2024
If you find it difficult to cope with the heat, rest assured that you are not alone. While many people enjoy warm weather, there comes a point where the temperature becomes too hot, and it is no longer comfortable to be outside. If you are from the South or Midwest, you may find that the humid weather during the hot season makes the temperature even more uncomfortable. Shirts stick to your body, and your hair becomes unruly. In the West, the heat is coupled with dry air, which can be pretty harsh, taking your breath away and dehydrating your body. Fortunately, we have developed various climate control methods, such as fast-moving fans and air conditioning, which make our offices and homes more comfortable. Many people across the world live in countries where air conditioning is not easily accessible due to poverty. As a result, they have to work in extreme heat, often in produce fields or brick-making factories. In some places, temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be a harsh reality for those in countries like Africa, South America, and India, where people have no choice but to keep moving despite the scorching heat. In India, the hot weather can be dangerous for travelers, workers, and families. However, the partners in India have been providing a solution for the past 30 years. They have established free buttermilk stations in the local communities to help weary travelers. This buttermilk is a unique blend of milk, water, and yogurt that regulates the body's natural heat resistance and refreshes the body and spirit of those who stop by the stations. The drink not only nourishes the body but also helps uplift the soul as prayer is offered. Your support is essential in empowering your partners in India to carry out vital outreach initiatives in communities such as Rajahmundry. Your contributions are not just financial; they are a testimony to the compassion and love that Jesus calls us to exhibit in our churches, communities, and around the world. If your church is also engaged in similar outreach work, we would love to hear your stories and share them with our community! Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator
By Scott Soden May 22, 2024
The Brethren Church in India celebrated its 46th year of Sewing School Ministry with the graduation of twenty-five students in Rajahmundry and the distribution of at least six manually driven sewing machines to students preparing to work out of their tailoring and seamstress shops. Students who complete the year-long program will learn all the necessary sewing terminology and techniques. Upon completion, they will receive official government certifications. These certifications enable graduates to pursue employment in certified factories or to start their own sewing businesses, earning a higher wage than those without certifications. The sewing school program is a significant way in which the Brethren assist women who often have limited opportunities to provide for their families. Many of these women have been abandoned by their husbands or families due to reasons such as alcoholism, drug addiction, work-related accidents, or death. Women in such situations are at risk of being exploited by traffickers who may force them into labor or sex trafficking rings. This also includes young women who are even more vulnerable. Programs like sewing schools empower women and their families to survive and thrive in otherwise dangerous situations. During their attendance at the school, students also learn about our Father through Bible studies and prayer time. They have the opportunity for true transformation in and through faith in his son, Jesus, and during their training, many women—as well as their families—come to faith. This is a powerful testimony to what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world and to be his voice. Your generous donations to the ministry in India play a crucial role in sustaining this essential service. Thanks to the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit, it has the power to transform the lives of many women and their families. Your contribution is a powerful testament to the positive impact that the ministry is having on the lives of those it serves. Your support not only helps the community locally but has far-reaching effects worldwide. Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator
By Scott Soden April 17, 2024
Easter is such a critical time for the church. Not only do we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus for our sins, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to share our faith with the world around us. In India, the season of Lent begins a 40-day period of significant prayer and fasting, during which many lift the needs of their neighbors, friends, and the world before the throne of grace. Each morning, groups of men and women come to churches throughout the region to pray and hear the word proclaimed. Lent is a serious time for your brothers and sisters, too. They pray for you and lift you in prayer as well. Each year during this season, many are convinced that Jesus is Lord and make a significant decision for themselves that will have profound implications here on earth and in eternity. This is especially important to note because once a Hindu chooses to profess faith in God and God alone through Jesus, his son, they take all other idols out of home and heart. This can lead to shunning, persecution, and even death, especially when their statement of faith is followed by entering into the waters of baptism. A decision to follow Jesus is never taken lightly. This year, we have the profound joy of announcing that at least 21 new brothers and sisters have joined the family! On Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the services of your partners at the churches in Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam, India, served not only as a call to the world that Jesus Christ is King but also marked that fact with baptisms. Hallelujah! Praise God! Please keep your partners in India in prayer as they continue to serve the Lord with unwavering dedication and perseverance. They are witnessing lives being transformed daily through the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit. Despite the high levels of persecution in the country, their spirit remains unquenched, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all. By Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator

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